Vectorworks JIRA

Key	Summary	Reporter	Description
VE-99488	Unable To Fix Multiple Space Numbering	Zeno Da Ros	If i duplicate severate Spaces, it is impossibile to fix the progression. It's necessary to fix ONE BY ONE see the video please
VE-102634	Keep floating panel active when user click to other computer area	Zeno Da Ros	Working with several floating panel is an amazing experience: for complex building, pointcloud etc. Everytime user need going for a while to another area, another software or similar, floating panel disappear. For instance: if I need to compare a PDF with my VW document, I can't because my window desappear. This is really frustrating and user should choose if the floating panel window can be fixed on screen. Thanks
VE-102484	Texture mapping on Slab Component	Zeno Da Ros	Tile managing needs to have control texture mapping. VW allows to map a wall component but not a slab component. Users need to create extrusions and then auto hybrid object but there is another problem: material surface area is correctly calculated only on slab component or on a wall component, and not on extrusion where WV calculate every surface area. To manage tile area from a slab we need to generate a component to material quantities and then extract an area to creare a NURBS surface to manage the texture. So that's why for BIM model we need to have control for texture mapping on a slab components: for texture and quantities
VE-102371	Add working plane to save view	Zeno Da Ros	Adding active working plane on saved view can help users who need to draw with point cloud references Thanks
VE-101783	Allow to map textures on slab	Zeno Da Ros	VW allow users mapping texture on wall but not on slabs. This is very strange, because actually we can map easily object like extrusion or autohibryd, So it's very important to solve this fix in my opinion Best regards
VE-101702	Beam In a Wall quantity	Zeno Da Ros	If I need to add a beam into a wall the best process is to convert it into a symbol a symbol without interruption don't create the hole into the wall like a wall recess so there is no way to calculate correctly the quantity into a wall
VE-101542	Stage Deck Ramp	Zeno Da Ros	Stages need sloped element It will be very useful if user can create sloped stake deck
VE-100692	ZenoEn2_2D Perimeter Gradient	Zeno Da Ros	The 2D gradient should have the possibility to be defined also according to the perimeter of a 2D object. It is an effect widely used in architecture and is in line with the representation of the software.
VE-99545	Update Record From Symbol	Zeno Da Ros	Actually if you attach a record from Resource Manager on a symbol, every instance on draw become this records. But if you want to update all symbol instance from recourse manager to the same record valute, it doesn't work. You need to select manually all instance into the draw area, and this could generate a lot of problems (symbol into a grop, large project etc) and it doesn't have a coherent scenario with the symbol workflow. What i a ask is symple allow to update or override a record to a symbol from resource manager. Thank you
VE-99491	ZenoEn1_Multiprocessor section viewport process	Zeno Da Ros	It's necessary to increase the speed into the section viewport process. For istante, I'm waiting from 20 minuter to creating 5 section viewports. My CPU is fixed to 15%. So please increase CPU core in this direction please.
VE-99343	Import PDF and fixing aspect after ungrouping	Zeno Da Ros	It is very important that VW could fix a PDF aspect after exploding fase for better info see the thread https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60074-import-pdf-and-fixing-aspect-after-ungrouping/&tab=comments#comment-299988
VE-99283	Add option to create filter with "only this tag" or "multiple tag"	Zeno Da Ros	Actually several TAG operation like "select only" or "select tag" "select other tag" for the class are unavailable. It can be very useful
VE-99679	New Dimension Tape parameter - Number Placement offset	Yordan Kostadinov	Currently in the Dimension Tape the text can have only top or bottom placement, but the offset from the line cannot be controlled unless the object is un-grouped. I've seen this HowTo question twice in the referenced facebook group.
VE-102766	class VWTreeCtrlItem need to have SetItemText method	Yasen Aleksiev	This method will set new text on the same control item. This method needs to work on both platforms - Win and Mac. For reference the implementation needs to follow the changes in CL 123384
VE-102255	Moving multiple lights to a rigging object at the same time should be indicated with snapping diamonds	Yasen Aleksiev
VE-104068	Site Protection - Usage History - showing all used licenses, no matter the version	Xaver Meier	Looking at the Usage History in Vectorworks Site Protection app we find it hard to find out how many licenses are used at the peaks. This is because you can only show e.g. the usage of fundamental 2023, or 2022, but not of all versions at the same time. This way one doesn't really know where the peak is/are. So we'd wish some more options there.
VE-103881	DWG Import Unit Options	Xaver Meier	I wonder about the units lightyears or parsec (something with half the distance between earth and sun). Just wanted to ask if anyone ever needs those units? Or they because of "easter egg reasons" within this dialog? I would recommend to remove them. Because we all don't want to know what happens if someone would really import a dwg that needs that kind of a unit...
VE-103876	DWG/DXF Export Optimization	Xaver Meier	One of the most common issues that our support team has to deal with is a problem with DWG/DXF export. We have searched Jira for already recorded requests and could find the following three entries, which describe our problems quite well. It would be very nice to see more progress in this direction with the export. VE-100740 DWG Export of Saved views to include references and layers of different scales. VE-98029 Export viewport as 2D graphics in model space should use class overrides. VE-95916 Teigha Library Error Due to File Path Length Should be Checked by Vw Before DWG Export
VE-103770	Install interface	Xaver Meier	We would wish to get better feedback when entering a serial number in the installation interface. There are the following cases, which we think, should improve the UX. a) You enter the serial for the wrong version (e.g. EH... instead of EJ... for a 2023 installation) Wished feedback: "you enter a serial number for Vectorworks 2022 installation. You can find your serial number for this version (2023) in your customer portal http://...." b) You enter the a correct serial for the version, but it doesn't match the previously used license from previous vectorworks versions. Wished feedback: "This serial number doesn't match with previously used licenses on this computer (XX-100000). Please correct the serial number to the right license or continue installation with this serial number."
VE-102828	Import mtextur, set name to "company, material, ID, Initials"	Xaver Meier	When you import mtexture IP, RT, or Materials you get the wrong name. The names can only be 63 signs long, so if it get's to long, some part fall away. Perfect is: "Company Material (mtexture ID XXX) IP" Where the priority of the name Parts is as follows: # Priority: Ends with "(mtexture ID XXX) IP" (when its a image prop) # Priority: Starts with the Company name "Company (mtexture ID XXX) IP" # Priority: add the Material name in the middle "Company Material (mtexture ID XXX) IP" Right now you find results where the company name is missing, which is not good for those companies. This info is from Philipp Hauzinger CEO of mtextur. And there should never just come the "mtextur ID XXX IP" as a name of an imported IP, RT... At least the beginning of the company name should be in the beginning of the name.
VE-101695	Smart Options method change (guideline) not visible @ cursor	Xaver Meier	Method change in SOD "e.g. the guideline at the wall tool" is not visible. Possible solution: Leave the cursor active in the middle of the SOD. (could come to a problem, if the SOD is faded in automatically)
VE-101696	Smart Options appearance time (delayed display of quadrants)	Xaver Meier	Smartoptions appearance performance (delayed display of the different smartoptions quadrants) -> Other options than "All expanded" do not make sense, at least on Mac, because then all quadrants are always displayed with a slight delay. If you want to work fluently with it, you do it to speed up, so you have to get rid of any delay. The fade-in and fade-out of the individual quadrants is already questionable, even if without delay at "All expanded". This should also be deactivatable (checkbox). So to clarify, two wishes: 1. Delete the delay (shown in video) 2. Fade in and fade out only if wished (checkbox) Goal: more people use SOD because it realy gives the feeling of working faster and easier.
VE-101697	Smart Options Display hides tool-set after setting a tool, but other quadrants stay	Xaver Meier	After selecting a tool, smartoptions with the tools remain visible (always only the selected quadrant) and the drawing below remains hidden. It must be selected another time to make the smartoptions disappear or mouse must be moved far away (not in the sense of the inventor). BUT: 1. With the methods and views this is quite desirable, since prob. several must be selected/set. But with the tools rather nonsensical. 2. if it remains already visible, then better all quadrants, because after the selection of a tool I would like to change surely the methods, pointer snap and view settings. But they all disappear. Only the used quadrant remains visible -> nonsensical. Imagine the worflow, where one wanted to change a tool + 2 methods but also the pointer snap settings in the SOD. Since 1. and 2. somewhat contradictory, the logical wish would be to be able to set this according to own needs for each quadrant.
VE-99537	Tool to help customers find reasons for standard Project-Sharing problems	Xaver Meier	A lot of customers have problems with project-sharing. Many of them have to deal with asynchronous working- and project-files. Others face problems with sending of changes (lack of rights or object allegedly checked out by another user etc.). In many cases customer-specific factors, such as hardware components, network protocols, access rights or others, are jointly resposible for the problems. For customers and also experienced supporters it is difficult to check for all those standard problems. It would be great if Vectorworks would offer help for that. Wouldn't it be great if you write a software, that checks for all those standard problems and that would show a detailed feedback on all of that? Not only with what is used but with a qualifying of the results in green, orange, red or with a red cross (if not good) and a green hook (if okay). So the customers or the supporters know faster where they need to take a closer look. This visual feedback would also help the supporters to be more credible. Here we have list of things, that we thought would help (incomplete): a) set a test project on the server and run on two or more clients simultaneously. b) test network protocols (AFP/SMB - SMB Versions) c) check access rights of the client(s) d) check file attributes (visible/invisible,...) e) check ACL (Access Control List) f) check "oploc" (on/off) g) check connection speeds and warn if necessary h) check client names (identical login data?) i) file transactions (write, copy, rename) j) save, commit, receive simulation We've found a tool of Archicad: https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/user-guide/77128/ And we've found a film of Revit that explains how one should check some of these things before start: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Revit-Server/files/GUID-4DEF921E-1E31-4D91-BF70-723B8E959767-htm.html
VE-104412	Truss objects should have a "Locate Symbol In Resource Browser' context menu like other symbol based objects.	Wesley Burrows	This would make it consistent with the ability to do this with other symbol based objects, lighting devices, symbols, etc.
VE-100302	Clip Cube and Working Plane	Wes Gardner	I think it would be useful if the Working Plane could "sense" either the face of the Clip Cube or the face of the objects(s) that is/are clipped by the Clip Cube. Perhaps this is some sort of toggle or option.
VE-102972	Revision Tool	Wes Gardner	Perhaps a logical upgrade for the Revision Tool is to have the tool "talk" to the title block through the Title Block Manager such that when a small triangle, or whatever shape you choose for noting revisions on drawings, is placed in/on the drawing in Annotation Space, you'd get a prompt to add a small note explaining the revision and then place the triangle...the revision will then automatically appear in the "Revisions" section in the TB...
VE-103180	Roof Fascia	Wes Gardner	In order to make the Fascia a bit more controllable, could we include a height parameter?
VE-102892	Expose Hidden Records	Wes Gardner	Please expose hidden records like "Window" and "Space", etc.
VE-102886	Improved Constraints Manager	Wes Gardner	Several folks over the years have asked for an "improved" Constraints Manager...as an example, see the short video that's attached...it would be cool if, when you stretch a wall, the other assemblies associated with that wall (slab, footing, foundation wall, wall above, roof, etc) could move with it (or NOT) depending on what you needed to do.
VE-102468	Extrude Along Path	Wes Gardner	Please, please, please let the user determine whether the Path object is a NURBS curve (currently the ONLY) option or the original curve that created the path...In architecture, that will be a polygon probably 95% of the time... It would be cool that, if once the EAP has been created, when the user edits the path, that there's a dialog that lets you decide "Use Original Object" or "Use NURBS curve" - Please...
VE-100149	Support for Rhino v6	Wes Gardner	Please include support for Rhino v6. Also, is it possible to import Rhino's layer structure, similar to our handling of .dwgs? Those designers using this popular software will really appreciate it!
VE-101983	Grid Line bubble	Wes Gardner	Can the text size within the grind line bubble NOT be associated with the bubble scale factor? It would be nice to set the text size in the STYLE and then have the bubble size controlled by the bubble scale factor
VE-101965	Extrude/Self-intersecting geometry	Wes Gardner	It's nice that it tells you there's intersecting geometry, but, lit would be nice if it told you where...is this possible? Rhino tells you where the problems are by highlighting
VE-100706	Align Clip Cube to Working Plane	Wes Gardner	Hi All, from a User, is it possible to create an "Align Clip Cube to Working Plane" command? https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71302-align-clip-cube-to-workingplane/&tab=comments#comment-349146
VE-100972	Railing - include handrail/guardrail option	Wes Gardner	PLEASE include the option to provide the option for both a handrail AND a guardrail. This will make the tool REALLY usable in conjunction with the stair tool - even to the point that you could eliminate the railing system in the Stair tool all together
VE-100493	Dormers	Wes Gardner	Is it possible to duplicate a dormer? Currently, you have to set each dormer separately and in a typical building, generally, there's more than one dormer. It would be useful to create duplicates just like you can with either windows or doors.
VE-100273	Dimension Tool can it show font size in OIP	Wes Gardner	Please
VE-100055	Skylight Scheduling & Tagging	Wes Gardner	It will be most helpful if a skylight, once it's placed in/on a roof, if the Data Tag tool could "see" it so it could be tagged and then appear on a Window Schedule
VE-99950	Column Tool	Wes Gardner	PLEASE expose the column tool base's line type. This will make it ideal in many cases for use as a footing.
VE-99862	"Revert" button for Batch Rename	Wes Gardner	Is this possible in the event you make a mistake or find that the append is no longer what you need/want?
VE-99771	Import Rhino layers	Wes Gardner	It would be nice to import Rhino's layer system or turn them into Vectorworks classes similar to our dwg import function.
VE-99776	Stair with non parallel sides	Wes Gardner	Give the stair tool the ability to create stairs with non-parallel sides. See screen shot
VE-99400	Window & Door profile	Wes Gardner	Is it possible to add a "Profile" class to the Window and Door editor? This could simply use the wall hole that is created when a door or window is inserted in a wall. Granted, it wouldn't work in ALL scenarios, but it WOULD work for MOST window and door types. See example image.
VE-99399	Extrude Along Path editing	Wes Gardner	Is it possible to include an option such that editing the PATH of the EAP could be accomplished with the same tool that created it? For example, if I create an EAP using the polygon tool, I'd like the option to be able to EDIT it using the same tool, not necessarily have it converted to NURBS.
VE-101570	Lighting Instrument Point of View	Walter Lutzu	Hello everybody! What do you think about a feature that allows to see the point of view of the lighting fixture? It could be a button in the object info palette visible only when one single lighting fixture is selected, that set a view from the lens. and allow to better focus the beam using Pan and Tilt values.
VE-105019	hanging position auto increment when duplicate	Walter Lutzu	I remember that many versions ago, when I duplicate a hanging position with move by point tool, Vectorworks increment the number or the letter of the position field. Could be useful to restore it?
VE-103404	Data Visualization on Graphic Legend	Walter Lutzu	Could be useful to have the possibility to set the data visualization on "Define Legend Image" window. !image-2022-08-25-10-26-38-964.png!
VE-103289	lighting fixture search on resource manager	Walter Lutzu	Could be usefull to have ha search function that works with the entire lighting fixture library. I mean, sometimes we need for a fixture with dmx footprint = 10 dimmer channel = 1 red channel = 8 Attached the function that I use on chamsys console !image-2022-07-27-10-49-46-090.png!
VE-101485	Lighting rig: schematic view on multiple selection	Walter Lutzu	could be helpful create schematic view for a multiple truss/pipe selection. Now If I select more than 1 truss/pipe vectorworks show me all the trusses, pipes and fixtures overlaid (see schematic view.jpg- image 1). Could be useful the result you can see on schematic view.jpg - image 2, done with just one click.
VE-101847	Focus point on select similar tool	Walter Lutzu	Could be usefull to add on select similar tool options the checkbox "focus". Just to allow the users to click on a lighting fixture and get all the other fixtures that have the same focus point.
VE-101795	focus single fixture of a selected group	Walter Lutzu	when i select a group of fixture and use the Focus Lighting Device function, could be easy to allow the user to select a single fixture and focus it independently from the others.
VE-101551	Saved View Update	Walter Lutzu	In View-Save View function, could be useful to select an existing View in "View Name" field.
VE-101362	Set View on Sheet Layer	Walter Lutzu	when I set the view of a cropped viewport in a Sheet Layer pressing the "Set View" botton, the "Rotate 3D View" windows allow to make a interactive rotation or by value rotation. The problem is that the center point of the rotation seems to be the origin of the project or the origin of the view. Is it possible to rotate the view using the center of the cropped view? see attached
VE-101350	StripLED tool	Walter Lutzu	Could be usefull a tool that allow to create a StripLED. INPUT: LED Model (2835, 3014, 3020, 3528, 4014, 5050, 5630, 5730, 7070 and maybe combinations of RGB, RGBW, RGBWA, RGBACL etc...); LED/m; Strip Lenght; Power (W) proposed by the system but modifiable; Voltage (V) proposed by the system but modifiable; Intensity (A) calculated on the base of previous values with these values is possible also to decide the power supply. Here the formula: !LED formula.jpeg! I= current intensity P= LED Power (W) N= LED/m L= Strip Lenght (m) U= Voltage (V)
VE-103557	Viewport Never Shows Progress Bar when Rendering in Hidden Line within Test File	Walid Remaili	-Open test file -Update the Viewport -There is no progress bar that shows the rendering progress, just the tea cup which doesn't help much.
VE-103129	Typo-Tolerant Search Not Working in VW Search Dialog	Walid Remaili	I've attached a short movie that shows this issue -Launch VW -Enable VW Search and type the work "subdivition" in the search filed. this is a misspelled 'Subdivision' -Notice there are no results. Instead of returning am empty list, shouldn't it return tools/menus with the closess spelling? This is documented in the task doc , section F3.
VE-100992	Railing/Fence 3D Properties don't Transfer with Eye Dropper Tool within Model File	Walid Remaili	I've attached a short movie that shows this issue -Open test file -Pick the attributes of the 'Railing/Fence' on the left and drop them on the Railing/Fence on the right -Notice this operation fails.
VE-103540	Animation Path - It would be Ideal to Resize the Preview Movie Window while the animation is being generated	Walid Remaili	While the path animation movie is being generated, there is no way to resize the preview window. This makes performing other tasks while the window is fully expanded a bit difficult. On Windows, the preview fully expands by default while on Mac the "Create Movie" dialog stays open, which ought not to happen. See screen shot for details.
VE-101303	Ability to Import Color Fills/Texture when Exporting to Revit and Importing back into VW	Walid Remaili	I noticed when exporting a VW file to Revit, then importing it back into VW, all the geometry takes on a grey fill. Would be nice to have the actual fill color imported back into VW. See screen shot for more details.
VE-101770	Ability to have "Cancel" button in OIP to use in Target File when User wants to Stop Rendering Multiple Referenced-Viewports	Walid Remaili	I've attached a movie that shows this -Both target and source files are attached (source file: 1 Drawing Creation.vwx) -Open 'Target File' and Render the "Referenced - viewports" in Hidden Line -Notice the render take a while and lots of memory is being used -It would be nice to have a "Cancel" button in the OIP to cancel the HL rendering.
VE-100763	Landscape Area 2021 - Style create OIP consistency	Tony Kostreski	OIP: The setup with both ‘New Plugin style from Unstyled’ on the dropdown menu and ‘Save Landscape Area Style’ button makes it very confusing. Can we move the ‘Save Landscape Area Style’ button to be in the dropdown menu for Style and call it ‘New Plugin style from selected Landscape Area’, or something similar? Or do we need both? Maybe the workflow to create a new style would always be to first unstyled it? For consistency it must be the same as the wall and the other styled objects. This means: The popup should have the option to create the style, and there shouldn't be a button for it in the OIP.
VE-104361	Image Prop doesn't work for wireframe, but works all render modes	Vladislav Stanev	Attached is an example file that has an Image Prop with 3D geometry, that is correctly oriented towards the camera in all render modes. However in wireframe, it doesn't work. It always stays fixed in the scene. Can this be fixed, so it would orient the shape toward the camera? It's very important for displaying plant shapes correctly.
VE-100764	Landscape Area 2021 - more area and volume units	Tony Kostreski	Area Units – Dropdown menu (as for data tags) where document unit is standard, but you can choose something else. (Required Units include: Sq Ft, Sq Yards, & Sq Meters) Volume Units – Dropdown menu (as for data tags) where document unit is standard, but you can choose something else (Required Units include: Cu Ft, Cu Yds, Cu Meters)
VE-100762	Landscape Area 2021 - Split into Plant Graphics and Bed Area Graphics	Tony Kostreski	Reorganize the "Graphics", "2D Graphics", and "3D Graphics" panes controls into new 'Plant Graphics' and 'Bed Area Graphics' panes: Plant Graphics • Show Plants in 2D • Show Plants in 3D • Randomised Plant rotation • Randomised Plant Position • Visual Variation for Spread – Dropdown menu as existing. NOT Diameter - we’re using the term Spread in the plant style and everywhere else. Would be good to have ‘Visual’ in bold so it’s emphasised • Visual Scale for Spread – Text Field as existing, 100% as suggested • Visual Variation for Height – Dropdown menu as existing • Visual Scale for Height – Text Field as existing, 100% suggested Bed Area Graphics • 2D Bed Area Border style – Dropdown menu - Standard / None • ADD: 2D Plant mass illustration – Dropdown menu - None / Cloud / Line ???? • Available menus depending on choice: Billow Size, Variability, Height, Type / Segment Length, Thickness • Display the volume components in 3D • Display the area as - Dropdown menu - 3D Polygon / Texture Bed o If Texture bed selected, the ‘Display on’ Existing / Proposed becomes available
VE-100761	Landscape Area 2021 - UI Tag controls	Tony Kostreski	Pull the tag controls from General into a separate Tag pane at the end.
VE-100760	Landscape Area 2021 - Tag divider issue	Tony Kostreski	At the moment, when using Data tags, the text style override for Dividers doesn’t work (but the dividers themselves does)
VE-100750	Landscape Area 2021 - mass illustration and line attributes control	Tony Kostreski	• Can we have two different sets of line for the Landscape area – one for the Bed area border, and one for plant mass illustration?
VE-102748	Image Prop support auto rotate in Wireframe	Vladislav Stanev	Vectorworks 2022, the Image Prop supports inserting geometry inside, which will be kept oriented toward the camera in the rendered views. This is very useful for the Plant tool, now that Laubwerk provides accurate plant shapes. The request is to make the Image Prop orient itself in Wireframe too. This way the plant shape will be placed correct with the rest of the drawing.
VE-100967	Property Line needs better workflow	Vladislav Stanev	https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60246-property-line-tool/&tab=comments#comment-353003 I posted 6 items that need to be fixed. Some are more important than others. The key thing to realize is that surveyors mark their drawings with bearing notations that can be pi radians different from what the tool assumes, and that is very common. Often, the bearings are copied from an adjacent co-linear or parallel property line. Also, the assumption about arcs always is that they are tangent to the straight segments at either end. The notation "back tangent" is not going to be helpful to most users, and given the above assumption, is probably not something users need to be aware of. The tool should automatically draw arcs tangent. The red circle is helpful to know which end of the polyline is where the next segment starts (but automatically displaying the closing line is confusing). When editing a property line, however, the red circle is ambiguous, and the actual segment being edited needs to be distinguished. I'd reckon that if you can easily recreate this boundary, you will have solved most of the problems (bear in mind that like many surveys, this one does not close): Property line.pdf 15.98 kB · 4 downloads To understand the context of this survey, I have attached the document from which it was derived. We often have to work from this kind of information (the parcel is at 7027 Shirley Dr.). At times I've had to work from a metes and bounds description, which is a verbal recitation of the segments of a boundary. 48D7296.02.PDF 82.2 kB · 8 downloads
VE-103276	Update to the Hoist Tools	Vince Suhr	Looking for the ability to have more editable lines for riggers in the hoist tools. Distro and Port should be separate Need to bring back the motor cable length info on the OIP Also would like to be able to change the chain length again.
VE-99527	Export DWG files with raster Image embedded	VideoCOM OC Support	Usually Vectorworks files that have images inserted in the drawing could be exported as DWG files with bitmap files inserted as reference. It seems that Autocad 2018 and newer are able to use images inside the main file, without the need to add them as reference. It would be useful to have an option to export DWG with this new behavior.
VE-105139	Clip cube and hidden line	Vicky Goossens	Can we add the possibility to make a viewport with the clip cube and render in a hidden line rendering? This is possible with a shaded rendering or another rendering but not with the hidden line.
VE-104612	Import stories and levels	Vicky Goossens	Can we add the option to import stories and level types? Since it is also possible to import layers and classes.
VE-104613	Wall style with stories in a document without stories	Vicky Goossens	When using a wall style with stories in a document without stories, it would be nice if some sort of dialog box appears with a few options: converting the wall to a wall without stories (so layer elevation) or importing/creating stories to match the wall settings.
VE-104614	Components in clip cube	Vicky Goossens	Can we add the possibility to see the different components of a wall or slab via the clip cube? Now the objects are red (or something else depending on the preferences) but there is no way to see the different components.
VE-99476	Vision 2019 Need an 'attach' function for when adding truss into a drawing	Vickie Claiborne	currently truss added directly into a drawing is freehand- truss should have option for attaching to a piece of truss already in the drawing, like Vectorworks functionality... otherwise, how do i connect truss together in Vision accurately?
VE-99477	Vision : Instruments added into Vision scene need to autoconnect to truss when hovering over a truss	Vickie Claiborne	this should work like it does in Vectorworks: when I add a fixture into Vision using the Add Instrument tool, the fixture should attach to a stick of truss when I hover over the truss
VE-99478	Vision: Vision needs a 2D "scene construction" view	Vickie Claiborne	it would be so much easier to craft a Vision scene if there was a 2D view with Vectorwork's drawing type functionality for adding truss, fixtures, snapping, etc. Currently if I need to make a change to a truss' trim height and all fixtures on it, then in order to make sure it's exact, I have to reexport from Vectorworks and I will lose any other changes in the drawing that I've made. If i build the scene directly in Vision, then that is not an option, and i then have no real way to guarantee my numbers are precise . Pictures attached are low res, but they show a 2D view and a 3D model view.
VE-99621	Vision 2019 SP3 477134: Need to be able to change the Unit Number of a fixture from within the patch window	Vickie Claiborne	you currently can't change the Unit Number of a fixture from within the patch window; this means that you have to exit the patch window, select the fixture in the scene graph, and then change the Unit Number in the Properties menu. this workflow is not efficient because if you are in the patch window making a lot of changes, then you have to stop what you're doing, exit, then return afterwards to continue. Would be great just to be able to click in the Unit Number Box and type in the new number directly in the patch window
VE-99390	Vision 2019 462756 Scene mode needs to be indicated onscreen	Vickie Claiborne	when you right click in a scene, and you choose orthographic or perspective, it's not clear which one is active.. this menu needs to have the active one in bold or with a check mark next to the active one.. also, on the scene itself next to the labeled of Top/Front/etc, the view mode should be indicated there as well
VE-99387	Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 selected fixture should be indicated with a pattern or color instead of white mesh bounding box	Vickie Claiborne	there should be other options for how a fixture looks when it is selected such as changing its color or overlying with a pattern
VE-99384	Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Should have the ability to dock/undock any window in any location (like the DMX viewer) and store into a view	Vickie Claiborne	currently you can not store windows like the DMX viewer into workspace views
VE-99383	Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Vision should have the ability to hide/turn on and off classes of objects fixtures etc	Vickie Claiborne	currently there is no way to hide groups of fixtures and objects you don't want to see in the scene unless you hide them one at a time (untick the visible box in the properties window) there needs to be a fast shortcut for hiding multiple fixtures, objects etc.. this would be possible using classes for instance
VE-99382	Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Vision should retain the same class and layer structure from teh VWX file in the scene graph	Vickie Claiborne	instead of the current vision scene graph, it would be much simpler to navigate if the Vision file retained the same class and layer structure as the drawing in VWX
VE-99312	vision 2019 Vision Scene grapch needs a tool for numbering/naming a range of fixtures sequentially	Vickie Claiborne	currently there is no way to select a range of fixtures and add new Fixture numbers to them sequentially, so you have to add that info one by one
VE-99310	Vision 2019 462756 Patch window needs a tool for numbering fixtures (adding unit numbers)	Vickie Claiborne	there is no way to change the Unit Number of a fixture in the Patch window currently. User should be able to either double click on the Unit number or right click to edit and type it in from within the Patch window instead of having to exit the window, search in the scene graph, change it, then reopen the Patch window
VE-104811	Equipment Summary Key Symbol Origin	Tyler Littman	The Displayed Symbol in the legacy Instrument Summary tool would center-align all the symbols making for visually appealing results that were easy to read. The new Equipment Summary Key however seems to be left-aligning all the symbols and the results are far from visually appealing and look pretty unprofessional. That said when I think through functionality and desired results I can see where having the option to left-align would be handy. As an example, for the most part I would want all my lighting, hoist, projector, and LED tile symbols center-aligned, but with items like truss, pipe, and decks I would want them to be all left-aligned. To that end it would be great if the ESK dialog had an "Align To" option that allow users to set how the graphic aligns in the symbol column. Having granular alignment control would be especially helpful for things like strip lights that you might want left-aligned despite having the rest of the instruments center-aligned. (see attached screenshot)
VE-103978	Vision Expanded Emissive Functionality	Tyler Littman	Currently the only option for emissive meshes is RGB which is a nice stand-in for scenic pieces with integrated LED tapes however as technology has evolved it has become too limiting. It would be great to expand the functionality to include the most common types of LED tape configurations. Below is a list of the colored "pixel" combinations that would make this function more usable. Note: WW = Warm White (3200°K ), W or CW = Cool White (5600°K), A = Amber OPTIONS LIST – None – RGB – RGBW – RGBWW – RGBWWCW – RGBA – RGBAW – RGBAWW – RGBAWWCW – WW – CW – WWCW
VE-101016	Lighting Device Gobo Rendering Yields Less Than Desirable Results	Tyler Littman	When rendering lighting devices with Gobos and Lit Fog the end result is less than desirable. First, the projected gobo appears barely visible on the receiving surface, almost as if it was dim or out of focus. Second, the physical beam (lit fog) is not occluded by the gobo image and the beam renders as if no gobo were used, which is not realistic.
VE-102457	Unwanted Braceworks Autogenerated Truss Cross	Tyler Littman	I'm getting a lot of complaints from Spotlight users who are not leveraging Braceworks, about the autogenerated Truss Crosses being a huge annoyance (and I have to say I tend to agree). Truss Crosses auto-populate and are not assigned a class. A user showed me a file he was working on last week and it kept adding in thousands of Truss Crosses and it was making it hard to work. I was able to help him build a selection script to remove them but this seems like a silly workaround. I'd like to offer two recommendation. 1 – A Spotlight Preference function to assign Truss Cross objects to a +user-defined+ class. This would allow users to the ability to easily turn Truss Cross object visibility on and off. 2 – A Spotlight Preference that allows users not leveraging Braceworks (which are most users) to be able to simply disable Truss Cross insertion. This way users avoid file bloat with objects they will never use.
VE-101080	Cable Tools 2 – Mode Bar PIO Preferences	Tyler Littman	All Cable Tools 2 objects need a Mode Bar button/dialog to set the PIO Preferences. Fields controlled by a style would be overwritten by the style upon insertion but this would help in minimizing the amount of additional OIP work a user is required to do.
VE-101079	Cable Tools 2 – Hide PIO Labels from OIP	Tyler Littman	All Cable Tools 2 objects (Distributors & Cable) need the ability to hide the PIO generate text fields from within the OIP via a check box. Doing this from Classing is an annoyance as the plug-in forces the Class visible upon creation.
VE-101081	Cable Tools 2 – Assign Lighting Devices To A Breakout Distributor	Tyler Littman	Cable Tools 2 is missing functionality to assign Lighting Devices to a Breakout Distributor. In the US we don't use Plugboxes but rather soft breakouts which are essentially hardwired jumpers. Users need the ability to connect Lighting Devices to the Breakout without using the Cable insertion tool as no additional jumpers would be necessary in many circumstances.
VE-100954	Hoist ID Numbers Must Be Unique For Braceworks	Tyler Littman	I think this was something we worked through in previous versions but now Hoist ID's have to have unique values which is extremely limiting. In most US workflows, users will assign an abbreviation for the position to the Hoist Name and give the Hoist ID the numerical sequence value of the hoist on a given position. For example if we have a truss system named "Lights A" and that system has 3 hoists, we would label them with "L.A" as the Hoist Name and 1 through 3 as their ID's. Now let's say we have truss system "Lights B" with another 3 hoists, we'd label them L.B-1, L.B-2, L.B-3. Again, "L.B" is the Hoist Name and 1 through 3 are the hoist ID's. This is a problem because Braceworks is using the Hoist ID's as the unique identifier but it really shouldn't as it is far too limiting. Users shouldn't have to be forced to change their workflow to fit the tool.
VE-100572	Stage Deck & Stage Plug Individual Leg or Border Height	Tyler Littman	For Stage Deck & Stage Plug objects it would be be nice to be able to set individual leg height as designers often have to span tiered floor levels. For legs or frame users should have the option to set the height of each leg individually. For borders users should be able to set the height of each face individually.
VE-100571	Improved Event Design Plug-In Texture Options	Tyler Littman	For Event Design plug-in like Stage Deck, Stage Plug, and Stage Steps it would be nice to have more control over custom texture functionality in the 3D Options dialog. Specifically it would be helpful to have scaling and and rotation options like those found on the Render tab of the OIP. Specific use case would be matching Event Design POI textures to existing architectural textures.
VE-100519	People Image Props – Diversity	Tyler Littman	This is an interesting one. I've found myself in a bit of an awkward spot on a project today. I had two male Image Props from the Entourage library in a rendering (both white) and then was asked to swap one out to a woman which I did. Then the client commented that they would like there to be more diversity and I found myself a bit stuck cause they Entourage library is seriously lacking in just that. Please add more racial and ethnic diversity to the Entourage library. Currently its rather...monochromatic.
VE-100365	Project Sharing "Private" Layers	Tyler Littman	This VE came up after a take with my team about workflow. +BACKGROUND:+ One of the current issues with Project Sharing in an entertainment workflow is that at times users need to do things like studies or idea testing before finalizing and sharing an idea with whole team. Currently in order to do this users are forced to save a Working File as a VWX and once an idea is finalized copy and paste the new objects back into their Working File. This presents a few issues as often times other team members are making changes to their areas so the users working in the separate VWX file isn't necessarily seeing the last version of the design. +SOLUTION:+ In order to solve for this issue we propose the idea of adding "Private Layers" to the Project Sharing workflow. These Private Layers would be added only to a users Working File and would not initially be exposed to the Project File. An icon column would need to be added to the Layer Pane of Navigation and Organization and would show either a Private Icon (something like a human silhouette with a lock) for Private Layers or a Cloud Icon for Shared Layers. Objects and Classes that are associated only with Private Layers could be identified with something like Italicized text. Private Layers would then allow users to do "offline" testing or create layers that were not required to be shared with the other project users. If a user decides they do want to share the layer with the Project File it would be then "released and committed" at which time the Layer(s) as well as all associated objects and classes would be transmitted to the Project File. An improved dialog window for dealing with conflicts would likely need to be developed. Additionally there may need to be changes made to file permissions.
VE-99947	Map Spotlight Video Camera to Vision Views	Tyler Littman	This is a cross app request in that it requires updates to both VW as well as Vision. Creating views in Vision can be a little labor intensive sometimes; orbiting around to get just the right placement. I think it would be magical the new Spotlight Video Camera tool could upon MVR export be mapped to saved views in Vision. It would be super helpful especially on broadcast projects to be able to look at a view in Vision from a realistic perspective rather than the current guess method we have to use now. Likely this would require adding a drop-down in the Video Camera OIP to assign a camera to one of Vision numeric keyboard shortcuts as well as being able to assign a Universe and Address for recalling from a console. If you really wanted to get fancy adding a functionality to be able to pan and tilt, zoom, and even track would be great. All functions in Vision should work within the parameters defined by Video Camera object in VW. This means attributes such as location, zoom range, and FOV would be defined by the PIO.
VE-99489	Rotate Plan Lock	Tyler Littman	I think it would be a really nice to have the ability to lock a rotated plan so that if Top/Plan or CMD+5 are used the specified plan rotation is maintained. I use Rotated Plan view a ton when redrawing music venues into architectural drawings. Many have complex angled and sloped walls that require me to constantly be toggling between top/plan and 3D views. It would be a massive timesaver if I could maintain the rotation. In a perfect world I would like to have the ability to store the rotation lock setting into a Saved View as well.
VE-104934	T02455 - Stage Decks Do Not "Subtract Top Thickness" from leg heights in Inventory	Tyler Dubuc	When the Inventory and Equipment List calculates stage deck leg heights it seemingly displays the height of the entire stage deck and does not subtract the "Top Thickness" measurement for an accurate leg height. There seemingly needs to be a check box to "Subtract Top Thickness" from leg heights to allow the inventory to calculate the accurate leg length.
VE-104883	T02059 - Duplicating IVPs Should Force User to Choose Different Category	Tyler Dubuc	Currently, when a user duplicates an IVP they are able to keep the same name, quantity, and category as the original virtual part. This is slightly problematic as the user now has two identical IVPs and if/when they want to edit the part, there is no way to differentiate which part is which. After chatting with Scott, we discussed the possibly of forcing the user to select a new category when they want to duplicate an IVP that has the same name.
VE-104070	Spotlight - Soft Goods "Center Mode" Line?	Tyler Dubuc	When using the Soft Goods tool, it could really benefit the user to have a similar mode to the Line Tool->Center Mode. More often than not, I find myself knowing were I want the center of my soft good to land, but do not have an easy way to drawing a symmetrical good on that point. Adapting the Center Mode from Line Tool could be a helpful solution.
VE-103933	Soft Goods - Scrims Should Not be Fully Opaque in 3D	Tyler Dubuc	When working within the 3D Options for Soft Goods, there is not visual difference between an opaque soft good and a scrim. I think it would be super helpful to have some translucency to a scrim when viewing in Shaded Mode. [~scparker]
VE-103481	Spotlight - Selecting Multiple Seating Sections Should Total # of Chair	Tyler Dubuc	When selecting more than one Section Section, it would be helpful if the totals of all the selected sections are displayed in the OIP. Currently, the user only has access to the "Number of Chairs:" when one seating section is selected.
VE-103480	Spotlight - Seating Section Text Options	Tyler Dubuc	It would be helpful to have the ability to adjust text style, offset, rotation, etc. via the OIP when working with Seating Sections that are rotated. Options similar to the text options available in the OIP for the dimensioning tools would allow the user to easily modify text accordingly. Screenshots attached for clarity.
VE-103464	Spotlight - Automatically Re-Insert Projectors When Screen Type is Changed	Tyler Dubuc	When toggling between a curved or flat blended screens, it would be helpful to have the inserted projectors automatically adjust to the style of screen without having to click "Insert Projectors" a second time. At the very least, it would be great if "Update" would adjust the projectors accordingly. Having to click "Insert Projectors" a second time after the projectors have already been inserted is not very intuitive.
VE-103375	Spotlight - Seating Section Positioning Arrow	Tyler Dubuc	It would be extremely helpful if the rotation arrow to adjust a seating section could snap to 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. The current version of the tool lacks the ability for the user to precisely and quickly angle a seating section. Video Attached.
VE-103151	Spotlight - Lighting Pipe Tower Trim	Tyler Dubuc	It would be great if the Z height of a Lighting Ladder was measured from the bottom rung of the ladder vs. the default midpoint. This would enable users to trim the positions with ease and allow for a quick trim reference as trims are always taken from the bottom of a lighting position.
VE-103027	LED Wall - Snapping to truss in 3D	Tyler Dubuc	Currently, when a LED Wall is inserted and attached to a supported truss system in a 3D ISO view, the wall object defaults snapping to the floor causing the wall object to be inserted in a way that could potentially disrupt a user's workflow. Adjusting the snapping of an LED Wall to hang from the top when inserted/attached to supported truss would allow the user to accurately and efficiently use the LED Wall tool in a ISO view. Not only will this enhancement save the user the time in having to re-adjust the LED Wall, but the change will prevent impeding the user's work flow when working in 3D. Reference VB-184263 for additional information and content.
VE-102965	Spotlight Focus Point - Add a Photometer Field/Calculator	Tyler Dubuc	It would be great if the Focus Point tool had a built in Photometer. Ideally this data would be displayed in the OIP with an option to display in 2D/3D Views near the symbol. Ideally all the OIP fields for the Photometer tool would be translated to the Focus Point tool. This would eliminate a user having to insert a Photometer on top of a Focus Point and allow for easy of calculation.
VE-102964	Cable Tool - Selecting Insertion Point of "Bubble"	Tyler Dubuc	Curious if there is a way to move the default insertion location of a Cable Tool "bubble". I notice that the object inserts at the insertion point of the distributor symbol, but is there a way for the user to select where they want to cable path to graphically begin and end? This will help prevent the "bubble" from blocking textual information on symbols and allow the User more flexibility and control. Short video is attached, below.
VE-102887	Television Wattage "W"	Tyler Dubuc	It would be great to have a "W" after the wattage value of a Television similarly to that of a Lighting Device.
VE-100871	Ability to have Data Tags recognise objects in Design Layer Viewports (Local and Referenced)	Tui Kamakorewa	At current there is no way to tag objects through a Design Layer viewport, either it being referenced or non-referenced. Scenario 1: Project : 6 Storey Apartment complex, Mixed Use, 85 apartments in total Main model in "Model File.vwx"; Sheet Layers in "Layout File.vwx". Referencing "Model File.vwx" into "Layout File.vwx" to setup sheets and add annotations. All tagging of smart information from referenced file is inaccessible. Making the Reference file approach inadequate. Current solution: Project Share the whole project (I'm talking 200 sheets > Site Plans, Overall Floor Plans, Individual Apartment layout floor plans; Finishes Plans, Landscaping Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Structural Layout plans, Internal Elevation Layout Plans, etc, etc. Having everything in the one file significantly slows down the workflow as BIM-ifying adds all the IFC record data, custom record data etc. Splitting the project up into manageable files would be much more efficient. With only pulling in data through data tags when needed. Scenario 2: Window Schedule - Elevations * viewporting the window types onto a design layer, and trying to annotation there is a no go. Not sure if should be working or a bug. But I cant tag objects through a design layer viewport. Please make it so we can use data tags with reference files and through design layer viewports locally. Cheers Tui.
VE-102193	Ability to save a set/group of filters	Tui Kamakorewa	Seeing that filters are quite powerful, we have been using them extensively to create different views using different combinations of filters turned on and off. It would be helpful to have the ability to save a set/group filters across the document, making it easier to debug when things go wrong !image-2021-08-04-01-15-42-345.png!
VE-101297	Ability to See What a user has checked out during Commit Time (Project Sharing)	Tui Kamakorewa	When it comes time to Save and Commit, it would be beneficial to have a list of objects, or items a user has checked out. I have developed a prototype version of this for our firm (attached) which shows: * User Name * Object Type, Location and Class * Ability to jump to object to investigate Abilities I would like to see added (which I can't see any way with the current sdk) are: * Object Last Edit Time/Date * Object Edit Type : Has been Deleted/Modified * Modified can further expand to show: Modified by position change Modified by rotation change * Ability to select/deselect items/objects to commit/release For smaller jobs this is not needed I'm sure, but our current projects of apartments, have changes happening all over the place that we need keep track of whats changing/changed. Cheers, Tui
VE-99350	A More Intuitive Stair Handrailing tool like video(s) attached	Tui Kamakorewa	Basically, the example shown in the videos, provides a more user-enabled experience, having more control over what goes where. The examples shown are handrail plugin/addons for the Archicad CAD system.
VE-103642	Interior Elevation Viewports: Default Settings	Troy Diamond	The tedium of having to set up multiple Interior Elevation would be greatly reduced by being able to define default settings. You can do this for Section Viewports, but not of the Interior Elevation kind.
VE-105129	Railing Tool - Modelling Bugs	Troy Diamond	The modelling created by the Railing tool does not represent real world manufacturing or constructions techniques, and is neither appropriate for correct modelling or scheduling of the members generated. Modelled objects need to be thought of in terms of a primary, secondary and tertiary hierarchy or modelling order, where the secondary objects sit within the secondary, and the tertiary within the primary and secondary. See attached video !Railing-Modelling Hierarchy-2.png!
VE-104867	Storey Layers Warning Dialogue: Please remove it	Troy Diamond	Hello, The correct way to use storeys is to (almost?) _+NEVER+_ assign Design Layers to Storey Levels. This dialogue creates anxiety that they might not be using the tool the right way. If you ever have more than Design Layer assigned to a Storey, you cannot assign more than one Design Layer two a single Storey Level. Because of this limitation, assigning Design Layers to Storey Levels does not work. And this scenario happens all of the time. For example, for complex adaptive reuse (renovation) projects, it makes sense to separate 'new work' from 'existing work' into different Design Layers. They are both on the same Storey and using the same Storey Level, but they both cannot be assigned to that level. It therefore makes sense to remove this dialogue. Please remove it. !Screenshot 2023-08-14 at 5.05.10 pm.png!
VE-104269	Automation of Enclosure / Facade (Roof + Wall Cladding) Modelling	Troy Diamond	Archicad provides impressive automated abilities to model wall and roof cladding, including architraves, flashings and gutters. Demonstrated by Jonathan Pickup.
VE-104270	Automation of Downpipes (downspouts) Modelling	Troy Diamond	Archicad provides impressive automated roof modelling, including flashings, gutters and downpipes (downspouts). Vectorworks should have this capability, with a simple interface. Demonstrated by Jonathan Pickup.
VE-104182	Hardscape: Existing DTM Modifiers	Troy Diamond	We need the option to be able to add existing Hardscape objects to the existing component of site models. To create complete 'as built' site conditions, this needs to be added to the tool.
VE-104134	Hardscape Tool: Ramp Arrow Markers and Transition/Landing Lines	Troy Diamond	I would like to be able to add markers to the start and end of the ramps, as well as show landings for the ramp transitions, as a part of the object. In AU and other markets (our drafting standard is similar to the UK), we typically display arrows and indicating the rise of the ramp, in addition to a line of transition between ramp and landing, or change in gradient.
VE-104102	Geoimage Tool: Vector Based WFS Support	Troy Diamond	It would be great to be able to import WFS data as geometry. See this service ([https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/environment-planning-instrument-local-environmental-plan-land-zoning]). It offers both WMS and WFS services, but the WFS is not accessible via the Geoimage tool.
VE-104063	Create Objects from Shapes: Framing Member	Troy Diamond	The Framing Member Tool is an unsung hero of the Vectorworks toolset. For example, it can be used to create gutters and downpipes. As a part of this workflow, it would be great to be able to use the Create Objects from Shapes command to create a path of Framing Meter objects around the perimeter of a roof. See attached Vectorworks document and videos.
VE-103659	Vectorworks Viewer: Online Version or Part of Nomad	Troy Diamond	Hello, To mitigate the confusion and wasted time with having to download the Vectorworks viewer, why can't it be, for desktop users, online (like BIM 360), or for those on devices, via the Nomad app? Expecting clients to download a 750+Mb (!!) installer is unrealistic and does the platform a disservice by making it too hard to view files. Also, as more customers are switching to subscriptions with people dipping in and out, this issue becomes only more important. I consider this an existential thread to the quality of the customer experience (or as Tim 'Apple' would say, 'customer sat').
VE-103645	Vectorworks Home Screen Size	Troy Diamond	Can we please make sure the Home Screen not take up the whole display realestate?! It is not an expected behaviour of a dialogue. Other design software typically has a smaller splash screen, and it is expected. And especially when a person is context switching, to close a document and have it take over the display is cognitively fatiguing. "I have just closed a Vectorworks to go onto another thing, and now this window is shoved in my face, and it takes over the whole screen!?" This behaviour is perceived as very aggressive, and something that spammy/scammy websites do to prevent a user leaving their site. At least if it was offset from the edge of the display, that behaviour wouldn't be so aggressive - and it is perceived as a valued part of Vectorworks, not some dodgy pop-up window preventing me from going to the next task. I apologise is this VE request sounds direct, but the psychological implications of each features need to be thought through – esp when UI/IX overwhelms cognitive load, design workflow and impedes task switching.
VE-103602	Menu Command: Clear recent open file history	Troy Diamond	Typically there is a "Clear Menu" command to clear recent file open history. The only way to do this in Vectorworks is to clear all application preferences via the Vectorworks preferences dialogue.
VE-103533	Sheet Layer Viewport Auto-Numbering Sorting Fix	Troy Diamond	Currently, when sheet layer viewports are created, the viewport number is placed before the sheet number. When viewports are sorted, they do not sort by Sheet Number. Instead, the auto numbering should place the Drawing Number _after_ the Sheet number so that it sorts correctly within the Organisation dialogue or the Navigation > Viewports palette pane.
VE-100914	Railing Fence Tool: Frameless glass styles	Troy Diamond	In the ANZ version of Vectorworks we have a legacy Draw Handrails tool allows for frameless glass styles. I would also like frameless glass with in-board handrails (such as 1200mm AFFL in-floor fixed channel, or patch-fix to front of balcony slab/floor with 900-1000mm AFFL handrails). (I will post some other examples images on the Beta Forum as Jira isn't allowing me to uploaded images). Please add this capability to the Railing Fence tool.
VE-100912	Railing Fence Tool: Align to Terrain Model	Troy Diamond	In the ANZ version of Vectorworks we have a legacy Draw Handrails tool that allows for handrails to be sent to the surface of a terrain model. Please add this capability to the Railing Fence tool.
VE-100905	Slab (and Space) Object Clipping Behaviour	Troy Diamond	The Slab and Space Object Clipping Behaviour should have a setting that has the option to apply additions and subtractions to the boundary and not just the object modifier layer. The behaviour of the slab and now the proposed [Space object 2021 update\|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/72023-t02137-—-clipping-space-objects/] works well when used for auto bounded object within walls, but these objects can also be used for concept design of blocking out forms and master planning (before walls objects are even used). When blocking out Space objects, I often use the Clip Tool to align with walls or other objects. It's super-fast. But blocking with Slabs (and now Space) objects now create (for many, unknown) separate modifier additions. For most that I work alongside, this behaviour is too complex. They have no idea they are actually creating modifiers (instead of additions to the object boundary). I like the initiative for consistency across objects, but if you are going to change this behaviour, then please provide the option to apply these additions to the boundary and not just the modifiers. Please do the same for the Slab object. Let's get it right now before the Space Object update is released.
VE-100440	New Layer/Class: Search Field	Troy Diamond	Providing a search field would be very helpful finding/isolating classes in Vectorworks layer and class templates/standards.
VE-102332	Landscape Area Simplification Tolerance resets after change to style	Tony Kostreski	At present, the landscape area simplification tolerance found in the OIP resets after any change is done to the object's style (i.e. change the landscape area name). This is problematic as the user first has to wait for the style change to occur (~3 minutes in the file I am working on) and then add the simplifcation tolerance back onto the landscape area (another few minutes) if we ever want to update the site model again. Is it possible to only have the landscape area recalculate it's geometry if a physical change happens (i.e. the shapes path or edit components). Any change to text I would assume would not have to recalculate the object. It would be nice if the user could make text changes and not have to wait (i.e. in worksheets/data tags). Happy to provide file I am working on if desired (~950mb)
VE-102208	T02197 - Export Unreal Datasmith - object replacement for plants	Tony Kostreski	When running object replacement in Twinmotion for Vectorworks' plant objects, a Twinmotion plant is placed for every object included in a plant object and usually has them rotated 90 degrees vertically. * For Vectorworks plants with image props – it replaces with a Twinmotion plant for each plane and since our image props by default are cross-planar it gets two Twinmotion plants * For Vectorworks plants created with 3d generate "shell" or "volume", a Twinmotion plant replaced trunk and canopy and is rotated 90 degrees vertically * For Vectorworks plants created with 3d generate "Grid", a Twinmotion plant replaces each 3d polygon +/- 9 Twinmotion plants with one rotated 90 degrees vertically I would love to know what the proper workflow is otherwise I find it hard to market this feature to the landscape industry. FYI [~egilbey], [~bgoff], [~kollikainen]
VE-102026	T02081-Feature Layers-data lost when "modify record" command is used	Tony Kostreski	The new Feature Layers task is amazing. I've tested out an area in DC, used the "Bind Layer to Feature Service", and brought in available contours. They successfully appeared with a record format and appropriate fields filled out. After using the "Modify by Record" command and selecting the field "ELEVATION" to automatically "Elevate 2d poly to 3d poly" information is lost and polys are not elevated at the appropriate elevation. I've attached a screen recording and sample file. FYI [~vstanev]
VE-101077	Hardscape Pick-up and Bucket Modes	Tony Kostreski	The pickup and bucket modes are missing from the Hardscape tool. Users want the same ability the Plant and Landscape Area tool has in terms of "pickup mode" and "bucket mode" (for plants it's called "massing creation mode") for the hardscape area tool. This will allow users to "pickup" the settings of an existing hardscape and "bucket" onto a basic shape such as a rectangle or polyline.
VE-105109	Legends for Site Model Analysis Improvements	Tony Kostreski	Some feedback from users: * SWT and other users find it problematic to control text styles via a class because it requires creating new classes and it's simply not intuitive. Instead, they would prefer to fine-tune like you would with a data tag style or graphic legends style. _"Classes are obviously the best way to do things most of the time, but if I have to create a new class just to hold a text style for these snapshot legends, that’s not good. In that instance, I should be able to directly choose the desired text style rather than the roundabout way of doing it via a class." - Will Metcalf_ * Edit interval text _"forcing it to read a certain way if I'm getting untidy results fro some reason"_ - Will Metcalf * Toggle Horizontal vs Vertical Legend * Show Elevation Analysis with a gradient rather than a block for each color which can look rather extensive. Direct control over how large the graphic is. !Elevation Analysis Legend Gradient.png! Some feedback from users FYI [~kollikainen]
VE-105038	Fillet-Improvement on adjacent edges and add marque option	Tony Kostreski	Meeting with user Hord Coplan Macht: Mia, Robyn, and Nick discussed the use and potential issues of the fillet tool in Vectorworks for designing curves. Nick expressed struggles with the tool, particularly when dealing with small lines between two others, and mentioned that deconstructing the polyline to match the radii had become a workaround. The issue with this is the files they typically work on can be quite complex. In the attached video recording, I share my thoughts as to how the fillet tool can be improved and the users agreed this would be great enhancement. {}Problem{}: the fillet tool requires adjacent lines to have a length greater than the desired radius. Oftentimes, users want to either edit existing radii or place a fillet along two edges even if they are not "technically" adjacent but appear to be. Presently, this requires the user to decompose the object, perform the fillet on the desired lines/arcs, delete the leftover geometry, and then compose all linework. If these were plug-in objects like hardscapes or landscape areas then the problem is even longer to address. {}Solution{}: Scenario A: If the adjacent line/arc segments are too small when performing a fillet operation, it should go to the succeeding segment until the segment is long enough to perform the desired fillet and create the desired radius. !Fillet with small segment.png\|width=454,height=314! Scenario B (Editing radii): If an existing radius exists, the fillet operation on edges adjacent to the radius should be able to be selected and override the existing radius. !Fillet on existing radius.png\|width=336,height=225! This is possible when elements are decomposed but this process is not intuitive to users and is cumbersome. The additional request would be to have a marque option to apply fillets to multiple corners all at once. Right now, there is the ability to double-click on an object to apply the fillet to the whole object but there are many more scenarios where only a few may want to be affected. FYI [~bgoff] in case you want to add anything I may have missed from our meeting or if you have other scenarios you would like to share.
VE-105126	PIO Export DWG as linework	Tony Kostreski	It's common for landmark users to export DWG files to consultants on a regular basis. Presently, plug-in objects like hardscape and landscape areas are exported to DWG as blocks. There is a wish for an option that hardscapes and landscape areas and other similar plug-in objects export as linework removing the need for consultants to "explode" these objects every time they receive a file which can be weekly and even daily. The wish comes from Will Metcalf at SWT Design
VE-105037	Arc object: Add Show Direction/Reverse Direction	Tony Kostreski	There was a technical discussion with user Hord Coplan Macht about the direction of lines and arcs. The user wanted to duplicate an object along a path (arc) and the duplicated objects went in the opposite direction he expected. He was asked how to tell which direction an arc was drawn. Lines and polylines have the ability to "show direction" and "reverse direction" in the Object Info Palette so they were surprised the arc object did not have that as well. The screenshot shows the red arrow indicating direction of the line and polyline drawn. User wants this added to arc objects.
VE-105056	Option to Disable Temporary Bezier Vertex Mode	Tony Kostreski	_"In Corner Vertex mode, press and hold the mouse to temporarily switch to Bézier Vertex mode." -_ from our Vectorworks Help User Hord Coplan Macht wants to disable this so they do not accidentally draw Bezier curves which are not useful in their practice. Perhaps this can be added to Vectorworks Preferences.
VE-104813	LAND: Improve calculation ability for Landscape Area Seed Mixes	Tony Kostreski	From user, Will Metcalf from SWT Design: _"Passing along some thoughts. I have struggled a bit with managing seeded areas via Landscape Area objects. We will generally show these as a hatched area, and our schedule will list square footage and refer to the appropriate seed mix specification. If I wanted to generate a table, I could use the plants per square foot parameter with a Seed Mix Plant Style Record and Seed Mix Landscape Area Record for the additional parameters we’d want to input (it is common for us to have a plug/container and seed version of a plant in our projects, so we need multiple plant styles). However, this presents challenges with visualization – with seeds, I do not want any 2D plant appearance because they wind up in dwg exports and clutter the drawing. In 3D, if I use the plants/sf parameter it will make the planting way too dense. I am leaning toward using a custom record format for all seed-related info so that the plant object parameters are strictly for basic plant info and visualization. What I don’t like about this is that the record information doesn’t stick with the plant style and I’d have to place an individual plant somewhere to edit values, then clean up the worksheet. This all being said it would be great to see more tools to control the appearance and documentation of landscape areas for seeding."_
VE-104264	Symbols and/or Records inside Tile attribute	Tony Kostreski	Using firm MCLD creates customized stone patterns. They create a symbol for each size paver with a custom record and then place them onto a hardscape plan to pull quantities for each sized paver. They would see a benefit in using "Tiles" as a fill but then report the number of each sized paver. At present, you cannot place symbols inside a Tile. It does not support 3D objects or symbols. This means you cannot report quantities of repeating objects. I've also tried applying records to simple objects (rectangles/polygons) inside a tile attribute but there is no way to report the quantities of these objects. It will be very useful! :D
VE-102078	Plant - 3D Graphics - Assign Default Classes	Tony Kostreski	It would be very beneficial to users if the 3D canopy and 3D trunk of a plant style were assigned to a default class (such as Plant-3D-Canopy/Trunk) similar to the Existing Tree Tool so that designers can control their attributes (color/texture). At present, these objects are set to the "None" class with a default green/brown for the canopy/trunk. If a designer edits the 3D graphics and places these objects on a different class and then goes back in to edit plant style to re-generate the 3D graphics, the objects get reset to default.
VE-101224	Plant Polygon Display Reshape Control	Tony Kostreski	The auto-generated polygon display for linking plant groupings together is a great feature but often times the line intersects with other plants (see example). It would be great if there was an option to reshape the polygon display without adding/removing plants. Usually, this is represented by having the polygon arc around other plants. The workaround is drawing a polygon manually but this can be time-consuming and any edits to the planting plan require a change to the plants and the polygon. Original request: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/75988-plant-grouping-lines-way-to-curve-the-autogenerated-polygon-display/&tab=comments#comment-366876]
VE-101128	Plant - Need ability to add custom/additional fields in plant data	Tony Kostreski	It has been requested frequently to add the ability to add custom/additional fields to the plant data section of a Plant object similar to what is available for the Existing Tree tool. There are various requirements across the globe on what information needs to be included in a plant to meet local requirements such as WUCOLS data in California, Tree Conservation Plans (and this changes even per county), etc. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74953-is-there-any-way-to-add-in-additional-fields-in-a-plant-symbol/&tab=comments#comment-362694] Having the ability to add as many fields as a user wants will solve this problem.
VE-104237	Vectorworks Cloud Presentations and VR	Tony Kostreski	The following list of cloud presentation improvements comes from a firm visit with SWT Design: Cloud Presentations * The ability to upload more fonts. Their desired brand font was not available. * The ability for non-users to comment. It looks like you have to be logged in to comment. They want customers and contractors to be able to make comments on presentations as well. Vectorworks Online Virtual Reality: * Have the ability to comment on VR files and save the current view. As you cycle through comments, the view will change reflecting the comment. * Saved views in Vectorworks translate to VR Following email received from Will Metcalf: _Tony,_ _I just used Vectorworks Cloud for the first time to pull together a quick walkthrough of this project with the client. It was easy to create and flowed nicely by pinning imagery to a site plan. I love that we have flexibility with slide layouts now. It’s a great way to pull together a quick, polished design update without building out a full slide deck. I can see this as a great asset for project interviews and walking a client through site analysis as well. Some feedback:_ * _We need to be able to add our own font for use in Text Boxes or custom Pin Text within a presentation. Use of Cloud Presentations will be somewhat limited until this is possible._ * _It would be nice if branding could be applied to the landing page for a shared Presentation link – at least showing our logo._ * _The previous version of Cloud Services had presentation templates. The new version seems to have lost these – it would be nice to be able to have those templates back as starting points or be able to create our own. The duplicate feature essentially does this but it having that consistency across projects and being able to pull in slide formats at any time is super helpful. I suppose we could create sample presentations that serve as templates, but then we’d have to figure out how to distribute them across the team. Not sure how to create team resources within Cloud Services currently. Creating team resources like saving shared colors, fonts, etc. is also a big goal._ * _For longer presentations, sharing presentations for editing between team members in our Organization would be essential – sharing could address the template issue above as a workaround but the main use case is that I often find it’s both our PMs and project designers working on content and layout updates. Is there currently a way to do this?_ * _Could there be a streamlined way for external collaborators to add presentation resources? (so now we’re talking about view/add/edit permissions for sharing)_ * _Is there a way we could pin existing site panoramas to a presentation? Kind of like the way model panoramas can be pinned? This would add such a cool dimension to site analysis presentations when walking a client through observations—both during an interview or during initial meetings._ * _I can’t seem to select and edit two or more objects at once. My goal is to maintain relationships between two objects while I shift them around, i.e. a pin and an image. It would be great if some kind of association could be made between the two objects, whether that’s being able to create groups, select multiple objects at once, or have them anchored to each other._ * _The custom text on a pin has some awesome applications and I love the flexible formatting, but currently if I go past a certain length or use large text I can’t scroll through the pin because it disappears if I hover off it. Not trying to add novels to pins but more dynamic formatting for text pins would alleviate this issue._ * _More shapes for pins – square, rectangle, etc.. Can currently only do circle._ * _A simple geometry tool would be nice to add from a formatting standpoint, i.e. to utilize as backgrounds for text floating on top of an image. Even if it is only rectangles to start with. Opacity adjustments would be a necessary function of this tool in that case._ * _A preview or start presentation button direct from a working view of a slide would be helpful. Currently I have to back out of the working view, then select the slide I want and start the presentation from there, then stop the presentation and return to my working slide. This is a bit cumbersome._ _If there is a cloud product marketing team I’d be happy to send feedback directly to them in the future. Just thought I’d send some thoughts your way. This is a great offering from Vectorworks and I see a lot of exciting potential with it. - Will Metcalf_
VE-104239	Pathway Site Modifier Reshape	Tony Kostreski	Met with using firm, SWT Design: Will Metcalf was confused by the site modifier-pathway configuration mode. He would like to reshape the centerline of a pathway and have the width stay consistent similar to a hardscape path object. At present, when the centerline of a pathway site modifier is moved, the boundary stays put making it quite confusing and difficult to make simple modifications.
VE-104235	Site modifier pathway configuration - set default view for profile edit modes	Tony Kostreski	From SWT Design firm visit: When switching to a longitudinal profile, Will Metcalf found it very confusing that the reshape did not work in top/plan view which was the default. After explaining it was meant to just adjust vertex z elevation and should rotate to a 3D view he mentioned it was not easily understood. For the transverse profile edit mode, it always appeared in wireframe and in ortho but did not provide context. He would then rotate to a 3D view to understand which side he would want to lower/raise. Essentially, he would like to be able to control default views for going into an edit mode.
VE-104124	Revit Import Support for Revit & IFC Links and Model Groups	Tony Kostreski	Request from studio DWG (Steve Meyers): studio DWG (name of the firm, not talking about file format DWG) is collaborating with an architecture firm on a site project containing over 40 buildings—only 3 distinct buildings (Models A, B, and C)—that are "Linked" into the Main Site File (see image). !Model homes duplicated across site.PNG\|width=3195,height=1747! The architects are responsible for the site layout of buildings which is why this site file was shared with the landscape architecture firm, studio DWG. When importing this Revit master file into Vectorworks it appears to import every story of every building (+180 design layers). The user (studio DWG) was expecting Vectorworks to recognize the "links" as references of the buildings similar to xRef in AutoDesk dwg files that are imported into Vectorworks. Because the buildings are "clones", they assumed it would import quicker rather than treating them as individual buildings upon import. If it is not possible to recognize "links" as "references", is it possible to treat these links as symbols? Each building model would import as Symbol Model A, B, and C and properly be placed on the site model. Happy to discuss this further! Thank you
VE-104123	Revit Export Year Option	Tony Kostreski	Request from using firm studio DWG: They would like to see an option to select a year for Revit Export similar to what is shown in DWG Export. At present, they work with an architecture firm using Revit 2022 requiring them to work in Vectorworks 2022 since Vectorworks 2023 only currently exports to Revit 2023. Perhaps being able to select 1 or 2 years behind will suffice.
VE-100773	Bed Area Graphics Tab for T02093: Landscape Area Improvements	Tony Kostreski	In reference to T02093: Landscape Area Improvements: Add border style for "mass planting". Users typically want to represent plants with a plant cloud or plant line border style over a planting bed which is typically represented with a standard border style. It would be great to show both simultaneously. If the "Show Plants 2D" is checked then the mass planting border style should turn off.
VE-101127	Landscape Areas to have opacity control over fill & pen	Tony Kostreski	This request comes from a user and I completely agree. Currently, when a Landscape Area is selected the pen opacity is disabled in the attributes palette. "You can do this with most other objects, but not a landscape area. It would make life a lot simpler as I like drafting with a more transparent fill while having the pen set to 100%. Basically, I just want to be able to uncheck the "Link Pen Opacity" box in the "Set Opacity" palette." - loretta.at.large https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74973-landscape-areas-fill-and-pen-opacity/
VE-101278	Kerb/Curb/Border/Edge Tool	Tony Kostreski	A Kerb/Curb/Border/Edging tool is drastically desired and needed in Vectorworks Landmark. I can’t imagine this is the first request but I’ve tried to find a similar VE to no avail—please let me know if this has already been discussed as I would love to hear from others. Examples of use-cases include: * Complex Hardscape Borders * Landscape Edging * Mow strips * Curbs/kerbs with custom profiles (for roadways, hardscape areas, etc.) I could see this working in two main ways and think both options should be made available: (1) "smart" extrude along path object and (2) complex borders & edging (think of a mesh between duplicate along the path and our complex linetype resource or linear tiling). # This tool should have at least two drafting modes: One for selecting existing geometry highlighting as many edges as you'd like or all at once (could be hardscape, roadway, landscape area, or even a simple shape such as a rectangle or polyline) One for drawing freehand using similar drafting modes to the polyline tool # After the selection of edges, the user should be able to input the left, center, or right edge offset. # This tool should be "style-based". # Report in lineal meters/feet # If snapped to an existing element that is being reshaped, it should reshape as well. Option to “disconnect” or unsnap. # Each vertex should have the ability to be assigned a “z” elevation # Simplification tolerance option for curved paths # Option to send path to the surface # Should be hybrid Option 1“Smart” Extrude along path option: This will be used for custom curbs mainly. When using this method, users should be able to create more than one shape if desired (i.e. curb profile, adjacent paving, and footer are a few examples). Users should be able to pick preconfigured profiles from the Resource Manager and have the ability to create their own in an edit space. Each element should have the ability to be assigned a different material. There should be a clear point (cross-hair) in the edit mode that shows how it relates to the path. Option 2 Complex Borders & Edging This will be used for complex hardscapes and edging. It will take on the existing functionality of complex linetypes attributes that allows you to tile along a path but it should also be able to use 3D geometry and report on that geometry. This provides users with their request for complex borders as the current hardscape border only allows for one row with joint spacing. Attached are some photos and a Vectorworks file showing how complex linteypes for borders works. Below are user requests: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/76589-kerbedging-tool/#comment-369389] [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/34912-getting-garden-edging-into-hardscape-schedules-and-reports/&tab=comments#comment-172882] - regarding garden edging and reporting easier [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/70674-hardscape-improvements/&tab=comments#comment-346928] - this request has issues with roadways. A curb tool would be great to add to various parts of a roadway. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/58761-t01953-roadways/page/2/&tab=comments#comment-298116] - discussion of separating curb from roadway
VE-101351	Site Model - option to lock in place but still allow updates	Tony Kostreski	The site model is very sensitive to selection and oftentimes designers accidentally move the site model when in fact they wanted to move an object above the site model (could be anything from the plant, site modifier, wall, etc.). There should be an option that locks the site model in place but separate from the right click>lock since that locks the ability to "update" the site model. Control over design layers is also not a good workflow as there are times users want to move objects from different design layers at the same time. Here is a request from a notable user https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/77497-site-model-lock-in-place/
VE-101647	Stake Object to display elevation of smart objects	Tony Kostreski	The stake object could benefit from having the added ability to display elevations of smart objects with options to select top/bottom of object. Useful scenarios include top of wall/bottom of wall (where wall meets terrain). Bottom/top of drain inlets. Bottom/top of curbs. This is typical practice to include in a landscape grading plan. See attached example. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80894-stake-tool-improvement/\|http://example.com/]
VE-101648	Landscape Lighting Toolset	Tony Kostreski	A landscape lighting toolset will allow us to satisfy existing user requests while also open us up to the exterior lighting design market. Many irrigation designers also work in the exterior lighting design market and have mentioned at irrigation shows I've attended to let them know when we also have the ability to do exterior lighting design. The largest US competitor (Land F\X) already has a suite of lighting tools they call the Lighting Manager [https://www.landfx.com/docs/site-hardscape-design/lighting/item/164-lighting.html \|http://example.com/] The proposed toolset should include the following but not be limited to: Low Voltage Lighting Fixtures (sample products [https://www.voltlighting.com/shop/landscape-lighting)] : * Spotlights (ability to point them towards objects like trees, buildings, accent pieces like sculptures) * Path Lights (recognize terrain for "z" height, follow a path and specify spacing between fixtures) * Well Lights * Wall Lights/Step Lights (specify height in wall similar to window sill height, also connect into stair object risers) * Flood Lights * Downlights (signage, moon lighting, down lighting, structure lighting) * Deck Lights/Hardscape Lights (snap into decks/hardscapes and also snap underneath railing) * Underwater Lights (for swimming pools, fountains, ponds, etc.) * Bollard Lights * Specialty Lights (user-defined, sculptural, accent) * Bistro Lights Solar Lights (don't necessarily require cables and are self-lighting for 4-8 hours a night thanks to solar power throughout the day) Line Voltage Lighting - cables that connect to all lights. Ability to define light zones (similar to irrigation design zones) A low voltage transformer is at the heart of every [landscape lighting\|https://www.voltlighting.com/shop/landscape-lighting] system. It converts 120 volt current to a low voltage current (between 12-15 VAC). The efficiency of this conversion determines how well the transformer controls the voltage output and how much energy is consumed in the process. Smart lights we should also include wifi capable lighting. Really big in the industry right now. Sample products. [https://havenlighting.com/pages/stratus]
VE-101913	T02068 - Site Model Components - Clip Cube	Tony Kostreski	The clip cube command does not treat site model components as "solids". Instead, it shows the bottom/top plane of each component. I think it would be useful (and consistent) if the site models' components reacted similarly to how the clip cube command works on plug-in objects with "components" like the wall, hardscape, and other 3d geometric objects. See screenshot and sample file. There is a floating hardscape to show the clip cube treats it as a solid object and fills "red" (default color).
VE-101914	T02067 - Site Modifier - Contour mode "closed"	Tony Kostreski	I often hear from existing users and new users that they are confused that a "contour" cannot be closed within Vectorworks. I think we can do either one of two things: # Add the ability to "close" a contour OR # if a user tries to "close" a site modifier when using "contour mode", prompt a dialog (the first time they try with the option to not show again) to convert to pad, and that a pad will act as a closed contour This will get users and new users to quickly carry on with their modeling/drafting rather than fight the tool that does not close. Example of closed contours attached.
VE-102080	Site Model - Mesh	Tony Kostreski	When working with site models, designers at the end of the day want to display contours on the surface of objects such as hardscapes, roadways, and landscape areas. The existing problem is a site model's "mesh" conflicts with these surfaces. What if we tricked the site model to only display a mesh where a "surface" (i.e. landscape area, hardscape, roadway) does not exist? The current workaround is to either turn off the mesh but then you will see holes where there are no surfaces, or set the datum to the bottom of the top component which can result in grading issues. Thoughts? [~kollikainen], [~bgoff], [~egilbey]?
VE-102210	Photometric Studies & Design	Tony Kostreski	The ability to perform Footcandle Photometric Studies & Design within Vectorworks is being requested more and more frequently, most recently from notable NC firm, Surface 678 (20 licenses of Vectorworks Landmark) and by a prospect Michael Cholona. I've attached screenshots of their emails for reference but here is what they say: Surface 678 (Phillip Tripp): One more item comes to mind that would benefit us greatly would be the ability to run footcandle photometric studies of lighting on our ground plane. We typically rely on lighting distributor reps, manufacturer reps, or electrical engineers to run these diagram studies for us and that typically never happens quickly, and soon they become less inclined to do them after the client changes their mind several times. Usually the IES lighting files are available for free from lighting companies, but I'm not aware that Landmark can use them for that photometric study purpose. I think your theatrical lighting software can use those files. I should add that if this is something Vectorworks is considering, there are specific building code requirements lighting must conform to, so typically these studies have a polygon that defines an area of footcandles to allow data calculation of the min, max, average, and ratio of footcandles for that area. We then have the ability to position lights and run compliance studies on various layout options without involving a slow consultant. Michael Cholona: Can I do site photometric design for parking lots in VW? Be able to use ies light fixture files to generate the footcandle light grids? For our Landmark customers, these studies typically need to be done for Parking Lots, Athletic & Sports Fields, Sign Lighting, Security Lighting, Landscape & Outdoor Lighting, Decorative Pole Lighting, etc. I know we have the ability to import IES files into light objects but it seems to stop there. I'm attaching various images for reference. Thank you. Tony
VE-102238	Hardscapes - allow object insertion and wrap like wall tool	Tony Kostreski	Users are asking more and more for the ability to plug objects into hardscapes similar to how doors, windows, and symbols can be placed into walls. If the object moves the hardscape remains wrapping around object. There should be control as to how hardscapes wrap around such objects. This could also allow for hardscapes within hardscapes for more complex designs with paving patterns. Scenarios include but are not limited to: * hardscapes within hardscapes for complex design * tree pits * lights in hardscape * drains inside hardscape (different than are slab drainage which does not work for site design requirements) * placing bioretention planters in hardscape
VE-102373	Massing Model Styles	Tony Kostreski	For community planners, adding styles to the massing model tool could be very beneficial. I'm attaching an image of a site plan for reference. These styles should be able to be pulled into worksheets including the ability to pull the number of units of a building, not just floors.
VE-102385	LAND - Geological Survey Points Identifier/2D graphic	Tony Kostreski	At present, there is no way to visualize geological survey points without activating the Site Model's "Edit Geological Survey Points" edit mode. This means a plan cannot be created to display the location of the survey points, typically represented with a cross-hair circle and a Boring number. I've attached a screenshot of an example Geotechnical Report plan and a fill geotechnical report, typically done by the geotechnical engineer. In the report, look at page 22 (sheet A-2) for the "Exploration Plan" which includes 9 soil borings. These are related to Boring Log No. found on sheets 24-32. Lastly, these survey points should be class controlled so they can easily be turned off.
VE-100843	'Select Similar' should recognize all styles	Tony Kostreski	The Select Similar Tool should now recognize all "styles" as they are becoming the standard for all tools. At present, we can only apply select similar to wall, slab, and roof styles and are missing plant, landscape area, data tags, etc. !Screen Shot 2020-06-03 at 8.31.07 PM.png\|width=484,height=764!
VE-102670	Import/Export DEM (Digital Elevation Model) files	Tony Kostreski	_"A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth excluding trees, buildings, and any other surface objects. DEMs are created from a variety of sources. USGS DEMs used to be derived primarily from topographic maps."_ The ability to import and export DEM files is a heavily requested feature that dates back to 2008, possibly earlier (see below for requests on the forum). I would see this being available for Landmark and potentially Architect. The workflow would be to go to either File>Import>Import DEM or Landmark>Survey Import>DEM. Commands could be added to the DEM object to allow: * extraction of contours and/or points (xyz)—specified by unit (i.e. 10ft contours). Use this as source data to create a site model. * or automatically convert DEM to site model The existing Site Model could have an added option: * 2D Display: DEM (Digital Elevation Model) This could be exported as a DEM and then used for programs like arcGIS, Lumion, Twinmotion, etc. At present, users typically have to use a different application like QGIS or Blender to import DEM files, extract objects, then bring into Vectorworks. In the video I recorded, I show the process for importing a DEM into QGIS> extract contours> export shapefile> import shapefile into Vectorworks> Modifiy by record (elevate 2D poly)> create site model from source data. FYI [~egilbey], [~bgoff], [~kollikainen], [~bstanchev], [~vstanev] [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/36720-importexport-raster-dem/#comment-182295] [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/11655-dem-import-enahnced-raster-graphics-support-and-road-intersections/#comment-50687\|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/22186-dlg-or-dem-import-in-vw-2008/] [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/22186-dlg-or-dem-import-in-vw-2008/] [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82695-lidar-data-for-site-design/#comment-391315]
VE-102907	Find Referenced items within file	Tony Kostreski	Reed Hilderbrand request: Ability to locate a referenced item in a file by right-clicking on referenced file within Navigation Palette>References and have the option to "go to reference" similar to what is available in InDesign for "go to link" seen in the attached example Go To Link-sample.jpeg. (The option sits above the bolded Embed Link). This is useful because it is quite typical for Reed Hilderbrand to have 50-80 references in a Vectorworks files of images, pdfs, vectorworks files, dwgs all referenced into their main file. If they can simply right-click and select "Go to reference" and it selects the object in their file it'll make it much easier to locate objects. Similar to force selecting an object that you don't know which design layer or class it resides on.
VE-102184	Allow all objects to send to surface of site model	Tony Kostreski	From a designer's point of view, all objects and shapes should have the ability to "send to surface" of a site model. Generic solids or CSG solids are unable to send to the surface as of 2021. This is noted on the forum where the user explains they did the work in Rhino because in Vectorworks, they were not able to accomplish this: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/85906-3d-objects-to-site-model/]
VE-103649	Viewport Annotation Layout in ref to T02352 - Viewport Styles	Tony Kostreski	In reference to [T02352 - Viewport Styles\|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/102577-t02352-viewport-styles/], it would be great if a user can set the location of geometry within the Annotations part of a Viewport including but not limited to the Drawing Label, Scale Bar, and North Arrow. We could call it "Viewport Annotation Layout" (or similar) and this parameter could be set by style or by instance. I've adopted what has already been created for Graphic Legends to show what I mean below. !Viewport Annotation Layout.png\|width=588,height=341! Right now, I believe the Drawing Label is automatically placed on the bottom/center of the Viewport and then has to manually be adjusted (correct me if I am wrong). This would provide an excellent way to set labels up from the beginning removing many unnecessary clicks. Example: you have a sheet with a dozen detail viewports, each with a drawing label and you want to either left or right-justify them. If you adjust this style setting, all details will pick up the new location of the Drawing Label.
VE-102904	Add "Overkill" command to Vectorworks	Tony Kostreski	Source of request: Reed Hilderbrand Add "Overkill" command to Vectorworks which is essentially purging coincident objects with a tolerance level. Image two overlapping lines but one is shorter than the other. Vectorworks Purge Coincident Duplicates will disregard this whereas "Overkill" will eliminate the shorter one based on the level of tolerance that has been set. [https://surveyorinsider.com/delete-overlapping-objects-autocad/]
VE-102905	Scale Multiple Objects using Object's center point	Tony Kostreski	Reed Hilderbrand request: Ability to select multiple different objects and scale them based on the individual objects' center point. Currently, when multiple objects are selected and scaled, VW uses the combined center of all objects as the point of reference. When multiple different symbols are selected there is an option in the Object Info Palette to scale by a factor and the objects stay at their center point. This is desired for any object regardless of type, size, etc. to be able to scale by a factor in the Object Info Palette and keep the objects in place.
VE-102908	Improved Filter/Visibility option for classes and design layers	Tony Kostreski	Reed Hilderbrand request: _"Filter/visibility options for class and layer management (turn on every class in a layer or see which classes are used in a layer, see which reference file a layer is coming from, see which classes are referenced classes, etc…)"_ Essentially, add additional categories to the "Class Filter" dialog box.
VE-102906	Extend/Trim Multiple Polylines in one operation	Tony Kostreski	Reed Hilderbrand request: Ability to trim and extend (connect/combine) many polylines at once. At present this is only possible with lines and arcs. See video.
VE-102265	Create Object from Shape - Grade Object	Tony Kostreski	The ability to draw a polyline/polygon and then run the command "Create Object from Shape" and select grade object would be very useful especially since we now have grade object networks. The prompt I believe should allow the user to input a slope or start and end elevation of the entire network.
VE-102023	Batch Replacement of Plant Style Graphics	Tony Kostreski	It would be very useful to convert multiple plant style 2d and/or 3d graphics with one command. This is useful to new users developing their own plant resources and existing users who must meet project deliverable requests (i.e. US state or county drawing submissions sometimes require specific symbols for plant types and batch replace plant styles can quickly help with this process). [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/84684-batch-replacement-of-plant-style/]
VE-101778	Gradient Cut Fill Site Model Visualization	Tony Kostreski	This request comes from user Eric Berg on the community forum: _"It would be awesome if you could generate a 2-dimensional visualization of a Site Model's cut/fill, but instead of just static Cut = Red and Fill = Blue...you could assign a gradient for each that could color the site model based on cut severity or fill severity. For example a White to Red gradient for cut that the greater the value of cut, the deeper the shade of red. Additionally a White to Blue for fill that the greater the value of fill, the deeper the shade of blue. This would be an extremely useful way to visualize site models."_ [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82246-gradient-cut-fill-site-model-visualization/] I agree with this request. I played around with data visualization to no avail. I see an opportunity to be able to visually see in 2D (top/plan) how much fill or cut is taking place at any point on the terrain.
VE-102043	Color Palettes for Data Visualization	Tony Kostreski	Designers often create color palettes they use for generating site plans and they would also like to be able to use these set color palettes in data visualization. At present, data visualization creates a gradient, or color ramp, between two selected colors, which is not always desired and it can be time-consuming to recreate a color palette and assign a specific color to each field. Desired Workflow - select "Auto-Color Settings" and either pick * "Color Ramp" which would be the existing workflow for selecting a start and end color OR * "Color Palette" which will use colors from an existing color palette (including access to palettes from Benjamin Moore, Pantone, etc.). If more fields exist than colors, option to create more.
VE-101593	Partner with NearMap	Tony Kostreski	The connection Vectorworks has with Esri's ArcGIS Online has been great, however, customers and prospects increasingly are seeking higher-quality imagery through potential partner products like NearMap: [https://www.nearmap.com/us/en] The most recent request was through a prospect (McCullough) considering a switch from SketchUp who shared this: [https://forums.sketchup.com/t/nearmap-aerial-imagery-is-now-available-in-sketchup-s-add-location/132811] They don't want to lose this capability. I mentioned the ability to import world image files but they'd like to see a more direct connection moving forward FYI-[~ldraminski]
VE-99565	Surface Sculpting Simplified Triangulation	Tony Kostreski	Surface Sculpting is an excellent improvement to Vectorworks, however, the triangulation from existing site models is irregular and difficult to work with. I'd like to propose a simplification to this process which adopts the current capabilities of "Create Site Model from Boundary" allowing the user to input a specific "Grid Spacing" placing 3D loci in the source data. Please view the attached recording where I place an array of 3D loci on an existing site model, send to surface, and create a site model from the new source data. If the user has the ability to enter "Existing or Proposed Site Model Surface" and choose a "Grid Spacing" that automatically changes the source data to 3D loci, this will make surface sculpting much easier to manage than the current workflow which includes triangles of a variety of different sizes. Landscape Architects understand a grid much easier than random irregular triangles. Things to look out for: 1) Landscape Architects will still need the ability to edit proposed/existing contours. Grid spacing of loci should only happen in the "background" as landscape architects use contours to create their final grading plan. 2) Contours need to remain "smooth". Is there a possibility to improve this? 3) Performance is a priority (keep file size down). I know this is asking for a lot but it's what we keep hearing at shows, firm visits, and university visits. Users and prospects often reference Rhino when talking about surface sculpting. I'm happy to discuss further with anyone.
VE-100160	Data Visualization Auto-Color PEN	Tony Kostreski	Presently, in Vectorworks 2020, users have the ability to Auto-Color FILL through the Data Visualization dialog box—this is fantastic. The ability to also Auto-Color PEN is highly desired to save time. For example, a user receives a survey drawing that contains many layers (classes in VW) but all contain the same line thickness and color (black). To visually check which classes are which users can apply color to the different classes. When you have 50+ classes to do this to, it will take a long time. Auto-Color PEN will be a simple click.
VE-99932	Fillet and Chamfer should work for path based PIOs	Toni Tanev	At the moment Fillet and Chamfer tools work only on primitive objects (polygons, polylines, ...). To edit the PIO using Fillet and Chamfer we need to use "Edit Path". It would be nice if the tools worked like Reshape tool - being able to directly modify the PIO, not going through "Edit Path".
VE-105035	Site Model: Extruded contours should model vertical walls	Toni Tanev	The problem can be seen in 'extruded contours missing on vertical parts.vwx'. Extruded contours do not model vertical walls created by planar pads. Instead the contours walk around the planar pads (along their boundaries) and if there are a lot of planar pads which are sticked together, then the contours may have to surround a very big area, instead of directly walking through the planar pads. This may shift the extruded contours to look very differently from the 3D mesh (as in VB-197586). Implementing this VE will fix bugs such as VB-197586, VB-198619, VB-198666.
VE-103396	Hardscape Slab Drainage should have the option to provide its own modifier	Toni Tanev	Slab drainage is incompatible with the hardscape modifier types (Planar Pad, Aligned, Path, Texture Bed). The slab drainage's geometry is defined by using the Slab Drainage Tool in the Building Shell Tool set. Drainage points are inserted which provide custom slopes and result in arbitrary geometry for the slab drainage. The geometry of the pad modifier, aligned modifier or the path modifier which is applied to the site model is not influenced by the drainage geometry and can be different. This can be seen in files 'slab drainage aligned.vwx' and 'slab drainage path.vwx'. Therefore, when 3D Type is Slab Drainage, the Use site modifier option should be disabled. Instead, a new check option should be added for the slab drainage which would allow it to provide its geometry as modifier for the site model. At the moment, the slab drainage geometry is calculated in the function DrawSlabDrainage in Hardscape/Utilities.cpp. The main area geometry is stored inside a Slab parametric object inside the First list of the hardscape. It contains Slab nodes for flat components and CSG Tree nodes for components which have arbitrary geometry. It should be noted that the slab drainage can have tapered components as it can be seen in 'slab drainage tapered.png'. Also it should be noted that the hardscape border does not work well with slab drainage when the surface is not flat as it can be seen in 'slab drainage border.png'.
VE-100393	Lighting Instrument Rotation through Object Info Pallatte`	Tom White	Chnge the OIP values for the rotations fields seems to create some odd resuts and strnge behaviours.... Difficult to explain so i have a video.
VE-102082	D&B T-series connection	Tom White	OK so this can be confusing.... The T-Series along with many other D&B speakers connects to the speaker by a hanging mount at the front. You can see in the attached image the speakers line up at the rear, not the front. This is confusing because when the speakers are ground-stacked they line up at the rear. They should line up by their fronts as a priority and line up by their rear when ground-stacked (might be a VE?)
VE-101482	Spotlight Auto Track Changes	Tom White	A number of lighting designers have requested that when their assistants and electricians change information on the plot they would like Vectorworks to remember and track exactly what has changed. This mostly pertains to field value changes on lighting devices.
VE-105219	Educational Version to have access to premium librairies	Tom White	After working with large groups of students it seems strange that we don't give them everything for free with the Educational License. I would like to suggest that we allow access to the premium library's for this user.
VE-105221	Hanging position does not add "Hanging postition name" to the truss object	Tom White	Some of our customers create hanging positions from multiple truss objects, these positions are given a name such as DS Truss or LX 1 etc. The Hanging position is effectively a container object containing the truss objects within it. Our customers would like to be able to easily break down how much truss they need for LX 1 and DS Truss and so forth. The key problem with the current workflow is that the Truss objects contained within a hanging position have a position name field but this is not being populated from the Hanging Position Position Name field. This should be pushed for the user.
VE-105220	Graphic Legend Styles to enable Legend Image on a per cell basis	Tom White	Graphic Legends are a fantastic tool to allow users to to breakdown and display components of a design. If a user wants to change a cell image then they have to choose a top/plan or iso view of the object, if they want to apply dimensions then all of the objects in that legend have to be dimensioned. I have a customer who would like to only apply some of these options to particular cells and not others. I am aware this is complex when it comes to recording this information in a style, maybe this part of the GL could always be by instance and not style controlled.
VE-105151	Soft Goods tool, re-shape/edit length from centre	Tom White	Hello, I’ve got a random wish for you for VWs (or you may have an answer I’ve not found…); When you have drawn a curtain, it is often centred on the CL, but the tool makes you draw from on end. So when you want to adjust the length my typing in the new length in the object info window, it adjusts from one end. There’s no line with the little black dots to change which position its changing form like the regular line tool. Change light relative to centre would be really useful.
VE-101721	LED Screen Tool to use Resource Manager Content	Tom White	Video Screen Services a recent Spotlight customer enquired, They were unsure as to why the speaker toolset can now reference a specific symbol and so can the insert lighting instrument, it seems inconsistent that the video screen projector/LED tools cannot utilise symbols for the PIO's. [https://videoscreenservices.com/]
VE-101491	Spotlight Inventory Import and Export	Tom White	Would be great in the future TO for its if we could allow the import and export of an inventory via an external source such as a CSV or Excel. See video.
VE-104294	Reduce number of clicks to set convert to group or PIO on a selected resource	Tom White	When inserting symbols into a document from our Vectorworks Libraries or open documents a user must select the symbol, click and insert. If user wishes to insert the same symbol again as an instance or use the geometry to make an alternative they must either import and edit symbol options and change to group or insert and convert to group. Could we enable a button to give the user an option on resource selection to insert as a symbol, group or PIO. Can this be toggle-able from the RM?
VE-104296	Colours to be a resource item (Consistency)	Tom White	I know colours are technically an attribute but I have never understood why textures, hatches, tiles, images, gradients and line types are a resource which can be freely shared between users and documents yet colours are always only available in the colour pallatte. Alot of new users usually ask why this is the case. This would enable users to share branding colours as a resource and not just within a template file. I am also hoping it would enable users to delete a colour from the RM and use the 'replace with' command to easily remove wrongly inserted colours.
VE-104254	Data Visualisation not filtering	Tom White	I wanted to create a data visualisation of symbol names. I choose the function 'Symbol Name' I then see a list of all symbols in the document. I then Edit the Criteria 'Specific Layer' The list is still populating every symbol in the file and not filtering only. the symbols on that layer. Originally filed as a bug. https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-194026
VE-104097	Inconsistency in removing lighting devices from rigging objects vs Hanging Positions	Tom White	In 2023 when a user moves a lighting device outside the bounding box or pick radius of its rigging object the load still remains associated with the rigging object despite being a considerable distance from the obect. A user must use the manage loads tool to detach association between the two objects. If a user is moving the lighting device to a new system this is fine but its more of a concern that being aware of this process is hidden to the user. Hanging positions whilst somewhat outdated have an excellent way of managing this problem. The blue handles that appear around the lighting devices that enable the user to instantly detach from a position is a very transparent and easy to understand workflow. I attach videos of both current workflows to compare. We need to make this more consistant.
VE-104139	Instrument Summary Tool Place at a scale	Tom White	When placing an instrument summary onto a design or sheet layer the instrument summary uses the default US scale for its symbols (1:48). If placed on a design layer it should use the active layer scale. If placed within a sheet layer annotation it should again use the design layer scale. If placed directly onto a sheet layer then the current behaviour is probably WAD.
VE-104164	Vectorworks Worksheet reporting Associated Items	Tom White	This request comes from Spotlight and has implications for ConnectCAD but also I believe all of the other industries would benefit. The examples I have attached depict a limitation when it comes to displaying data in worksheets with nested objects (parts). I have used the speaker tool as an analogy purely because it’s the simplest way to explain the required workflow. NB This is not an enhancement request to the speaker tool. So In example 1 we can see 4 line arrays that each contain speaker cabinets. I cannot find a user-friendly way to show each speaker array object and then see in collapsible rows beneath it all of the speakers suspended from that array. There may be a way to do this but it is not obvious to a user. Displaying a single worksheet of parent items containing children in an easy pre-formatted way does not seem to be straightforward. Currently I have to create multiple worksheets to display this data. Example 2 the source of this request was a customer who is designing exhibition booths who for example has a 'Back Wall' and wants to report that in order to create the back wall the supplier needs. In my mock up you can see I have the following.... 6x Omni 55 992x2480 2x Omni 992x992 12 Connector Clip Hardware. In this case these are symbols however they don't always have the same record attached which I guess is what I really asking. The ability to display connected objects in a kinematic chain relationship, those objects to be able to display fields from different records/PIO Parameters.
VE-104142	Additional Clip Cube Control in Saved Views	Tom White	When saving a clip cube into a saved view they user can only utilise the view orientation to save the clip cube, The user would like a separate check box for clip cube so that the saved view can replay the clip cube only allowing the viewer a different view orientation.
VE-104141	Camera Tool Lenses	Tom White	Had some customers at a recent user group ask me if we could get more lenses in the camera tool, they weren't specific about manufacture they just wanted a greater choice. They want lenses prioritised over camera bodys and stands.
VE-104118	import sheet layers dialogue to include 'Import layer objects'	Tom White	A customer would like to import all sheet layers from one file into another. This can currently be done but they would like to include all title blocks and text and 1:1 symbols they are using to be included. They do not require viewports. https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106202-paste-worksheets-and-titleblocks-on-40-plates-in-one-move-or-import-sheet-layers-with-tbsworksheets-included/#comment-462548
VE-99426	Renderworks Camera's	Tom White	Current process of using renderworks camera's to create viewports. Upon creation of the viewport the renderworks camera disappears from the model and can only be accessed through the viewport on the sheet layer. I have had numerous requests from potential customers in the TV industry in the UK for reliable camera tools that can be used to create viewports which can then be moved around easily in the workspace of Alt-Click duplicated. It would also be useful if what the renderworks camera can see could be exported to a 3rd party application like image capture or quicktime.
VE-103825	Streamline Referencing DWG workflow	Tom White	Here is the workflow that works for me, but from a user experience point of view, could certainly be better: Start with DWG Reference A. Right Click > Edit. Browse to path of new file Click OK at the 'Edit Reference' pop up with path to new Source File DWG B References list shows DWG B and 'up to date' even though the content displayed is DWG A (a bit confusing, but nevermind) Right Click Reference in list > Update. Accept the import processing pop up The content disappears, because the new Design Layer has been created and is invisible To fix this, either zoom in on the file origin and select the invisible little 100x100mm breadcrumb, or navigate to the Viewports tab in Navigation and Edit or Activate the Reference viewport (which is still named with DWG B) Select Layers. Turn on the Design Layer for the new DWG. It works, but I'm not looking forward to teaching it to the rest of the office...! Editing a DWG reference could do with a prompt to say 'this operation will create a new Design Layer in the Reference viewport for the replacement file. Do you want to enable visibility for the new Design Layer?'
VE-102509	Package font within a Vectorworks file	Tom White	We have had a few requests from high profile Ent customers (Tim Routeledge, Tawbox etc) to be able to preserve the fonts within a file. These designers often have teams of assistants who also assist with the project drawing in Vectorworks. These customers want to avoid having to ask assistants and colleagues to purchase fonts that they require. They would rather prefer to embed the fonts within the file so as part of the file - open process the required font is either downloaded or unzipped as part of the file.
VE-103528	ConnectCAD: VE create devices from PIO's within the file or maybe even a referenced file.	Tom White	VE create devices from PIO's within the file or maybe even a referenced file. The following VE's are from an in person meeting in the US between the training team, industry specialists and onboarding specialists. Exploring an alternate workflow more suited to the temporary (non-installation) nature of concert touring, Theatre and Corporate events customers typified by our existing entertainment product customers. These customers often place equipment in a model prior to designing the schematic. An Event Designer would likely place the Speaker and Video objects within the model first to facilitate showing a client a rendered model or 2d plan. Once this user has 'mocked up' the event they can use the existing "Create Devices from Worksheet" command to commence working on the schematic. We would like customers to be able to create devices from plug in objects already within the file. This process would throw up a few challenges. What if there was a light plot with 200 fixtures? The user would not need to create devices for those but perhaps only the AV elements. So Some kind of filtering would be required, either by object type but I also wonder if by layer would be preferable How would the device builder know which devices to use for their respective schematic devices? We should discuss this. The existing Screen, Video Wall and projector tools lack consistency with regards to make and model information. Speakers and camera's are probably more reliable when it comes to make and model. It would be good if the user could be prompted through this process and effectively 'Manually Map' items which are missing make and model info. One workflow to suggest is that prior to running the newly suggested command (Create from PIO's or this file or maybe a referenced file). The user could attach the equipment item object to each of the PIO's they wish to make a schematic device for using the equipment item tool thereby predefining and selecting which devices to create. This does not solve the Make and Model issue as this information will need to be entered manually and it would be good for the equipment item tool to extract this information from the PIO where possible. There may still be customers who wish to keep their schematics in a separate file from their event design. Could this workflow utilise an external (separate) or Xref file as the source equipment items and command be run that creates schematic devices in their preferred separate schematics file?
VE-103530	ConnectCAD: VE Existing Cable Route Tool to utilise styles and have cable tray and conduit functionality	Tom White	VE Existing Cable Route Tool to utilise styles and have cable tray and conduit functionality We would like to add similar functionality that can currently be found with the fence/railing tool to the existing ConnectCAD Cable Path Tool. A user can create a cable path in exactly the same way but upon completion a style can be assigned to the path. Examples can include cable tray, conduit. Other suggestions could be that an inventory of required cable tray and conduit equipment can be created from the path and also anywhere a cable tray or conduit passes through a wall or obstacle then a suitable hole could be cut and removed from the wall/obstacle. A style could be created for fibre optic cable path. The style could also restrict path movement due to lack of fibre bend when creating the path. This task does not fall directly within the remit of connectCAD but its improvements could rapidly improve the current MEP workflow requirements for architecture and Entertainment.
VE-103541	Extend Magnet Functionality to other objects	Tom White	Right now magnets can only be used in conjunction with truss objects. I would like to see it extended to other PIO's and Symbols. Specific requirements for this VE is to be able to attach scaff, pipe, cheeseborough, doughty clamps to existing truss objects and also themselves. Other use cases that have been requested are Aluvision and Bematrix Booth components that should 'Snap together. Also would help this.... VE-102157 Interconnected (bolt together) lighting device workflow.
VE-103354	Perspective view with Orthographic faces	Tom White	This request came from a customer who had switched from fusion and had the following request.... "Spacemouse. Perspective projection does work slightly better than ortho, but flat views are then almost unusable for accurate work – using Numpad shortcuts to i.e. quickly rotate components in a side view. Fusion 360 has a good halfway house – ‘Perspective with Ortho Faces’. This means that any orbit will present as perspective, but selecting a flat view switches to ortho projection for accurate work. Any movement back to a 3D view then switches back to perspective." So a perspective view where the geometry and objects within the view are orthogonal (Sounds pretty strange to me as a life long Vectorworks user but why not). https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-D0A753CB-5A5A-48E2-AA28-5DC8DCCE2093-htm.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72phgdTAkqc
VE-103452	Inserting Floor Fixtures (Inverted) in a top plan view.	Tom White	A customer at Plasa requested an easier way to place floor fixtures in a top plan view. Currently for a user to place fixtures on the floor and have them be the right way up they have to do so in a 3d view and use Automatic Plane. This particular user wants to be able to remain in a top plan view and place the floor fixtures. He doesn't want to have to rotate the fixtures via the OIP (Euler Angles) as "This feels like an unnecessary extra step". This user likes the angled option on the truss tool (pre-insertion) and was wondering if a similar button on the mode bar could be added to the Lighting Device tool. This customer is using Depence 2 so exporting correct X,Y,Z Rotation values is crucial!
VE-103451	Speakers Object Info Pallatte to be able to edit make and model field.	Tom White	Feature Request Speakers Object Info Pallette to be able to edit the make and model field and not be locked out. Currently, Speakers have to be edited via the ATS SPK MOD DATA record format in the RM. Not for all fields, you understand but definitely some useful ones including dispersion. This is unhelpful to the user and inconsistent with other plugin objects such as lighting devices. The record should populate the PIO initially like the Lighting Device and Light Info Record but then be editable by the user. Another option could be styles?
VE-103450	Lighting Symbol Maintenance to be extended to other PIO's and Symbols	Tom White	A Sound designer at Plasa wants a more efficient workflow for editing manufacturer data associated with his speaker objects in Vectorworks. I showed him the Lightinhg Symbol Maintenance dialogue and it would be perfect for his needs. I can't help but think 'Lighting Symbol Maintenance' should be renamed 'Symbol Maintenance' and should exist across all design series products.
VE-103365	Scenic Automation Track Tool	Tom White	Users require a tool that enables them to place track objects for scenic automation purposes. They would like to design the layout of the track objects in Vectorworks. Track components should have the ability to snap together like truss objects. The user should be able to add additional hardware and components to the track objects that can then be counted in a database at a later date. Customers are currently designing these elements in Vectorworks but as part of a manual workflow. Content required for this.... Content Development CD-3545
VE-103356	Classes to have individual snapping control at a per class level.	Tom White	A recent workflow workshop with a client through up an interesting idea. The customer had created some custom geometry then he needed to be visible and wanted to attach symbols to a NURBS curve at specific points. The customer is aware that they can create their custom tool snapping palette just to select 'particular snaps' but... What if you could assign all geometry within a particular class to not 'Snap' then the cursor would only interact with the geometry required and disregard the other visible geometry. This could be built into the edit class dialogue on the visibilities pane perhaps.
VE-103355	Dimension Tape Dual Dimensions	Tom White	It is not possible to assign Dual Dimensions to a dimension tape. This is a large inconsistency with the dimensioning tools with Vectorworks. If Dimension Styles can display dual dimensions then so should Dimension Rulers.
VE-102516	ConnectCAD Display virtual patch within a modular device	Tom White	Plasa We had a small but significant amount of requests to be able to show a virtual patch within a device. For example a Dante sound patch from a Yamaha console or Rio interface. We discussed and showed a potential workaround with multiple viewports on a sheet layer. The customer was wondering if it would also be possible to get Yamaha to export the digital Dante patch from the console as a text file and use the create circuits command to draw the schematic. So it’s a two pronged attack. We should contact Yamaha to ask them to partner and secondly this workflow should be considered, I think it might needlessly complicate any future modular device tool, as the desire is to have circuit connections within a modular device (yikes!). Happy to also put you in touch with the customer if helpful. All the best Tom
VE-102669	ConnectCAD: Auto Numbering for Device Names	Tom White	I had a meeting with a customer recently who requested this "Current Circuit Numbering Tool to have an equivalent for device numbers". The circuit numbering rules dialogue is very powerful and they would like to see an equivalent set of rules based numbering options for device names.
VE-101048	Show Pick Up Symbol Offset	Tom White	Hoist Item in 2021 it is now possible to display how the motor/hoist is to be connected to the truss item. This is displayed with the option show pick up symbol. The symbol needs to be moved from the hoist so that It can be displayed clearly wherever the user wishes and not locked to the hoist. The hoist tool also enables you to show the measurement label around the hoist icon, The data displayed can be offset from the hoist. I would like the pick up symbol to have an offset field in the same way that the measurement label field has. The user can then control where the pick up symbol is displayed so that it can be displayed away from other clutter on the drawing.
VE-102768	Sketchup Import Enhanced Dialogue and Outliner mapping	Tom White	Info from Customer... "Attached below is a rough SkUp drawing I did of the NT Olivier recently. A few thoughts... 1. Over the last few years it feels like SkUp have started to encourage organising objects via ‘Outliner', rather than Layers (which is now ‘Tags’) …so any detailed object info is nested in Outliner and Tags are more about saving views/groups. It sort of means that SkUp Outliner is now a bit more like VW Classes, rather than VW Layers. So when I import this SkUP drawing in to VW2021, I currently loose a lot of my SkUP detailed drawing organisation. Because all it imports into VW is the ‘Layers/Tags’." The Customer would like the ability to choose how Sketchup Organisation is translated into Vectorworks, In a similar wat the existing Import DWG Command. They would also like the ability to assign a prefix to imported Sketchup layers/outliners.
VE-102642	Duplicate Array vs Move by Points Speed	Tom White	I have a customer who is not impressed with the speed of some of the commands and functions within VW Spotlight. Move by points is quicker than duplicate array but both are too slow. The customer in question wants them to be an instant process. Best wishes Tom W
VE-102112	Create Speaker - Save as symbol	Tom White	when a user inserts a speaker using the speaker insertion tool (catalogue mode). They then can resize and change the data associated with the object. The customer would then like the option to save as a symbol so that the newly created speaker could now be used in conjunction with the insert speaker and speaker array tools. Video attached.
VE-102646	3D Axis View Icon	Tom White	I have a few slightly older Spotlight Customers who occasionally become lost when navigating a 3d model, when I say 'lost' I really mean they struggle to understand the orientation with which they view the model. Capture Sweden has this neat icon in the bottom right. Personally, I don't like it but maybe having something appear temporarily whilst a user is using the flyover tool might make orientation yourself in 3d easier. There is an image of the capture icon attached below. All the best Tom W
VE-102644	Improved Bug reporting for Internal Staff and Beta Testers	Tom White	There should be a report Jira taskbar button with the Vectorworks Application. It should do a number of things 1. Screen Shot 2. Obtain Build Number 3. Launch Jira.Vectorworks.net This should be included in the Beta cycle and for the release candidate. I am just thinking of ways to get the Beta testers to report issues more quickly.
VE-102645	Ganging Multi Circuit Fixtures	Tom White	It should be possible to gang multi-circuit fixtures. I understand why the ganging tool will not work in this workflow and there may not be an easy solution to this, but t came up on the forum a while back. All the best Tom W
VE-102648	Class Visibilities in saved views	Tom White	I am marking this as a bug because of its inconsistency with the create new class dialogue... Feel free to move it to VE if you don't think this warrants a bug. So when using the Spotlight Preferences to assign new classes to Lighting devices and truss objects. There is no way to edit the visibility in saved views or existing viewports. Please see the attached video. Best wishes Tom W
VE-102647	Cloud Services to be able to search Resources and Organisation within files	Tom White	Example 1: A have a bespoke symbol for a specific lighting device and I have used that symbol in a Vectorworks located in the cloud. I want to be able to search cloud services not for file names but within resources of that file. Example 2: I have imported a survey of a venue/theatre and called the specific layer ‘Grand Opera House Budapest’ for example. Again I know I have a show in a Vectorworks file somewhere with this layer in but I want to know which one so that I can open in and start drawing a new project there.
VE-102515	Speakers with alternate cone orientation	Tom White	It is possible with certain manufacturers speakers to rotate the cone/driver within a speaker cabinet. The would effectively rotate the 'show dispersion 1' geometry. It would be useful to show this within Vectorworks. Most rotations are 45 and 90 degrees and so could be shown with alternate symbols. However, I think it would be good to show this with the speaker and speaker array tools itself.
VE-102514	Martyn Audio Speakers symbols to display COG value. COG value will have implications for Braceworks Calculations.	Tom White	Martyn Audio informed us during their partnership meeting that their speakers each have a centre of gravity (COG). This can often mean that a speaker array that has a front and rear hoist picking up its bumper can be unbalanced and the rear loading (force) may be greater than the front depending on the type of cabinets used and where the COG for each speaker is located. I don't think this is included in the Braceworks calculation currently and as our content team will soon begin work on the Martyn Audio speakers it might be good to discuss what we should do with the COG information for this manufacturer. Martyn audio are happy to be contacted regarding any questions we have regarding additional info and workflow.
VE-102278	Saved Views to contain filters	Tom White	Saved views should be able to reference a filter of layers and classes... When a user edits saved view seeking to add particular classes or layers to a drawing for example let's assume that its an Ent drawing and they want any lighting to be visible on that saved view. Presently the user has to individually search each class in turn and make it visible. It would be much quicker if the user can select a filter, Maybe it could also auto update. If a user assigns a new class to a filter or names the class meeting the filters criteria then it would then automatically update itself in the saved view.
VE-102088	A way to put focus info into the plan and export a booklet of focus plots.	Tom White	Once a Spotlight user arrives onsite at the first venue, They focus their lighting devices and then photograph (or draw) a record of the focus of lighting devices used in the show. This is predominantly for conventional lighting devices. Vectorworks already has an excellent focus point tool. It is disappointing that the user cannot easily export a graphical image of how a lighting device is focussed from within Vectorworks. It is worth mentioning that our competitors (Capture Sweden) already do this. Please see the attached video,
VE-102179	Speakers should be able to take Yokes and be focused	Tom White	A number of customers have requested the ability to assign a yoke or rigging bracket/sidearm to a single speaker unit, then the customer would like to focus the speaker much like a lighting device. Please see attached the Vectorworks screenshot and an image of some real-world speakers.
VE-102157	Interconnected (bolt together) lighting device workflow.	Tom White	This feature request originated from the Martin Dot fixture range. https://www.martin.com/en/products/vdo-atomic-dot-wrm#downloads Manufacturers are developing lots of products that require the lighting devices to be interconnected. There is currently not a good workflow for this with Spotlight I was wondering if there was any way we could integrate the current Magnets workflow to assist with this issue?
VE-102151	In 2022 Can users change circuit bubble to pre existing bubbles	Tom White	I have changed the circuit label setting in 2022. All new circuits I create adopt my new preference. However, there does not seem to be an easy way to change existing labels in the document? Maybe I am missing something.
VE-102084	Display Schematic View Out Of Date Borders	Tom White	Users would like to not display an out of date border for schematic view objects as shown in the attached screen shots. This should be a toggleable option in the Spotlight Preferences.
VE-102091	Edit 2d Components of Schematic View	Tom White	Lighting Designers would like greater flexibility when customising the 2d components of schematic views. The ability to add sidearms or bases or dimensions within the schematic. They would like to do this by right-clicking on the schematic and selecting edit 2d components. See attached video.
VE-102085	Lighting device 2d view (in schematic View)	Tom White	When a user creates a front schematic view. The lighting devices are displayed in a front 3d view. In many cases the users would like the position to be in a 3d view whilst the lighting device is still shown in a 2d Top Plan View. In addition, some users would like the ability to customise this geometry and select a specific 2d appearance,
VE-102090	Viewport Render Progress and time out log/info	Tom White	Viewport Render Progress and time out log/info Users are seeking to understand which render processes is taking such a long time. For example, when a user renders a viewport in a hidden line and the rendering goes on for too long, the users would like some helpful feedback as to what the render is stuck on. This could be in the form of a log or pop upon completion?
VE-102087	JIRA Insert lighting Stand and then insert lighting device and snap to the stand Workflow is slow and clunky.	Tom White	Inserting a stand into the document is reasonably quick and painless, However there are a number of problems with attaching lighting devices to stands. # Lighting Devices do not snap to the height of the 'top' of the lighting stand # Lighting devices need to be inverted when attached # Users should be able to specify types of spigots to be used (accessory tool) # Users should be able to 'Change trim height of system' and watch the leko follow the extended lighting stand Please see attached video.
VE-102083	Schematic View Label Legends	Tom White	When A user creates a schematic view they cannot graphically control the placement of label legend fields of the lighting device. These can only be edited through the lighting device itself. We want users to be able to edit the location of the fields at the schematic.
VE-101941	Spotlight Lighting devices more than one focus	Tom White	Rep houses and users doing visualisations within Vectorworks have requested the ability for the lighting device to be able to toggle between multiple focus points.
VE-101939	Spotlight Workflow when working with Lighting Stands	Tom White	The Workflow for Working With Lighting Stands is clunky. Users want to be able to insert the device with a single click Have the device orientate itself correctly upon insertion (inverted) Use the accessory tool to select the correct Spigot hardware Then if the stand height is adjusted the future should follow the stand as it is raised and lowered.
VE-101937	Text - In the OIP you should have a "New..." option available in the text style drop down.	Tom White	Text - In the OIP you should have a "New..." option available in the text style dropdown. Also in the create class dialogue, it would be great to also enable a new text style to be created through that menu also. This would then open the text style editor. Upon exiting the editor a new text style is created and assigned to the pre-selected text.
VE-101936	Spotlight DMX Patch display user fields	Tom White	I have a customer who would like to display or at least have the choice of displaying alternate fields in the DMX Patch window if possible. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83076-dmx-patch-window/&tab=comments#comment-391951]
VE-101935	Spotlight Lighting Devices default to 'On' upon insertion	Tom White	Many users are unhappy with the lights defaulting to on. Personally I like it but maybe it should be a preference in the Spotlight Rendering Options dialogue.
VE-101285	Publish 3d Panorama	Tom White	I have a high-value customer in the UK who design exhibition stands, they would like to be able to publish their saved views as 3d panoramas in the publish menu. So in File - Publish - Select the save views and then select export as panorama. Perhaps it could utilise the last known 3 panorama export settings? Here is the email... Thanks tom, I am looking at producing a 24+ panorama sets which would need to be re-rendered repeatedly so that feature would be gold. Kind regards Gareth Plumb Design & Technical Support [gareth@skylinewhitespace.com\|mailto:marta@skylinewhitespace.com] \| T: 0345 260 5440 \| D: 020 8687 5335 Skyline Whitespace 320 Western Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 2QA United Kingdom Registered in England and Wales 4051236 If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message.
VE-101374	Add the number of DMX channels to the Select Light choices	Tom White	Similar to the Vision request we need an identical request for the same content in Vectorworks. https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97376 When selecting a new light, if you were to add the number of DMX channels to the name of the unit, it would help me make my choices faster. At the moment, I have: Robin 1200 LED Wash m1 Robin 1200 LED Wash m2 Robin 1200 LED Wash m3 Robin 1200 LED Wash m4 Robin 1200 LED Wash m5 Robin 1200 LED Wash m6 If it read: Robin 1200 LED Wash m1 45 Robin 1200 LED Wash m2 21 Robin 1200 LED Wash m3 15 Robin 1200 LED Wash m4 10 Robin 1200 LED Wash m5 45 Robin 1200 LED Wash m6 37 Granted, modes 1 & 5 both have 45 DMX channels, but do different things, it would still be helpful to make faster choices. Thanks, Scott
VE-101757	Vectorworks Find and Modify	Tom White	-ConnectCAD- Vectorworks users would like similar functionality to Spotlight users when it comes to find and modify. ConnectCAD Find and Tool ConnectCAD Find and Tool Find devices based on Name contains (Searchable Text Fields) Room Rack ID Manufacturer and Model Selecting Devices Only Modify is done from the OIP The ability to select a number of devices and change custom params or select a different device name symbol would be very helpful. Video attached.
VE-101490	Export Saved Views as 3d Panorama's	Tom White	Current Workflow for exporting 3d panorama is fine for few panorama's but for large numbers, it can be a bit clunky. See the attached video.
VE-101754	VE Smart Options more quadrants	Tom White	Spotlight users would like the ability to add more quadrants to the smart options palette on the cursor, please see attached video.
VE-101760	VE ConnectCAD Signal Type Search and pop up	Tom White	ConnectCAD users can mistakenly enter 2 different signal types through mis-spelling or capitalisation errors when there should just be one type. Especially when a file is edited by multiple users. Please see attached video.
VE-101753	Speakers should have accessories	Tom White	Sound and Audio uses often attach speakers to lighting pipes via a hanging frame/bracket or hookclamp. It would be helpful to extend the accessory tool to support speakers as well as lighting devices. Video attached.
VE-101489	Save Stacking Order of Layers	Tom White	Be able to save the stacking order of a set of layers and select for future use much like filters. see attached video.
VE-101481	Mirror ganged Lighting Devices	Tom White	When Lighting Instruments are ganged then mirrored to another lighting position they should preserve their ganging appearance (locally). See attached screen recording.
VE-101480	Half hat and Asymmetrical Accessories should mirror within the lighting device	Tom White	When placing a half hat the user denotes which side of the accessory is closest to the proscenium. When mirroring these the user has to go in an replace or edit the accessories of each fixture. Please see that attached video.
VE-101479	Prefix Batch render folder with source filename	Tom White	When Exporting A Batch Render job, Vectorworks creates a file with name, date and time. Would it be possible to pre-fix the VW filename to that folder? That's it!
VE-101466	Export MVR Instrument Heights Accessory offset	Tom White	When exporting a rig to Vision and Depence 2. there are accuracy concerns in terms of accessories such as hook clamps. In some cases long hook clamps can offset a fixture by up to 250mm from the truss or lighting pipe, however, when the lighting devices export their height does not take this into account. Any questions just ask.
VE-101467	Export to Vision simplify geometry	Tom White	Feature request for files containing complex geometry such as mesh objects and also circular truss chords. Would be great if on export there was a command for complex mesh geometry to reduce the geometry count (much like simplify mesh, perhaps even with a preview). Also, It would be great if there was a way to automatically swap circular truss chords for a square profile to reduce geometry count. This would help prospects and new users with complex files and a lack of experience. This is primarily for prospects and inexperienced users creating an un-efficient and over the complex project and just expecting it to work perfectly. They first criticise the software and never acknowledge their lack of experience in causing the slowness in Vision. The workflow where the slowness occurs when they import an overcomplex mesh object from the set designer and then... # throw tons of lights and truss and kit. # complain when it is slow to respond. Export ESC obviously is a suitable answer but I worry it just doesn’t look as good texture-wise. Perhaps you could select all of the objects on a scenic layer and run the simplify mesh command en-masse and have it reset the objects after the export.
VE-101310	Fluorescent tube - LED Strip Lighting	Tom White	Customers are having issues with the 2d component of the 8ft fluorescent tube when rotated vertically, See attached Video. Also This instrument does not turn on which could be a Bug?
VE-101052	Invoke Flyover Tool Whilst Focusing Instruments	Tom White	The focus lighting devices dialogue does not allow for changing the users view. This ould really help them whilst focusing lots of lighting devices. Or if they do not perfect their view before running the focus instruments command.
VE-100701	Data visualisation in schematic views	Tom White	When working with Schematic Views both in the workspace and on sheet layers, it is essential that the data visualisation feature when applied to a light plot also be able to function with the schematic views.
VE-100569	Forum complaints about Schematic Views	Tom White	Alot of this is addressed in SP3 but this forum thread illustrates many users frustrations with the workflow.... Sadly, the new schematic Views command seems still to be very much a work in progress. What is frustrating is that while this is so, functionality of the old Create Plot and Model View command has been removed (focus point behaviour). Here are a few observations: # The new tool assumes that we all work with lengths of truss and moving lights and that no rigging hardware is required to fix instruments to rigging positions. # Accessories are almost impossible to make work properly # Label Legends only work in Top View. That's pointless as the whole purpose of schematic views is that you can see the vertical layout (or otherwise) from one of the other orthographic views. A suggestion with the new tool would be the ability to change the 2D Component View of the Lighting Device in Schematic View to a Top view so that a 2D Label Legend can be applied properly. The Help section suggests that this tool is going to work using Component Views. Perhaps this could be made clearer as using component views of Instrument Symbols and Hanging Positions could be a really nifty way of a user being able to tailor what they see of a lighting device and a rigging or hanging position for each of the 8 orthographic views. Although this is a useful tool and a most welcome addition, retiring off the Create Plot and Model View workflow has forced me to present work now that I am unhappy with and has set back my workflow about 10 years. If you could put back the focus point functionality of DLVPs then at least I and several others will be able to carry on as normal while the various quandries surrounding the new Schematic Views are ironed out. Thanks
VE-100469	Truss objects should have the position name field. (consistancy)	Tom White	Currently a user can draw a lighting pipe and ladder and create a schematic quickly and easily without creating hanging positions, Provided the position name matches the position name field of the lighting device the schematic will be successfully created. When users try to apply the same workflow for truss objects the position name field does not exist on the truss item until it is made a hanging position. Which I feel is not consistant, In some cases a user might wish to keep the object just as truss objects and not a hanging position in case the truss layout is being continually redesigned.
VE-100276	Spotlight Schematic Views Create at next click command	Tom White	Currently schematic views are placed upon the vectorworks internal origin. This very bad as there are lots of 'bad' Spotlight users who don't know where their origin is and could't find it if they had to. It's going to create lots of issues unless users have the ability to dictate where they would like to place the schematic. Please see attached video!
VE-100278	Stage Deck Half Handrail	Tom White	The Current Stage Deck Tool is not compatible with offsetting stage deck and stair objects. In order for you to centre stairs between two decks the user has to manually 'model' the required handrails to fill the gap. Please see attached video
VE-100271	Video Camera - Stand Functionality extended to lighting devices	Tom White	TV and Film and Events users frequently need to place single lighting instruments onto stands. The new 2020 camera tool enables the user to specify the stand that can be used to mount the camera onto. We would like lighting devices to have the same functionality. Please see attached movie...
VE-100270	Linear light sources	Tom White	In Market competition products users can use linear light sources easily to uplight walls. Attached is a photograph of what a linear (LED Batten) light source should do and the current vectorworks work around. The Vectorworks Image (From Left to Right) Current virtual light objects. Arrayed at a low and diffused level Centre is an existing GLP XBAR 10 which isn't in any way alike its real world counterpart. Right is a glow texture applied to an extrude along path which doesn't really work. Customers are currently using these workarounds when the lighting device should be able to do this for us.
VE-100268	Vectorworks Viewer measure length along curve.	Tom White	Vectorworks Viewer doesn’t let you measure the length along a curve. It is straight only. Would be good to enable this in viewer. This was pointed out by a recent visit to a multiple license customer. It is also prevalent on the forum and facebook groups.
VE-100171	Audio Toolset improvements to speaker array builder	Tom White	Tool preferences… Before entering configure array the default listening height value should never be 0. It should default to an audience member standing at approx. 1.7m much like the focus point tool does. Text Options The ability to select text data to display is useful, other useful information to display would be distance to a listening point. It would be very useful for individual speakers in the array when looked at in a 3d view to be able to display their speaker number, splay or angle relative to preceding and distance from a particular audio origin. The Array Config Bumper is not a term used in the UK. Here it is referred to as frame, I suggest changing the name. Angle relative to preceding is called Splay, we should consider a more succinct term than ‘angle relative to preceding’. Also in terms of Splay – The Top Cabinet can only have an angle of 0, It should not be possible to assign an angle relative to preceding in the Vectorworks Array Builder. The user should have the ability to rotate the horn. Effectively rotating the dispersion features by 90 degrees. This should be an option, the user should not have to input new dispersion data in! Arrays should be created in pairs, A symmetrical copy should be placed adjacent to the array so that it can be manoeuvred into position. Interestingly arrays in array calc can be arrayed horizontally for front fills and subs. It would be good if the Vectorworks speaker array tool can also be used in this application. Speaker arrays in vectorworks should get automatically assigned individual amp channels we need a compression mode in Vectorworks D and B have unique hardware for this. This manipulates and changes the frame angle and pickup weights, drastically affecting Braceworks Calculations/. Dispersion options should also include a single line so that you can see where the speaker is focused which would involve playing with angle relative to proceeding. This would feed eight information back
VE-100170	Audio Toolset Enhancements, Listening point/Origin	Tom White	Audio Origin Point Distances from a listening point would be a crucial feature to incorporate, such as a central listening point like a FOH position. We need a listening point object like a hoist origin. It should be able to report distance to the front of speaker objects into a table, From this a user could calculate delay distances and times in ms. Speakers would be able to display useful information such as distance from the audio origin point.
VE-100078	Creating single hanging position from multiple lighting pipes crash and quit	Tom White	Creating a hanging position from multiple lighting pipes, crashed application
VE-100044	Colour attribute palate, Manual sorting and Colour mapping/Find and replace funtionality	Tom White	Users should be able to manually re-sort colours in their colour palate through the attribute palate settings (Video attached). Two other suggestions from customers on a similar theme. Mostly for less organised users who haven't fully adopted classes. 1. You should be able to map colours on the DWG import dialogue in the same way that you are forewarned about missing fonts. It would be great if the DWG import would tell you which colours are coming in and if you would like to replace them? 2. Users would like to be able to right click existing colours on the attribute palate and run a replace with command. any instances in use and the colour itself could then be assigned a new colour by the user.
VE-100043	Ganging Tool and Spotlight Numbering interaction.	Tom White	The Ganging tool does not currently interact with the Spotlight number instrumentation dialogue in a way which users require, or you could say that 'Spotlight Number Instruments' is not aware of lighting devices that have been 'ganged' and still provides them with individual circuit numbers. This is causing users to go back and manually enter data that should have been populated correctly by the Spotlight Instrument Numbering Command. In a theatre where enough circuits are available this is less of an issue. However where there are limited circuits available or for example where there are multiple lighting devices mounted onto a piece of scenery that our powered from a single circuit (cable). In this instance Spotlight Numbering should give these devices the same circuit name and number.
VE-99912	Class mapping tool,	Tom White	In creating some default class structures for UK Spotlight users. I discovered that plug ins using resource manager content naturally bring in part and component classes embedded within the symbol/resource. This then renders a neat class structure worthless. I tried to use the class mapping tool for this after having run the create seating section command. I then mapped the seating furnishing class We want the class mapping tool to understand classes being brought in embedded in symbols and then mapped to a specific class. I think this works in 2020 but not in 2019, email me to discuss.
VE-99910	Class and Layer Mapping Tool to Spotlight Workspace	Tom White	Essential functionality required fr Spotlight users. More spotlight users are now incorporating classes into their workflow and sharing documents and symbols with other people. Class and layer mapping tool is essential for these users and not currently in the spotlight workspace.
VE-99906	3D Lable Legends	Tom White	2 current issues with the 3d lable legend. issue 1, Users would like to be able to customise the leader line associated with the text field, applying classes and the ability to turn the visibilities for the leader lines to not visible. issue 2, after the user has created a 3d lable legend, they must assign the 3d lable legend view. this should have a deault of front so at least knows what they need to change. lots of users miss this step and waste tech support time with asking why their 3d legends are not visible https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64255-default-3d-legend-view/
VE-99904	Create New Class Visibilities default	Tom White	Creating a new class in the spotlight workspace. The default option should be visible. It is more likely that the user will require a class to visible than invisible. Before the user has created any saved views or viewports they are unable to change the default visibility option (because there aren't any saved viewports or views). This is fine but it should be set to visible by default as most users do not take care and attention when creating classes in a hurry. Also most users ignore this option before creating a class.
VE-99911	Significantly enhanced photometrics, vsualisation and glare and lens flare predictions	Tom White	Valued customer Michael Gorman has prepared a document for us. He is contactable through me. He has some idea for feature requests in the attached pdf. These feature requests fill a current hole in the market and would lead us into a new market of users from an architectural and televisual lighting design point of view.
VE-99908	Spotlight Increased control over bridle parts	Tom White	The manage Bridle parts dialogue should include the ability to assign classes of Bridle items, eg... Class Prefix Class for Chain objects Class for Shackles Class for Steel This will enable the user greater control and ease of use in creation of bridle assembly diagrams and creating their own bridle and rigging drawings.
VE-99907	Create and export UV texture map of an object.	Tom White	Current Video projection designers for events are using Blender to create models and they could be using vectorworks and make the most of our video and LED screen tools if our 3d modeling enabled the use of UV textures. So its two things, 1 to give 3d modelers the ability to map textures to geometry on multiple planes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj0uXid9oGo Secondly the ability for projection designers to model their projection surfaces in Vectorworks and export the layer map as multiple 'projection surfaces' into Vision or 3rd party Video projection visualisation software such as disguise. We are in talks with Disguise about creating a plug in for export/live sync from Vectorworks to Disguise Designer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncolm_uRdi4
VE-99905	Spotlight Label Legend Manager add Prefix to class labels	Tom White	Creating a label legend in Spotlight, classes are automatically created for all of the text boxes that deliver the field values for that particular lighting instrument. This creates a class called Lighting - Label - FIELDNAME? In the same way that the user can add prefixes to text in other plugins such as stage tool or bridle tool. I understand that there would be too many fields to display in the class prefix dialogue which would look crazy, but the ability to add a prefix to all lables would be really useful.
VE-99455	Vision Export focus Photos	Tom White	Capture has a function which although underused is quite useful. The export Focus Photos command generates a folder on the desktop full of rendered jpegs with focus photographs of each 'generic' lumiere taken from the perspective of behind the lighting instrument. The photo's are titled by the units channel number. It would be great if vision could do this?
VE-101926	Position of Worksheet On Drawing in OIP	Tom Pearce	Could we please have information about the position of a Worksheet On Drawing? Ideally with the Reference Point Widget.
VE-99432	Window Shade Behavior on Floating View Pane	Tom Pearce	It would be nice to have the Window Shade behavior on Floating View Panes. Double-Clicking to expand or minimize the window size would speed up my workflow. Currently, if a user resizes a Floating View Pane and changes the height to the minimum, opening the file crashes Vectorworks. See VB-VB-157242
VE-100626	Encrypt Files By Serial Number	Tolu Fapohunda	I'd like to raise the issue of Intellectual Property protection, as my office is now beginning the process of finalizing our BIM standards/templates. I'd like it so that staff can't simply take our files/templates back home, or to another office, and utilize our systems and processes that took us a lot of time to develop. It would be great if we had an option to encrypt our files by 'serial key'. So, one or more serial numbers generate a 'key' that the files are encrypted by. And these files can only be opened by computers running Vectorworks with specific serial number(s).
VE-100531	In Top/Plan view everything should be solid not wireframe	Tolu Fapohunda	In Top/Plan view, everything should be solid, unless you specifically tell Vectorworks to display it as wireframe. In our world, no solid objects are see-through, so to have solid objects displayed as wireframe in Top/Plan view is not correct (left image). If you place a solid cube on a slab, the cube should cover the slab. Same with a sphere. The only way to quickly achieve this at the moment is to use the 'floor' tool. Which we use very often for this reason. To achieve 'covering up' the object below, we have to turn the cube and sphere into symbols, and trace over its outline in its '2D component' (right image). We go through this process a lot for more complex 3D forms. So, in summary, in TOP/PLAN view, we really shouldn't have anything in wireframe. It is counter-intuitive, and counter-productive to any architect/designer's workflow. It would be great if you can communicate this to the 3D graphics team. The Vectorworks file for this is enclosed.
VE-102635	North Arrow object doesn't show a preview of configurations and doesn't show more than 10	Todor Dimov	# Activate the North Arrow tool # Insert an object # The properties are shown # Only 10 configurations are listed and you have no idea what their differences are
VE-103218	Energos: Show an alert when a wall/slab/roof component has an invalid lambda (0)	Todor Dimov	Currently such components are ignored in the calculations. This may be intended by some users for testing and checking but can also be an oversight. I propose to add an alert which would be shown when updating the Energos calculations and warn the user that there is an/are invalid component lambda(s). This alert should be able to be hidden analogous the the alert about a missing Heliodon object. It should also list the offending components: * If they are part of a style: show its name and maybe the option to navigate to it in the resource manager; * If they are part of an unstyled object: highlight the object and maybe add the option to navigate to it in the drawing.
VE-101008	Add 3D visualisation of the linked Section Viewport's Height Range to Section-Elevation Lines	Todor Dimov	We can add visualisation similar to the Beyond Cut Plane Extents for the Height Range. The result will be a parallelogram enclosing all the visible objects. We can also draw the Before Cut Plane Extents and we can draw them in such a way that would provide information about the Length Range as well: ending at the section line when limited and extending some distance before and after the line's ends when infinite.
VE-100361	Add a "Convert to Unstyled" button in tool resource popup	Todor Dimov	It would save some time and clicks if there was such a button in the style selection itself. Currently users have to open the preferences, select "Convert to Unstyled" and then close them.
VE-104859	BUG: "Saved Views" + "Multiple View Panes"	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. There is a BUG (or limitation) with "Saved Views" in combination with "Multiple View Panes" In my attached test file (VW 2024 Beta2), I have two "View Panes" open. The left pane is defined to: "Top/Plan" + "2D Plan" + Wireframe, The right pane is defined to: Isometric + Perspective + Shaded. The problem is, that the "Saved View" doesn't save the different settings from the different "View Panes" independently. The "Saved View" can only save the setting for the current active "View Pane", not for multiple panes and can overwrite the settings of the other panes. The in my test file included "Saved View" = "Test View 1" was saved with Perspective + Shaded. If you load the "Saved View", it depends on which pane you have active at the moment. If you load the Saved View and you have the right pane (Perspective + Shaded) active = everything is okay, the left pane does not lost its settings (Top/Plan + WIreframe). If you load the Saved View and you have the left pane (Top/Plan + Wireframe) active, then these settings will be overwritten with Perspective + Shaded. I find this behavior enjoying and would like to have this behavior improved. Hope the explanation was not too complicated? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104732	BUG: Data Tag is lost if you Mirror / Rotate with "Duplicate Mode"	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you mirror or rotate an object with an attached Data tag with tool-mode 2 = "Duplicate mode" The attached Data Tag is lost, even if you have activated: "Duplicate linked tags with objects" Attached a VW 2024 Beta 43 file with more detail. Greetings Tobi
VE-103900	WISH: New formulas for Worksheets: SumIF, CountIF, Percentage	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. I wish you all a Happy New Year. I'm totally excited for what you have to offer for us in VW in the year 2023. / / / I think we do need some more useful and easy to use formulas for Worksheets. My top wishes are (same syntax as MS Excel): 1. =SumIF(range; search criteria; sum range) e.g. =SumIF(A2; 'Apartment Unit 1'; B2) Sum (areas, lengths, …) of all listed objects in B2, which are set as "Apartment Unit 1" in A2. It must be possible to easy search inside database subrows! 2. =CountIF(range; search criteria) e.g. =CountIF(A2; "Apartment Unit 1') Count all listed objects in A2, which are set as "Apartment Unit 1" It must be possible to easy search inside database subrows! 3. Percentage There is no easy way or formula to get a comparsion between a percentage of one object in a database, relative to the pecentage of the whole database. Example: A2 lists areas of spaces, if you want to have in B2 the percentage of one space relative to all spaces found in A2, this is not easy to solve. We need a formula like: =percentage(A2) / / / I found solutions for all written wishes above, but the solutions are way too complicated, sometimes you require a second worksheet as reference (percentage), sometimes you have to write very complex formula with criteria in a spreadsheed-cell. All solutions, i found, are relative time-consuming to set up. The wishes above, improve worksheets and easy and fast to use! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105230	TK WISH: Simplyfication of Syntax for: IF-function with OR	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team you can achieve fantastic results with the IF function, but in some situations the syntax is more complex than it could be. Example: I have three rectangles, each on separate classes. I set at criteria: Type = Rectangle by the way: see also: VE-104701 This is also an important wish! I can write the following IF-formulas: Formula IF: =IF(((CLASS='A') OR (CLASS='B')); AREA; 'nothing') or Formula IFS: =IFS(((CLASS='A') OR (CLASS='B')); AREA) / / / WISHED FORMULA SYNTAX =IF((CLASS='A' OR 'B'); AREA; 'nothing') or =IFS((CLASS='A' OR 'B' OR 'C'); AREA) alternative Syntax: =IF((CLASS='A'; 'B'; 'C'); AREA; 'nothing') Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105229	TK WISH: a little AI for a better Rendering of touching objects with different line-thickness	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, could it be possible to enhance the rendering process for touching 2D-objects with different line-thickness with a little AI, for a more decent visuell representation. Please see my file. … is such an idea possible? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105227	TK WISH: DXF/DWG-Export with "Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space" + data visualization	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you want to export DXF/DWG from a Sheet Layer and want to use "Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space", you can't use data visualization because it is greyed out! Please make it possible to export DXF/DWG: with the following setup: "Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space" + Viewports with active data visualization Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105210	TK WISH: 3D-Dragger improvements	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, the new 3D-Dragger is a fantastic tool and i love to use it. In the forum if read relative often, that some users don't understand the design from the dragger. I know it is always a learning process in the beginning with a new tool, but please consider my ideas. The user do not know that the small “dots” (close to the “mid-ball”) are responsive for snapping to other object. I think that the small “dots” are too small and too close to the “mid-ball”. It can happen that you click to the wrong item. My suggestions: 1. Eliminate the small “dots” to have only arrows 2. Arrows a bit thinner, that they do not visually block the objects so much. 3. The behavior of the Dragger, I would think, can work good: - Single click to an arrow = let you enter a value to move in that direction with the possibility to enter also a value + unit (different from the doc unit) - Remember, you can glue the object to the cursor with click and hold press space, release click = now the object is glued to the cursor! click and hold to an arrow = move the object with always snapping on press optional “ALT” to have no snapping If a user wants to change that behavior, please make an own setting for snapping on or off. 4. Implement a Dragger menu direct accessible on the Dragger with: right click on the “mid-ball”. In this menu you can have some special dragger-only settings like: - reset the Dragger position to standard - world based or object based position - set snapping always on or off 5. Scaling should be always possible (no method) change. Most Dragger I know have a “cube” on the mid of the arrow to have access to the scale mode. The Rhino-Dragger as the most flexible way to scale with it (please see attached video) You can scale with values: factor or enter wanted final size (with or without units) You can define the scaling start-point with moving the "scale-cube" to the position you want to scale from. 6. Implement a shortcut overview with mouseover to the parts of the Dragger = mouseover to a part and stay there for a second shows the possible shortcuts for that part 7. Double-click to the “mid-ball” to reposition the Dragger 8. I know the Dragger will be implemented for more objects. Please make sure that we also can use the Dragger to move also objects inside other objects like: Windows or Doors inside walls. / / / I'm also a Rhino user. Rhino does have such a Dragger for a relative long time and they improved the Rhino-Dragger over the last versions of Rhino. Now with Rhino 8 Beta they set the industry-standard for such a tool (my subjectiv opinion). Attached a video from the Rhino "Gumball" (Dragger) to show some features I mentioned above, and I would love to see in an improved Vectorworks-Dragger! Perfection would be to edit Solids directly; please see second video! With Rhino you have a special shortcut (SHIFT + CMD) to move the Dragger to that position (edge, point, surface) to enter an edit-mode for it. With this edit-mode, you can manipulate fast and easy what you want! My customer Importance for this enhancement is set to critical, because this (improved Dragger + direct editing of solids) would bring VW to the next level!
VE-105193	TK WISH: Improvements for "Create Objects from Shapes" command	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, I use “Create Objects from Shapes” command very often, and I like it. What I am missing: 1. Roof-Face, and Roofs can't be created with this command 2. Selectable “Style” for various object-types during the process like for: Slabs, Roof-Face, Hardscape, … … all objects who make sense Greetings Tobi
VE-105188	TK: Viewbar: Font-Menu offers no search functionality	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. It is still a mess in the IT-world, that a user cannot decide how many fonts are active/loaded in a software, so most users do have a lot of fonts in the menu they don't want. A lot of font cannot deactivated OS-wise! Because this is so, we need search features for the font menu to quickly jump to the font we want to choose. With VW 2024 we got a new Viewbar, which is great, but the font menu in the Viewbar has no search function for fonts. Please enhance the Viewbar with a font-search. If you improve the font menu in the Viewbar, please add also a feature/icon for font-size: +1 and font size: –1 Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105192	TK WISH: Project Elevation available for Worksheets and Data-Tags	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team with Vectorworks 2024 we got a new option in “Document Setup” called “Project Elevation” This is relevant for the “Elevation Benchmark Tool”. Can we please also have “Projection Elevation” available for worksheets and data tags! This would help much with a lot of calculations. Maybe we need a special record for the whole document, where we can save various project related data for the project like: Project Name, Project Address, … The “Title Block” should have access to get the information from there! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105189	TK WISH: Interactive Moving Window/Door in 3D-View	Tobias Kern	Hey VW-Team, You can perfectly resize your Window / Door with the interactive blue handles BUT what if you want to move the whole Window/Door in a 3D-View? This kind of movement is not very well solved at the moment! With the commands: Move 2D (CMD + M) you can only move the Window/Door left or right Move 3D (CMD + OPTION + M) you can only move the whole wall (parent) and not the child object! I think we have two possible new options for moving: 1. 3D Dragger! 2. One more Interactive handle in the middle of the object only for moving the object (left, right, up, down). Ideal would be to have a different color instead of blue to visualize this handle can do different things. I know Senthil is working to implement the 3D Dragger for more object-movements, it would be great, if he can also support Windows, Doors, Walls, … Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105135	TK WISH: Structural Member need more "per instance" options	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, the “Structural Member” need more “per instance” options for Alignment, Elevation, Start Condition, End Condition Alignment, Elevation, Start Condition, End Condition as grouped option do only have one setting for all under-options inside the group. Please add for all options inside the group separate “per instance” options! Greetings Tobi
VE-105118	TK WISH: Solid Commands: Allow execution, if objects are on different Design-Layers (DL)	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you have objects on different Design Layers, the solid commands, can't be executed. It would be a very good QOL (quality of life) improvement, if we can also execute all solid commands, if it doesn't matter on which DL the objects are placed. With the attaches VW 2024 file you can test it out! - Add Solids - Subtract Solids - Intersect Solids - Section Solids If the objects are located on different DL, it would be good when executing the command, you are asked on which DL the resulting object should be placed. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105001	TK WISH: Subdivision and status of: OpenSubDiv	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, As far as I know, Subdivision in VW is based on OpenSubdiv, which is developed by Pixar and is free for commercial use. Please correct me if I'm wrong. In July 2023 OpenSubdiv got an update to version: 3.5.1 Which version of OpenSubdiv are we using in VW right now? If we are using an older version of OpenSubdiv, then it could be beneficial to update to the current version of 2023 and implement some new features from the updated API. Please see: https://graphics.pixar.com/opensubdiv/docs/release_notes.html#release-3-5-1-july-2023 Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105120	TK WISH: View Bar Icons for Solid Commands	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, with the Redesign of View bar and Tool bar in VW 2024 we got new opportunities, one could be to have graphical/visual "Icons" for all Solid Commands, like we have in other CAD-Software like Sketchup, Rhino, … I would like to see such Icons / options for the Solid Commands in VW 2024. This is more intuitive and i think also faster as the menu commands, we have at the moment. PLEASE see also my necessary wishes for the improvements for the "Solid commands": VE-105118, VE-105119 Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105119	TK WISH: Retain Objects for all Solid commands	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, Only with "Section Solids..." we have the possibility to keep the original objects after executing the command (Retain objects). It would be very good if we had this option for the other solid commands as well. Specially for "Intersect Solids" this would be so useful. Please add "Retain objects" for all solid commands. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104521	WISH: Improvements for 3D-Solid commands	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, working with 3D-solids in VW is often too time-consuming, e.g., commands like “Intersect Solids” work only with two two objects and both objects must be on the same DLVP. If you have to intersect multiple 3D-objects, you need much time, with other 3D software like Sketchup, such operations are done in seconds. Please improve the following commands to the 21st century: Add Solids Subtract Solids Intersect Solids Section Solids that they: * work with multiple objects on multiple DLVP * get tool-icons for the new View Bar The actual commands feel very old and should be revised quickly. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105121	TK WISH: Text object with multiple columns	Tobias Kern	H{_}i{_} VW-Team, text objects need an option to have multiple columns. For sure, Vectorworks is not a DTP (Desktop Publishing) software, but some basic features are necessary, one could be columns. Attached is a screencast from Affinity Pubilisher 2. In the screencast you can see how the columns are created and edited. Please, something similar for Vectorworks! VE-104645 is also a very useful improvement! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105123	TK WISH: Dimension-Standard as resource in the Resource Manager	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, Dimension-Standards are a little hidden as a resource inside Vectorworks. You can find the standards only in the document settings. Should the Dimension-Standard not be a resource in the Resource Manager? … and related to the Vectorworks nomenclature: should it not read: "Dimension Style"!? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105122	TK WISH: Saving Dimension-Class in Dimension-Standard	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, If you use multiple Dimension-Standards, you often need multiple classes, for all your Dimension-Standards. … but we are imitated to just one class for Dimensions in the Document Preferences! Best could be to save the Class for the Dimensions in the Dimension Standards! This improvement makes the use of multiple Dimension Standards much more flexible! Is it also possible to make “Dimension Standards” a resource in the “Resource Manager”? By-the-way: Why are the Dimension-Standards called “Standards”? “Dimension Style” fits more, relative to the context of the rest of Vectorworks nomenclature! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105041	TK WISH: Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview for "Format Text"-menu	Tobias Kern	HI VW-Team, we got Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview with VW 2024, which is a fantastic addition to make the long, long list of Fonts shorter and clearer. Some menus, have not yet received this addition, one of them is "Format Text". Please add Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview to "Format Text"' and all other Font-related menus inside VW. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105017	TK WISH: Data Tag: Dynamic placement after object-resize	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you add a Data Tag to an object, the placement of the Data Tag will be, as defined. But what if you resize the object? The Data Tag stays at its last position. I would like to see a dynamic placement system, relative to the Bounding Box of the object. If you resize the object, the Data Tag can change the placement too, and e.g., always stay in the middle of a tagged object. Modes could be: Top-Left, Top-Middle, Top-Right Mid-Left, Mid-Mid, Mid-Right Bottom-Left, Bottom-Mid, Bottom-Right + Shift-Distance (in x- and y-direction) to this dynamic placement. Greetings Tobi
VE-105011	TK WISH: Data Tag for labeling Sheet-Layer-Viewports	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, for labeling a Sheet-Layer-Viewport (SLV) we have a special Tool: “Drawing Label”. The labels are placed inside the annotations layer of the SLV. A German customer had the idea to label SLV with the Data Tag (outside the annotations layer) and I found the idea useful. Please give us access to some data fields of the SLV to build Data Tags. Attached VW 2024 file with some further instructions. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-105012	TK WISH: Alternative Layouts for "Resource Manager"	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, attached is a VW 2024 file with some suggested new layout options for the "Resource Manager". I think No. 3. / 4. are useful. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104998	TK WISH: Mode-Enhancement for "Interactive Editing" like: "Move Edges Preserve Area Mode"	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, for 2D-Shapes like rectangles, we have a lot of editing-modes we don't have for “Interactive Editing” like: - Move Edges Preserve Area Mode - Change Vertex Mode - Add Vertex Mode - Delete Vertex Mode Specially "Move Edges Preserve Area Mode" is very useful for editing "Window in Wall"! I think 2D- and 3D-Objects should follow the same editing-rules/ways. Please expand “Interactive Editing” to align it with “2D-Editing”. Attached: VW 2024 file and screencast Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104991	TK WISH: Inconsistencies in Symbol menus	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, Symbols have inconsistencies in various menus, please see my attached VW 2024 file. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104990	TK WISH: Interactive Scaling for 3D- and Hybrid-Symbols	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, you can scale interactively 2D-Symbols with the "blue handles", but not 3D-Symbols or Hybrid-Symbols. I would love to see a Interactive Scaling-Option like we have for the 2D-Symbol for the other Symbol-Types: 3D and Hybrid. Senthil Prabu is currently developing a "3D-Dragger" I would like to see this tool also for scaling of Symbols. please see: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/109064- Attached is a VW 2024 file and a screencast Greetings from Germany and have a nice weekend Tobi
VE-104971	TK WISH: Datatagging of PIO inside Symbols	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, at the moment, it isn't possible to pack a PIO like a Structural Member into a Symbol and tag the Symbol with functions related to the packed PIO. Can you please add such an option if possible? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104939	TK WISH: Function options for Functions like: =zCoordinate	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, please make some Functions more flexible with new Functions options like: =zCoordinate() Example: =zCoordinate('Top') =zCoordinate('Midpoint') =zCoordinate('Bottom') =zCoordinate('Insertion Point') Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104937	TK WISH: Access to of Records of objects inside Symbols	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you add a Record to various objects inside a Symbol, you do not have direct access to the Records of that objects. Only the Record of the whole Symbol (as container) is accessible. Can you please add an option, that we can have access to all records of all objects inside Symbols + all the related functions for Worksheets, Data Tags? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104938	TK WISH: Missing Data Tag Functions, also for Worksheets	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, for Data Tag we have some functions, we don't have for Worksheets. Attached you find a screenshot with some of the functions. Can you please add those missing functions also for Worksheets? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104805	WISH: New Mode- and View-Bar inbetween docked menus left and right.	Tobias Kern	Hi VW As you can see (in attached VW 2023 Beta 5 file), i use a 21:9 ration and i have a lot of unused space in the Mode- and View-Bar. I want to have more focus to the center with the Mode- and View-Bar. - Left and right docked menues should have the option to go to the top (RED) - Mode and View-Bar should have a option to sit inbetween menu left and right (GREEN) Greetings Tobi
VE-104804	WISH: "Attributes" as option for new Mode and View Bar	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, with VW 2024 we got a fantastic new Mode- and View-Bar. Thanks for this new option. I could imagine having the "attributes" palette as an option for the new mode and view bar as well, because the bar is the right place for this kind of information. Greetings Tobi
VE-104803	WISH: Edit Saved View: NO Search and filter options for layers and classes	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, if you edit a "Saved View" you don't have search and filter options in the layers and class menu. Please add those options to the menu. Attached ist a VW 2024 Beta 5 file with the comparison. Greetings Tobi
VE-104807	WISH: More graphical options for lines	Tobias Kern	Hello VW Team, Vectorworks is known to be very good in the graphical visual area. If you compare Vectorworks with other programs, you will notice that contours/line options are still a bit behind with e.g. Affinity or Adobe products. Attached is a Vectorworks 2024 Beta 5 file with a few ideas for improvement. - Line ends: round or square - Line ends: End at point or with line extension - Line alignment. center, left, right - Line corner: round, angular, miter Greetings Tobi
VE-104806	WISH: Hiding palettes more options as just ON/OFF	Tobias Kern	Hello VW Team, some programs (Adobe, Affinity, ...) that I use have a shortcut, to hide all menus with just one tap. In VW you have this option too. This is useful when you want to present your designs to a client. I would like to extend this behavior further and think we need more than two states (all menus / no menus) for this feature. Three states make more sense: - all menus - selectable menus - no menus With status 2 you have the possibility to choose which menu is visible. e.g. for a presentation it can be useful that the layer and class menu are visible on the screen. Greetings Tobi
VE-104675	WISH: Improvement for "Connect Combine" (AND/OR Project-Tool)	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team with the "Connect CombineTool" you can connect fast and easy, two roof objects to each other. Some roof-connections you can achieve with this tool are complex. If connections of complex geometry is possible inside Vectorworks, I would like to see this technology also for other object-combinations. What is NOT possible at the moment with "Connect Combine": - connecting a roof to a solid, or another 3d-object - connecting other objects than the roof-object Attached is a VW 2024 Beta File with more detail Greetings Tobi
VE-104701	WISH: New useful Criteria-groups for Criteria-sets and formulas	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, It would be easier to define Criteria-sets or Worksheet formulas, if we could have new useful Criteria-groups like: All 2D-Objects All 3D-Objects All Architectual-Objects or other useful set-definitions At the moment we only have "All Objects" Example for a Worksheet formula: =IF((objecttype=All 2D-Objects); Area; 0) Example for a Criteria Set: Type is "All 3D-Objects" Greetings Tobi
VE-104700	WISH: Improvements for Pop-up lists	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, Pop-up lists inside Records could be improved, this are my ideas: - options for sorting content - options to define type of content - option to have "no" as default choice Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta 4 file with more details. Greetings Tobi
VE-104654	WISH: Improved Criteria for: Classes and Layers	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, we need improvements for Criteria of classes and layers. At the moment, we can choose between: IS or IS NOT We need more useful options like: - starts with - does not start with - ends with - does not end with - contains - does not contain Attached: VW 2024 Beta 3 with more detail. Greetings Tobi
VE-104644	WISH: "Select Function" menu with ALT + CLICK	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, in the class menu, we can use: ALT + CLICK to change the visibility status for all classes at once. In “Select Function” menu, we can't use ALT + CLICK on the Arrows to open / close the list-entries. I wish you can improve “Select Function” with the ALT + CLCK option. Greetings from Germany Tobi Attached: VW 2024 Beta 3 file with more visual detail.
VE-104655	WISH: Improvement for Surface Array: Manual start point for arrayed Items	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, A “Surface Array” is a combination of a “Base Surface” + a “Array Item” At the moment, I think, the “Array Items” ALWAYS starts to array from a midpoint on the “Base Surface” to the edges of the “Base Surface”. WISH: In a lot of situations it is useful, if you have the ability to manual set the start point of the “Array Items”, to a user-defined start point. Greetings Tobi
VE-104645	WISH: Improvements for "Text Styles"	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, "Text Styles" needs to be improved. I attached you a VW 2024 Beta 3 file with some useful ideas. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104643	WISH: Improvements for Worksheets + Format Cell: Number	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, attached is a VW 2024 Beta 3 file. You find some wished improvements, regarding how units should be interpreted for: Dimension, Dimension Area, Dimension Volume I think some settings must be a “Worksheet Definition” and some settings can be cell-wise. I think the Data-Tag offers better and more flexible settings for units. Worksheets Cell-Definitions should follow the Data-Tag! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104642	WISH: UI-Improvements for the Script Palettes	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, the Script Palettes have a UI status like in the 80s. The Palettes are only lists, with no modern options, like we have in other Palettes in VW. Attached you find an VW 2024 Beta 3 file with an improved Mockup for teh Script Palette. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104624	BUG: Offset of vertical Structural Member + WISH: Creating vertical Structural Member in 3D	Tobias Kern	Hello VW Team. 1. I think there is a BUG with “Offset” of the vertical Structural Member (SM). Please see video. 2. As you can see in my attached video, there is a difference when creating a horizontal and vertical SM in 3D. The horizontal SM can be drawn from start-to-end, unfortunately, this is not possible with a vertical SM. For the vertical SM, a height must always be defined. The bottom edge of the vertical SM is placed according to the settings. It would be great if we could make the vertical SM also, with the start-to-end method. If you have placed a vertical SM, you can edit the Member with the “blue handles” but you can't create the vertical SM from start to end in 3D. The video was filmed with VW 2024 Beta 3. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104560	WISH: AutoHybrid: choosable sides for 2D representation	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta file with some ideas for an enhancement of the AutoHybrid object. The idea is, to enhance drawing with a mixture of 2D- and 3D-objects. If the Autohybrid could generate 2D-representations of all sides of a 3D-object, this would be a very fast way to bring a 3D-object into 2D-drawings. I think the wish could make sense. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104603	WISH: Structural Member + Split-Tool	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, some PIOs can be split with the Split tool, some cannot. One of them is "Structural Member". Please make both compatible with each other. Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta 3 file. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104593	WISH: Allow "Smart Edges" with all 3D-Objects in "Top/Plan" view.	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, there is a difference in the behavior of “Smart Edges” with the combination: Setting 1: “Smart Edge” + 3D-Object + “Top/Plan” view OR "Top" view Setting 2: “Smart Edge” + 2D-Object + “Top/Plan” view OR "Top" view With setting 1., the user CAN't create “Smart Edge” in Top/Plan view, “Smart Edges” are only allowed in “Top” view for 3D-Objects. With setting: 2., the user CAN create “Smart Edges”: in Top/Plan view AND in "Top" view. The WISH: please allow the creation of "Smart Edges" for 3D-Objects also in "Top/Plan" view. In 3D planning, we need "Smart Edges" in all situations! Attached: VW 2024 Beta 3 file + video Greetings Tobi
VE-104442	Synchronization of the editing mode of groups with Multi-View	Tobias Kern	Hello VW-Team, @Josh Loy (We have discussed regarding a further development of Multi-View already in contact with each other via Private Message in the Forum). Problem: Synchronization of the editing mode of groups with Multi-View. If you use the option “Multiple Views” and switch to the edit mode of a group in one viewport, then switch to another viewport, then you have to activate the edit mode of the same group there again, or in all remaining viewports. This is very cumbersome! It would be much better, if the status of the edit mode of groups would be synchronized over all viewports. Please see attached video! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104504	WISH: Improvements for Data Bar: z-height relative to VW-origin	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, attached you find a VW 2024 Beta2 file with some improvement wishes. 1. Please always show z-height (also for 2D-objects) relative to ground plane of DLVP AND NEW z-height relative to VW-origin. 2. For some objects, the Data Bar could be reordered, e.g. for Nurbs or 3D-Polygons it could be good to have "lenght" at 1st place in Data Bar. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104200	Enhancement for combining Subdivisons	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, attached you will find a screencast and a VW 2023 SP4 file. I show how the combining process of Subdivision works at the moment. In the combined surface, the outer edges of the "old" surfaces exist twice. You see, if I want to move some "old" outer edges, they exist twice and are not "glued" together. I would expect that the process will check if there are unnecessary edges and delete them. Maybe we should add an option to delete those unnecessary edges, or this should be standard? / / / Can someone check which version of OpenSubD is included in VW? ... or am I wrong and VW uses a different Subdivision API? Please see: [https://graphics.pixar.com/opensubdiv/docs/release_notes.html] … maybe we should update the version VW is using! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104049	WISH: Enhancement for Sections	Tobias Kern	Hi, currently, a section is a 2D-object only. To better understand the cut in 3D space, you need more information, such as the height of the cut plane, or which objects are currently being cut by the section (as provided by the clip cube). The 2D section in Vectorworks is only an abstract representation of a three-dimensional section. I would like to see sections be interactive 3D planes that show the current cut of the 3D model. Wishes in detail * Workflow: draw line, polygon, … and push/pull to needed height or click on a surface to place the section there. * live-cut of 3D-model * 3d plane as visual representation of section * interactive sizing and moving of 3D-section * show semi transparent 3D-plane as section, option to show hatches of PIO, 3D-objects * on/off mode = section active or not active * show 3d-section-planes / don't show 3D-section-planes * Ability to have more on/active sections at the same time Attaches you see a video of Sketchup and the solution of sections there. I like the options and would love to see them in VW. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104047	WISH: Improvement to 3D-Modeling: Project	Tobias Kern	Hi, Project-Tool feels a little outdated and untouched. At the moment, the workflow is to project a 2D-shape or a Nurbs-curve to another 3D-object. I would find it useful to have the ability to project also 3D-objects to other 3d-objects, like Nurbs-surfaces/solids to Subdivisions or vice versa. The wished workflow could be to have a project-surface mode, in which you can pick a surface from an existing 3d-object and select a target-object or -surface to project it. Attached you find video from Sketchup, where I use a Plugin from Christina Eneroth. Plugin is called: Eneroth Aling Face. The worflow is fast, easy and fun to use. https://forums.sketchup.com/t/eneroth-align-faces/54798 You can align/project existing surfaces to the orientation of other surfaces. The improvement for 3D modelling would be huge! Greetings from Gemany Tobi
VE-104045	WISH: Improved "Object Info"-palette	Tobias Kern	Hi, I think it would be nice to have more options for the "Object Info"-palette. 1. We need more options to define what we want to so see in the "Object Info" and some small options for doing a little layout (divide line, …). Use Case: PIO Object e.g. Walls: I want to see the Gross / Net: Area, Volume, … of my active wall in the "Object Info". If I select more walls, I want to see the combined area, volume of all selected walls. Same for slabs, roofs, … For 2D objects, I can get combined information like area and perim, but not for 3D objects or PIO! At the moment, it isn't also possible to get the volume of a 3D object in the "Object Info"! Is the volume calculation too complex for a instant background calculation? 2. Layout UI-Scaling is necessary! Some text is so small I can't read. This can lead to errors! The used font (for the whole UI in VW) isn't perfect to read. Maybe you should discuss, to change the UI-Font, to a better readable font! With some bold fonts, you can make something more important. Can we have colors for text, or to categorize some info parts? Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104051	WISH: Enhancement Push/Pull-behaviour	Tobias Kern	Hi, often I have problems with the Push/Pull-Tool, if there is a lot of 3D-geometry on the screen. The P/P-Tool frequently don't know which side of which object I want to push/pull (p/p), often the tool wants to p/p the wrong surface. I mostly solve the problem by making a group of the object and p/p inside the group. After the p/p, I ungroup my object. An idea to “solve” the problem could be to prioritize the active object for the P/P-Tool, that the active object is more in focus for the tool, then the inactive objects. Greetings Tobi
VE-104044	WISH: Clip-Cube improvements	Tobias Kern	Hi, I think the Clip-Cube need some improvements. My personal wish-list: — better snapping-behaviour to other objects snapping often feels a bit clunky See video attached: I can't snap to the cube in the foreground! The cube in the background is snapable! It depends on where you start with the mouse! If you start on the left side of the clip cube, you couldn't snap to the right cube, if you start on the right side of the clip cube, you could snap on both cubes. The x-ray-mode in combination with clip-cube would not help for a better snappin-behaviour! It would be nice to see improvements with this! — option (on/off) to not combine all cutted objects to one clip-cube-surface, all edged-lines of all cutted objects should be visible + snapable. – option (on/off) to show hatches of objects (walls, slabs, 3D objects, …) Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-104012	WISH: Enhancement for Rendering Opacity/Transparency	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. The rendering of transparent 3D-objects in Vectorworks is currently not well solved! Here are some thoughts on this. Please see attached VW 2023 document with more information + a small video from Sketchup to see what's possible there. Sketchup is way more flexible in rendering! 1. Shaded View could be enhanced with more useful options like: * Transparency + settings 0–100% * Show Hidden Line + settings for: line-style, line-thickness, … * Profile Lines * End Points If you enhance “Shaded”, maybe we don't need the other Rendering Modes like “Hidden Line”, "Dashed Hidden Line" … 2. All 3D and PIO won't get transparent if you change the Opacity of a design-layer! … only 2D objects gets affected! Please also for 3D objects and PIO! 3. Image Effects have no option for Opacity! 4. If you set a Design Layer to “Gray” you do not have any settings how transparent the objects will get. We need setup for this! Hope we see an enhanced Rendering for Shades View in the future. Best would be to have flexible options like in Sketchup to do our own setup. Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-103854	WISH: Checking function: Line Color by Axis-color (temporary)	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, greetings. Attached, you find a screencast from Sketchup. I show a feature/function which is really helpful to check your drawing accuracy relative to the current active axis. In Sketchup, you can temporarily overwrite the colors of all lines with the color of the current axis. The lines get the color only, if they orientate 100% in the direction of the axis. You can check your drawings really fast with this feature. This is also be very helpful with DWG/DXF imports with a lot of lines, polygons, … I used this feature/function very often in Sketchup. Lines in x-axis-direction will be overwritten with red Lines in y-axis-direction will be overwritten with green Lines in z-axis-direction will be overwritten with blue / / / I have tried to replicate this with data visualization, but this cannot currently be achieved with data visualization. At the moment, with Data Vis, you can achieve a color overwrite only for 2D lines and only for x and y. No other geometry (Nurbs, polygons, …) will be affected and no color for any Z-direction. So one solution could be, to enhance Data Visualization, but it would like to see this function as option (icon) in the Mode Bar (or is it called Option Bar) on the top right side, to easy and fast turn it on or off. Currently, we don't have any options to check your drawings, in this way. I would find this very, very useful. Greetings and Merry Xmas Tobi
VE-103840	WISH: Temporary "Center Mode" with OPTION or ALT	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, in some software I use, it is possible to activate “Center Mode" temporary by pressing Option (Mac) or ALT (Win). We do have temporary modes in VW … Rectangle Tool (with Mac) SHIFT = square SHIFT + CMD = rectangle with "Golden Ratio" … but there is room for more. The OPTION or ALT key cannot be used, while the user is in drawing mode with Rectangle or Line Tool. I suggest: “Center Mode” for an extra mode. Examples: Rectangle and Lines Both tools have an extra but permanent "Center Mode" This solution is okay, but not so “drawing-friendly” as a temporary mode with OPTION or ALT, because a temporary mode is way faster, specially for the Rectangle Tool. … AND you always have to press the same key to activate a "Center Mode" Rectangle: method change to "Center Mode" = U key Line: method change to "Center Mode" = I key Maybe other tools could benefit from OPTION or ALT too. Greetings from Germany and wish you all Merry Christmas Tobi
VE-103814	WISH: Enhancements for the "Saved Views" palette	Tobias Kern	Hi VW-Team, at the moment, there is an ongoing discussion in the forum about dividers for Layers and Sheets. Please see: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103708-dividers-for-layers-and-sheets/page/2/#comment-452792 We also discussed the "Saved Views" palette. We would love to see an improvement for this kind of palette. At the moment, the palette is only to represent the views but nothing more. It would be useful to enhance the possibilities for this kind of palette, to bring it to 21th century. Needed options: -Sorting options (#, names, … like the design layers) - Search options - "real" Dividers - Colors options for text and underlying - Tags - UI-size for the text (text is to small to read) Greetings from Germany, and thanks for your help. Tobi
VE-103785	WISH: Better use of the arrow keys in Vectoworks	Tobias Kern	At the moment, the arrow keys are used for panning in the workspace. ARROW UP = pan upwards ARROW DOWN = pan down This behavior is also possible and i find it good: ARROW UP + SHIFT = moves object upward ARROW UP + SHIFT + CMD = moves object 10 units upwards … The panning behavior is no longer in keeping with the times, since every user can do this either with his mouse or with the trackpad can do this better. So we can think about how we can assign the arrow keys better! Here are my suggestions, I think they make sense: 1. In the Adobe or Affinity input fields, the arrow keys can be used to Change value Example: ARROW UP = + one unit ARROW UP + SHIFT = + 10 units OR ARROW DOWN = – one unit ARROW UP + SHIFT = – 10 units To activate this behavior, you only have to enter the input field. This makes so much sense, because you can work much faster! Attached, you will find a sample video. I would love to see this in Vectorworks. 2. Axis inferencing. At the moment, the axis directions can be fixed with the "T" key during the drawing. This solution is okay, but you always have to moving around with the mouse and hover-over to find an axis of an existing object. This could be also done better with the arrow keys! I like the axis constrain of Sketchup. There, you use the arrow keys. Press arrow key to activate, press the same arrow key to deactivate the behavior. ARROW UP: fixes drawing direction to z-Axis (blue) ARROW RIGHT: fixes drawing direction to x-axis (red) ARROW LEFT: fixes drawing direction to y-axis (green) and special: ARROW DOWN: fixes drawing direction to a custom direction via hover-over a non-orthogonal line in the drawing. This works also in Sketchup for drawing 2D geometry like rectangles, circles, … or this works also for all the tools, e.g. Rotation Tool. Imagine if you want to rotate something 2D to stand up in 3D, with the arrow keys, you can lock the VW Rotate Tool to rotation in z/x or z/y direction. The behavior with the arrow keys in Sketchup is so intuitive and good designed that it is a must to bring it to Vectorworks! Words are not always good for explaining, so a here is a link to a tutorial video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IP1T77rjTg&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=27&ab_channel=SketchUp] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HyHtsuRRoA&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=26&ab_channel=SketchUp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfE9CVNbRcE&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=28&ab_channel=SketchUp I would really love to see this in Vectorworks! Both suggested solutions are for me a better choice for the arrow keys. I think panning with the arrow keys are old-school!
VE-103783	WISH: Improvements for Text-Styles	Tobias Kern	Hi, Text-Styles are a bit too restrictive, because we don't have the option to save "by style" or "by instance". I often struggle with doing some changes in my text-style and all related texts get a forced update and my custom changes/alignments would be overwritten, but I do not want all updates e.g. the alignment horizontal or vertical. This could be fixed, if we got the option to save "by style" or "by instance" in text-styles. Please see the attached screenshot! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-103781	WISH: Dimension-Standards/-Style: Saving standard-class in Dimension-Style	Tobias Kern	Hi, it is often needed to having different Dimension-Standards/Styles, but we only have one option for the Standard-Class for all Dimension-Standards. I think it would be useful to save the class of the Dimension inside the Dimension-Standard. With this solution, we are way more flexible with managing different dimensions. This is my first JIRA-report. Sorry if I didn't make it right! Greetings from Germany Tobi
VE-103907	Not able to rotate horizontal and vertical frame bars in stair options for railing like you can when using just the railing tool	Tina Hauber	Not able to rotate horizontal and vertical frame bars 45 degrees in stair railing options like you can when using just the railing tool. This doesn't allow my model to look right, there is a mixture of railing showing when I want them all to look 45 degree rotated.
VE-103046	Would be nice to be able to see what is outside of symbol (in that instance) when editing	Tina Hauber	Would be nice to be able to see what is outside of symbol (in that instance) when editing, so if it could behave more like a group where you can choose to see what is outside of the symbol or not in that instance. This would be very helpful when we have apartment unit plans that we may into symbols.
VE-103048	Be able to adjust arrow size on angular dimension	Tina Hauber	Would be nice to be able to adjust the arrow size on an angular dimension. You can adjust on text arrow but not angular dimension that I see.
VE-102991	Would be nice if you could right click on file or something and say open as read only	Tina Hauber	Would be nice if you could right click on file or something and say open as read only. This would be very useful when referencing another file you don't want to accidentally make changes in.
VE-102990	Would be nice if we could make a roof with a "ski slope" type roof	Tina Hauber	Would be nice if we could make a roof with a "ski slope" type roof. We want to create a roof that is curved on one side and normal pitch on other side of ridge. Would be really nice if roof could be more than just a typical pitch. Would also be nice if we could two slopes on one side. Another project we have eaves at 3:12 pitch and then from building perimeter up to ridge we have 6:12 pitch. Have to create roof faces for the eaves at this point.
VE-102752	Multiple lines on drawing label	Tina Hauber	Would be nice if we could have drawing label on two lines. Sometimes drawing titles are too long to be on one line and would be nice if we could have two lines without having to type separate text above the drawing label.
VE-102636	Change roof pitch universally after roof is created in lieu of having to click on each roof plane	Tina Hauber	Would be nice if after a roof is created you can change the roof pitch universally in stead of having to click on each blue box at each roof face to edit the roof pitch - that's nice and want that to stay but want an option (maybe under object info palette) that shows you the current roof pitch and allows you to change roof pitch right there with one click.
VE-102499	Be able to stretch text leaders	Tina Hauber	We would like to be able to use the stretch command on text leaders. We have situations where we will have a number of notes on a wall section and want the arrows to stay where they are but stretch the line and text.
VE-102498	Separate plumbing fixture class from partition (so toilet can be on slab plan but not partition)	Tina Hauber	Would be nice if when using the toilet stall tool you had the option for the toilet to be a separate class from the partition. We like to show plumbing fixtures on a slab plan but don't want the stall to show up as well.
VE-102497	Door head to have a separate height than jambs	Tina Hauber	We would like to have a 4" door head on doors that have hollow metal frames. Right now you can only specify jamb and that's the whole frame.
VE-102266	Best computer operating system for Vectorworks moving forward	Tina Hauber	Our office needs to upgrade computers in the next couple months. Will Vectorworks operate better on MAC or PC? If one is preferred by Vectorworks over the other, we would like to know before upgrading.
VE-102070	Curtain wall tool is cumbersome to edit a storefront	Tina Hauber	Would like to see some improvements with the curtain wall tool. It is very cumbersome to edit the storefront, moving mullions is time consuming. Would be great if this was improved somehow to be a quicker tool to use.
VE-102069	Would like to add stroke to polyline where you have a the line and then add a stroke to the outside where the outside lines can be a different color	Tina Hauber	Would like to add stroke to polyline where you have a the line and then add a stroke to the outside where the outside lines can be a different color. This idea comes from interior design wall finish sheets. We would like one line in the middle to be the actual wall color specified and the outside stroke line to be black so the line doesn't disappear when using lighter colors.
VE-102068	Be able to add image files to a worksheet	Tina Hauber	We would like to add an image file (.jpeg) to a worksheet as we are using for interior finishes and want to show the client/contractor what the finish looks like. We currently put the image in annotations but it doesn't shift when we update the schedule (add remove rows).
VE-102067	Window trim needs more control to adjust where trim starts and stops	Tina Hauber	Window trim option under windows needs more control. If we have stone coming up to a certain height up the window we want to be able to tell the trim to go on top and sides to a certain height.
VE-104935	apply data visualisation to a graphic legend	Tim Spilman	I would like to be able to apply a data visualisation overlay to a graphic legend. the option exists for applying to a viewport - but (as far as I can tell) not the legend.
VE-103198	T02274 - Vertical Faces of Site Model Don't Show Texture Bed Textures	Tim Connors	The attached file contains a Site Model with a Texture Bed applied, and a few modifiers that result in vertical Site Model faces. One is a Retaining Edge modifier and the other two are Planar Pad modifiers. Note that the texture shows fine on the vertical faces of the Retaining Edge modifier (as it did in VW 2022), but it fails to show on the vertical faces of the Pads (see attached screenshot).
VE-103223	T02274 - Site Model Shape is Incorrect When "Define by Contours" is Enabled for Grade Limits	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model, a Grade Limits, and a Planar Pad. To reproduce, enable the Grade Limits' "Define by Contours" option and update the Site Model. Note that the sides of the Pad now show a vertical edge instead of sloping with the contours (see attached screenshot).
VE-103290	T02274 - Grade Limit Contours Show Min/Max Elevation Error When Coinciding Pads Exist	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains two Planar Pad modifiers with different elevations, that share an edge when viewed from the top. To reproduce: - Select the Grade Limits and enable the "Define by Contours" option - Edit the contours Note that many of the contours are red and show an error in the OIP saying they're outside the min/max elevations. If you update the Site Model at this point the Grade Limits will be ignored. If you reshape one of the Pads slightly so that the edges _don't_ coincide the problem goes away, so it doesn't seem like this elevation error should be happening.
VE-103172	T02274 - Site Modifier "Show Surface in 3D" Option Often Fails	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model and a Site Modifier that has its "Show Surface in 3D" option enabled. To reproduce: -Select the Site Model and update a few times in the OIP Note that the modifier surface shows correctly. -Now select the modifier and update the Site Model a few times using the modifier's OIP Note that now the surface will often fail to render. If you don't see this at first, try going to Top/Plan view and updating the Site Model from the modifier's OIP.
VE-103146	Ability to Create Pathway Site Modifiers Using "Create Objects from Shapes"	Tim Connors	VW 2023 (task T02274) adds a new feature for path-based Site Modifiers, with two modes for creating them (Pathway Path and Boundary Path). It's currently not possible to create Pathway-type modifiers using the "Create objects from shapes" command, though, which presents some limitations. The attached movie and test file show an example of this. The file contains a few open Polygons. To reproduce: -Convert one of the polys to a Pathway-type Hardscape using the "Create objects from shapes" command. Note that this creates a pathway Hardscape as expected. -Now convert the other poly to a Path-type Site Modifier Note that it always uses a boundary-type configuration, with no way to treat the input poly as a longitudinal path line. This means the only way to create pathway-type Site Modifiers is by drawing with the Site Modifier tool itself. This can be difficult because you have to draw the line perfectly; if you make a mistake you'll either have to start over or manually reshape the path after it's created (it's very difficult to keep a consistent width at that point). Ideally, any closed poly would be treated as the outline for a Boundary-type modifier, and any open poly would be treated as the longitudinal path for a Pathway-type modifier.
VE-103195	Graphic Legend Has No Option to Disable 2D Component Display	Tim Connors	The attached file contains a symbol with custom 2D Component graphics, and a few Graphic Legends that show different Detail Levels. Note that (as far as I can tell at least) there's no way to turn off the custom 2D Component graphics and show the legend image in a native Hidden Line render. With Viewports, the OIP has a "Display 2D Components" checkbox that lets the user enable/disable custom 2D Comps as needed, but I don't see any way to do this with the Graphic Legend. This might be more of a wish than a bug, but it seems like it could cause some limitations for users.
VE-102201	Story-Bounded Walls Fail to Update After Story Levels are Added	Tim Connors	I've attached a movie and test file that show this. The file contains a few Stories, and a Wall Style whose Top Bound uses a Story Level that doesn't exist. To reproduce: -Activate the Wall tool and choose the "Test" style -Insert a Wall on the active layer Note that you get an error since the "Mid-Level" story level doesn't exist in the Story Above. -Now open the Org dialog and edit the "Ground" story -Add the "Mid-Level" story level and choose OK Note that the existing Wall fails to update and still shows as a flat shape. I couldn't find any way to get it to show the correct height at this point. If you insert a new Wall with the same style it'll show the height correctly, so this only seems to affect existing Walls. The same thing happened in VW 2018. This also occurs in VW 2020.
VE-102185	Angular Dimension Constraints Get Deleted When Objects are Moved	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few different types of associative dimensions (Constrained Dim, Unconstrained Dim, Radial Dim, and Angular Dim). To reproduce: -Drag the endpoints of one of the Lines attached to the Angular Dim Note that the constraints are intact at this point. -Now select all the objects in the file and move them any distance Note that now the Angular Dim loses its constraints. The other dimension types don't have this problem. The same thing happened in past versions.
VE-102172	T02195 - Process for Reverting Texture Parts to Overall is Confusing in 2022	Tim Connors	The attached movie shows this from a blank file in VW 2021 compared to 2022. To reproduce: -Open a blank file in 2021 and place a Wall -In the Render tab of the OIP, assign an Overall texture -Now activate the Left or Right texture Parts Note that the OIP shows a "Revert to Overall" button that lets you match that part to the Overall texture. -Now try the same thing in 2022 Note that now the only apparent way to get the part to Overall is to use the "Remove Texture" menu option, even if that part doesn't have a texture applied. I didn't see anything in the task doc about this and didn't see any other bug reports, but this seems kind of counter-intuitive and difficult to discover from a user's perspective. Maybe the "Remove Texture" command should just be renamed to "Revert to Overall", since that seems to be what it's doing anyway?
VE-100168	Callout Tool - Notes Manager Dialog Shows the Wrong Active Database	Tim Connors	I've attached a movie that shows this from a blank file. To reproduce: -Activate the Callout tool and place an object -Click the Notes Manager button in the dialog that appears Note that "[VW]//Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" shows as the active Database. -Now add a new note to any of the sections -Click OK a few times to return to the Callout dialog -Make the "[VW]//Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database active Notice that the note you just added doesn't exist in the "[VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database. You actually have to switch to the "[UsrLib]/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database in order to see the note. It looks like the "[VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database isn't actually editable, so the way this works is kind of confusing. It took me awhile to figure out that the note was being added to a different database than what was active.
VE-104561	T02410 - Graphic Legend Cell Contents Can't be Aligned in Rows	Tim Connors	This might be more of a VE- than a VB-. If it needs to be moved just let me know. Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Graphic Legends with different cell arrangements (left-to-right and top-to-bottom). Note that the items in the left-to-right legend can be aligned in columns using the new "Align in Column" option, but the items in the top-to-bottom legend can't be aligned in rows. Based on files I've seen from users, it's pretty common for them to use the top-to-bottom arrangement where row alignment would be needed. If we're able to add this it might make sense to rename the new option to "Align in Row/Column", and then use the legend's existing "Arrange Layout By:" parameter (which is either "Row" or "Column") to determine whether column or row alignment should be applied.
VE-105130	Railing's Top Rail Fails to Get Mitered When Joined	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Railings. To reproduce, activate the Railing Join tool in Dual Railing Connect Mode with Miter Connect Mode enabled. Join the Railings as shown. Note that the ends fail to get mitered. The same thing happens going back to the 2024 release.
VE-104766	Cabinet Style Dialog - Add Controls for "All By Style" and Settings Import	Tim Connors	With most other Object Styles, the edit style dialog has two controls at the top of each pane: an "All By Style" button that toggles the by-style/by-instance state of all the settings in that pane, and an "Import Settings" button that allows settings to be imported from another style (see attached screenshot showing the Window style dialog). It seems like both of these would be especially useful for Cabinet styles, since there are so many options in the edit style dialog. Toggling by-style/by-instance buttons individually or manually changing settings to match another style can be pretty time-consuming.
VE-104683	Structural Member Pitch Can't be Changed in the Floating Data Bar When Drawing/Resizing in Top/Plan	Tim Connors	This is a continuation of VB-188680, which involved the inability to specify a Pitch in the floating data bar when in Top/Plan view. The "Pitch" field is there and can be used when drawing/resizing in 3D views, but if you try to use it in Top/Plan you get a message saying, "these constraints are not possible" (see attached movie). According to Gabe's comment in VB-188680, this is happening due to the way we apply story bounds in Top/Plan, and it's technically WAD. This is something that seems like it should work from a user's perspective and feels kind of awkward, but if it's not possible it might make sense to just hide (or gray-out) the "Pitch" field in the data bar when in Top/Plan.
VE-104172	Ability to Turn Off Hardscape Cutting in the Site Model's OIP	Tim Connors	The new Draped Hardscape feature, combined with the ability for Hardscapes to cut Site Models, provides a really powerful new workflow. Site Modifier objects can be added to modify the Site Model, then Hardscapes in Draped configuration-only can be added with "Cut the site model" enabled. This gives a ton more flexibility since a Hardscape's elevations can now be controlled through multiple independent modifiers. When using this workflow, one issue I encounter is that it can often be hard to tell what exactly your Site Modifiers are doing once the Hardscapes are cutting the Site Model. I've attached an image and file that show an example. Updating the Site Model also takes much longer when the cutout shapes are being accounted for, so fiddling with the modifiers to get the desired Site Model shape can be really time-consuming. One option is to turn off the Hardscapes using the Site Model's "Include Modifiers on Layer:" settings, but this isn't really intuitive. Ideally the user would be able to toggle on/off the Hardscape cutting with a checkbox in the Site Model's OIP. This way they could tweak their modifiers quickly, see clearly what the effects are, then turn the cutting back on with one click.
VE-104120	Aligned Hardscapes Fail to Respond to OIP "Elevation" Setting in 2023	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains an Aligned Hardscape with a few Profile lines added. To reproduce: - Change the "Elevation" in the OIP Note that the value changes, but the Hardscape fails to move. - Now Undo the change - Go to a Front view and drag the Hardscape to a new elevation, or run the "Move 3D" command and move along the Z axis Note that now the elevation can be changed, and the OIP "Elevation" field even updates to show the change. It seems that, if the elevation can be changed by dragging or using the Move 3D command, it should also work when changing the "Elevation" setting. This is a regression from VW 2022. The same thing happens going back to 2023 SP0.
VE-103989	T02357 - Draped Hardscapes Have No Natural Way to Re-Send to Site Model Surface After Editing	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model with a "Draped" Hardscape selected. To reproduce, move the Hardscape. Note that now the Hardscape is no longer draped on the Site Model surface, and the only way to get it to re-drape is to manually reset it somehow (ex: changing an option and then changing it back). This might be more of a wish than a bug, but it seems like there should be an OIP button to allow the Hardscape to be re-draped on the Site Model, similar to the "Realign" button for Aligned Hardscapes. The alternative of manually forcing a reset by changing options isn't very intuitive. Enabling support in the "Send to Surface" command might also be a good way to get these to reset in a more natural way.
VE-104001	T02357 - Create Draped Hardscape from Site Modifiers Command	Tim Connors	With the new "Draped" Hardscape feature that was added in 2023 SP4, I'm finding that a really easy-to-use workflow is to create Site Modifiers that sculpt the Site Model surface, then use Draped Hardscapes that sit on top of the modifiers. It also seems like it'll be pretty common for users to want to duplicate the exact profile shape of their modifiers and use them in Hardscapes. Currently this can be done by entering the Site Modifier path mode, copying the source shape, then exiting and pasting-in-place, then converting the shape to a Hardscape. This is a pretty tedious process, and it seems like it would be really useful to add a command that allows the user to do this with one click. Ideally they could just right-click on a Site Modifier (or a multiple-selection of Site Modifiers), run a command from the context menu, and it would create Hardscapes directly over top of the modifiers. The user could then use Add/Clip Surface or Reshape to quickly refine the shape, if it needs to be different from the modifier's shape.
VE-104042	Integrate Site Modifier NURBS Support Into the Site Modifier Tool/Object	Tim Connors	We currently have the ability to use NURBS Curves and NURBS Surfaces (and also 3D Polygons and 3D Locus points) as Site Modifiers by placing them in the "Site-DTM-Modifier" class. This is a really powerful ability in my experience, especially now that we have Draped Hardscapes that can fit neatly to the Site Model surface. Getting the right shape with the existing Site Modifier tool configurations can be tricky and time-consuming, especially when it comes to curved areas that have elevation changes. The issue is that this ability is hidden from the user and isn't very intuitive to use. They need to know to reassign the class and need to use other tools that generally fall outside of Landmark. There are a few ways I think this could be made a lot more discoverable and usable: - Add a new NURBS mode to the Site Modifier tool, that would allow the user to draw NURBS Curves with the existing NURBS Curve tool behavior. These would automatically act as modifiers so no class change would be needed. Modes for 3D Polygons and 3D Loci could theoretically also be added, but aren't as important. - Add a Landmark menu command that would allow NURBS Curves, NURBS Surfaces (and possibly 3D Polygons and 3D Loci) to be converted directly to Site Modifiers. "Create Objects from Shapes" won't work since it only supports 2D shapes. It could be named something like "Create Site Modifier from 3D Object". - Add a new Configuration for Site Modifier objects for these new types of modifiers. It could just be a single new configuration named something like "Custom 3D" that encompasses all four types of 3D objects (NURBS Curve, NURBS Surface, 3D Polygon, 3D Locus). We would probably have to restrict some options and abilities (like changing the config from Custom 3D to another one) but it seems like it might be doable. Further in the future, I think it would also be a really useful feature to allow other 3D object types (like Extrudes, Solid Subtractions, etc) to be supported as modifiers. These could also fall under a "Custom 3D" configuration. Thanks for your consideration!
VE-104037	T02353 - Design Layer Render Options Affect Viewport Previews	Tim Connors	Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Viewports that are rendered in Shaded and RW. The file has "Saved Viewport Cache" disabled. To reproduce: - Render in Shaded mode - Now go to the Shaded Options and disable Textures and Colors - Switch to the sheet layer Note that the viewport previews don't show textures/colors, even though they're enabled in those viewports' render options. So it seems like the viewport previews are always applying the Shaded options that are in-use on the design layer. The same thing can be seen with the Draw Edges render option. As F3 of the task doc states, the previews are just approximations, so it's possible that this is WAD and was done intentionally (I could see how it might help performance). It seems a little jarring with textures/colors though, so thought it was worth mentioning.
VE-103604	Elevation Benchmarks Can't be Edited for Multiple Selected Viewports	Tim Connors	The attached file contains a few Viewports that have Elevation Benchmarks automatically added. To reproduce, select more than one Viewport and note that the "Elevation Benchmarks" button is grayed-out in the OIP. It seems pretty common for viewports on the same sheet to use the same benchmark setup, so being able to edit mode than one at a time would be a big time-saver. Other viewport buttons (Advanced Properties, Classes, render settings, etc) seem to handle multiple selection without a problem.
VE-99938	T01954 - Show Directional Markers Inside Hardscape Profile Edit Mode	Tim Connors	This is a continuation of the discussion in VB-160675. The issue is that the Profile Line edit mode doesn't show the directional markers on the Profile object. This makes it kind of awkward to keep track of which end is which when you enter the edit mode. Ideally we would just show the markers, but any kind of directional indicator would be helpful here.
VE-103155	Snap Grid Support for Interactive Insertion/Editing of Windows and Doors	Tim Connors	In VW 2023 a new mode was added to allow users to draw Windows and Doors in 3D views with any size/location. This works great but doesn't allow any snapping reference, so objects will end up getting placed at random distances relative to other objects. Architects will generally want their Windows/Doors to be at nice, even distances from other objects so they'll probably have to go in after-the-fact and fine-tune the placement to match their desired grid. Ideally, the Wall surface would recognize the active snap grid and limit the X/Y placement to those intervals. This works fine in Top/Plan view but not in 3D views. The attached movie and test file (with a 6" snap grid active) show an example. Note that if I draw an object in Top/Plan it adheres to the snap grid, but it ignores the snap grid in 3D.
VE-101120	Project Sharing Server - "Keep Re-Trying" Option is Needed in Locked File Dialog	Tim Connors	When working on the Project Sharing Server, if you try an operation while the file's in-use by another user, you get the message shown in the attached screenshot, where your only two options are Cancel or Retry. This can be a problem in cases where you have to wait awhile, since you pretty much need to babysit the app and keep clicking "Retry" until it eventually works. Ideally there would be a third option where VW would keep re-trying automatically (maybe every 5-10 seconds) so that the operation will go though as soon as the PF is available. It would also be great if VW could issue a system alert sound as soon as the operation completes. That way users could do other things while they wait for the PF, then immediately know when their operation completes.
VE-102482	Protection Improvements	Tim Ardoin	There's currently a magic number ("seed") in VW's binary and Plug-In Support (PIS). These seeds must match each other. This was implemented years ago as a way to support additional protection types, and to prevent users from "switching" protection. Of note, Japanese protection aka Series F used this, but was discontinued around 2016. Since then, Mac code signing has arisen and this requires us to package two separate Vectorworks.app bundles in the installers (one for Series B and another for Series E), even though these 1.8GB bundles differ in just a few bytes (the seed is different). Thus, every user of Vectorworks is required to download a much larger file, and this also slows down building (because each app needs to be signed and notarized which includes transfer time to Apple and more time on Apple's servers) and uses more storage and time to transfer files, etc. In addition the whole PIS matching system makes it more difficult for users to change their protection (it requires a reinstall), and this makes it more difficult to move users off of Series Be and onto series E for example. I have a two-part proposal: 1) Seed unification: There's currently no benefit of having different seeds for series B and E. I want to make them both use the series E seed. Kamen has said there's no security benefit to having different seeds, and that it would be a minor change that has no user impact. I would like to do this as soon as possible (for mainline which will become VW2023) so we can immediately start reaping the benefits. Note that the following seeds would still exist with seed unification: Viewer - has its own seed (but not packaged in main installers) Series A - we build series A. It might be worthwhile to just move everyone to series E builds but this isn't really a problem currently - at least not one that's relevant here. 2) PIS removal: This is more complex, but basically means doing away with the PIS module and finalize removing our protection into the core of VW itself. I say finalize because Kamen has already done most of this -- the functionality for protection was moved to VW core in VW2019/VW2020. All that remains is the seed match and the determination of which protection to use, which remains in the PIS module. This would simplify VW somewhat, allow users to switch protections (based on serial) but would have some end user changes that Kamen can outline. We would need to address Viewer and this would probably require removal of Series A (local builds). I do think there are also benefits of keeping the protection code up to date and removing unnecessary complexities, both to reduce the surface for possible attacks and as best practice for ensuring efficacy.
VE-100315	Publish: Multi File Naming Scheme - No way to change in saved set	Tim Ardoin	I have several files with a saved Publish Set named "TestSet". It seems like there's no way to change the Multi-File Naming Scheme. Now most of the time I just want the default which seems to be "Sheet#-Sheet Title". I had a file that had a different one (it was just "Sheet#"), and it took me forever to fix it. Unfortunately I can't really uncover the steps it took, but an identical problem is suppose I want to set this for a saved set. I can't. I can set it using File Export Options, but then it just goes away, it never saves it to the saved set, because it changes to "Active Set" maybe? And there's nowhere to save it inside Manage Sets -> Edit either.
VE-100041	Irrigation Zones	Thom Vetter	It would be helpful to clink on a zone valve and see all the pipe and sprinklers that are attached to that valve.
VE-100486	Irrigation Pipe Size	Thom Vetter	Remove or a least make an option to be able to remove the "in" delineation for pipe sizing. Would allow for less clutter. See attached cluttered dwg
VE-100036	Irrigation Tags / Labels	Thom Vetter	Tags / Labels need to be scalable or scale intelligent. Presently when either creating a tag by Object Info or using the tag/label tool, The drawing scale must be modified to achieve the proper tag size, then the dwg scale has to be adjusted in the viewport.
VE-99711	Earthwork Cross Sections	Thom Vetter	The Autocad cross section is the standard. I will agree it is much easier to read. VW cross sections need to be modified to be of value and for read ability. I would like to see the AC style of cross section be the default.
VE-105057	Ability to modify ConnectCAD default cable lengths within ConnectCAD preferences	Thomas Peters	Quoting, [~nzhelyazkov] from the [forum\|[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/111053-circuit-tool-cable-length-drop-down/]], "You can create your own Libraries/Defaults/ConnectCAD/ConnectCAD_Database/CableLengths.txt file in the user folder that contains additional cable lengths that you need. " Request is to be able to modify this from within the ConnectCAD settings dialog.
VE-105089	Whitespace, indentation in worksheet formulae	Thomas Peters	When a cell's formula becomes very long, with multiple nested brackets, it becomes difficult to keep these organized. With the ability to indent what effectively becomes code, it would be significantly easier to maintain an overview and reduce errors and time spent correcting syntax.
VE-103990	BIM \| workflow after Importing ifc with spaces and using the data	Thomas Kelzenberg	workflow after Importing ifc with spaces and using the data After successfully importing an ifc file provided by an architect containing rooms (spaces) i would be more than happy to use the data already placed. i am talking from an av company point of view. workflow example 1 open bim process: when placing my symbols inside the room (space) it would be very helpful to transfer the name of the room into my symbol. i don’t want to rebuild all rooms coming with the ifc file with native vwx rooms an name them by hand. the actual project i am referring to has 2804 rooms. workflow example 2 open bim process: after importing an ifc file provided by an architect containing rooms (spaces) there will be a change. all (or just two) room names will contain letters instead of numbers. how could i update these informations without placing new data tags, writing all room names into my symbols by hand, etc?? I love the bim idea but obviously there are some stones in my (and others) way. for visibility: [~cpreen]
VE-103353	Plug-In "Attribute ändern" move to international version	Thomas Kelzenberg	Hi in the german version there is a plug-in "change attributes" which could be a gain for the international version. this plug-in uses a dialog if-then to create links and execute batch commands. For example, it can change attributes of a class as well as entries in a database. these are saved as txt and can be used throughout the company. of course only with the German version. my use case extends to planning using connectcad as well as light and rigging via braceworks. once set up with the use of that plug-in i can easily set standard for drawings across the company and for externals as well. screenshot attached.
VE-103617	Exporting Redshift Proxie	Thomas English	(Film/TV) When working with production design and previs department it would be amazing to be able to export Redshift Proxies to be used by previs in Maya, Blender or Houdini. Redshift proxies export the entire scene, lighting and textures as a redshift file that can be used in other applications running redshift. I wonder how hard redshift proxie export would be to implement now that the redshift renderer seems to be working so well. Off-course USD (Universal Scene Description) would be the unltimate goal.
VE-102062	Signed single DWFx file with multiple sheets inexistent on Vectorworks	TechLimits VSS	Architect Vectorworks users face a severe problem in Portugal since Project files that need to be approved require that all drawings have to be in a signed DWFx format and most have to be on a single DWFx file.with multiple sheets corresponding to VW sheet layers. Besides the reported bug VSS-127182 these two none features prevents architects from using Vectorworks and need to do part of their work on the old 2013 Autodesk Design Review or a license of AutoCAD in order to Sign (with the Portuguese ID card and an USB ID card reader) and to place multiple VW Sheet layers into a single DWFx file. If/When Autodesk removes the download of Autodesk 2013 Design Review. All of our users will be forced to purchase an Autocad license in order to sign their DWFx files. The text bug reported in VSS-127182 should be fixed. The ability to export multiple VW sheet layers into a single DWF or DWFx file could be implemented in the publish command options, just like what happens with pdfs. The ability to digitally sign a DWF or DWFx could be implemented in an option inside de publish options dialog box. You can find out more here: [https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt/web/guest/assinatura-digital/assinatura-digital-qualificada] and here: [https://amagovpt.github.io/docs.autenticacao.gov/] If you need more info on this, I can call locally and find out more
VE-100894	T02093 Landscape Area: Ungrouped becomes symbols instead of Plants	Tamsin Slatter	Not sure if this is a bug or enhancement request, so I'll start with bug and live in hope. :) When playing with the new landscape area, my guess is that users will now try to ungroup the object to get at the individual plants. When I use Modify > Ungroup on a Landscape Area, the resulting objects are symbols. Is it possible for this to ungroup to Plant objects instead. In the attached file, I have a Landscape Area on the left, and created a copy on the right. I ungrouped the copy, in Top/Plan view, and it resulted in 2D/3D symbols (and a polyline). Could these be plants???
VE-102081	Site Modifier: Path mode suggestions	Tamsin Slatter	Hello I have been looking at the Path mode of the new Site Modifier. It's great! I love that it can be reshaped, love the concept of the profiles and being able to edit them. However, as I used it, I had some thoughts on how it could be improved: * The annotation of the Longitudinal Profile should be visible on the drawing (as long as the user selects this). The values should not just be visible in edit mode. We can see the end elevations, but we can't see the slope annotation. Currently, only the start and end elevation are displayed. * The Slope Rise/Run value should not just show the result. In the attached example, the path is 10m long, and has a rise/run of 1:100. To enter the end elevation, I had to calculate this myself. Once the end elevation had been set, the Rise/Run value of 0.01 is displayed. But a designer would really want to see 1:100 on the annotation. It would also be useful to see the surface length as an option. In fact, it would be nice if the annotation options were the same as for the Grade tool. * With the current iteration of the tool, the designer can use the tool to snap to existing modifiers, or they must enter specific values for the start and end elevation. It would be nice if the start or end elevation could be calculated - and have the same options as the Grade tool. The designer could enter one elevation, and then choose Percentage, Rise/Run or Angle, and Vectorworks would calculate the other elevation. The user would then have the option to display these values on the path - not just when editing.
VE-102286	Landscape Area: Ability to add a minimum number of plants	Tamsin Slatter	Hi I have received the following request from a customer via a private message on the forum. She has set up specific mixes, but is finding that some areas are too small for some plants to register so show as 0 in the count. She ALWAYS wants a minimum number of plants. She makes a good point. She's got around her issue (areas being too small for certain plants to be included) but adding areas together. However, she has asked for the ability for plants to have a minimum number specified as well as the rate/percentage. {color:#0747a6}_Hi Tamsin_{color} {color:#0747a6}_We're a landscape architecture firm in NZ, using VW across our team. In recent weeks we've been testing VW landscape areas pretty hard, and have resolved a number of ways to achieve what we need, but still need help. Our browsing of the forum sees you as the expert, so I thought I'd message directly! Hope that's ok!_{color} {color:#0747a6}_So, we have a site that is 3km long (a road). It has roughly 400 landscape areas, all of various shapes (from 1m2 to 100m2). We then have 3 base planting mixes (or landscape styles), 'Narrow', 'Medium' and 'Wide' that we can apply based on the width and location of the planting area._ {color} {color:#0747a6}_The benefit of three landscape styles is that we can work quickly - obviously we don't want to individually assign a different mix to over 400 planting beds, it would take too long (to do, and also to change when the inevitable revisions come). However, we are finding that if you have a small landscape area (say 1m2), then there is not space in the landscape area for all the plants in the mix. As a result, the tag comes up with lots of zero's in it - but worse, we get a plant area that might have 15 plants in it but only one of each plant. It's not how we want the mixes to work._ {color} {color:#0747a6}_Therefore, our first workaround was to join landscape areas together. We found a way to do this using a polyline joining a series of polygons, combined into a surface, and then converted to a landscape area. It requires a little adjustment to get right, but essentially it means we can have several landscape areas joined with a line, with only one tag for all three._ {color} {color:#0747a6}_However, we're still wondering if we can be smarter? Could it be possible, for example, to set a minimum number of plants per style? Eg, we say Plant-A should be 5% of the mix, but there needs to be at least 5 of them in a landscape area._ {color} {color:#0747a6}_The spacing of all the plants is the same in each mix, so theoretically once the area of is known, the number of plants is known._ {color} {color:#0747a6}_Any thoughts? Complex issue we know!_{color} {color:#0747a6}_Thanks_{color} {color:#0747a6}_Shannon Bray_{color} {color:#0747a6}_Wayfinder_{color} {color:#0747a6}_shannon@wayfinder.nz_{color} {color:#0747a6}_www.wayfinder.nz_{color}
VE-99572	Plant Catalog: Plant Catalogs must have metric data	Tamsin Slatter	I'm exploring the Plant Catalog options in more detail as I will be teaching some student garden designers tomorrow. The questions they will ask me are: How can I change all the values to metric? There doesn't seem to be a way to do that. Please can we either have the conversion script that we had with Filemaker, or localised data that is metric. This will be good for many more countries than just the UK I am sure. Thanks!
VE-99917	Adding Landscape Areas does not combine the plants within.	Tamsin Slatter	If I draw two landscape areas that have the same mix of plants, I can use Modify > Add Surface to combine them. However, if I then draw another landscape area that contains a different mix of plants, and add it to the first, all appears to be just fine. But in fact, the plants from the new mix are lost. I can sort of understand why this is happening, in the Vectorworks will need to make decisions about percentages. But it is misleading in that this just happens silently, because the customer gets a false sense of success when the operation completes. Perhaps there should be a warning saying that plants not matching the original landscape area will be discarded? Or, even better, the Landscape Area Settings dialog is displayed and the user gets control over how the new plants should be incorporated into the existing area.
VE-99999	Hardscape: Edit Profile - be able to see other objects in Edit Profile view	Tamsin Slatter	I am so in love with the new aligned slab in the Hardscape tool, and cannot wait for roads to grow from this. I have been playing with the ability to edit the profile. It's great. In the attached file, you'll see an example of a stepped wall. The stepping is a typical way that the wall would be constructed, but when aligned, the hardscape also steps, which it probably would not do in the real world. Instead, we would want to control how it faces the wall. A profile is a perfect opportunity to do this, particularly as it gives us the existing profile to play with. But in this example, I would really love to be able to see the wall behind the profile, so that I can make sure my profile works with the geometry. I have turned on Show Other Objects while in Edit mode, but I still can't see the other stuff. I am guessing this is not a bug and just functionality that is not there, but it would be really nice if it was. I am sure the customers would find it useful.
VE-99730	Mixed Hedges, Plants, Landscape Area and Planting Schedule Requirements	Tamsin Slatter	I have been talking to one of our Landscape Architect customers today who is very frustrated by the planting tools in Vectorworks. He can almost get what he needs but because of the scripts used to get at the Landscape Area data, we are a little stuck. Here is his email, to put it into some context: "Historically our schedules looks like the image below. These we essentially populated through area calculations to determine numbers based on mix percentages and manually counted elements for things like standard trees etc. image.png (attached) Bulk planted areas like woodland & ornamental mixes I imagine will be covered by the landscape area tool. Individual/Avenue trees will be created with the Plant tool, Areas of grass with a simple hatched polygon. I'm not sure of the best way to achieve a hedge definition (i.e. a mixed native hedge may be best with landscape area, but this doesn't show the linear meter of planting). I need a schedule (report) that essentially encapsulates the above without duplication etc. It may be that I need a mixture of reports to talk to landscape areas, individual plants, basic polygons and whatever hedges would use. I can't believe we're the only landscape architects who have struggled with this. Are others doing something wildly different? Am I missing a trick completely? Hopefully that clarifies what I'm trying to achieve. Please shout if you need more information." So, two things: 1. The ability to create mixed hedges with a tool that behaves like the Plant tool 2. Reports that offer the flexibility to produce and customise the list he needs. As he points out, his requirements are not wildly different from the needs of other Landscape Architects. I would love to help nail down the requirements for improvements to planting, along with our new industry specialist for Landscape, who joins us in two weeks.
VE-99918	Landscape Area: Inconsistent with the rest of VW and needs to have true Object Style capabilities	Tamsin Slatter	Landscape Architects in the UK are really starting to explore the Landscape Area tool, which is great, but they are meeting some challenges to their workflow. It's great to have these more advanced users pushing the requirements of the tool, but also a risk to us, as there are competitor applications out there. But we can learn from them. The workflow is: The client creates a number of mixes and saves them using Save Landscape Area. This creates lovely resources on the Resource Manager, which they expect to behave like Wall Styles, Slab Styles etc. They then place hundreds of Landscape Areas (yes, it might be hundreds on a large site). After project discussions, a slight tweak is required to the chosen mix. The client goes to the Resource Manager and edits the saved Landscape Area. To their horror, they discover that these changes have not filtered through to the hundreds of Landscape Areas they have drawn. So, they then set about finding a way to select all of them, hoping to make the change on the Object Info palette. But NO, with multiple areas selected, the Landscape Area Settings dialog is greyed out. So, OK, surely with all these Landscape Areas selected, they can right-click on the saved Landscape Area on the Resource Manager, and click Apply. NO! There is no apply button. They can drag and drop, but this has to be done to each and every Landscape Area on the drawing. Is there a way we can have a true Landscape Area Style, that can be tweaked, that will update the drawing?
VE-101452	Export "flattened" panorama for Landscape Visual Impact Analysis	Tamsin Slatter	Landscape Architects in the UK are frequently required to perform Landscape Visual Impact Analyses. THere is a stringent set of technical requirements for these studies, as they will be used to support planning applications. The guidance document from the Landscape Institute is attached. We have many Landmark customers exploring using Vectorworks to complete these studies (instead of other applications such as LSS: [https://www.dtmsoftware.com/Visual-Impact] Part of the workflow requirement is to verify the accuracy of the settings in the Renderworks Camera, to match those in a physical camera used on site. Questions are documented here: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-176127 However, as the customer would normally shoot many images from a single tripod position, the customers would like an easy way to create an exported image that gives a 360º view from a single Renderworks Camera, but without the interactivity that comes from the Export Panorama command. So, the ability to export a cylindrical image, unwrapped into one long rectangle, so that's the subject of this enhancement request. Could this even be an option within the Export Panorama command? Something that is an option to run in the cloud? Please let me know if you have questions.
VE-99990	Vectorworks Cloud Services: Notification when file is downloaded	Tamsin Slatter	Hello lovely cloud people! I hope you are having a great day. I was just talking with a client and showing them all the great things that the cloud can do. I showed them that they could share files, but they explained that they prefer to use WeTransfer. I asked them why. They explained that it's because they get a notification when the recipient downloads the file. They also get a notification if the recipient did NOT download the file within the required expiry time. I can see that this is very useful information in both scenarios. Is this something we could implement? The notification could be a preference, and the user can decide if they would like notifications within the notification area on the cloud, or to receive an email. It might encourage greater use of the tool and encourage people to incorporate this more in their professional workflow.
VE-101461	Renderworks Camera: Correlation to real camera settings for Visual Impact Assessment	Tamsin Slatter	Hello Not really a bug as such... more a request for clarification on current settings, and then possibly an enhancement request... We are gaining more and more Landscape Architect customers using Landmark, and have great fans within their teams who are looking to push Landmark into different tasks. One task we are being asked about regularly is Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (commonly known as LVIA). This is effectively where the designers have to provide a very accurate photomontage of actual photographs taken on the original site, with the proposed development superimposed on top. The technical requirements for an LVIA are attached. It's a lengthy document, but the key requirements for this specific discussion can be found on P31 (Camera Settings) and P53 (Matching Photography and 3D Modelling). As you will see on page 53, there are precise definitions of the HFoV (does this mean horizontal?) as 39.6º with a 50mm lens focal length. However, in Vectorworks, with a Renderworks camera, if we set the Film size to 35mm, and then change the Field of View to 39.6, Vectorworks calculates the lens focal length to be 59mm instead of the desired 50mm. However, looking at this table, if we look at the 50mm row, and choose the Diagonal FoV value of 46.8 should equate to 50mm: [https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/fov-tables] In the attached file, you will see that the Renderworks camera is set to a Field of View is set to 46.03 which gives us a lens focal length of 50mm. However, the client needs to be confident that the values they enter into the Renderworks Camera accurately match the settings of the real world camera. We suggested that they use the diagonal FoV value from the table above, but this gives us a focal length of 49mm, not the required 50mm. In summary, our questions are: # Is the Renderworks Camera a suitable tool for this task? Can we rely on its settings matching real world camera? # Is our hunch correct that the Field of View value assumes it is the diagonal field of view when calculating the focal length? # If 2 is true, is there a bug in the calculation which is causing the discrepancy between the values on the Nikon table linked above? Or is the Nikon table incorrect?? Of course, the alternative option to explore for this workflow is lovely Cameramatch. However, the site in question is often a field with no obvious horizontals and verticals to which the Cameramatch object can be aligned. We would be very grateful for the answer to the questions, so we can determine: a) Should we be encouraging the use of Vectorworks in this workflow as it stands at the moment. b) Should we be creating enhancement requests if we can't support this confidently at the moment. The other part of this workflow is the requirement to be able to export a cylindrical panoramic image, to stitch all the views together... but I'll handle that request separately and link back to this. Here's a link to a discussion about this topic on the forum: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/67252-renderworks-camera-projection/&tab=comments#comment-333597] Many thanks for your help.
VE-100144	Existing Tree: Please can we have a TPO checkbox?	Tamsin Slatter	The Existing Tree tool is so nearly there for us. Katarina has a longer list of requirements coming your way, but here's one to get you started. Please may we have a checkbox or TPO (Tree Preservation Order), so that we can mark those trees that are so protected that nothing can be done to them? Trees that have a preservation order are recorded in the local council database. So, it would be very nice also to have a field into which we can paste the URL to link to the further information for that tree, although we don't think there is national database to which we can link. (Maybe ESRI has this data somewhere for people who pay for it?) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas
VE-99654	Plant Tool Requirement: Mixed Plant Species for Hedging	Tamsin Slatter	Hi team I have had the following requirement from a customer, and I think it is something we will definitely need to consider to meet the needs of Landscape Architects: "There is a ‘hedge’ setting in the ‘Plant’ Tool. We had hoped that this would allow us to specify multiple species of plants. It would be very useful if this could be developed to allow multiple species, and staggering of the hedge rows. Neither of the current workarounds provides a satisfactory and reliably calculated route to what Landscape Architects often need, which is a staggered double or triple row hedge of several species (e.g. a mixed native hedge) that is able to ‘turn corners’. Problems with the current workarounds (see attached screenshots): The ‘plant tool’ will not allow multiple species. Attempting to create a single species hedge in a ‘triangular array’ (staggered) with the plant tool does not work to display a hedge, it has to be done ‘along poly edges’ and then multiple rows displays as a grid, rather than allowing staggered rows. The ‘Landscape Area’ Tool, although it will allow plants to be organised by ‘Metres on Centre’, doesn’t show them as staggered rows, and you have to draw planting by working out the depth to draw a shape depending on spacing and row numbers, then check against 3D view to see how many rows you have. This is not easily edited as ‘3 rows based on a line’ would be. It is arranged as a grid rather than following a path, so that anything but a straight hedge is particularly challenging. Even on a small, simple scale, you can see in the attached screenshots that the calculated numbers are coming out at about 10% different for each of these workarounds. I will post this on the forum as well, in case the Vwx community has any further suggestions."
VE-99640	Plant Tool: Polygon Display. Please class the lines generated by polygon display	Tamsin Slatter	Please can we have a separate class for the Polygon Display option? Customers want to be able to control the graphic attributes and visibility of these lines within different viewports, and therefore a class is the obvious answer. Thanks in eager anticipation.
VE-99542	Plant Tool: Plant Data required for UK market	Tamsin Slatter	In the UK, we have a number of data sources that Landscape Architects and Garden Designers use on a regular basis. These are online data sources. The owners of the data are unlikely to give us the data, so we wouldn't be able to make it available within the internal Vectorworks online data. The data is offered on a subscription basis, so the users pay the data source directly, and have to login to gain access. The one used by Landscape Architects is already linked to Revit here in the UK. Our customers ask for a link to this data: https://www.csdhub.com/cs-artisan/ The owner of this data (Tim Calnan) is a member of the BIM for Landscape team at the Landscape Institute, along with Martyn Horne. Therefore, and introduction from Martyn would be the best starting point. The one used by Garden Designers is also an online subscription: https://www.shootgardening.co.uk/ The owner of this data is Nicola Gammon. We already have a very old version of her database in the VSS libraries. But it contains a Plant ID only, and relies on the customer exporting a worksheet from Vectorworks, loading it into Shoot and matching the data. This is not a modern solution. Most don't use it as the setup is too complicated. So, my ideal solution would be some kind of system like the Autoturn link, where the user would login, select a record, and pull the data back into Vectorworks and it would be added to a Plant Record. This would require the Plant Record to include fields for the National Plant Specification (I need to create the VE for that). Ideally, there would be a nice, user-friendly dialog to allow the user/CAD manager to define which fields should be included on the Plant Record and Object Info palette.
VE-99543	Plant Data: Flexibility required for users to select which fields map to the Plant Record	Tamsin Slatter	We need a user/cad manager-friendly way for customers to select which fields from their plant data source should map to the Plant Record. Currently, the Filemaker database has the NPS (National Plant Specification) fields. However, once the customer has selected a plant record to attach to their Plant Style, these fields are not included within the Plant Record. It is possible to edit the XML files to determine which fields will map, but this is not a user friendly option. If the customer is using the new Plant Catalogs (text files) instead of the Filemaker database, the catalogs do not have NPS fields. Please can we have a nice dialog box where the user can choose which field are included in either the Plant Catalog (or Filemaker Database) and which fields are mapped to the Plant Record. This needs to be easy. But it also needs to be under a Landmark > Admin menu so that it's not something the user would access every day. Or maybe a new Vectorworks Landmark Preferences (a little like the Spotlight Preferences option)? Distributors could determine what the local requirements should be as a defaults, but the individual users should be able to override this. It's critical for users participating in BIM for Landscape projects that users are able to bring this data into the Plant Record and for this data to be included in IFC exports.
VE-99641	Plant Tool Preferences: Advanced Settings has no obvious reverse	Tamsin Slatter	In the Plant Tool Preferences dialog, the default is now to show the Simple Plant Settings, with a button at the bottom-left, labelled Advanced Settings. However, once the user has clicked the Advanced Settings, there is no obvious way back for them. They have to click Options on the menu and then uncheck a box. They then click OK and find themselves back on the drawing area, and start scratching their heads in puzzlement. It would be so much more user friendly if after clicking Advanced Settings, there was a Return to Basic Settings button, which just restored the original dialog. Please. Thanks.
VE-99850	Plant Tool Hedge Mode: Please can the hedge rows have an option to be offset?	Tamsin Slatter	The Plant tool currently offers the ability to generate additional Hedge Rows for Hedging or Edging. However, usually, a multi-row hedge has the rows staggered, or offset by half the linear spacing method. Of course, this will still only plant a single species, and ideally customers would like to be able to include a mix of species. However, if we can't get the mix, this would be a great starting point. Please see the forum post below from one of our new beta testers, who is also a UK Landscape Architect customer: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64275-hedges-double-staggered/&tab=comments#comment-319915
VE-100265	GIS Stake Tool: Ability to place by Easting and Northing Coordinates	Tamsin Slatter	If using a standard X,Y non-georeferenced file, if you place a Stake in the drawing, it is possible to use the X and Y fields on the Object Info palette to move the stake to a specific set of coordinates on the drawing. However, if you have a georeferenced drawing, and place a GIS stake, this is not possible. X and Y are tied to the non-georeferenced coordinates (which are therefore irrelevant). The Set Geolocation button gives access to Longitude and Latitude fields. However, the client may be using Easting and Northing in meters instead. It would be very useful if they could specify the location of the stake in Set Geolocation button. But it might also be useful to have this in the Modify > Move > Move Geographic command too. Here is the post on the forum where this is being discussed: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66659-gis-stake/&tab=comments#comment-331022] Thanks!
VE-100503	Texture Beds: Please can they have the ability to map the direction and scale of the texture?	Tamsin Slatter	Texture beds are very useful modifiers, particularly at concept stage. However, it's not possible to map the direction of the texture bed, even if it's built into a Hardscape. It would be great to have this ability. Here's a request from the forum too: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68916-orientation-of-texture-beds/]
VE-100150	Data Visualization: Auto Color suggestion	Tamsin Slatter	The Auto Color feature of Data Visualization is fabulous. I showed it to a customer today. Their immediate response was to ask if it was possible to have a grayscale option, or to be able to pick a range of colors between two selected colours. This would be a great idea and would retain the huge ease of use, while adding great flexibility to the solution.
VE-100145	Modify by Record: Same Criteria Options as Data Visualization	Tamsin Slatter	Firstly, I always feel guilty asking for more stuff, especially when such an amazing release has just come out... But here goes: I was just playing with Modify By Record, which I love. But it occurred to me that it would really nice if this now had the same criteria settings as Data Visualization. Thanks, developers of awesomeness.
VE-100318	UI: Unhappy with new icons and suggestion for frequently used tools	Tamsin Slatter	Hi I am providing feedback from one of our customers, who doesn't like the new icons. Personally, I do like them, but he is adamant that they are not nice. I promised I would feed back, so here it is! But he also suggested that it might be nice if any new interface had an option to reorder the tools based on those you use most frequently. I have no idea how popular this would be, but again, I promised him I would feed in the suggestion, so here it is. All the best, as ever
VE-100226	Site Model Mesh Solid: Displays Hollow in Clip Cube and Clip Cube Viewport	Tamsin Slatter	Please see the attached file. The Site Model displays hollow when sectioned with a clip cube. It would be nice to have the option to mask this in the same way that other objects can in a clip cube view or viewport. This has been raised by a customer on the forum: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66347-landmark-and-site-modeling/&tab=comments#comment-329533]
VE-100016	Vectorworks Cloud Services: Ability to pause sync	Tamsin Slatter	Hello I have just got into the car after doing some demos with a customer. I am using my laptop, tethered to my mobile phone data. Vectorworks Cloud Services has just started uploading my files. I want to pause the syncing of files so that it doesn't use up all my data. And I find I can't. I know I can shut down the app. I also know that I can change the file sync to Manual. But it would be really nice if I could click the icon and choose Pause file sync, so that I can resume it when reconnected to a less expensive network.
VE-99920	History palette	Tamsin Slatter	Hello all I am sure this is not the first time this has been requested, but a customer has just discussed this with me and explained how useful they would find it. Particularly as they have it in AutoCAD. Essentially, they would like a palette that shows a history of operations, so that if they walk away, get a coffee, take a phone call etc, when they come back to VW, they know where they have got to in their workflow. They would like to be able to click on the list of edits in the history, and undo back to that point. The user log doesn't really cut it.
VE-99735	Site Model Snapshot: Please include the Include Modifiers on Custom Layers setting	Tamsin Slatter	Hello I have been playing with a complex site model sent to me by a customer today. He has a number of different modifier options that he wants to work with, and show in different viewports. He has ended up creating many site models in the same file, in order to show viewports with different options. It occurred to me that as we have Site Model Snapshots, this would be an excellent way to stick with a single site model. However, the snapshots don't remember the layer choice for site modifiers. So, my suggestion is that they should. That way, a customer could create a snapshot that has certain graphic elements, but ALSO looks at site modifiers on a specific set of layers. Then, another snapshot could look at site modifiers on a different set of layers. This would be very cool.
VE-99336	Make Hardscape Areas Slope Aware	Tamsin Slatter	Now that we have the ability for Hardscapes to slope, and that is going to get so much better, we need them to report "slope aware" areas. See the attached file. Both hardscapes were drawn as 5m squares, so 25m2 in projected plan view. However, the hardscape on the right slopes significantly, so it's surface area would be greater. A hardscape report, however, shows both having an area of 25 m2. I appreciate that if I add a site modifier to the hardscape, I can report on the surface area of this site modifier, compared to the projected area. However, that doesn't help with the hardscape report, which could provide very misleading information.
VE-102035	Class for door and window headers	Takayuki Kibe	We want you to uniqueize the default class for headers that can be set on "2D Visualization" of doors and windows objects. Currently, the door and window headers have the "Ceiling-Main" class set by default. For example, this class should be used when creating ceilings with slab tools, and customers want different uses. Therefore, we want unique classes such as "Door-headers" to be set by default. Similarly, we would like the door overhead class to default to a unique class such as "Door-Overhead". (Currently this is set to "Ceiling-Overhead" by default) Thanks!
VE-101370	Please include the description of on-board graphics corresponding to System Requirements	Takayuki Kibe	In order not to discourage customers from buying, we want System Requirements to include a supported on-board graphics statement. As remote work accelerates, customers want to know that Vectorworks works on relatively high-performance onboard GPUs such as the Intel Iris Plus Graphics and Radeon RX Vega series on portable laptops. Related: VB-175538
VE-99583	Request_Strict adherence to β schedule	Takayuki Kibe	If you skip 1 build of the beta program, the time for our work will also be reduced by two weeks, so don't skip beta. In addition, please notify in the forum if it is delayed. tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020 Takayuki kibe A&A
VE-99582	Request_Improvement of development milestone: early distribution of α version and improvement of β version quality(Mid- and long-term requests)	Takayuki Kibe	We need to equalize the tasks of "time of localization of programs and documents" and "time of program verification". Therefore, the ideal schedule for the distributed items, such as the VW program, is as follows: · The α version should be provided in the beginning of a year, and β cycle should be devoted for bug FIX · We would like to have the documents before the start of β cycle (VW Help) The work of Vectorworks for the Japanese market has been condensed in months, making it difficult to work within the time frame. Testing is particularly difficult to schedule, as the functionality increases with each version upgrade. Also, we are required by our customers to supply high quality products. In order for us to meet the user's wishes, we need a sufficient confirmation period and sufficient information for confirmation. Relation: VE-98761 tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020 Takayuki Kibe A&A
VE-99601	Request_Enhancement of check around new features	Takayuki Kibe	In VW2019, nearly 60% of the bugs we found and reported up to SP3 are focused on new features and enhanced existing functions. Please do a thorough check on new features, including related existing features. If the product's selling points dose not work, it will be difficult to appeal to the market. tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020 Takayuki Kibe A&A
VE-99609	Request_Please tell us the unimplemented features for each beta version build.	Takaaki Mizuno	When testing with the beta version, we are testing without knowing how much the feature is implemented. Therefore, settings may not work or script errors may occur. Please tell us about the unimplemented features for each build so that we do not spend time on our wasted tests, bug reports and your bug checks. For example, it is easy to understand when an alert such as "... is not implemented yet" is displayed when activating the menu. Examples that have actually been so far: - "Import Adjacency Matrix" often causes script errors in the beta version, and we report Bugs each time. - The new feature "Import MVR" / "Export MVR", the configuration options did not work at all. tag: Work efficiency improvement request for 2020 Best regards, Takaaki Mizuno A&A
VE-105006	Multi-line help texts displayed at the tool bar	Sylwia Bylica	We've received the feedback that long help texts for modes displayed in one line are difficult to read. Would it be possible to set their display as multi-line text boxes with text wrapping, as in the tool hints? !image-2023-09-14-13-07-34-141.png\|thumbnail!
VE-104901	Spotlight Settings menu command	Sylwia Bylica	Hi! I've noticed that the Spotlight Settings command is a bit inaccurate, as it contains also Braceworks and Cable Preferences (apart from Bridles and Spotlight). What about calling it: Entertainment Settings, also to make the difference between Spotlight Settings and Spotlight Preferences submenu more evident? We do have an Entertainment menu, so I think that such a commando would be in line with it: !image-2023-08-21-11-57-46-399.png\|thumbnail!
VE-104581	.vwstrings file names and other metadata should be finalized at an earlier stage - impact on the localization (Cabinets)	Sylwia Bylica	Hi! It seems that the content of the Cabinets plug-in devided into three separate files up to Beta2 of Vectorworks 2024: - WallCabinetDlg.vwstrings - TallCabinetDlg.vwstrings - BaseCabinetDlg.vwstrings has been merged into one file: Cabinets_Dialog.vwstrings in Beta3 of Vectorworks 2024. This is just to let you know that such changes of the metadata attached to the strings have huge impact on the localization process. Each change in the metadata and/or the source text flags an affected string as New or Modified and requires manual work from translators. Even if only the metadata has changed. Similar changes resulted in more than 800 strings marked as Modified/Updatedin Beta3. Obviously, also some new strings might have been added, that's why the localization team has to verify each string one by one to avoid mistakes. Hence my request for the future, would it be possible to define the metadata (such as the plug-in and file name as well string identifiers) at the very beginning of the process to avoid such changes at a later stage? It would really allow us to focus on the substantial translator work, which will result in the better product quality. I would be really grateful for taking this into consideration in your process.
VE-104438	Changing the behaviour of Vectorworks in case of a missing module	Sylwia Bylica	Current situation: If the user does not have the module serial number, those tools will be shown, but display the following messages if the tool or menu is accessed. This is the design in Vectorworks. !image-2023-06-01-10-20-22-434.png\|thumbnail! !image-2023-06-01-10-23-01-012.png\|thumbnail! Change request: It would be visually more evident, if those tools/command will be shown, but greyed out. It will prevent users from clicking them. Right now, they can find out that they don't have access to them only after clicking them. It would save users two steps: clicking a tool/command, closing an alert by clicking an OK button.
VE-104402	Settings of roof components: 'Clipped by walls' is confusing	Sylwia Bylica	Hi, In the roof component settings, in the Edge condition > Wall Associated > Modification, there are three drop-down options available: - None - Clipped by Walls - Clip Walls Problem: "Clipped by Walls" option name for editing roof components is confusing. Users often choose the wrong option because of this. Possible solution: "Clip roof" would be more straightforward when seen next to the other options in the drop-down: "Clip Walls" and "None". This option will modify the roof instead of walls, so it will be more self-explanatory. See: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/Roofs/Creating%20roof_components.htm?rhsearch=roof%20components&rhhlterm=roof%20roofs%20components%20component The help text in the manual would perfectly correspond with the suggested solution: - Clip Walls - Clip Roof !image-2023-05-16-12-01-59-998.png\|thumbnail! Modification: Determines whether the roof component clips the wall, or if the wall clips the roof component Steps to reproduce: 1. Create a roof 2. Select the roof and click the Component buttons in the OIP. 3. Click the New button to define settings of a new roof component. !image-2023-05-16-11-56-56-960.png\|thumbnail! !image-2023-05-16-11-55-20-153.png\|thumbnail!
VE-104392	Unique help identifiers in the ArchitecturalObjects plug-in	Sylwia Bylica	Hi! Would it be possible to use meaningful help identifiers in the following plug-in: ArchitecturalObjects? +For example in the following files:+ - ArchitecturalObjects > 14000 DoorSettingsDlg.vwstrings - ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings If each string had its unique help identifier instead of a number, adding new parameters to this file wouldn't change the existing strings anymore. We use a translation database for translation, where any strings, whose either help ID or source text has changed, are marked as New. In fact, it gives false new results, because very often those strings have been translated, but since they use numbers as help identifiers, their help ID has changed and they are treated as New. Assigning meaningful help identifiers would save distributors a lot of work, because we could focus only on real new parameters instead of filling out existing translations. As a good example, you can take a look at the helpIDs e.g. in the GridAxis. I'm also more than willing to share our own meta data guidelines for developers. +Example:+ It is: ArchitecturalObjects >14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > 28> Window Shape: ArchitecturalObjects > 14551 Window_params.vwstrings > 301 > Window Shape ArchitecturalObjects >14555 Window_OIPparams.vwstrings > 107 > Window Shape It could be: - ArchitecturalObjects >14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape > Window Shape: - ArchitecturalObjects > 14551 Window_params.vwstrings > Parameters_WindowShape > Window Shape - ArchitecturalObjects >14555 Window_OIPparams.vwstrings > Parameters_OIP_WindowShape > Window Shape Meaningful help identifiers would also help us to locate any corresponding help texts to a given parameter. +Example:+ It is: - ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > * 943* > Choose a shape for the window. - ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > 944 > Choose a shape for the window. It could be: - ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape_help > Choose a shape for the window. - ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape_help ??? > Choose a shape for the window. The last example shows very well, that without such a meaningful help ID, we can't really know for sure which string it belongs to. By adding the param location: Dialog name + Pane/Tab name (Dialog_Settings_General), it helps us to identify records correctly. !image-2023-05-16-12-40-05-871.png\|thumbnail! I'd consider improving this in Vectorworks 2024 SP4 or Vectorworks 2025.
VE-104159	Close option for the Mosa import could be clarified	Sylwia Bylica	Would it be possible to change the help text as follows: Close the dialog box after the pattern downloads → Close the generator window after downloading the pattern. OR Close import web browser dialog after downloading the pattern. When a user click OK, the whole import web browser will be closed and he/she will return to his/her Vectorworks drawing. I guess it's important to emphasise that clicking OK will make you leave this external generator window. A dialog box suggests that this dialog will be closed, but it will be whole generator window. Option and help text should be unified: !image-2023-03-17-14-30-18-139.png\|thumbnail! Relevant strings: MOSAImport > DlgImportOptions.vwstrings > kAutoCloseChk > Close* the dialog box* after the pattern downloads MOSAImport > DlgImportOptions.vwstrings > kAutoCloseChk_help > Uncheck this option to keep the import web browser dialog open for another import. Impact on: Import Mosa pattern command
VE-100786	Formula syntax in Worksheets (Manual)	Sylwia Bylica	Hello, The following formula syntax is not working properly: =SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement', ';', 2) The proper syntax would be with semicolons instead of commas: =SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement'; ';'; 2) Chapter from the Manual: Worksheets.fm "Substring(text/function, delimiter, index) Splits a single string into an array of strings using a delimiter, and outputs each string at the specified index. Example: =SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement', ';', 2) returns “bedroom,” which is the second substring in the specified string"
VE-103309	3D Polys to 3D loci command - localization issue	Sylwia Bylica	Hi, Would it be possible to redesign this dialog, so that the help text is merged in one string? Right now it's chunked, which makes it difficult to localize it properly. It looks pretty unusual like this and it's difficult to guess how to split it in each language, as they differ in length. VW2023 SP0: 3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4004 This command will create a 3D locus at each vertex of each 3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4005 {{ES}}selected 3D polygon in the active layer. VW2022 SP4: 3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4004 This command will create a 3D locus 3D Polys to 3D > Loci 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4005 at each vertex of each selected 3D polygon in the 3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4006 active layer. !image-2022-08-01-13-11-57-362.png\|thumbnail!
VE-101657	Help for the Export Revit command should be more precise	Sylwia Bylica	It's been reported to me that the existing help section available for exporting to Revit is very limited. As we try to keep our localized versions of the help online aligned to the English one, maybe it would be advisable to enhance the source text instead of creating our own version. Below you can find more feedback I've got: "There are a few things you need to take into account before exporting, which is not mentioned in the help text (https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FExport%2FExporting_3D_geometry_to_Revit.htm&rhsearch=revit&rhhlterm=revit&rhsyns=%20). For example: If you want to export the 3D geometry , your active view needs to display all the objects you want to export. If just the active layer is visible, it will be the active layer only which exports. Maybe there are more things I didn't discover yet."
VE-102729	Enhancing search options in the Resource Manager (general wish)	Sylwia Bylica	Hi, would it be possible to facilitate search options in the Resource Manager, so that the rules are less restricted? Those rules are explained in the [Help Online\|ttps://app-help.vectorworks.net/2019/eng/VW2019_Guide/ResourceManager/Searching_for_a_Resource.htm], but it requires from the support team to teach customers how to use them. It would be much more appreciated if you don't have to use a wildcard to get desired results. Desired scenario: For example, if you type "chair", you should get both "chairs" and "armchairs", basically each resource that contains the "chair" word in its resource name. Right now, to see "armchairs", you'd have to type "*chair" and not every client would know that.
VE-102413	Display of help texts in dialog boxes	Sylwia Bylica	When you hover over a parameter name, no help text displays. When you hover over a drop-down menu, it does. It would be nice to have help texts displayed, no matter if you hover over a parameter name or a drop-down menu. It seems to be a general Vectorworks behaviour overal in the software. Please see my examples. Help texts for the parameters illustrated in my screenshots do exist.
VE-101960	The Tabbed Document command in the palette's conext menu is always grayed out	Sylwia Bylica	Hi [~pblanco], As we discussed it on Slack, apart from the fact that the Tabbed Document command is not included in the BCG DLL of a few languages, we didn't manage to active this command either. We wonder if it would be better to remove it or at least find out how to activate it.
VE-101725	Automatic Numbering Preferences: issue with a prefix/suffix	Sylwia Bylica	Hi, there are two confusing issues in this regard. First of all, in the Automatic Numbering Preferences dialog there are a few options, which are incorrect from a linguistic point of view: * Prepend target distributor ID to prefix: * Prepend source distributor name to prefix: * Append brakout ouput ID fo suffix: * Prepend the system name to the prefix: (the same syntax is also present in Braceworks) The original version is really not logical: in general a "prefix" is always first (by nature), so if a prefix is preceded by other elements is not a prefix any more, like this: distributor's name + prefix. Secondly, "Prepend source distributor name to prefix:" should be rather changed into "Prepend source distributor ID to prefix:", analogically to the "Prepend target distributor ID to prefix:". Extra context: CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix_2 CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverrideSuffix BraceWorxsVwxPlg > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix
VE-101724	Edit Brick Shader dialog	Sylwia Bylica	Color pane in the Edit Brick Shader seems to be confusing. This naming doesn't really make sense, since the only thing this pane does is allowing you to change the scale of the bricks, and nothing else. Does it work as designed? Moreover, help section about this pane skipps the "Color" pane: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2020/eng/VW2020_Guide/Textures/Renderworks_shader_parameters.htm
VE-104821	Seating layout issues	Stuart Allyn	I have an almost impossible time trying to use constraints to set up a seating layout exactly the way I want it. I really wish there were choices to start seats exactly at the boundary edge, and to maximize within the boundary without going past it, but right up to it. I design theatres and after the architects get done the seating areas areas are perfectly defined, and I want to set up my seats exactly within that space. the seating layout tool is very hard to use for that. Also just trying to constrain the layout (as you can see in my video) does not work well, same for the focus point. AND after a focus point has been created, and then I want to alter the layout a bit, I need a way to Lock the previous focus, so that seats don't shift angles if I chop off the end of the layout or remove a couple of sets to create a handicap space , etc.
VE-103260	New Drawing Label tool missing many parameters	Stuart Allyn	The old drawing label tool had all the font adjustments. It was great. The new one has none and I cannot find a way to get this to display the way I want. I tried editing in the Resource manager but that was not good. It only had the same as the OIP. I want specific fonts and specific sizes of those fonts in different parts of a Drawing Label.
VE-102711	VW Org Palette column widths should be saved with the file	Stuart Allyn	So, I use a 32" Monitor, so I can have palettes open as big as possible to see everything at a glance. i want the layout and column widths remembered with each file so that I do not have to re-adjust that every time I open the same file. 2 screen shots attached 1 is how it opens every time I open the file and the other is how I want it, every time I open the file. I wish there was a preference that was something like "always maximize palette columns to fit contents"
VE-105075	Show tags in Org Palette	Stuart Allyn	I have a set of classes I need to duplicate onto 220 different saved views, I have tagged these classes, but cannot use that tag in the org visibilities palette to set that up easily. What good are the tags if we can't use them in other parts of the Org palette?
VE-105157	Data Tag dialogs	Stuart Allyn	Please combine the tiny dialogs with the big ones to make just one all inclusive dialog for editing Data Tag Data. See movie attached. Also renumbering should be an easier option to get to, it is buried and difficult to get to and then i could not make it work unless I selected the first item in the sequence.
VE-100880	Dimension standard to include Unit choices	Stuart Allyn	It would be really great if the dimension standards allowed for changing units. I work in Feet/inches generally, but certain things I draw and specify need to be in inches only. I'd like to make a dimension standard that was "inches" along with the various spacing stuff that already exists. And then a second one that is the exact same but Feet/inches. that would be really helpful. I don't want "dual dimensions" just the option to have some dimensions one way, while the rest are the other way.
VE-105093	Spell Check options	Stuart Allyn	Can we have more spell check options, like ignore words that start with numerals. And check selected items only. If I am working on one worksheet an I just want to check it, I don' want ot have to go thru the 100 worksheets I have in the file.
VE-105073	Allow the use to rearrange the order of the view bar	Stuart Allyn	I would really like to change the order of the view bar to suite my personal idea of how I want it. Can this happen?
VE-105074	Use target document's class visibilities	Stuart Allyn	Please add the ability to use the target documents visibilities both layers and classes. Example I have a document imported from ACAD. Hundreds of layers and classes. I have worked it to get the exact bit that I want, with exactly showing hat I want, I want to reference that into my working doc, but there is no i=option to use the visibilites I have set up int he target.
VE-105018	Add white borders and Use Colored text for open documents	Stuart Allyn	When using DARK mode, the lack of distinction between adjacent items is really annoying. When not in dark mode, everything has a black line or border separating it for its neighbor, but in DARK mode, that line is not now white (which I believe it should be) but instead is dark grey, which is extremely difficult to see. Equally difficult to see is the text of not active document, also dark grey and extremely hard to read. Why can't the inactive documents text be a color? and not dark grey? In the attached screen shot I have 2 open documents, with very similar names, the non active one is very hard to see or read.
VE-104860	DWG Export - please sort saved views by name by default	Stuart Allyn	The default sorting of saved view names is extremely haphazard and makes no sense. Please sort by name as default and when switching tabs (general, classes, etc) Please retain the sort order of saved view when returning tot he general tab.
VE-104980	Please add thin white borders to Black Dialogs in Dark mode	Stuart Allyn	Once Again I Implore you to do this. In white mode, each dialog or palette has a thin black border so you can easily see where it starts or ends, in Black mode the reverse is NOT THERE so you cannot see where t items that have overlapping bits are and consequently it is so easy to just grab the wrong one. Look at he attached screen shot, you cannot see where the top of the worksheet ends and the Nav palette begins.
VE-104969	Please make the thin grey lines white or yellow or light blue	Stuart Allyn	the extremely thin dark grey lines that delineate the columns in the various dialogs are so close to black that in dark mode they are really hard to see. I have complained about this in the toolbar and view bar and in the tab bar that has the titles of open documents (including their text) PLEASE use some color!! Making them some very light color i.e. yellow, pink, cyan, whatever would easily distinguish them from everything else, be easy to see and not let them be confused with other stuff.
VE-104967	Please let me change the order of the multiple/floating viewpane stuff in the menu	Stuart Allyn	I don't understand why these seem to be hard grouped together. I really want the "create floating viewpane" away from the rest and up higher as I use that the most
VE-104814	Add Replace to doors and windows	Stuart Allyn	So, I had to draw an existing room in a hurry on site. it was fastest to put doors in for all the wall openings, now I want to replace many of them with windows. there is no easy way. There should be.
VE-104703	Don't truncate when you have room	Stuart Allyn	I have a 34" monitor, I use the entire screen for VW. It is a 4K monitor, so there is plenty of real estate. I pone a handful of drawings, and way too many have their names truncated, needlessly. I have TONS of space for the names to be shown in full. Please change this, I understand if you run out of room, then sure, but also can you truncate SMART? truncate the .vwx (since it must be there and we know it is) but try to preserve as much of the file name and version number as possible. BUT if there is room, then please USE it.
VE-104707	Please make Bright, clear differentiators between bits of UI in Menus and Tool palettes	Stuart Allyn	Look at the attached, it is impossible to see where the tool sets selectors begin and the actual tools end. PLEASE make a bright RED line between them or some other very obvious differentiator. This also applies to any other place where black background objects touch each other. When it was white background ther were black lines that amade this easy, but dark mode has destroyed that.
VE-104702	Interactive scaling needs another mode	Stuart Allyn	Interactive scaling is handy but is missing a mode. I need an asymmetrical mode where in a bunch of lines can all be extended in one direction only leaving the other ends alone.
VE-104484	Please add thin white borders to Black Dialogs in Dark mode	Stuart Allyn	In light mode, all dialog boxes have a thin black border so you can easily see the outline of the dialog, making it easy to move etc, same for worksheets and everything else. In Dark Mode the "reverse" a white border" is not there, making these dialogs very hard to see where to grab the top to move them around.
VE-104485	Drawing Tab Names in color	Stuart Allyn	Can the drawing tab names be in color and not GRAY? they are really hard to see.
VE-104486	Allow worksheets to be visible when other apps have focus	Stuart Allyn	So I have an open VW file with a worksheet Open as well. Now I switch to another application and I cannot see the worksheet anymore. Please let that stay visible.
VE-104420	2024 UI issue, Once Again I beg for the object name at the TOP of the Object info palette	Stuart Allyn	I keep my OI palette open very long top of screen (almost) to bottom. I really want the very top field of that to be the NAME of the object I just selected, followed by layer, class and all the rest. It makes no sense to me to have everything else at the top except the name, and especially when the rest of the palette is 1/2 empty between. Also the OIP seems to have a mind o its own as far as its width goes. I really want it to stay the way I put it.
VE-104344	Right Hand View Bar icons need to be bigger and easier to distinguish	Stuart Allyn	So, While much of this new UI is interesting and when set to large, now readable on a 4K display, the right hand group of view bar icons is really still too small and too hard to distinguish one from the other.
VE-104105	Please allow user location of snaps palette-I HATE where it is.	Stuart Allyn	I hate where the snaps palette is So Much. PLEASE let me locate it where I want it!
VE-103504	Let me put the Snap Palette where I want it and let me make it bigger	Stuart Allyn	I have a 34" 4K monitor to work on. I love it, Except for the resulting miniature text sizes in some apps, in some pallets and VW forcing me to put the Snaps ASOLUTELY NO WHERE NEAR WHERE I WANT THEM. Please make this palette moveable, and re-sizeable. Look at how I have my screen arranged. All my tools are on the left, including the OIP. I have had this this way since MiniCad days. It works great for me. The entire Middle and right hand is all my drawing page. Easy to see, easy to to the left for all tools and object info. I used to have the snaps neatly attached to the bottom of the Attributes in 2 rows, worked great. Now I have to go to the opposite end of the earth to get to the snaps where I have no other reason to ever be over there. It is grossly inefficient, totally annoying, and a real nuisance. Please let me put this where I want it!
VE-103252	Make Snap palette detachable, dockable and re-sizeable	Stuart Allyn	On a 4K monitor the snap palette is so minuscule that it is nearly impossible to select. AND I put all my tools on the left not the right. So I want the snaps there where I always had them before. Please let this palette conform to all the others, re-size, dock, move to use pref. location.
VE-103238	Automatic update of referenced files	Stuart Allyn	When opening a previous version document, often a dialog appears stating that the referenced files are in a previous version and cannot be included. it would be outstanding if there was an option right there to update these files, add them in and save them in a new folder. possibly a locate function would be needed as well if they cannot be easily found, but to automate this process would really be nice.
VE-103206	Let the plug in manager work without a document open	Stuart Allyn	Why should i need a document to be open in order to install plug-ins? I'm going to have to re-start Vw anyway. why can't this work without anything open?
VE-102879	Menu Title Bars need contrasting outline and close box peerhaps Yellow	Stuart Allyn	Using Dark Mode, and dark menu bars, the boarders of the various dialogs and windows all suffer from lack of definition. It is exceedingly hard to see where the title bar is to either grab it to move it or to find the tiny little "x" to close it. ESPECIALLY on a 4K or 5K monitor at full resolution. So, I propose that a 1 or 2 pixel outline be added to all dialogs and windows in a contrasting color to the background of the title bar itself. My preference would be yellow as that is so easy to see and unlike everything else, so it would be very easy to find, I also propose that the close box "X" be yellow as well, or red.
VE-102738	Resource Browser, Please allow for moving of New resource and New folder to TOP of Resource browser	Stuart Allyn	Resource Browser, Please allow for moving of New resource and New folder to TOP of Resource browser where every other command for resources is located. I work on a BIG screen, I open the RB BIG, top to bottom, All the buttons etc for RB work are at the top except these 2, I have to mouse all the way down to the bottom and remember that they are even there. Please allow a User pref to put these at the top. And maybe allow for bigger text while we are at it.
VE-102676	a bunch of selected walls won't just move with cursor.	Stuart Allyn	So, if I have a bunch of squares or other objects and I select them all, without grouping them I can drag them to another place on the drawings without re-sizing them. BUT I cannot do this with walls. If I have a bunch of walls and I select them all, even though the cursor changes to the move cursor, only 1 wall moves and it changes while being moved. No matter what I do, if I group them, then they will move and then i can ungroup them, but this seems extremely inconsistent and not desired. I can get the same "reshaping" extension of the wall by selecting it alone.
VE-102611	Offset Tool needs another mode	Stuart Allyn	I believe the offset tool used to have the option of resizing objects or not. If I am imagining this then this needs to be added. If I am remembering correctly this needs to be brought back. Suppose I have a group of circles, arranged in a semicircle. Now I ant to duplicate and offset the duplicates by a few feet to make a second row. I do not want the circles to be bigger, I do want the semicircle to be bigger. This I do believe used tow ork and no longer does.
VE-102483	I hate the "Utility Bar" I want the Snaps back where they were or where I want to put them.	Stuart Allyn	On a 4K monitor they are so tiny they are impossible to see, let alone select. I cannot tell you how much I HATE what has happened here. This is not user interface it is User interference. PLEASE, make this optional. Give us way to tear this off and put it where we want it. ALSO FYI the term "utilty bar" is shown in the diagram showing the UI, but it is not in the tble of contents or searchable anywhere.
VE-102400	Allow User to m ove the snapping paleete to the left or to detach it.	Stuart Allyn	I cannot stress how much I hate where the snap palette ended up. I hate it so much. I keep all my tools on the left, I have only the drrawing on the right. I use a 34" 4K monitor, and this is agony now. Every time I go to the snaps I have to mouse all the way across the screen and the dock pops up, it is simply awful for me where it is. PLEASE, let the user move it elsewhere.
VE-100769	Rendering change, to allow all visible layers to be seen	Stuart Allyn	If I have 4 Layers, stacked as 1,2,3,4 and Layer 2 I want to render as Open GL or renderworks or anything other than hidden line, Why do the lower layers (in this case 3 and 4) have to become invisible?
VE-101104	visibility tool issues	Stuart Allyn	Why is the visibility tool "penetrating" layers? I have 5 layers with information visible and stacked. I want to change some visibilities on the active layer I am working on, Not the top layer. Why is this happening? Shouldn't the visibility tool be limited to the active layer especially when in show layers is the setting, not show and modify others.
VE-101108	Menu Bars need White Edges	Stuart Allyn	In dark mode, the Dark Menubars have no distinctions at their edges, which makes grabbing them very difficult if you have them touching or overlapping each other. A slim white edge on them ALL would be extremely helpful. Note that in Classic (non dark) mode, the menu bars have a dark edge for this very purpose. See 2 screen shots, identical except for dark mode, classic mode
VE-101110	Update Thumbnail for RB	Stuart Allyn	I wish there was a contextual and menu item to update a thumbnail and let me set exactly what is shown in a bounding box.
VE-101109	Component Edit Menu Bar postion forgets where it is	Stuart Allyn	I really wish the component edit menu would stay where I put it, instead every time I start to use it, it cover over my OIP, so I have to move it.
VE-101102	text sizes in menues etc on 4K screen is crazy small	Stuart Allyn	So, I have a 4K screen and the text sizes in all the palettes is just unbelievably small. I really wish there was a user preference to change this. just a point or 2 bigger would make a world of difference.
VE-101054	Broken Reference dialog at file open, needs more info	Stuart Allyn	When I open a file that has other files referenced to it, and for whatever reason VW has lost the location of the file, and asks for the user to locate the file, it is imperative that the dialog with the missing referenced file's Name stay on the screen! I I have thousands of files with dozens of referenced files with similar names. I cannot remember the specific name as I search around for it so I have to cancel and then do it again once the main drawing is open. From the Nav Palette, when editing a refference, that dialog stays so you can see the name, Please make the one when a drawing open have the same behavior, so this information is visible.
VE-100740	DWG Export of Saved views to include references and layers of different scales.	Stuart Allyn	So, I have saved views consisting of multiple design layers at various scales and some have references to other other files. When I export PDF I get exactly what I see on my screen within my page border. I want to export that Exact same thing to DWG. Right now to do that I have to create duplicate layers of things that were at different scales then change the layer scales to match then scale all the objects to match the new layer scale, then create a viewport of it all, then finally I can export to dwg. That seems like a crazy amount of extra work.
VE-100736	DWG Export option to confine to page borders	Stuart Allyn	I would like the option when doing a DWG export of saved views, to only export that information that is contained within the page border. Like many of us, I keep some stray stuff outside the page borders for future or alternate use, but I don't want that in my exports. When I export to a PDF that is not there, just the page and what is within in. I would like to be able to do the exact same thing with an AutoCad export.
VE-100538	Borderrs of floating viewpane and Nav Palette and others need a thin contrasting stripe so they can be seen in Dark Mode	Stuart Allyn	IN "white" mode, all the borders of floating view panes and Nave Palette etc are easy to see as the edges of the borders have a black line. BUT in DARK mode, they don't have a White line and so they just blend into each other making it very difficult to figure out where to grab them with a mouse, especially since on a high res monitor the whole title borader is so tiny

Unable To Fix Multiple Space Numbering

Zeno Da Ros

If i duplicate severate Spaces, it is impossibile to fix the progression. It's necessary to fix ONE BY ONE see the video please

VE-102634

Keep floating panel active when user click to other computer area

Zeno Da Ros

Working with several floating panel is an amazing experience: for complex building, pointcloud etc.

Everytime user need going for a while to another area, another software or similar, floating panel disappear. For instance: if I need to compare a PDF with my VW document, I can't because my window desappear. This is really frustrating and user should choose if the floating panel window can be fixed on screen.

Thanks

VE-102484

Texture mapping on Slab Component

Zeno Da Ros

Tile managing needs to have control texture mapping.

VW allows to map a wall component but not a slab component.

Users need to create extrusions and then auto hybrid object but there is another problem: material surface area is correctly calculated only on slab component or on a wall component, and not on extrusion where WV calculate every surface area.

To manage tile area from a slab we need to generate a component to material quantities and then extract an area to creare a NURBS surface to manage the texture.

So that's why for BIM model we need to have control for texture mapping on a slab components: for texture and quantities

VE-102371

Add working plane to save view

Zeno Da Ros

Adding active working plane on saved view can help users who need to draw with point cloud references

Thanks

VE-101783

Allow to map textures on slab

Zeno Da Ros

VW allow users mapping texture on wall but not on slabs.

This is very strange, because actually we can map easily object like extrusion or autohibryd,

So it's very important to solve this fix in my opinion

Best regards

VE-101702

Beam In a Wall quantity

Zeno Da Ros

If I need to add a beam into a wall the best process is to convert it into a symbol

a symbol without interruption don't create the hole into the wall like a wall recess

so there is no way to calculate correctly the quantity into a wall

VE-101542

Stage Deck Ramp

Zeno Da Ros

Stages need sloped element

It will be very useful if user can create sloped stake deck

VE-100692

ZenoEn2_2D Perimeter Gradient

Zeno Da Ros

The 2D gradient should have the possibility to be defined also according to the perimeter of a 2D object.

It is an effect widely used in architecture and is in line with the representation of the software.

VE-99545

Update Record From Symbol

Zeno Da Ros

Actually if you attach a record from Resource Manager on a symbol, every instance on draw become this records.

But if you want to update all symbol instance from recourse manager to the same record valute, it doesn't work.

You need to select manually all instance into the draw area, and this could generate a lot of problems (symbol into a grop, large project etc) and it doesn't have a coherent scenario with the symbol workflow.

What i a ask is symple allow to update or override a record to a symbol from resource manager.

Thank you

VE-99491

ZenoEn1_Multiprocessor section viewport process

Zeno Da Ros

It's necessary to increase the speed into the section viewport process.

For istante, I'm waiting from 20 minuter to creating 5 section viewports. My CPU is fixed to 15%.

So please increase CPU core in this direction please.

VE-99343

Import PDF and fixing aspect after ungrouping

Zeno Da Ros

It is very important that VW could fix a PDF aspect after exploding fase

for better info see the thread

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60074-import-pdf-and-fixing-aspect-after-ungrouping/&tab=comments#comment-299988

VE-99283

Add option to create filter with "only this tag" or "multiple tag"

Zeno Da Ros

Actually several TAG operation like "select only" or "select tag" "select other tag" for the class are unavailable. It can be very useful

VE-99679

New Dimension Tape parameter - Number Placement offset

Yordan Kostadinov

Currently in the Dimension Tape the text can have only top or bottom placement, but the offset from the line cannot be controlled unless the object is un-grouped.
I've seen this HowTo question twice in the referenced facebook group.

VE-102766

class VWTreeCtrlItem need to have SetItemText method

Yasen Aleksiev

This method will set new text on the same control item. This method needs to work on both platforms - Win and Mac. For reference the implementation needs to follow the changes in CL 123384

VE-102255

Moving multiple lights to a rigging object at the same time should be indicated with snapping diamonds

Yasen Aleksiev

VE-104068

Site Protection - Usage History - showing all used licenses, no matter the version

Xaver Meier

Looking at the Usage History in Vectorworks Site Protection app we find it hard to find out how many licenses are used at the peaks. This is because you can only show e.g. the usage of fundamental 2023, or 2022, but not of all versions at the same time. This way one doesn't really know where the peak is/are.

So we'd wish some more options there.

VE-103881

DWG Import Unit Options

Xaver Meier

I wonder about the units lightyears or parsec (something with half the distance between earth and sun). Just wanted to ask if anyone ever needs those units? Or they because of "easter egg reasons" within this dialog? I would recommend to remove them. Because we all don't want to know what happens if someone would really import a dwg that needs that kind of a unit...

VE-103876

DWG/DXF Export Optimization

Xaver Meier

One of the most common issues that our support team has to deal with is a problem with DWG/DXF export.

We have searched Jira for already recorded requests and could find the following three entries, which describe our problems quite well. It would be very nice to see more progress in this direction with the export.

VE-100740 DWG Export of Saved views to include references and layers of different scales.
VE-98029 Export viewport as 2D graphics in model space should use class overrides.
VE-95916 Teigha Library Error Due to File Path Length Should be Checked by Vw Before DWG Export

VE-103770

Install interface

Xaver Meier

We would wish to get better feedback when entering a serial number in the installation interface. There are the following cases, which we think, should improve the UX.

a) You enter the serial for the wrong version (e.g. EH... instead of EJ... for a 2023 installation)
Wished feedback: "you enter a serial number for Vectorworks 2022 installation. You can find your serial number for this version (2023) in your customer portal http://...."

b) You enter the a correct serial for the version, but it doesn't match the previously used license from previous vectorworks versions.
Wished feedback: "This serial number doesn't match with previously used licenses on this computer (XX-100000). Please correct the serial number to the right license or continue installation with this serial number."

VE-102828

Import mtextur, set name to "company, material, ID, Initials"

Xaver Meier

When you import mtexture IP, RT, or Materials you get the wrong name. The names can only be 63 signs long, so if it get's to long, some part fall away.

Perfect is:

"Company Material (mtexture ID XXX) IP"

Where the priority of the name Parts is as follows:
# Priority: Ends with "(mtexture ID XXX) IP" (when its a image prop)
# Priority: Starts with the Company name "Company (mtexture ID XXX) IP"
# Priority: add the Material name in the middle "Company Material (mtexture ID XXX) IP"

Right now you find results where the company name is missing, which is not good for those companies. This info is from Philipp Hauzinger CEO of mtextur. And there should never just come the "mtextur ID XXX IP" as a name of an imported IP, RT... At least the beginning of the company name should be in the beginning of the name.

VE-101695

Smart Options method change (guideline) not visible @ cursor

Xaver Meier

*Method change in SOD "e.g. the guideline at the wall tool" is not visible.*

Possible solution:
Leave the cursor active in the middle of the SOD.
(could come to a problem, if the SOD is faded in automatically)

VE-101696

Smart Options appearance time (delayed display of quadrants)

Xaver Meier

Smartoptions *appearance* *performance* (delayed display of the different smartoptions quadrants)
-> Other options than "All expanded" do not make sense, at least on Mac, because then all quadrants are always displayed with a slight delay. If you want to work fluently with it, you do it to speed up, so you have to get rid of any delay. The fade-in and fade-out of the individual quadrants is already questionable, even if without delay at "All expanded". This should also be deactivatable (checkbox).

So to clarify, two wishes:
1. Delete the delay (shown in video)
2. Fade in and fade out only if wished (checkbox)

Goal: more people use SOD because it realy gives the feeling of working faster and easier.

VE-101697

Smart Options Display hides tool-set after setting a tool, but other quadrants stay

Xaver Meier

After selecting a tool, smartoptions with the tools remain visible (always only the selected quadrant) and the drawing below remains hidden. It must be selected another time to make the smartoptions disappear or mouse must be moved far away (not in the sense of the inventor). BUT:

1. With the methods and views this is quite desirable, since prob. several must be selected/set. But with the tools rather nonsensical.

2. if it remains already visible, then better all quadrants, because after the selection of a tool I would like to change surely the methods, pointer snap and view settings. But they all disappear. Only the used quadrant remains visible -> nonsensical. Imagine the worflow, where one wanted to change a tool + 2 methods but also the pointer snap settings in the SOD.

Since 1. and 2. somewhat contradictory, the logical wish would be to be able to set this according to own needs for each quadrant.

VE-99537

Tool to help customers find reasons for standard Project-Sharing problems

Xaver Meier

A lot of customers have problems with project-sharing. Many of them have to deal with asynchronous working- and project-files. Others face problems with sending of changes (lack of rights or object allegedly checked out by another user etc.).
In many cases customer-specific factors, such as hardware components, network protocols, access rights or others, are jointly resposible for the problems. For customers and also experienced supporters it is difficult to check for all those standard problems.
It would be great if Vectorworks would offer help for that. Wouldn't it be great if you write a software, that checks for all those standard problems and that would show a detailed feedback on all of that? Not only with what is used but with a qualifying of the results in green, orange, red or with a red cross (if not good) and a green hook (if okay). So the customers or the supporters know faster where they need to take a closer look. This visual feedback would also help the supporters to be more credible.

Here we have list of things, that we thought would help (incomplete):
a) set a test project on the server and run on two or more clients simultaneously.
b) test network protocols (AFP/SMB - SMB Versions)
c) check access rights of the client(s)
d) check file attributes (visible/invisible,...)
e) check ACL (Access Control List)
f) check "oploc" (on/off)
g) check connection speeds and warn if necessary
h) check client names (identical login data?)
i) file transactions (write, copy, rename)
j) save, commit, receive simulation

We've found a tool of Archicad:
https://helpcenter.graphisoft.com/user-guide/77128/

And we've found a film of Revit that explains how one should check some of these things before start:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Revit-Server/files/GUID-4DEF921E-1E31-4D91-BF70-723B8E959767-htm.html

VE-104412

Truss objects should have a "Locate Symbol In Resource Browser' context menu like other symbol based objects.

Wesley Burrows

This would make it consistent with the ability to do this with other symbol based objects, lighting devices, symbols, etc.

VE-100302

Clip Cube and Working Plane

Wes Gardner

I think it would be useful if the Working Plane could "sense" either the face of the Clip Cube or the face of the objects(s) that is/are clipped by the Clip Cube. Perhaps this is some sort of toggle or option.

VE-102972

Revision Tool

Wes Gardner

Perhaps a logical upgrade for the Revision Tool is to have the tool "talk" to the title block through the Title Block Manager such that when a small triangle, or whatever shape you choose for noting revisions on drawings, is placed in/on the drawing in Annotation Space, you'd get a prompt to add a small note explaining the revision and then place the triangle...the revision will then automatically appear in the "Revisions" section in the TB...

VE-103180

Roof Fascia

Wes Gardner

In order to make the Fascia a bit more controllable, could we include a height parameter?

VE-102892

Expose Hidden Records

Wes Gardner

Please expose hidden records like "Window" and "Space", etc.

VE-102886

Improved Constraints Manager

Wes Gardner

Several folks over the years have asked for an "improved" Constraints Manager...as an example, see the short video that's attached...it would be cool if, when you stretch a wall, the other assemblies associated with that wall (slab, footing, foundation wall, wall above, roof, etc) could move with it (or NOT) depending on what you needed to do.

VE-102468

Extrude Along Path

Wes Gardner

Please, please, please let the user determine whether the Path object is a NURBS curve (currently the ONLY) option or the original curve that created the path...In architecture, that will be a polygon probably 95% of the time... It would be cool that, if once the EAP has been created, when the user edits the path, that there's a dialog that lets you decide "Use Original Object" or "Use NURBS curve" - Please...

VE-100149

Support for Rhino v6

Wes Gardner

Please include support for Rhino v6. Also, is it possible to import Rhino's layer structure, similar to our handling of .dwgs?

Those designers using this popular software will really appreciate it!

VE-101983

Grid Line bubble

Wes Gardner

Can the text size within the grind line bubble NOT be associated with the bubble scale factor? It would be nice to set the text size in the STYLE and then have the bubble size controlled by the bubble scale factor

VE-101965

Extrude/Self-intersecting geometry

Wes Gardner

It's nice that it tells you there's intersecting geometry, but, lit would be nice if it told you where...is this possible? Rhino tells you where the problems are by highlighting

VE-100706

Align Clip Cube to Working Plane

Wes Gardner

Hi All, from a User, is it possible to create an "Align Clip Cube to Working Plane" command?

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71302-align-clip-cube-to-workingplane/&tab=comments#comment-349146

VE-100972

Railing - include handrail/guardrail option

Wes Gardner

PLEASE include the option to provide the option for both a handrail AND a guardrail. This will make the tool REALLY usable in conjunction with the stair tool - even to the point that you could eliminate the railing system in the Stair tool all together

VE-100493

Dormers

Wes Gardner

Is it possible to duplicate a dormer? Currently, you have to set each dormer separately and in a typical building, generally, there's more than one dormer. It would be useful to create duplicates just like you can with either windows or doors.

VE-100273

Dimension Tool can it show font size in OIP

Wes Gardner

Please

VE-100055

Skylight Scheduling & Tagging

Wes Gardner

It will be most helpful if a skylight, once it's placed in/on a roof, if the Data Tag tool could "see" it so it could be tagged and then appear on a Window Schedule

VE-99950

Column Tool

Wes Gardner

PLEASE expose the column tool base's line type. This will make it ideal in many cases for use as a footing.

VE-99862

"Revert" button for Batch Rename

Wes Gardner

Is this possible in the event you make a mistake or find that the append is no longer what you need/want?

VE-99771

Import Rhino layers

Wes Gardner

It would be nice to import Rhino's layer system or turn them into Vectorworks classes similar to our dwg import function.

VE-99776

Stair with non parallel sides

Wes Gardner

Give the stair tool the ability to create stairs with non-parallel sides. See screen shot

VE-99400

Window & Door profile

Wes Gardner

Is it possible to add a "Profile" class to the Window and Door editor? This could simply use the wall hole that is created when a door or window is inserted in a wall. Granted, it wouldn't work in ALL scenarios, but it WOULD work for MOST window and door types. See example image.

VE-99399

Extrude Along Path editing

Wes Gardner

Is it possible to include an option such that editing the PATH of the EAP could be accomplished with the same tool that created it? For example, if I create an EAP using the polygon tool, I'd like the option to be able to EDIT it using the same tool, not necessarily have it converted to NURBS.

VE-101570

Lighting Instrument Point of View

Walter Lutzu

Hello everybody!

What do you think about a feature that allows to see the point of view of the lighting fixture? It could be a button in the object info palette visible only when one single lighting fixture is selected, that set a view from the lens. and allow to better focus the beam using Pan and Tilt values.

VE-105019

hanging position auto increment when duplicate

Walter Lutzu

I remember that many versions ago, when I duplicate a hanging position with move by point tool, Vectorworks increment the number or the letter of the position field.

Could be useful to restore it?

VE-103404

Data Visualization on Graphic Legend

Walter Lutzu

Could be useful to have the possibility to set the data visualization on "Define Legend Image" window.

!image-2022-08-25-10-26-38-964.png!

VE-103289

lighting fixture search on resource manager

Walter Lutzu

Could be usefull to have ha search function that works with the entire lighting fixture library.

I mean, sometimes we need for a fixture with
dmx footprint = 10
dimmer channel = 1
red channel = 8

Attached the function that I use on chamsys console

!image-2022-07-27-10-49-46-090.png!

VE-101485

Lighting rig: schematic view on multiple selection

Walter Lutzu

could be helpful create schematic view for a multiple truss/pipe selection.

Now If I select more than 1 truss/pipe vectorworks show me all the trusses, pipes and fixtures overlaid (see schematic view.jpg- image 1).

Could be useful the result you can see on schematic view.jpg - image 2, done with just one click.

VE-101847

Focus point on select similar tool

Walter Lutzu

Could be usefull to add on select similar tool options the checkbox "focus". Just to allow the users to click on a lighting fixture and get all the other fixtures that have the same focus point.

VE-101795

focus single fixture of a selected group

Walter Lutzu

when i select a group of fixture and use the Focus Lighting Device function, could be easy to allow the user to select a single fixture and focus it independently from the others.

VE-101551

Saved View Update

Walter Lutzu

In View-Save View function, could be useful to select an existing View in "View Name" field.

VE-101362

Set View on Sheet Layer

Walter Lutzu

when I set the view of a cropped viewport in a Sheet Layer pressing the "Set View" botton, the "Rotate 3D View" windows allow to make a interactive rotation or by value rotation.

The problem is that the center point of the rotation seems to be the origin of the project or the origin of the view. Is it possible to rotate the view using the center of the cropped view?

see attached

VE-101350

StripLED tool

Walter Lutzu

Could be usefull a tool that allow to create a StripLED.

INPUT:
LED Model (2835, 3014, 3020, 3528, 4014, 5050, 5630, 5730, 7070 and maybe combinations of RGB, RGBW, RGBWA, RGBACL etc...);
LED/m;
Strip Lenght;
Power (W) proposed by the system but modifiable;
Voltage (V) proposed by the system but modifiable;
Intensity (A) calculated on the base of previous values

with these values is possible also to decide the power supply.

Here the formula: !LED formula.jpeg!

I= current intensity
P= LED Power (W)
N= LED/m
L= Strip Lenght (m)
U= Voltage (V)

VE-103557

Viewport Never Shows Progress Bar when Rendering in Hidden Line within Test File

Walid Remaili

-Open test file

-Update the Viewport

-There is no progress bar that shows the rendering progress, just the tea cup which doesn't help much.

VE-103129

Typo-Tolerant Search Not Working in VW Search Dialog

Walid Remaili

I've attached a short movie that shows this issue

-Launch VW

-Enable VW Search and type the work "subdivition" in the search filed. this is a misspelled 'Subdivision'

-Notice there are no results. Instead of returning am empty list, shouldn't it return tools/menus with the closess spelling? This is documented in the task doc , section F3.

VE-100992

Railing/Fence 3D Properties don't Transfer with Eye Dropper Tool within Model File

Walid Remaili

I've attached a short movie that shows this issue

-Open test file

-Pick the attributes of the 'Railing/Fence' on the left and drop them on the Railing/Fence on the right

-Notice this operation fails.

VE-103540

Animation Path - It would be Ideal to Resize the Preview Movie Window while the animation is being generated

Walid Remaili

While the path animation movie is being generated, there is no way to resize the preview window. This makes performing other tasks while the window is fully expanded a bit difficult.

On Windows, the preview fully expands by default while on Mac the "Create Movie" dialog stays open, which ought not to happen.

See screen shot for details.

VE-101303

Ability to Import Color Fills/Texture when Exporting to Revit and Importing back into VW

Walid Remaili

I noticed when exporting a VW file to Revit, then importing it back into VW, all the geometry takes on a grey fill. Would be nice to have the actual fill color imported back into VW. See screen shot for more details.

VE-101770

Ability to have "Cancel" button in OIP to use in Target File when User wants to Stop Rendering Multiple Referenced-Viewports

Walid Remaili

I've attached a movie that shows this

-Both target and source files are attached (source file: 1 Drawing Creation.vwx)

-Open 'Target File' and Render the "Referenced - viewports" in Hidden Line

-Notice the render take a while and lots of memory is being used

-It would be nice to have a "Cancel" button in the OIP to cancel the HL rendering.

VE-100763

Landscape Area 2021 - Style create OIP consistency

Tony Kostreski

OIP: The setup with both ‘New Plugin style from Unstyled’ on the dropdown menu and ‘Save Landscape Area Style’ button makes it very confusing. Can we move the ‘Save Landscape Area Style’ button to be in the dropdown menu for Style and call it ‘New Plugin style from selected Landscape Area’, or something similar? Or do we need both? Maybe the workflow to create a new style would always be to first unstyled it?

For consistency it must be the same as the wall and the other styled objects. This means:
The popup should have the option to create the style, and there shouldn't be a button for it in the OIP.

VE-104361

Image Prop doesn't work for wireframe, but works all render modes

Vladislav Stanev

Attached is an example file that has an Image Prop with 3D geometry, that is correctly oriented towards the camera in all render modes.

However in wireframe, it doesn't work. It always stays fixed in the scene.

Can this be fixed, so it would orient the shape toward the camera? It's very important for displaying plant shapes correctly.

VE-100764

Landscape Area 2021 - more area and volume units

Tony Kostreski

Area Units – Dropdown menu (as for data tags) where document unit is standard, but you can choose something else. (Required Units include: Sq Ft, Sq Yards, & Sq Meters)

Volume Units – Dropdown menu (as for data tags) where document unit is standard, but you can choose something else (Required Units include: Cu Ft, Cu Yds, Cu Meters)

VE-100762

Landscape Area 2021 - Split into Plant Graphics and Bed Area Graphics

Tony Kostreski

Reorganize the "Graphics", "2D Graphics", and "3D Graphics" panes controls into new 'Plant Graphics' and 'Bed Area Graphics' panes:

Plant Graphics
• Show Plants in 2D
• Show Plants in 3D
• Randomised Plant rotation
• Randomised Plant Position
• Visual Variation for Spread – Dropdown menu as existing. NOT Diameter - we’re using the term Spread in the plant style and everywhere else. Would be good to have ‘Visual’ in bold so it’s emphasised
• Visual Scale for Spread – Text Field as existing, 100% as suggested
• Visual Variation for Height – Dropdown menu as existing
• Visual Scale for Height – Text Field as existing, 100% suggested

Bed Area Graphics
• 2D Bed Area Border style – Dropdown menu - Standard / None
• ADD: 2D Plant mass illustration – Dropdown menu - None / Cloud / Line ????
• Available menus depending on choice: Billow Size, Variability, Height, Type / Segment Length, Thickness
• Display the volume components in 3D
• Display the area as - Dropdown menu - 3D Polygon / Texture Bed
o If Texture bed selected, the ‘Display on’ Existing / Proposed becomes available

VE-100761

Landscape Area 2021 - UI Tag controls

Tony Kostreski

Pull the tag controls from General into a separate Tag pane at the end.

VE-100760

Landscape Area 2021 - Tag divider issue

Tony Kostreski

At the moment, when using Data tags, the text style override for Dividers doesn’t work (but the dividers themselves does)

VE-100750

Landscape Area 2021 - mass illustration and line attributes control

Tony Kostreski

• Can we have two different sets of line for the Landscape area – one for the Bed area border, and one for plant mass illustration?

VE-102748

Image Prop support auto rotate in Wireframe

Vladislav Stanev

Vectorworks 2022, the Image Prop supports inserting geometry inside, which will be kept oriented toward the camera in the rendered views.

This is very useful for the Plant tool, now that Laubwerk provides accurate plant shapes.

The request is to make the Image Prop orient itself in Wireframe too. This way the plant shape will be placed correct with the rest of the drawing.

VE-100967

Property Line needs better workflow

Vladislav Stanev

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60246-property-line-tool/&tab=comments#comment-353003

I posted 6 items that need to be fixed. Some are more important than others. The key thing to realize is that surveyors mark their drawings with bearing notations that can be pi radians different from what the tool assumes, and that is very common. Often, the bearings are copied from an adjacent co-linear or parallel property line. Also, the assumption about arcs always is that they are tangent to the straight segments at either end. The notation "back tangent" is not going to be helpful to most users, and given the above assumption, is probably not something users need to be aware of. The tool should automatically draw arcs tangent.

The red circle is helpful to know which end of the polyline is where the next segment starts (but automatically displaying the closing line is confusing). When editing a property line, however, the red circle is ambiguous, and the actual segment being edited needs to be distinguished.

I'd reckon that if you can easily recreate this boundary, you will have solved most of the problems (bear in mind that like many surveys, this one does not close):

Property line.pdf
15.98 kB · 4 downloads

To understand the context of this survey, I have attached the document from which it was derived. We often have to work from this kind of information (the parcel is at 7027 Shirley Dr.). At times I've had to work from a metes and bounds description, which is a verbal recitation of the segments of a boundary.

48D7296.02.PDF
82.2 kB · 8 downloads

VE-103276

Update to the Hoist Tools

Vince Suhr

Looking for the ability to have more editable lines for riggers in the hoist tools.

Distro and Port should be separate

Need to bring back the motor cable length info on the OIP

Also would like to be able to change the chain length again.

VE-99527

Export DWG files with raster Image embedded

VideoCOM OC Support

Usually Vectorworks files that have images inserted in the drawing could be exported as DWG files with bitmap files inserted as reference.
It seems that Autocad 2018 and newer are able to use images inside the main file, without the need to add them as reference.
It would be useful to have an option to export DWG with this new behavior.

VE-105139

Clip cube and hidden line

Vicky Goossens

Can we add the possibility to make a viewport with the clip cube and render in a hidden line rendering?

This is possible with a shaded rendering or another rendering but not with the hidden line.

VE-104612

Import stories and levels

Vicky Goossens

Can we add the option to import stories and level types?

Since it is also possible to import layers and classes.

VE-104613

Wall style with stories in a document without stories

Vicky Goossens

When using a wall style with stories in a document without stories, it would be nice if some sort of dialog box appears with a few options: converting the wall to a wall without stories (so layer elevation) or importing/creating stories to match the wall settings.

VE-104614

Components in clip cube

Vicky Goossens

Can we add the possibility to see the different components of a wall or slab via the clip cube?

Now the objects are red (or something else depending on the preferences) but there is no way to see the different components.

VE-99476

Vision 2019 Need an 'attach' function for when adding truss into a drawing

Vickie Claiborne

currently truss added directly into a drawing is freehand- truss should have option for attaching to a piece of truss already in the drawing, like Vectorworks functionality... otherwise, how do i connect truss together in Vision accurately?

VE-99477

Vision : Instruments added into Vision scene need to autoconnect to truss when hovering over a truss

Vickie Claiborne

this should work like it does in Vectorworks: when I add a fixture into Vision using the Add Instrument tool, the fixture should attach to a stick of truss when I hover over the truss

VE-99478

Vision: Vision needs a 2D "scene construction" view

Vickie Claiborne

it would be so much easier to craft a Vision scene if there was a 2D view with Vectorwork's drawing type functionality for adding truss, fixtures, snapping, etc. Currently if I need to make a change to a truss' trim height and all fixtures on it, then in order to make sure it's exact, I have to reexport from Vectorworks and I will lose any other changes in the drawing that I've made. If i build the scene directly in Vision, then that is not an option, and i then have no real way to guarantee my numbers are precise . Pictures attached are low res, but they show a 2D view and a 3D model view.

VE-99621

Vision 2019 SP3 477134: Need to be able to change the Unit Number of a fixture from within the patch window

Vickie Claiborne

you currently can't change the Unit Number of a fixture from within the patch window; this means that you have to exit the patch window, select the fixture in the scene graph, and then change the Unit Number in the Properties menu. this workflow is not efficient because if you are in the patch window making a lot of changes, then you have to stop what you're doing, exit, then return afterwards to continue. Would be great just to be able to click in the Unit Number Box and type in the new number directly in the patch window

VE-99390

Vision 2019 462756 Scene mode needs to be indicated onscreen

Vickie Claiborne

when you right click in a scene, and you choose orthographic or perspective, it's not clear which one is active.. this menu needs to have the active one in bold or with a check mark next to the active one.. also, on the scene itself next to the labeled of Top/Front/etc, the view mode should be indicated there as well

VE-99387

Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 selected fixture should be indicated with a pattern or color instead of white mesh bounding box

Vickie Claiborne

there should be other options for how a fixture looks when it is selected such as changing its color or overlying with a pattern

VE-99384

Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Should have the ability to dock/undock any window in any location (like the DMX viewer) and store into a view

Vickie Claiborne

currently you can not store windows like the DMX viewer into workspace views

VE-99383

Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Vision should have the ability to hide/turn on and off classes of objects fixtures etc

Vickie Claiborne

currently there is no way to hide groups of fixtures and objects you don't want to see in the scene unless you hide them one at a time (untick the visible box in the properties window) there needs to be a fast shortcut for hiding multiple fixtures, objects etc.. this would be possible using classes for instance

VE-99382

Vision 2019 24.0.2.462756 Vision should retain the same class and layer structure from teh VWX file in the scene graph

Vickie Claiborne

instead of the current vision scene graph, it would be much simpler to navigate if the Vision file retained the same class and layer structure as the drawing in VWX

VE-99312

vision 2019 Vision Scene grapch needs a tool for numbering/naming a range of fixtures sequentially

Vickie Claiborne

currently there is no way to select a range of fixtures and add new Fixture numbers to them sequentially, so you have to add that info one by one

VE-99310

Vision 2019 462756 Patch window needs a tool for numbering fixtures (adding unit numbers)

Vickie Claiborne

there is no way to change the Unit Number of a fixture in the Patch window currently. User should be able to either double click on the Unit number or right click to edit and type it in from within the Patch window instead of having to exit the window, search in the scene graph, change it, then reopen the Patch window

VE-104811

Equipment Summary Key Symbol Origin

Tyler Littman

The Displayed Symbol in the legacy Instrument Summary tool would center-align all the symbols making for visually appealing results that were easy to read. The new Equipment Summary Key however seems to be left-aligning all the symbols and the results are far from visually appealing and look pretty unprofessional.

That said when I think through functionality and desired results I can see where having the option to left-align would be handy. As an example, for the most part I would want all my lighting, hoist, projector, and LED tile symbols center-aligned, but with items like truss, pipe, and decks I would want them to be all left-aligned. To that end it would be great if the ESK dialog had an "Align To" option that allow users to set how the graphic aligns in the symbol column. Having granular alignment control would be especially helpful for things like strip lights that you might want left-aligned despite having the rest of the instruments center-aligned. (see attached screenshot)

VE-103978

Vision Expanded Emissive Functionality

Tyler Littman

Currently the only option for emissive meshes is RGB which is a nice stand-in for scenic pieces with integrated LED tapes however as technology has evolved it has become too limiting. It would be great to expand the functionality to include the most common types of LED tape configurations. Below is a list of the colored "pixel" combinations that would make this function more usable.

Note: WW = Warm White (3200°K ), W or CW = Cool White (5600°K), A = Amber

OPTIONS LIST
– None

– RGB
– RGBW
– RGBWW
– RGBWWCW

– RGBA
– RGBAW
– RGBAWW
– RGBAWWCW

– WW
– CW
– WWCW

VE-101016

Lighting Device Gobo Rendering Yields Less Than Desirable Results

Tyler Littman

When rendering lighting devices with Gobos and Lit Fog the end result is less than desirable. First, the projected gobo appears barely visible on the receiving surface, almost as if it was dim or out of focus. Second, the physical beam (lit fog) is not occluded by the gobo image and the beam renders as if no gobo were used, which is not realistic.

VE-102457

Unwanted Braceworks Autogenerated Truss Cross

Tyler Littman

I'm getting a lot of complaints from Spotlight users who are not leveraging Braceworks, about the autogenerated Truss Crosses being a huge annoyance (and I have to say I tend to agree).

Truss Crosses auto-populate and are not assigned a class. A user showed me a file he was working on last week and it kept adding in thousands of Truss Crosses and it was making it hard to work. I was able to help him build a selection script to remove them but this seems like a silly workaround. I'd like to offer two recommendation.

1 – A Spotlight Preference function to assign Truss Cross objects to a *+user-defined+* class. This would allow users to the ability to easily turn Truss Cross object visibility on and off.

2 – A Spotlight Preference that allows users not leveraging Braceworks (which are most users) to be able to simply disable Truss Cross insertion. This way users avoid file bloat with objects they will never use.

VE-101080

Cable Tools 2 – Mode Bar PIO Preferences

Tyler Littman

All Cable Tools 2 objects need a Mode Bar button/dialog to set the PIO Preferences. Fields controlled by a style would be overwritten by the style upon insertion but this would help in minimizing the amount of additional OIP work a user is required to do.

VE-101079

Cable Tools 2 – Hide PIO Labels from OIP

Tyler Littman

All Cable Tools 2 objects (Distributors & Cable) need the ability to hide the PIO generate text fields from within the OIP via a check box. Doing this from Classing is an annoyance as the plug-in forces the Class visible upon creation.

VE-101081

Cable Tools 2 – Assign Lighting Devices To A Breakout Distributor

Tyler Littman

Cable Tools 2 is missing functionality to assign Lighting Devices to a Breakout Distributor. In the US we don't use Plugboxes but rather soft breakouts which are essentially hardwired jumpers. Users need the ability to connect Lighting Devices to the Breakout without using the Cable insertion tool as no additional jumpers would be necessary in many circumstances.

VE-100954

Hoist ID Numbers Must Be Unique For Braceworks

Tyler Littman

I think this was something we worked through in previous versions but now Hoist ID's have to have unique values which is extremely limiting.

In most US workflows, users will assign an abbreviation for the position to the Hoist Name and give the Hoist ID the numerical sequence value of the hoist on a given position. For example if we have a truss system named "Lights A" and that system has 3 hoists, we would label them with "L.A" as the Hoist Name and 1 through 3 as their ID's. Now let's say we have truss system "Lights B" with another 3 hoists, we'd label them L.B-1, L.B-2, L.B-3. Again, "L.B" is the Hoist Name and 1 through 3 are the hoist ID's.

This is a problem because Braceworks is using the Hoist ID's as the unique identifier but it really shouldn't as it is far too limiting. Users shouldn't have to be forced to change their workflow to fit the tool.

VE-100572

Stage Deck & Stage Plug Individual Leg or Border Height

Tyler Littman

For Stage Deck & Stage Plug objects it would be be nice to be able to set individual leg height as designers often have to span tiered floor levels. For legs or frame users should have the option to set the height of each leg individually. For borders users should be able to set the height of each face individually.

VE-100571

Improved Event Design Plug-In Texture Options

Tyler Littman

For Event Design plug-in like Stage Deck, Stage Plug, and Stage Steps it would be nice to have more control over custom texture functionality in the 3D Options dialog. Specifically it would be helpful to have scaling and and rotation options like those found on the Render tab of the OIP.

Specific use case would be matching Event Design POI textures to existing architectural textures.

VE-100519

People Image Props – Diversity

Tyler Littman

This is an interesting one. I've found myself in a bit of an awkward spot on a project today. I had two male Image Props from the Entourage library in a rendering (both white) and then was asked to swap one out to a woman which I did. Then the client commented that they would like there to be more diversity and I found myself a bit stuck cause they Entourage library is seriously lacking in just that.

Please add more racial and ethnic diversity to the Entourage library. Currently its rather...monochromatic.

VE-100365

Project Sharing "Private" Layers

Tyler Littman

This VE came up after a take with my team about workflow.

+*BACKGROUND:*+

One of the current issues with Project Sharing in an entertainment workflow is that at times users need to do things like studies or idea testing before finalizing and sharing an idea with whole team. Currently in order to do this users are forced to save a Working File as a VWX and once an idea is finalized copy and paste the new objects back into their Working File. This presents a few issues as often times other team members are making changes to their areas so the users working in the separate VWX file isn't necessarily seeing the last version of the design.

+*SOLUTION:*+

In order to solve for this issue we propose the idea of adding "Private Layers" to the Project Sharing workflow. These Private Layers would be added only to a users Working File and would not initially be exposed to the Project File. An icon column would need to be added to the Layer Pane of Navigation and Organization and would show either a Private Icon (something like a human silhouette with a lock) for Private Layers or a Cloud Icon for Shared Layers. Objects and Classes that are associated only with Private Layers could be identified with something like Italicized text.

Private Layers would then allow users to do "offline" testing or create layers that were not required to be shared with the other project users.

If a user decides they do want to share the layer with the Project File it would be then "released and committed" at which time the Layer(s) as well as all associated objects and classes would be transmitted to the Project File.

An improved dialog window for dealing with conflicts would likely need to be developed. Additionally there may need to be changes made to file permissions.

VE-99947

Map Spotlight Video Camera to Vision Views

Tyler Littman

This is a cross app request in that it requires updates to both VW as well as Vision. Creating views in Vision can be a little labor intensive sometimes; orbiting around to get just the right placement. I think it would be magical the new Spotlight Video Camera tool could upon MVR export be mapped to saved views in Vision. It would be super helpful especially on broadcast projects to be able to look at a view in Vision from a realistic perspective rather than the current guess method we have to use now. Likely this would require adding a drop-down in the Video Camera OIP to assign a camera to one of Vision numeric keyboard shortcuts as well as being able to assign a Universe and Address for recalling from a console. If you really wanted to get fancy adding a functionality to be able to pan and tilt, zoom, and even track would be great. All functions in Vision should work within the parameters defined by Video Camera object in VW. This means attributes such as location, zoom range, and FOV would be defined by the PIO.

VE-99489

Rotate Plan Lock

Tyler Littman

I think it would be a really nice to have the ability to lock a rotated plan so that if Top/Plan or CMD+5 are used the specified plan rotation is maintained.

I use Rotated Plan view a ton when redrawing music venues into architectural drawings. Many have complex angled and sloped walls that require me to constantly be toggling between top/plan and 3D views. It would be a massive timesaver if I could maintain the rotation.

In a perfect world I would like to have the ability to store the rotation lock setting into a Saved View as well.

VE-104934

T02455 - Stage Decks Do Not "Subtract Top Thickness" from leg heights in Inventory

Tyler Dubuc

When the Inventory and Equipment List calculates stage deck leg heights it seemingly displays the height of the entire stage deck and does not subtract the "Top Thickness" measurement for an accurate leg height. There seemingly needs to be a check box to "Subtract Top Thickness" from leg heights to allow the inventory to calculate the accurate leg length.

VE-104883

T02059 - Duplicating IVPs Should Force User to Choose Different Category

Tyler Dubuc

Currently, when a user duplicates an IVP they are able to keep the same name, quantity, and category as the original virtual part. This is slightly problematic as the user now has two identical IVPs and if/when they want to edit the part, there is no way to differentiate which part is which. After chatting with Scott, we discussed the possibly of forcing the user to select a new category when they want to duplicate an IVP that has the same name.

VE-104070

Spotlight - Soft Goods "Center Mode" Line?

Tyler Dubuc

When using the Soft Goods tool, it could really benefit the user to have a similar mode to the Line Tool->Center Mode. More often than not, I find myself knowing were I want the center of my soft good to land, but do not have an easy way to drawing a symmetrical good on that point. Adapting the Center Mode from Line Tool could be a helpful solution.

VE-103933

Soft Goods - Scrims Should Not be Fully Opaque in 3D

Tyler Dubuc

When working within the 3D Options for Soft Goods, there is not visual difference between an opaque soft good and a scrim. I think it would be super helpful to have some translucency to a scrim when viewing in Shaded Mode.

[~scparker]

VE-103481

Spotlight - Selecting Multiple Seating Sections Should Total # of Chair

Tyler Dubuc

When selecting more than one Section Section, it would be helpful if the totals of all the selected sections are displayed in the OIP. Currently, the user only has access to the "Number of Chairs:" when one seating section is selected.

VE-103480

Spotlight - Seating Section Text Options

Tyler Dubuc

It would be helpful to have the ability to adjust text style, offset, rotation, etc. via the OIP when working with Seating Sections that are rotated. Options similar to the text options available in the OIP for the dimensioning tools would allow the user to easily modify text accordingly.

Screenshots attached for clarity.

VE-103464

Spotlight - Automatically Re-Insert Projectors When Screen Type is Changed

Tyler Dubuc

When toggling between a curved or flat blended screens, it would be helpful to have the inserted projectors automatically adjust to the style of screen without having to click "Insert Projectors" a second time.

At the very least, it would be great if "Update" would adjust the projectors accordingly. Having to click "Insert Projectors" a second time after the projectors have already been inserted is not very intuitive.

VE-103375

Spotlight - Seating Section Positioning Arrow

Tyler Dubuc

It would be extremely helpful if the rotation arrow to adjust a seating section could snap to 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. The current version of the tool lacks the ability for the user to precisely and quickly angle a seating section.

Video Attached.

VE-103151

Spotlight - Lighting Pipe Tower Trim

Tyler Dubuc

It would be great if the Z height of a Lighting Ladder was measured from the bottom rung of the ladder vs. the default midpoint.

This would enable users to trim the positions with ease and allow for a quick trim reference as trims are always taken from the bottom of a lighting position.

VE-103027

LED Wall - Snapping to truss in 3D

Tyler Dubuc

Currently, when a LED Wall is inserted and attached to a supported truss system in a 3D ISO view, the wall object defaults snapping to the floor causing the wall object to be inserted in a way that could potentially disrupt a user's workflow.

Adjusting the snapping of an LED Wall to hang from the top when inserted/attached to supported truss would allow the user to accurately and efficiently use the LED Wall tool in a ISO view. Not only will this enhancement save the user the time in having to re-adjust the LED Wall, but the change will prevent impeding the user's work flow when working in 3D.

Reference VB-184263 for additional information and content.

VE-102965

Spotlight Focus Point - Add a Photometer Field/Calculator

Tyler Dubuc

It would be great if the Focus Point tool had a built in Photometer. Ideally this data would be displayed in the OIP with an option to display in 2D/3D Views near the symbol. Ideally all the OIP fields for the Photometer tool would be translated to the Focus Point tool. This would eliminate a user having to insert a Photometer on top of a Focus Point and allow for easy of calculation.

VE-102964

Cable Tool - Selecting Insertion Point of "Bubble"

Tyler Dubuc

Curious if there is a way to move the default insertion location of a Cable Tool "bubble". I notice that the object inserts at the insertion point of the distributor symbol, but is there a way for the user to select where they want to cable path to graphically begin and end? This will help prevent the "bubble" from blocking textual information on symbols and allow the User more flexibility and control.

Short video is attached, below.

VE-102887

Television Wattage "W"

Tyler Dubuc

It would be great to have a "W" after the wattage value of a Television similarly to that of a Lighting Device.

VE-100871

Ability to have Data Tags recognise objects in Design Layer Viewports (Local and Referenced)

Tui Kamakorewa

At current there is no way to tag objects through a Design Layer viewport, either it being referenced or non-referenced.

Scenario 1:

Project : 6 Storey Apartment complex, Mixed Use, 85 apartments in total

Main model in "Model File.vwx"; Sheet Layers in "Layout File.vwx". Referencing "Model File.vwx" into "Layout File.vwx" to setup sheets and add annotations. All tagging of smart information from referenced file is inaccessible. Making the Reference file approach inadequate.

Current solution: Project Share the whole project (I'm talking 200 sheets > Site Plans, Overall Floor Plans, Individual Apartment layout floor plans; Finishes Plans, Landscaping Plans, Reflected Ceiling Plans, Structural Layout plans, Internal Elevation Layout Plans, etc, etc.

Having everything in the one file significantly slows down the workflow as BIM-ifying adds all the IFC record data, custom record data etc.

Splitting the project up into manageable files would be much more efficient. With only pulling in data through data tags when needed.

Scenario 2:

Window Schedule - Elevations
* viewporting the window types onto a design layer, and trying to annotation there is a no go. Not sure if should be working or a bug. But I cant tag objects through a design layer viewport.

Please make it so we can use data tags with reference files and through design layer viewports locally.

Cheers Tui.

VE-102193

Ability to save a set/group of filters

Tui Kamakorewa

Seeing that filters are quite powerful, we have been using them extensively to create different views using different combinations of filters turned on and off.

It would be helpful to have the ability to save a set/group filters across the document, making it easier to debug when things go wrong

!image-2021-08-04-01-15-42-345.png!

VE-101297

Ability to See What a user has checked out during Commit Time (Project Sharing)

Tui Kamakorewa

When it comes time to Save and Commit, it would be beneficial to have a list of objects, or items a user has checked out.

I have developed a prototype version of this for our firm (attached) which shows:
* User Name
* Object Type, Location and Class
* Ability to jump to object to investigate

Abilities I would like to see added (which I can't see any way with the current sdk) are:
* Object Last Edit Time/Date
* Object Edit Type : Has been Deleted/Modified
* Modified can further expand to show:
** Modified by position change
** Modified by rotation change
* Ability to select/deselect items/objects to commit/release

For smaller jobs this is not needed I'm sure, but our current projects of apartments, have changes happening all over the place that we need keep track of whats changing/changed.

Cheers,
Tui

VE-99350

A More Intuitive Stair Handrailing tool like video(s) attached

Tui Kamakorewa

Basically, the example shown in the videos, provides a more user-enabled experience, having more control over what goes where.

The examples shown are handrail plugin/addons for the Archicad CAD system.

VE-103642

Interior Elevation Viewports: Default Settings

Troy Diamond

The tedium of having to set up multiple Interior Elevation would be greatly reduced by being able to define default settings.

You can do this for Section Viewports, but not of the Interior Elevation kind.

VE-105129

Railing Tool - Modelling Bugs

Troy Diamond

The modelling created by the Railing tool does not represent real world manufacturing or constructions techniques, and is neither appropriate for correct modelling or scheduling of the members generated.

Modelled objects need to be thought of in terms of a primary, secondary and tertiary hierarchy or modelling order, where the secondary objects sit within the secondary, and the tertiary within the primary and secondary.

See attached video

!Railing-Modelling Hierarchy-2.png!

VE-104867

Storey Layers Warning Dialogue: Please remove it

Troy Diamond

Hello,

The correct way to use storeys is to (almost?) *_+NEVER+_* assign Design Layers to Storey Levels. This dialogue creates anxiety that they might not be using the tool the right way.

If you ever have more than Design Layer assigned to a Storey, you cannot assign more than one Design Layer two a single Storey Level. Because of this limitation, assigning Design Layers to Storey Levels does not work. And this scenario happens all of the time.

For example, for complex adaptive reuse (renovation) projects, it makes sense to separate 'new work' from 'existing work' into different Design Layers. They are both on the same Storey and using the same Storey Level, but they both cannot be assigned to that level. It therefore makes sense to remove this dialogue.

Please remove it.

!Screenshot 2023-08-14 at 5.05.10 pm.png!

VE-104269

Automation of Enclosure / Facade (Roof + Wall Cladding) Modelling

Troy Diamond

Archicad provides impressive automated abilities to model wall and roof cladding, including architraves, flashings and gutters.

Demonstrated by Jonathan Pickup.

VE-104270

Automation of Downpipes (downspouts) Modelling

Troy Diamond

Archicad provides impressive automated roof modelling, including flashings, gutters and downpipes (downspouts). Vectorworks should have this capability, with a simple interface.

Demonstrated by Jonathan Pickup.

VE-104182

Hardscape: Existing DTM Modifiers

Troy Diamond

We need the option to be able to add existing Hardscape objects to the existing component of site models. To create complete 'as built' site conditions, this needs to be added to the tool.

VE-104134

Hardscape Tool: Ramp Arrow Markers and Transition/Landing Lines

Troy Diamond

I would like to be able to add markers to the start and end of the ramps, as well as show landings for the ramp transitions, as a part of the object.

In AU and other markets (our drafting standard is similar to the UK), we typically display arrows and indicating the rise of the ramp, in addition to a line of transition between ramp and landing, or change in gradient.

VE-104102

Geoimage Tool: Vector Based WFS Support

Troy Diamond

It would be great to be able to import WFS data as geometry. See this service ([https://datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au/dataset/environment-planning-instrument-local-environmental-plan-land-zoning]). It offers both WMS and WFS services, but the WFS is not accessible via the Geoimage tool.

VE-104063

Create Objects from Shapes: Framing Member

Troy Diamond

The Framing Member Tool is an unsung hero of the Vectorworks toolset.

For example, it can be used to create gutters and downpipes. As a part of this workflow, it would be great to be able to use the Create Objects from Shapes command to create a path of Framing Meter objects around the perimeter of a roof. See attached Vectorworks document and videos.

VE-103659

Vectorworks Viewer: Online Version or Part of Nomad

Troy Diamond

Hello,

To mitigate the confusion and wasted time with having to download the Vectorworks viewer, why can't it be, for desktop users, online (like BIM 360), or for those on devices, via the Nomad app?

Expecting clients to download a 750+Mb (!!) installer is unrealistic and does the platform a disservice by making it too hard to view files.

Also, as more customers are switching to subscriptions with people dipping in and out, this issue becomes only more important. I consider this an existential thread to the quality of the customer experience (or as Tim 'Apple' would say, 'customer sat').

VE-103645

Vectorworks Home Screen Size

Troy Diamond

Can we please make sure the Home Screen not take up the whole display realestate?! It is not an expected behaviour of a dialogue. Other design software typically has a smaller splash screen, and it is expected.

And especially when a person is context switching, to close a document and have it take over the display is cognitively fatiguing. "I have just closed a Vectorworks to go onto another thing, and now this window is shoved in my face, and it takes over the whole screen!?" This behaviour is perceived as very aggressive, and something that spammy/scammy websites do to prevent a user leaving their site.

At least if it was offset from the edge of the display, that behaviour wouldn't be so aggressive - and it is perceived as a valued part of Vectorworks, not some dodgy pop-up window preventing me from going to the next task.

I apologise is this VE request sounds direct, but the psychological implications of each features need to be thought through – esp when UI/IX overwhelms cognitive load, design workflow and impedes task switching.

VE-103602

Menu Command: Clear recent open file history

Troy Diamond

Typically there is a "Clear Menu" command to clear recent file open history.

The only way to do this in Vectorworks is to clear all application preferences via the Vectorworks preferences dialogue.

VE-103533

Sheet Layer Viewport Auto-Numbering Sorting Fix

Troy Diamond

Currently, when sheet layer viewports are created, the viewport number is placed before the sheet number. When viewports are sorted, they do not sort by Sheet Number.

Instead, the auto numbering should place the Drawing Number *_after_* the Sheet number so that it sorts correctly within the Organisation dialogue or the Navigation > Viewports palette pane.

VE-100914

Railing Fence Tool: Frameless glass styles

Troy Diamond

In the ANZ version of Vectorworks we have a legacy Draw Handrails tool allows for frameless glass styles. I would also like frameless glass with in-board handrails (such as 1200mm AFFL in-floor fixed channel, or patch-fix to front of balcony slab/floor with 900-1000mm AFFL handrails). (I will post some other examples images on the Beta Forum as Jira isn't allowing me to uploaded images).

Please add this capability to the Railing Fence tool.

VE-100912

Railing Fence Tool: Align to Terrain Model

Troy Diamond

In the ANZ version of Vectorworks we have a legacy Draw Handrails tool that allows for handrails to be sent to the surface of a terrain model.

Please add this capability to the Railing Fence tool.

VE-100905

Slab (and Space) Object Clipping Behaviour

Troy Diamond

The Slab and Space Object Clipping Behaviour should have a setting that has the option to apply additions and subtractions to the boundary and not just the object modifier layer.

The behaviour of the slab and now the proposed [Space object 2021 update|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/72023-t02137-—-clipping-space-objects/] works well when used for auto bounded object within walls, but these objects can also be used for concept design of blocking out forms and master planning (before walls objects are even used). When blocking out Space objects, I often use the Clip Tool to align with walls or other objects. It's super-fast.

But blocking with Slabs (and now Space) objects now create (for many, unknown) separate modifier additions. For most that I work alongside, this behaviour is too complex. They have no idea they are actually creating modifiers (instead of additions to the object boundary).

*I like the initiative for consistency across objects, but if you are going to change this behaviour, then please provide the option to apply these additions to the boundary and not just the modifiers. Please do the same for the Slab object.*

Let's get it right now before the Space Object update is released.

VE-100440

New Layer/Class: Search Field

Troy Diamond

Providing a search field would be very helpful finding/isolating classes in Vectorworks layer and class templates/standards.

VE-102332

Landscape Area Simplification Tolerance resets after change to style

Tony Kostreski

At present, the landscape area simplification tolerance found in the OIP resets after any change is done to the object's style (i.e. change the landscape area name). This is problematic as the user first has to wait for the style change to occur (~3 minutes in the file I am working on) and then add the simplifcation tolerance back onto the landscape area (another few minutes) if we ever want to update the site model again.

Is it possible to only have the landscape area recalculate it's geometry if a physical change happens (i.e. the shapes path or edit components). Any change to text I would assume would not have to recalculate the object. It would be nice if the user could make text changes and not have to wait (i.e. in worksheets/data tags).

Happy to provide file I am working on if desired (~950mb)

VE-102208

T02197 - Export Unreal Datasmith - object replacement for plants

Tony Kostreski

When running object replacement in Twinmotion for Vectorworks' plant objects, a Twinmotion plant is placed for every object included in a plant object and usually has them rotated 90 degrees vertically.

* For Vectorworks plants with image props – it replaces with a Twinmotion plant for each plane and since our image props by default are cross-planar it gets two Twinmotion plants
* For Vectorworks plants created with 3d generate "shell" or "volume", a Twinmotion plant replaced trunk and canopy and is rotated 90 degrees vertically
* For Vectorworks plants created with 3d generate "Grid", a Twinmotion plant replaces each 3d polygon +/- 9 Twinmotion plants with one rotated 90 degrees vertically

I would love to know what the proper workflow is otherwise I find it hard to market this feature to the landscape industry.

FYI [~egilbey], [~bgoff], [~kollikainen]

VE-102026

T02081-Feature Layers-data lost when "modify record" command is used

Tony Kostreski

The new Feature Layers task is amazing. I've tested out an area in DC, used the "Bind Layer to Feature Service", and brought in available contours. They successfully appeared with a record format and appropriate fields filled out. After using the "Modify by Record" command and selecting the field "ELEVATION" to automatically "Elevate 2d poly to 3d poly" information is lost and polys are not elevated at the appropriate elevation.

I've attached a screen recording and sample file.

FYI [~vstanev]

VE-101077

Hardscape Pick-up and Bucket Modes

Tony Kostreski

The pickup and bucket modes are missing from the Hardscape tool. Users want the same ability the Plant and Landscape Area tool has in terms of "pickup mode" and "bucket mode" (for plants it's called "massing creation mode") for the hardscape area tool. This will allow users to "pickup" the settings of an existing hardscape and "bucket" onto a basic shape such as a rectangle or polyline.

VE-105109

Legends for Site Model Analysis Improvements

Tony Kostreski

Some feedback from users:
* SWT and other users find it problematic to control text styles via a class because it requires creating new classes and it's simply not intuitive. Instead, they would prefer to fine-tune like you would with a data tag style or graphic legends style. _"Classes are obviously the best way to do things most of the time, but if I have to create a new class just to hold a text style for these snapshot legends, that’s not good. In that instance, I should be able to directly choose the desired text style rather than the roundabout way of doing it via a class." - Will Metcalf_
* Edit interval text _"forcing it to read a certain way if I'm getting untidy results fro some reason"_ - Will Metcalf
* Toggle Horizontal vs Vertical Legend
* Show Elevation Analysis with a gradient rather than a block for each color which can look rather extensive. Direct control over how large the graphic is.
!Elevation Analysis Legend Gradient.png!

Some feedback from users FYI [~kollikainen]

VE-105038

Fillet-Improvement on adjacent edges and add marque option

Tony Kostreski

*Meeting with user Hord Coplan Macht:*
Mia, Robyn, and Nick discussed the use and potential issues of the fillet tool in Vectorworks for designing curves. Nick expressed struggles with the tool, particularly when dealing with small lines between two others, and mentioned that deconstructing the polyline to match the radii had become a workaround. The issue with this is the files they typically work on can be quite complex.

In the attached video recording, I share my thoughts as to how the fillet tool can be improved and the users agreed this would be great enhancement.

{*}Problem{*}: the fillet tool requires adjacent lines to have a length greater than the desired radius. Oftentimes, users want to either edit existing radii or place a fillet along two edges even if they are not "technically" adjacent but appear to be. Presently, this requires the user to decompose the object, perform the fillet on the desired lines/arcs, delete the leftover geometry, and then compose all linework. If these were plug-in objects like hardscapes or landscape areas then the problem is even longer to address.

{*}Solution{*}:
Scenario A: If the adjacent line/arc segments are too small when performing a fillet operation, it should go to the succeeding segment until the segment is long enough to perform the desired fillet and create the desired radius. !Fillet with small segment.png|width=454,height=314!

Scenario B (Editing radii): If an existing radius exists, the fillet operation on edges adjacent to the radius should be able to be selected and override the existing radius.

!Fillet on existing radius.png|width=336,height=225!

This is possible when elements are decomposed but this process is not intuitive to users and is cumbersome.

The additional request would be to have a marque option to apply fillets to multiple corners all at once. Right now, there is the ability to double-click on an object to apply the fillet to the whole object but there are many more scenarios where only a few may want to be affected.

FYI [~bgoff] in case you want to add anything I may have missed from our meeting or if you have other scenarios you would like to share.

VE-105126

PIO Export DWG as linework

Tony Kostreski

It's common for landmark users to export DWG files to consultants on a regular basis. Presently, plug-in objects like hardscape and landscape areas are exported to DWG as blocks. There is a wish for an option that hardscapes and landscape areas and other similar plug-in objects export as linework removing the need for consultants to "explode" these objects every time they receive a file which can be weekly and even daily.

The wish comes from Will Metcalf at SWT Design

VE-105037

Arc object: Add Show Direction/Reverse Direction

Tony Kostreski

There was a technical discussion with user Hord Coplan Macht about the direction of lines and arcs. The user wanted to duplicate an object along a path (arc) and the duplicated objects went in the opposite direction he expected. He was asked how to tell which direction an arc was drawn. Lines and polylines have the ability to "show direction" and "reverse direction" in the Object Info Palette so they were surprised the arc object did not have that as well.

The screenshot shows the red arrow indicating direction of the line and polyline drawn. User wants this added to arc objects.

VE-105056

Option to Disable Temporary Bezier Vertex Mode

Tony Kostreski

_"In Corner Vertex mode, press and hold the mouse to temporarily switch to Bézier Vertex mode." -_ from our Vectorworks Help

User *Hord Coplan Macht* wants to disable this so they do not accidentally draw Bezier curves which are not useful in their practice. Perhaps this can be added to Vectorworks Preferences.

VE-104813

LAND: Improve calculation ability for Landscape Area Seed Mixes

Tony Kostreski

From user, Will Metcalf from SWT Design:

_"Passing along some thoughts. I have struggled a bit with managing seeded areas via Landscape Area objects. We will generally show these as a hatched area, and our schedule will list square footage and refer to the appropriate seed mix specification. If I wanted to generate a table, I could use the plants per square foot parameter with a Seed Mix Plant Style Record and Seed Mix Landscape Area Record for the additional parameters we’d want to input (it is common for us to have a plug/container and seed version of a plant in our projects, so we need multiple plant styles). However, this presents challenges with visualization – with seeds, I do not want any 2D plant appearance because they wind up in dwg exports and clutter the drawing. In 3D, if I use the plants/sf parameter it will make the planting way too dense. I am leaning toward using a custom record format for all seed-related info so that the plant object parameters are strictly for basic plant info and visualization. What I don’t like about this is that the record information doesn’t stick with the plant style and I’d have to place an individual plant somewhere to edit values, then clean up the worksheet. This all being said it would be great to see more tools to control the appearance and documentation of landscape areas for seeding."_

VE-104264

Symbols and/or Records inside Tile attribute

Tony Kostreski

Using firm MCLD creates customized stone patterns. They create a symbol for each size paver with a custom record and then place them onto a hardscape plan to pull quantities for each sized paver. They would see a benefit in using "Tiles" as a fill but then report the number of each sized paver.

At present, you cannot place symbols inside a Tile. It does not support 3D objects or symbols. This means you cannot report quantities of repeating objects. I've also tried applying records to simple objects (rectangles/polygons) inside a tile attribute but there is no way to report the quantities of these objects.

It will be very useful! :D

VE-102078

Plant - 3D Graphics - Assign Default Classes

Tony Kostreski

It would be very beneficial to users if the 3D canopy and 3D trunk of a plant style were assigned to a default class (such as Plant-3D-Canopy/Trunk) similar to the Existing Tree Tool so that designers can control their attributes (color/texture).

At present, these objects are set to the "None" class with a default green/brown for the canopy/trunk. If a designer edits the 3D graphics and places these objects on a different class and then goes back in to edit plant style to re-generate the 3D graphics, the objects get reset to default.

VE-101224

Plant Polygon Display Reshape Control

Tony Kostreski

The auto-generated *polygon display* for linking plant groupings together is a great feature but often times the line intersects with other plants (see example). It would be great if there was an option to reshape the polygon display without adding/removing plants. Usually, this is represented by having the polygon arc around other plants. The workaround is drawing a polygon manually but this can be time-consuming and any edits to the planting plan require a change to the plants and the polygon.

Original request:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/75988-plant-grouping-lines-way-to-curve-the-autogenerated-polygon-display/&tab=comments#comment-366876]

VE-101128

Plant - Need ability to add custom/additional fields in plant data

Tony Kostreski

It has been requested frequently to add the ability to add custom/additional fields to the plant data section of a Plant object similar to what is available for the Existing Tree tool.

There are various requirements across the globe on what information needs to be included in a plant to meet local requirements such as WUCOLS data in California, Tree Conservation Plans (and this changes even per county), etc.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74953-is-there-any-way-to-add-in-additional-fields-in-a-plant-symbol/&tab=comments#comment-362694]

Having the ability to add as many fields as a user wants will solve this problem.

VE-104237

Vectorworks Cloud Presentations and VR

Tony Kostreski

The following list of cloud presentation improvements comes from a firm visit with SWT Design:

*Cloud Presentations*
* The ability to upload more fonts. Their desired brand font was not available.
* The ability for non-users to comment. It looks like you have to be logged in to comment. They want customers and contractors to be able to make comments on presentations as well.

*Vectorworks Online Virtual Reality:*
* Have the ability to comment on VR files and save the current view. As you cycle through comments, the view will change reflecting the comment.
* Saved views in Vectorworks translate to VR

Following email received from Will Metcalf:

_Tony,_

_I just used Vectorworks Cloud for the first time to pull together a quick walkthrough of this project with the client. It was easy to create and flowed nicely by pinning imagery to a site plan. I love that we have flexibility with slide layouts now. It’s a great way to pull together a quick, polished design update without building out a full slide deck. I can see this as a great asset for project interviews and walking a client through site analysis as well. Some feedback:_

* _We need to be able to add our own font for use in Text Boxes or custom Pin Text within a presentation. Use of Cloud Presentations will be somewhat limited until this is possible._

* _It would be nice if branding could be applied to the landing page for a shared Presentation link – at least showing our logo._

* _The previous version of Cloud Services had presentation templates. The new version seems to have lost these – it would be nice to be able to have those templates back as starting points or be able to create our own. The duplicate feature essentially does this but it having that consistency across projects and being able to pull in slide formats at any time is super helpful. I suppose we could create sample presentations that serve as templates, but then we’d have to figure out how to distribute them across the team. Not sure how to create team resources within Cloud Services currently. Creating team resources like saving shared colors, fonts, etc. is also a big goal._
* _For longer presentations, sharing presentations for editing between team members in our Organization would be essential – sharing could address the template issue above as a workaround but the main use case is that I often find it’s both our PMs and project designers working on content and layout updates. Is there currently a way to do this?_
* _Could there be a streamlined way for external collaborators to add presentation resources? (so now we’re talking about view/add/edit permissions for sharing)_
* _Is there a way we could pin existing site panoramas to a presentation? Kind of like the way model panoramas can be pinned? This would add such a cool dimension to site analysis presentations when walking a client through observations—both during an interview or during initial meetings._
* _I can’t seem to select and edit two or more objects at once. My goal is to maintain relationships between two objects while I shift them around, i.e. a pin and an image. It would be great if some kind of association could be made between the two objects, whether that’s being able to create groups, select multiple objects at once, or have them anchored to each other._
* _The custom text on a pin has some awesome applications and I love the flexible formatting, but currently if I go past a certain length or use large text I can’t scroll through the pin because it disappears if I hover off it. Not trying to add novels to pins but more dynamic formatting for text pins would alleviate this issue._
* _More shapes for pins – square, rectangle, etc.. Can currently only do circle._
* _A simple geometry tool would be nice to add from a formatting standpoint, i.e. to utilize as backgrounds for text floating on top of an image. Even if it is only rectangles to start with. Opacity adjustments would be a necessary function of this tool in that case._
* _A preview or start presentation button direct from a working view of a slide would be helpful. Currently I have to back out of the working view, then select the slide I want and start the presentation from there, then stop the presentation and return to my working slide. This is a bit cumbersome._

_If there is a cloud product marketing team I’d be happy to send feedback directly to them in the future. Just thought I’d send some thoughts your way. This is a great offering from Vectorworks and I see a lot of exciting potential with it. - Will Metcalf_

VE-104239

Pathway Site Modifier Reshape

Tony Kostreski

Met with using firm, SWT Design:

Will Metcalf was confused by the site modifier-pathway configuration mode. He would like to reshape the centerline of a pathway and have the width stay consistent similar to a hardscape path object. At present, when the centerline of a pathway site modifier is moved, the boundary stays put making it quite confusing and difficult to make simple modifications.

VE-104235

Site modifier pathway configuration - set default view for profile edit modes

Tony Kostreski

From SWT Design firm visit:

When switching to a longitudinal profile, Will Metcalf found it very confusing that the reshape did not work in top/plan view which was the default. After explaining it was meant to just adjust vertex z elevation and should rotate to a 3D view he mentioned it was not easily understood.

For the transverse profile edit mode, it always appeared in wireframe and in ortho but did not provide context. He would then rotate to a 3D view to understand which side he would want to lower/raise.

Essentially, he would like to be able to control default views for going into an edit mode.

VE-104124

Revit Import Support for Revit & IFC Links and Model Groups

Tony Kostreski

Request from *studio DWG* (Steve Meyers):

*studio DWG* (name of the firm, not talking about file format DWG) is collaborating with an architecture firm on a site project containing over 40 buildings—only 3 distinct buildings (Models A, B, and C)—that are "Linked" into the Main Site File (see image). !Model homes duplicated across site.PNG|width=3195,height=1747! The architects are responsible for the site layout of buildings which is why this site file was shared with the landscape architecture firm, studio DWG.

When importing this Revit master file into Vectorworks it appears to import every story of every building (+180 design layers). The user (studio DWG) was expecting Vectorworks to recognize the "links" as references of the buildings similar to xRef in AutoDesk dwg files that are imported into Vectorworks. Because the buildings are "clones", they assumed it would import quicker rather than treating them as individual buildings upon import.

If it is not possible to recognize "links" as "references", is it possible to treat these links as symbols? Each building model would import as Symbol Model A, B, and C and properly be placed on the site model.

Happy to discuss this further! Thank you

VE-104123

Revit Export Year Option

Tony Kostreski

Request from using firm studio DWG:

They would like to see an option to select a year for Revit Export similar to what is shown in DWG Export. At present, they work with an architecture firm using Revit 2022 requiring them to work in Vectorworks 2022 since Vectorworks 2023 only currently exports to Revit 2023. Perhaps being able to select 1 or 2 years behind will suffice.

VE-100773

Bed Area Graphics Tab for T02093: Landscape Area Improvements

Tony Kostreski

In reference to *T02093: Landscape Area Improvements:*

Add border style for "mass planting". Users typically want to represent plants with a *plant cloud* or *plant line border style* over a planting bed which is typically represented with a standard border style. It would be great to show both simultaneously.

If the "Show Plants 2D" is checked then the mass planting border style should turn off.

VE-101127

Landscape Areas to have opacity control over fill & pen

Tony Kostreski

This request comes from a user and I completely agree. Currently, when a Landscape Area is selected the pen opacity is disabled in the attributes palette.

"You can do this with most other objects, but not a landscape area. It would make life a lot simpler as I like drafting with a more transparent fill while having the pen set to 100%. Basically, I just want to be able to uncheck the "Link Pen Opacity" box in the "Set Opacity" palette." - loretta.at.large

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74973-landscape-areas-fill-and-pen-opacity/

VE-101278

Kerb/Curb/Border/Edge Tool

Tony Kostreski

A Kerb/Curb/Border/Edging tool is drastically desired and needed in Vectorworks Landmark. I can’t imagine this is the first request but I’ve tried to find a similar VE to no avail—please let me know if this has already been discussed as I would love to hear from others.

Examples of use-cases include:
* Complex Hardscape Borders
* Landscape Edging
* Mow strips
* Curbs/kerbs with custom profiles (for roadways, hardscape areas, etc.)

I could see this working in two main ways and think both options should be made available: (1) "smart" *extrude along path* object and (2) complex borders & edging (think of a mesh between duplicate along the path and our complex linetype resource or linear tiling).
# This tool should have at least two drafting modes:
** One for selecting existing geometry highlighting as many edges as you'd like or all at once (could be hardscape, roadway, landscape area, or even a simple shape such as a rectangle or polyline)
** One for drawing freehand using similar drafting modes to the polyline tool

# After the selection of edges, the user should be able to input the left, center, or right edge offset.
# This tool should be "style-based".
# Report in lineal meters/feet
# If snapped to an existing element that is being reshaped, it should reshape as well. Option to “disconnect” or unsnap.
# Each vertex should have the ability to be assigned a “z” elevation
# Simplification tolerance option for curved paths
# Option to send path to the surface
# Should be hybrid

Option 1“Smart” Extrude along path option:

This will be used for custom curbs mainly. When using this method, users should be able to create more than one shape if desired (i.e. curb profile, adjacent paving, and footer are a few examples). Users should be able to pick preconfigured profiles from the Resource Manager and have the ability to create their own in an edit space. Each element should have the ability to be assigned a different material. There should be a clear point (cross-hair) in the edit mode that shows how it relates to the path.

Option 2 Complex Borders & Edging

This will be used for complex hardscapes and edging. It will take on the existing functionality of complex linetypes attributes that allows you to tile along a path but it should also be able to use 3D geometry and report on that geometry. This provides users with their request for complex borders as the current hardscape border only allows for one row with joint spacing.

Attached are some photos and a Vectorworks file showing how complex linteypes for borders works.

Below are user requests:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/76589-kerbedging-tool/#comment-369389]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/34912-getting-garden-edging-into-hardscape-schedules-and-reports/&tab=comments#comment-172882] - regarding garden edging and reporting easier

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/70674-hardscape-improvements/&tab=comments#comment-346928] - this request has issues with roadways. A curb tool would be great to add to various parts of a roadway.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/58761-t01953-roadways/page/2/&tab=comments#comment-298116] - discussion of separating curb from roadway

VE-101351

Site Model - option to lock in place but still allow updates

Tony Kostreski

The site model is very sensitive to selection and oftentimes designers accidentally move the site model when in fact they wanted to move an object above the site model (could be anything from the plant, site modifier, wall, etc.). There should be an option that locks the site model in place but separate from the right click>lock since that locks the ability to "update" the site model. Control over design layers is also not a good workflow as there are times users want to move objects from different design layers at the same time.

Here is a request from a notable user

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/77497-site-model-lock-in-place/

VE-101647

Stake Object to display elevation of smart objects

Tony Kostreski

The stake object could benefit from having the added ability to display elevations of smart objects with options to select top/bottom of object. Useful scenarios include top of wall/bottom of wall (where wall meets terrain). Bottom/top of drain inlets. Bottom/top of curbs.

This is typical practice to include in a landscape grading plan. See attached example.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80894-stake-tool-improvement/|http://example.com/]

VE-101648

Landscape Lighting Toolset

Tony Kostreski

A landscape lighting toolset will allow us to satisfy existing user requests while also open us up to the exterior lighting design market. Many irrigation designers also work in the exterior lighting design market and have mentioned at irrigation shows I've attended to let them know when we also have the ability to do exterior lighting design.

The largest US competitor (Land F\X) already has a suite of lighting tools they call the Lighting Manager

[https://www.landfx.com/docs/site-hardscape-design/lighting/item/164-lighting.html |http://example.com/]

The proposed toolset should include the following but not be limited to:

*Low Voltage Lighting Fixtures* (sample products [https://www.voltlighting.com/shop/landscape-lighting)] :
* Spotlights (ability to point them towards objects like trees, buildings, accent pieces like sculptures)
* Path Lights (recognize terrain for "z" height, follow a path and specify spacing between fixtures)
* Well Lights
* Wall Lights/Step Lights (specify height in wall similar to window sill height, also connect into stair object risers)
* Flood Lights
* Downlights (signage, moon lighting, down lighting, structure lighting)
* Deck Lights/Hardscape Lights (snap into decks/hardscapes and also snap underneath railing)
* Underwater Lights (for swimming pools, fountains, ponds, etc.)
* Bollard Lights
* Specialty Lights (user-defined, sculptural, accent)
* Bistro Lights

*Solar Lights* (don't necessarily require cables and are self-lighting for 4-8 hours a night thanks to solar power throughout the day)

*Line Voltage Lighting* - cables that connect to all lights. Ability to define light zones (similar to irrigation design zones)

*A low voltage transformer* is at the heart of every [landscape lighting|https://www.voltlighting.com/shop/landscape-lighting] system. It converts 120 volt current to a low voltage current (between 12-15 VAC). The efficiency of this conversion determines how well the transformer controls the voltage output and how much energy is consumed in the process.

*Smart lights* we should also include wifi capable lighting. Really big in the industry right now. Sample products. [https://havenlighting.com/pages/stratus]

VE-101913

T02068 - Site Model Components - Clip Cube

Tony Kostreski

The clip cube command does not treat site model components as "solids". Instead, it shows the bottom/top plane of each component. I think it would be useful (and consistent) if the site models' components reacted similarly to how the clip cube command works on plug-in objects with "components" like the wall, hardscape, and other 3d geometric objects.

See screenshot and sample file. There is a floating hardscape to show the clip cube treats it as a solid object and fills "red" (default color).

VE-101914

T02067 - Site Modifier - Contour mode "closed"

Tony Kostreski

I often hear from existing users and new users that they are confused that a "contour" cannot be closed within Vectorworks. I think we can do either one of two things:
# Add the ability to "close" a contour OR
# if a user tries to "close" a site modifier when using "contour mode", prompt a dialog (the first time they try with the option to not show again) to convert to pad, and that a pad will act as a closed contour

This will get users and new users to quickly carry on with their modeling/drafting rather than fight the tool that does not close.

Example of closed contours attached.

VE-102080

Site Model - Mesh

Tony Kostreski

When working with site models, designers at the end of the day want to display contours on the surface of objects such as hardscapes, roadways, and landscape areas. The existing problem is a site model's "mesh" conflicts with these surfaces. What if we tricked the site model to only display a mesh where a "surface" (i.e. landscape area, hardscape, roadway) does not exist?

The current workaround is to either turn off the mesh but then you will see holes where there are no surfaces, or set the datum to the bottom of the top component which can result in grading issues.

Thoughts? [~kollikainen], [~bgoff], [~egilbey]?

VE-102210

Photometric Studies & Design

Tony Kostreski

The ability to perform *Footcandle Photometric Studies & Design* within Vectorworks is being requested more and more frequently, most recently from notable NC firm, Surface 678 (20 licenses of Vectorworks Landmark) and by a prospect Michael Cholona. I've attached screenshots of their emails for reference but here is what they say:

*Surface 678 (Phillip Tripp):*

One more item comes to mind that would benefit us greatly would be the ability to run footcandle photometric studies of lighting on our ground plane. We typically rely on lighting distributor reps, manufacturer reps, or electrical engineers to run these diagram studies for us and that typically never happens quickly, and soon they become less inclined to do them after the client changes their mind several times. Usually the IES lighting files are available for free from lighting companies, but I'm not aware that Landmark can use them for that photometric study purpose. I think your theatrical lighting software can use those files.

I should add that if this is something Vectorworks is considering, there are specific building code requirements lighting must conform to, so typically these studies have a polygon that defines an area of footcandles to allow data calculation of the min, max, average, and ratio of footcandles for that area. We then have the ability to position lights and run compliance studies on various layout options without involving a slow consultant.

*Michael Cholona:*

Can I do site photometric design for parking lots in VW? Be able to use ies light fixture files to generate the footcandle light grids?

For our Landmark customers, these studies typically need to be done for Parking Lots, Athletic & Sports Fields, Sign Lighting, Security Lighting, Landscape & Outdoor Lighting, Decorative Pole Lighting, etc. I know we have the ability to import IES files into light objects but it seems to stop there. I'm attaching various images for reference.

Thank you.

Tony

VE-102238

Hardscapes - allow object insertion and wrap like wall tool

Tony Kostreski

Users are asking more and more for the ability to plug objects into hardscapes similar to how doors, windows, and symbols can be placed into walls. If the object moves the hardscape remains wrapping around object. There should be control as to how hardscapes wrap around such objects. This could also allow for hardscapes within hardscapes for more complex designs with paving patterns.

Scenarios include but are not limited to:
* hardscapes within hardscapes for complex design
* tree pits
* lights in hardscape
* drains inside hardscape (different than are slab drainage which does not work for site design requirements)
* placing bioretention planters in hardscape

VE-102373

Massing Model Styles

Tony Kostreski

For community planners, adding styles to the massing model tool could be very beneficial. I'm attaching an image of a site plan for reference. These styles should be able to be pulled into worksheets including the ability to pull the number of units of a building, not just floors.

VE-102385

LAND - Geological Survey Points Identifier/2D graphic

Tony Kostreski

At present, there is no way to visualize geological survey points without activating the Site Model's "Edit Geological Survey Points" edit mode. This means a plan cannot be created to display the location of the survey points, typically represented with a cross-hair circle and a Boring number. I've attached a screenshot of an example Geotechnical Report plan and a fill geotechnical report, typically done by the geotechnical engineer. In the report, look at page 22 (sheet A-2) for the "Exploration Plan" which includes 9 soil borings. These are related to Boring Log No. found on sheets 24-32.

Lastly, these survey points should be class controlled so they can easily be turned off.

VE-100843

'Select Similar' should recognize all styles

Tony Kostreski

The *Select Similar Tool* should now recognize all "styles" as they are becoming the standard for all tools. At present, we can only apply select similar to wall, slab, and roof styles and are missing plant, landscape area, data tags, etc.

!Screen Shot 2020-06-03 at 8.31.07 PM.png|width=484,height=764!

VE-102670

Import/Export DEM (Digital Elevation Model) files

Tony Kostreski

_"A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is *a representation of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth excluding trees*, buildings, and any other surface objects. DEMs are created from a variety of sources. USGS DEMs used to be derived primarily from topographic maps."_

The ability to import and export DEM files is a heavily requested feature that dates back to 2008, possibly earlier (see below for requests on the forum).

I would see this being available for Landmark and potentially Architect. The workflow would be to go to either File>Import>Import DEM or Landmark>Survey Import>DEM. Commands could be added to the DEM object to allow:
* extraction of contours and/or points (xyz)—specified by unit (i.e. 10ft contours). Use this as source data to create a site model.
* or automatically convert DEM to site model

The existing Site Model could have an added option:
* 2D Display: DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

This could be exported as a DEM and then used for programs like arcGIS, Lumion, Twinmotion, etc.

At present, users typically have to use a different application like QGIS or Blender to import DEM files, extract objects, then bring into Vectorworks. In the video I recorded, I show the process for importing a DEM into QGIS> extract contours> export shapefile> import shapefile into Vectorworks> Modifiy by record (elevate 2D poly)> create site model from source data.

FYI [~egilbey], [~bgoff], [~kollikainen], [~bstanchev], [~vstanev]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/36720-importexport-raster-dem/#comment-182295]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/11655-dem-import-enahnced-raster-graphics-support-and-road-intersections/#comment-50687|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/22186-dlg-or-dem-import-in-vw-2008/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/22186-dlg-or-dem-import-in-vw-2008/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82695-lidar-data-for-site-design/#comment-391315]

VE-102907

Find Referenced items within file

Tony Kostreski

Reed Hilderbrand request:

Ability to locate a referenced item in a file by right-clicking on referenced file within Navigation Palette>References and have the option to "go to reference" similar to what is available in InDesign for "go to link" seen in the attached example *Go To Link-sample.jpeg*. (The option sits above the bolded Embed Link).

This is useful because it is quite typical for Reed Hilderbrand to have 50-80 references in a Vectorworks files of images, pdfs, vectorworks files, dwgs all referenced into their main file. If they can simply right-click and select "Go to reference" and it selects the object in their file it'll make it much easier to locate objects. Similar to force selecting an object that you don't know which design layer or class it resides on.

VE-102184

Allow all objects to send to surface of site model

Tony Kostreski

From a designer's point of view, all objects and shapes should have the ability to "send to surface" of a site model. Generic solids or CSG solids are unable to send to the surface as of 2021.

This is noted on the forum where the user explains they did the work in Rhino because in Vectorworks, they were not able to accomplish this: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/85906-3d-objects-to-site-model/]

VE-103649

Viewport Annotation Layout in ref to T02352 - Viewport Styles

Tony Kostreski

In reference to [T02352 - Viewport Styles|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/102577-t02352-viewport-styles/], it would be great if a user can set the location of geometry within the Annotations part of a Viewport including but not limited to the Drawing Label, Scale Bar, and North Arrow. We could call it "Viewport Annotation Layout" (or similar) and this parameter could be set by style or by instance. I've adopted what has already been created for Graphic Legends to show what I mean below.

!Viewport Annotation Layout.png|width=588,height=341!

Right now, I believe the Drawing Label is automatically placed on the bottom/center of the Viewport and then has to manually be adjusted (correct me if I am wrong). This would provide an excellent way to set labels up from the beginning removing many unnecessary clicks. Example: you have a sheet with a dozen detail viewports, each with a drawing label and you want to either left or right-justify them. If you adjust this style setting, all details will pick up the new location of the Drawing Label.

VE-102904

Add "Overkill" command to Vectorworks

Tony Kostreski

Source of request: Reed Hilderbrand

Add "Overkill" command to Vectorworks which is essentially purging coincident objects with a tolerance level. Image two overlapping lines but one is shorter than the other. Vectorworks Purge Coincident Duplicates will disregard this whereas "Overkill" will eliminate the shorter one based on the level of tolerance that has been set.

[https://surveyorinsider.com/delete-overlapping-objects-autocad/]

VE-102905

Scale Multiple Objects using Object's center point

Tony Kostreski

Reed Hilderbrand request:

Ability to select multiple different objects and scale them based on the individual objects' center point. Currently, when multiple objects are selected and scaled, VW uses the combined center of all objects as the point of reference.

When multiple different symbols are selected there is an option in the Object Info Palette to scale by a factor and the objects stay at their center point. This is desired for any object regardless of type, size, etc. to be able to scale by a factor in the Object Info Palette and keep the objects in place.

VE-102908

Improved Filter/Visibility option for classes and design layers

Tony Kostreski

Reed Hilderbrand request:

_"Filter/visibility options for class and layer management (turn on every class in a layer or see which classes are used in a layer, see which reference file a layer is coming from, see which classes are referenced classes, etc…)"_

Essentially, add additional categories to the "Class Filter" dialog box.

VE-102906

Extend/Trim Multiple Polylines in one operation

Tony Kostreski

Reed Hilderbrand request:

Ability to trim and extend (connect/combine) many polylines at once. At present this is only possible with lines and arcs. See video.

VE-102265

Create Object from Shape - Grade Object

Tony Kostreski

The ability to draw a polyline/polygon and then run the command "Create Object from Shape" and select grade object would be very useful especially since we now have grade object networks. The prompt I believe should allow the user to input a slope or start and end elevation of the entire network.

VE-102023

Batch Replacement of Plant Style Graphics

Tony Kostreski

It would be very useful to convert multiple plant style 2d and/or 3d graphics with one command. This is useful to new users developing their own plant resources and existing users who must meet project deliverable requests (i.e. US state or county drawing submissions sometimes require specific symbols for plant types and batch replace plant styles can quickly help with this process).

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/84684-batch-replacement-of-plant-style/]

VE-101778

Gradient Cut Fill Site Model Visualization

Tony Kostreski

This request comes from user Eric Berg on the community forum:

_"It would be awesome if you could generate a 2-dimensional visualization of a Site Model's cut/fill, but instead of just static Cut = Red and Fill = Blue...you could assign a gradient for each that could color the site model based on cut severity or fill severity. For example a White to Red gradient for cut that the greater the value of cut, the deeper the shade of red. Additionally a White to Blue for fill that the greater the value of fill, the deeper the shade of blue. This would be an extremely useful way to visualize site models."_

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82246-gradient-cut-fill-site-model-visualization/]

I agree with this request. I played around with data visualization to no avail. I see an opportunity to be able to visually see in 2D (top/plan) how much fill or cut is taking place at any point on the terrain.

VE-102043

Color Palettes for Data Visualization

Tony Kostreski

Designers often create color palettes they use for generating site plans and they would also like to be able to use these set color palettes in data visualization. At present, data visualization creates a gradient, or color ramp, between two selected colors, which is not always desired and it can be time-consuming to recreate a color palette and assign a specific color to each field.

Desired Workflow - select "Auto-Color Settings" and either pick
* "*Color Ramp*" which would be the existing workflow for selecting a start and end color OR
* "*Color Palette*" which will use colors from an existing color palette (including access to palettes from Benjamin Moore, Pantone, etc.). If more fields exist than colors, option to create more.

VE-101593

Partner with NearMap

Tony Kostreski

The connection Vectorworks has with Esri's ArcGIS Online has been great, however, customers and prospects increasingly are seeking higher-quality imagery through potential partner products like NearMap:

[https://www.nearmap.com/us/en]

The most recent request was through a prospect (McCullough) considering a switch from SketchUp who shared this: [https://forums.sketchup.com/t/nearmap-aerial-imagery-is-now-available-in-sketchup-s-add-location/132811]

They don't want to lose this capability. I mentioned the ability to import world image files but they'd like to see a more direct connection moving forward

FYI-[~ldraminski]

VE-99565

Surface Sculpting Simplified Triangulation

Tony Kostreski

Surface Sculpting is an excellent improvement to Vectorworks, however, the triangulation from existing site models is irregular and difficult to work with. I'd like to propose a simplification to this process which adopts the current capabilities of "Create Site Model from Boundary" allowing the user to input a specific "Grid Spacing" placing 3D loci in the source data.

Please view the attached recording where I place an array of 3D loci on an existing site model, send to surface, and create a site model from the new source data. If the user has the ability to enter "Existing or Proposed Site Model Surface" and choose a "Grid Spacing" that automatically changes the source data to 3D loci, this will make surface sculpting much easier to manage than the current workflow which includes triangles of a variety of different sizes. Landscape Architects understand a grid much easier than random irregular triangles.

Things to look out for:
1) Landscape Architects will still need the ability to edit proposed/existing contours. Grid spacing of loci should only happen in the "background" as landscape architects use contours to create their final grading plan.
2) Contours need to remain "smooth". Is there a possibility to improve this?
3) Performance is a priority (keep file size down). I know this is asking for a lot but it's what we keep hearing at shows, firm visits, and university visits.

Users and prospects often reference Rhino when talking about surface sculpting.

I'm happy to discuss further with anyone.

VE-100160

Data Visualization Auto-Color PEN

Tony Kostreski

Presently, in Vectorworks 2020, users have the ability to Auto-Color FILL through the Data Visualization dialog box—this is fantastic. The ability to also Auto-Color PEN is highly desired to save time.

For example, a user receives a survey drawing that contains many layers (classes in VW) but all contain the same line thickness and color (black). To visually check which classes are which users can apply color to the different classes. When you have 50+ classes to do this to, it will take a long time. Auto-Color PEN will be a simple click.

VE-99932

Fillet and Chamfer should work for path based PIOs

Toni Tanev

At the moment Fillet and Chamfer tools work only on primitive objects (polygons, polylines, ...). To edit the PIO using Fillet and Chamfer we need to use "Edit Path". It would be nice if the tools worked like Reshape tool - being able to directly modify the PIO, not going through "Edit Path".

VE-105035

Site Model: Extruded contours should model vertical walls

Toni Tanev

The problem can be seen in 'extruded contours missing on vertical parts.vwx'.

Extruded contours do not model vertical walls created by planar pads.

Instead the contours walk around the planar pads (along their boundaries) and if there are a lot of planar pads which are sticked together, then the contours may have to surround a very big area, instead of directly walking through the planar pads. This may shift the extruded contours to look very differently from the 3D mesh (as in VB-197586).

Implementing this VE will fix bugs such as VB-197586, VB-198619, VB-198666.

VE-103396

Hardscape Slab Drainage should have the option to provide its own modifier

Toni Tanev

Slab drainage is incompatible with the hardscape modifier types (Planar Pad, Aligned, Path, Texture Bed).

The slab drainage's geometry is defined by using the Slab Drainage Tool in the Building Shell Tool set. Drainage points are inserted which provide custom slopes and result in arbitrary geometry for the slab drainage.

The geometry of the pad modifier, aligned modifier or the path modifier which is applied to the site model is not influenced by the drainage geometry and can be different. This can be seen in files 'slab drainage aligned.vwx' and 'slab drainage path.vwx'. Therefore, when 3D Type is Slab Drainage, the Use site modifier option should be disabled. Instead, a new check option should be added for the slab drainage which would allow it to provide its geometry as modifier for the site model.

At the moment, the slab drainage geometry is calculated in the function DrawSlabDrainage in Hardscape/Utilities.cpp. The main area geometry is stored inside a Slab parametric object inside the First list of the hardscape. It contains Slab nodes for flat components and CSG Tree nodes for components which have arbitrary geometry.

It should be noted that the slab drainage can have tapered components as it can be seen in 'slab drainage tapered.png'. Also it should be noted that the hardscape border does not work well with slab drainage when the surface is not flat as it can be seen in 'slab drainage border.png'.

VE-100393

Lighting Instrument Rotation through Object Info Pallatte`

Tom White

Chnge the OIP values for the rotations fields seems to create some odd resuts and strnge behaviours....

Difficult to explain so i have a video.

VE-102082

D&B T-series connection

Tom White

OK so this can be confusing....

The T-Series along with many other D&B speakers connects to the speaker by a hanging mount at the front. You can see in the attached image the speakers line up at the rear, not the front.

This is confusing because when the speakers are ground-stacked they line up at the rear. They should line up by their fronts as a priority and line up by their rear when ground-stacked (might be a VE?)

VE-101482

Spotlight Auto Track Changes

Tom White

A number of lighting designers have requested that when their assistants and electricians change information on the plot they would like Vectorworks to remember and track exactly what has changed. This mostly pertains to field value changes on lighting devices.

VE-105219

Educational Version to have access to premium librairies

Tom White

After working with large groups of students it seems strange that we don't give them everything for free with the Educational License.

I would like to suggest that we allow access to the premium library's for this user.

VE-105221

Hanging position does not add "Hanging postition name" to the truss object

Tom White

Some of our customers create hanging positions from multiple truss objects, these positions are given a name such as DS Truss or LX 1 etc.

The Hanging position is effectively a container object containing the truss objects within it.

Our customers would like to be able to easily break down how much truss they need for LX 1 and DS Truss and so forth.

The key problem with the current workflow is that the Truss objects contained within a hanging position have a position name field but this is not being populated from the Hanging Position Position Name field.

This should be pushed for the user.

VE-105220

Graphic Legend Styles to enable Legend Image on a per cell basis

Tom White

Graphic Legends are a fantastic tool to allow users to to breakdown and display components of a design.

If a user wants to change a cell image then they have to choose a top/plan or iso view of the object, if they want to apply dimensions then all of the objects in that legend have to be dimensioned.

I have a customer who would like to only apply some of these options to particular cells and not others.

I am aware this is complex when it comes to recording this information in a style, maybe this part of the GL could always be by instance and not style controlled.

VE-105151

Soft Goods tool, re-shape/edit length from centre

Tom White

Hello, I’ve got a random wish for you for VWs (or you may have an answer I’ve not found…);

When you have drawn a curtain, it is often centred on the CL, but the tool makes you draw from on end. So when you want to adjust the length my typing in the new length in the object info window, it adjusts from one end. There’s no line with the little black dots to change which position its changing form like the regular line tool.
Change light relative to centre would be really useful.

VE-101721

LED Screen Tool to use Resource Manager Content

Tom White

Video Screen Services a recent Spotlight customer enquired,

They were unsure as to why the speaker toolset can now reference a specific symbol and so can the insert lighting instrument, it seems inconsistent that the video screen projector/LED tools cannot utilise symbols for the PIO's.

[https://videoscreenservices.com/]

VE-101491

Spotlight Inventory Import and Export

Tom White

Would be great in the future TO for its if we could allow the import and export of an inventory via an external source such as a CSV or Excel.

See video.

VE-104294

Reduce number of clicks to set convert to group or PIO on a selected resource

Tom White

When inserting symbols into a document from our Vectorworks Libraries or open documents a user must select the symbol, click and insert.

If user wishes to insert the same symbol again as an instance or use the geometry to make an alternative they must either import and edit symbol options and change to group or insert and convert to group.

Could we enable a button to give the user an option on resource selection to insert as a symbol, group or PIO. Can this be toggle-able from the RM?

VE-104296

Colours to be a resource item (Consistency)

Tom White

I know colours are technically an attribute but I have never understood why textures, hatches, tiles, images, gradients and line types are a resource which can be freely shared between users and documents yet colours are always only available in the colour pallatte. Alot of new users usually ask why this is the case.

This would enable users to share branding colours as a resource and not just within a template file.

I am also hoping it would enable users to delete a colour from the RM and use the 'replace with' command to easily remove wrongly inserted colours.

VE-104254

Data Visualisation not filtering

Tom White

I wanted to create a data visualisation of symbol names.

I choose the function 'Symbol Name'

I then see a list of all symbols in the document.

I then Edit the Criteria 'Specific Layer'

The list is still populating every symbol in the file and not filtering only. the symbols on that layer.

Originally filed as a bug.
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-194026

VE-104097

Inconsistency in removing lighting devices from rigging objects vs Hanging Positions

Tom White

In 2023 when a user moves a lighting device outside the bounding box or pick radius of its rigging object the load still remains associated with the rigging object despite being a considerable distance from the obect. A user must use the manage loads tool to detach association between the two objects. If a user is moving the lighting device to a new system this is fine but its more of a concern that being aware of this process is hidden to the user.

Hanging positions whilst somewhat outdated have an excellent way of managing this problem. The blue handles that appear around the lighting devices that enable the user to instantly detach from a position is a very transparent and easy to understand workflow. I attach videos of both current workflows to compare.

We need to make this more consistant.

VE-104139

Instrument Summary Tool Place at a scale

Tom White

When placing an instrument summary onto a design or sheet layer the instrument summary uses the default US scale for its symbols (1:48).

If placed on a design layer it should use the active layer scale.

If placed within a sheet layer annotation it should again use the design layer scale.

If placed directly onto a sheet layer then the current behaviour is probably WAD.

VE-104164

Vectorworks Worksheet reporting Associated Items

Tom White

This request comes from Spotlight and has implications for ConnectCAD but also I believe all of the other industries would benefit. The examples I have attached depict a limitation when it comes to displaying data in worksheets with nested objects (parts). I have used the speaker tool as an analogy purely because it’s the simplest way to explain the required workflow.

NB This is not an enhancement request to the speaker tool.

So In example 1 we can see 4 line arrays that each contain speaker cabinets. I cannot find a user-friendly way to show each speaker array object and then see in collapsible rows beneath it all of the speakers suspended from that array. There may be a way to do this but it is not obvious to a user. Displaying a single worksheet of parent items containing children in an easy pre-formatted way does not seem to be straightforward. Currently I have to create multiple worksheets to display this data.

Example 2 the source of this request was a customer who is designing exhibition booths who for example has a 'Back Wall' and wants to report that in order to create the back wall the supplier needs. In my mock up you can see I have the following....

6x Omni 55 992x2480
2x Omni 992x992
12 Connector Clip Hardware.

In this case these are symbols however they don't always have the same record attached which I guess is what I really asking. The ability to display connected objects in a kinematic chain relationship, those objects to be able to display fields from different records/PIO Parameters.

VE-104142

Additional Clip Cube Control in Saved Views

Tom White

When saving a clip cube into a saved view they user can only utilise the view orientation to save the clip cube, The user would like a separate check box for clip cube so that the saved view can replay the clip cube only allowing the viewer a different view orientation.

VE-104141

Camera Tool Lenses

Tom White

Had some customers at a recent user group ask me if we could get more lenses in the camera tool, they weren't specific about manufacture they just wanted a greater choice. They want lenses prioritised over camera bodys and stands.

VE-104118

import sheet layers dialogue to include 'Import layer objects'

Tom White

A customer would like to import all sheet layers from one file into another. This can currently be done but they would like to include all title blocks and text and 1:1 symbols they are using to be included. They do not require viewports.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106202-paste-worksheets-and-titleblocks-on-40-plates-in-one-move-or-import-sheet-layers-with-tbsworksheets-included/#comment-462548

VE-99426

Renderworks Camera's

Tom White

Current process of using renderworks camera's to create viewports. Upon creation of the viewport the renderworks camera disappears from the model and can only be accessed through the viewport on the sheet layer.

I have had numerous requests from potential customers in the TV industry in the UK for reliable camera tools that can be used to create viewports which can then be moved around easily in the workspace of Alt-Click duplicated.

It would also be useful if what the renderworks camera can see could be exported to a 3rd party application like image capture or quicktime.

VE-103825

Streamline Referencing DWG workflow

Tom White

Here is the workflow that works for me, but from a user experience point of view, could certainly be better:

Start with DWG Reference A. Right Click > Edit. Browse to path of new file
Click OK at the 'Edit Reference' pop up with path to new Source File DWG B
References list shows DWG B and 'up to date' even though the content displayed is DWG A (a bit confusing, but nevermind)
Right Click Reference in list > Update. Accept the import processing pop up
The content disappears, because the new Design Layer has been created and is invisible
To fix this, either zoom in on the file origin and select the invisible little 100x100mm breadcrumb, or navigate to the Viewports tab in Navigation and Edit or Activate the Reference viewport (which is still named with DWG B)
Select Layers. Turn on the Design Layer for the new DWG.
It works, but I'm not looking forward to teaching it to the rest of the office...!

Editing a DWG reference could do with a prompt to say 'this operation will create a new Design Layer in the Reference viewport for the replacement file. Do you want to enable visibility for the new Design Layer?'

VE-102509

Package font within a Vectorworks file

Tom White

We have had a few requests from high profile Ent customers (Tim Routeledge, Tawbox etc) to be able to preserve the fonts within a file.

These designers often have teams of assistants who also assist with the project drawing in Vectorworks.

These customers want to avoid having to ask assistants and colleagues to purchase fonts that they require. They would rather prefer to embed the fonts within the file so as part of the file - open process the required font is either downloaded or unzipped as part of the file.

VE-103528

ConnectCAD: VE create devices from PIO's within the file or maybe even a referenced file.

Tom White

VE create devices from PIO's within the file or maybe even a referenced file.

The following VE's are from an in person meeting in the US between the training team, industry specialists and onboarding specialists.

Exploring an alternate workflow more suited to the temporary (non-installation) nature of concert touring, Theatre and Corporate events customers typified by our existing entertainment product customers.

These customers often place equipment in a model prior to designing the schematic.

An Event Designer would likely place the Speaker and Video objects within the model first to facilitate showing a client a rendered model or 2d plan. Once this user has 'mocked up' the event they can use the existing "Create Devices from Worksheet" command to commence working on the schematic.

We would like customers to be able to create devices from plug in objects already within the file.

This process would throw up a few challenges.

What if there was a light plot with 200 fixtures? The user would not need to create devices for those but perhaps only the AV elements.

So Some kind of filtering would be required, either by object type but I also wonder if by layer would be preferable

How would the device builder know which devices to use for their respective schematic devices?

We should discuss this. The existing Screen, Video Wall and projector tools lack consistency with regards to make and model information. Speakers and camera's are probably more reliable when it comes to make and model. It would be good if the user could be prompted through this process and effectively 'Manually Map' items which are missing make and model info.

One workflow to suggest is that prior to running the newly suggested command (Create from PIO's or this file or maybe a referenced file). The user could attach the equipment item object to each of the PIO's they wish to make a schematic device for using the equipment item tool thereby predefining and selecting which devices to create. This does not solve the Make and Model issue as this information will need to be entered manually and it would be good for the equipment item tool to extract this information from the PIO where possible.

There may still be customers who wish to keep their schematics in a separate file from their event design. Could this workflow utilise an external (separate) or Xref file as the source equipment items and command be run that creates schematic devices in their preferred separate schematics file?

VE-103530

ConnectCAD: VE Existing Cable Route Tool to utilise styles and have cable tray and conduit functionality

Tom White

VE Existing Cable Route Tool to utilise styles and have cable tray and conduit functionality

We would like to add similar functionality that can currently be found with the fence/railing tool to the existing ConnectCAD Cable Path Tool.

A user can create a cable path in exactly the same way but upon completion a style can be assigned to the path.

Examples can include cable tray, conduit.

Other suggestions could be that an inventory of required cable tray and conduit equipment can be created from the path and also anywhere a cable tray or conduit passes through a wall or obstacle then a suitable hole could be cut and removed from the wall/obstacle.

A style could be created for fibre optic cable path. The style could also restrict path movement due to lack of fibre bend when creating the path.

This task does not fall directly within the remit of connectCAD but its improvements could rapidly improve the current MEP workflow requirements for architecture and Entertainment.

VE-103541

Extend Magnet Functionality to other objects

Tom White

Right now magnets can only be used in conjunction with truss objects. I would like to see it extended to other PIO's and Symbols.

Specific requirements for this VE is to be able to attach scaff, pipe, cheeseborough, doughty clamps to existing truss objects and also themselves.

Other use cases that have been requested are Aluvision and Bematrix Booth components that should 'Snap together.

Also would help this....

VE-102157
Interconnected (bolt together) lighting device workflow.

VE-103354

Perspective view with Orthographic faces

Tom White

This request came from a customer who had switched from fusion and had the following request....

"Spacemouse. Perspective projection does work slightly better than ortho, but flat views are then almost unusable for accurate work – using Numpad shortcuts to i.e. quickly rotate components in a side view. Fusion 360 has a good halfway house – ‘Perspective with Ortho Faces’. This means that any orbit will present as perspective, but selecting a flat view switches to ortho projection for accurate work. Any movement back to a 3D view then switches back to perspective."

So a perspective view where the geometry and objects within the view are orthogonal (Sounds pretty strange to me as a life long Vectorworks user but why not).

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-D0A753CB-5A5A-48E2-AA28-5DC8DCCE2093-htm.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72phgdTAkqc

VE-103452

Inserting Floor Fixtures (Inverted) in a top plan view.

Tom White

A customer at Plasa requested an easier way to place floor fixtures in a top plan view.

Currently for a user to place fixtures on the floor and have them be the right way up they have to do so in a 3d view and use Automatic Plane.

This particular user wants to be able to remain in a top plan view and place the floor fixtures. He doesn't want to have to rotate the fixtures via the OIP (Euler Angles) as "This feels like an unnecessary extra step".

This user likes the angled option on the truss tool (pre-insertion) and was wondering if a similar button on the mode bar could be added to the Lighting Device tool.

This customer is using Depence 2 so exporting correct X,Y,Z Rotation values is crucial!

VE-103451

Speakers Object Info Pallatte to be able to edit make and model field.

Tom White

Feature Request Speakers Object Info Pallette to be able to edit the make and model field and not be locked out.

Currently, Speakers have to be edited via the ATS SPK MOD DATA record format in the RM. Not for all fields, you understand but definitely some useful ones including dispersion.

This is unhelpful to the user and inconsistent with other plugin objects such as lighting devices.

The record should populate the PIO initially like the Lighting Device and Light Info Record but then be editable by the user.

Another option could be styles?

VE-103450

Lighting Symbol Maintenance to be extended to other PIO's and Symbols

Tom White

A Sound designer at Plasa wants a more efficient workflow for editing manufacturer data associated with his speaker objects in Vectorworks. I showed him the Lightinhg Symbol Maintenance dialogue and it would be perfect for his needs.

I can't help but think 'Lighting Symbol Maintenance' should be renamed 'Symbol Maintenance' and should exist across all design series products.

VE-103365

Scenic Automation Track Tool

Tom White

Users require a tool that enables them to place track objects for scenic automation purposes.

They would like to design the layout of the track objects in Vectorworks.

Track components should have the ability to snap together like truss objects.

The user should be able to add additional hardware and components to the track objects that can then be counted in a database at a later date.

Customers are currently designing these elements in Vectorworks but as part of a manual workflow.

Content required for this....

Content Development CD-3545

VE-103356

Classes to have individual snapping control at a per class level.

Tom White

A recent workflow workshop with a client through up an interesting idea.

The customer had created some custom geometry then he needed to be visible and wanted to attach symbols to a NURBS curve at specific points.

The customer is aware that they can create their custom tool snapping palette just to select 'particular snaps' but...

What if you could assign all geometry within a particular class to not 'Snap' then the cursor would only interact with the geometry required and disregard the other visible geometry.

This could be built into the edit class dialogue on the visibilities pane perhaps.

VE-103355

Dimension Tape Dual Dimensions

Tom White

It is not possible to assign Dual Dimensions to a dimension tape.

This is a large inconsistency with the dimensioning tools with Vectorworks.

If Dimension Styles can display dual dimensions then so should Dimension Rulers.

VE-102516

ConnectCAD Display virtual patch within a modular device

Tom White

Plasa

We had a small but significant amount of requests to be able to show a virtual patch within a device. For example a Dante sound patch from a Yamaha console or Rio interface. We discussed and showed a potential workaround with multiple viewports on a sheet layer.

The customer was wondering if it would also be possible to get Yamaha to export the digital Dante patch from the console as a text file and use the create circuits command to draw the schematic.

So it’s a two pronged attack. We should contact Yamaha to ask them to partner and secondly this workflow should be considered, I think it might needlessly complicate any future modular device tool, as the desire is to have circuit connections within a modular device (yikes!).

Happy to also put you in touch with the customer if helpful.

All the best

Tom

VE-102669

ConnectCAD: Auto Numbering for Device Names

Tom White

I had a meeting with a customer recently who requested this

"Current Circuit Numbering Tool to have an equivalent for device numbers".

The circuit numbering rules dialogue is very powerful and they would like to see an equivalent set of rules based numbering options for device names.

VE-101048

Show Pick Up Symbol Offset

Tom White

Hoist Item

in 2021 it is now possible to display how the motor/hoist is to be connected to the truss item. This is displayed with the option show pick up symbol. The symbol needs to be moved from the hoist so that It can be displayed clearly wherever the user wishes and not locked to the hoist.

The hoist tool also enables you to show the measurement label around the hoist icon, The data displayed can be offset from the hoist. I would like the pick up symbol to have an offset field in the same way that the measurement label field has.

The user can then control where the pick up symbol is displayed so that it can be displayed away from other clutter on the drawing.

VE-102768

Sketchup Import Enhanced Dialogue and Outliner mapping

Tom White

Info from Customer...

"Attached below is a rough SkUp drawing I did of the NT Olivier recently. A few thoughts...

1. Over the last few years it feels like SkUp have started to encourage organising objects via ‘Outliner', rather than Layers (which is now ‘Tags’) …so any detailed object info is nested in Outliner and Tags are more about saving views/groups. It sort of means that SkUp Outliner is now a bit more like VW Classes, rather than VW Layers. So when I import this SkUP drawing in to VW2021, I currently loose a lot of my SkUP detailed drawing organisation. Because all it imports into VW is the ‘Layers/Tags’."

The Customer would like the ability to choose how Sketchup Organisation is translated into Vectorworks, In a similar wat the existing Import DWG Command.

They would also like the ability to assign a prefix to imported Sketchup layers/outliners.

VE-102642

Duplicate Array vs Move by Points Speed

Tom White

I have a customer who is not impressed with the speed of some of the commands and functions within VW Spotlight.

Move by points is quicker than duplicate array but both are too slow. The customer in question wants them to be an instant process.

Best wishes

Tom W

VE-102112

Create Speaker - Save as symbol

Tom White

when a user inserts a speaker using the speaker insertion tool (catalogue mode). They then can resize and change the data associated with the object.

The customer would then like the option to save as a symbol so that the newly created speaker could now be used in conjunction with the insert speaker and speaker array tools.

Video attached.

VE-102646

3D Axis View Icon

Tom White

I have a few slightly older Spotlight Customers who occasionally become lost when navigating a 3d model, when I say 'lost' I really mean they struggle to understand the orientation with which they view the model.

Capture Sweden has this neat icon in the bottom right. Personally, I don't like it but maybe having something appear temporarily whilst a user is using the flyover tool might make orientation yourself in 3d easier.

There is an image of the capture icon attached below.

All the best

Tom W

VE-102644

Improved Bug reporting for Internal Staff and Beta Testers

Tom White

There should be a report Jira taskbar button with the Vectorworks Application. It should do a number of things

1. Screen Shot
2. Obtain Build Number
3. Launch Jira.Vectorworks.net

This should be included in the Beta cycle and for the release candidate.

I am just thinking of ways to get the Beta testers to report issues more quickly.

VE-102645

Ganging Multi Circuit Fixtures

Tom White

It should be possible to gang multi-circuit fixtures. I understand why the ganging tool will not work in this workflow and there may not be an easy solution to this, but t came up on the forum a while back.

All the best

Tom W

VE-102648

Class Visibilities in saved views

Tom White

I am marking this as a bug because of its inconsistency with the create new class dialogue...

Feel free to move it to VE if you don't think this warrants a bug.

So when using the Spotlight Preferences to assign new classes to Lighting devices and truss objects. There is no way to edit the visibility in saved views or existing viewports.

Please see the attached video.

Best wishes

Tom W

VE-102647

Cloud Services to be able to search Resources and Organisation within files

Tom White

Example 1: A have a bespoke symbol for a specific lighting device and I have used that symbol in a Vectorworks located in the cloud. I want to be able to search cloud services not for file names but within resources of that file.

Example 2: I have imported a survey of a venue/theatre and called the specific layer ‘Grand Opera House Budapest’ for example. Again I know I have a show in a Vectorworks file somewhere with this layer in but I want to know which one so that I can open in and start drawing a new project there.

VE-102515

Speakers with alternate cone orientation

Tom White

It is possible with certain manufacturers speakers to rotate the cone/driver within a speaker cabinet.

The would effectively rotate the 'show dispersion 1' geometry. It would be useful to show this within Vectorworks. Most rotations are 45 and 90 degrees and so could be shown with alternate symbols. However, I think it would be good to show this with the speaker and speaker array tools itself.

VE-102514

Martyn Audio Speakers symbols to display COG value. COG value will have implications for Braceworks Calculations.

Tom White

Martyn Audio informed us during their partnership meeting that their speakers each have a centre of gravity (COG). This can often mean that a speaker array that has a front and rear hoist picking up its bumper can be unbalanced and the rear loading (force) may be greater than the front depending on the type of cabinets used and where the COG for each speaker is located.

I don't think this is included in the Braceworks calculation currently and as our content team will soon begin work on the Martyn Audio speakers it might be good to discuss what we should do with the COG information for this manufacturer.

Martyn audio are happy to be contacted regarding any questions we have regarding additional info and workflow.

VE-102278

Saved Views to contain filters

Tom White

Saved views should be able to reference a filter of layers and classes...

When a user edits saved view seeking to add particular classes or layers to a drawing for example let's assume that its an Ent drawing and they want any lighting to be visible on that saved view.

Presently the user has to individually search each class in turn and make it visible.

It would be much quicker if the user can select a filter, Maybe it could also auto update. If a user assigns a new class to a filter or names the class meeting the filters criteria then it would then automatically update itself in the saved view.

VE-102088

A way to put focus info into the plan and export a booklet of focus plots.

Tom White

Once a Spotlight user arrives onsite at the first venue, They focus their lighting devices and then photograph (or draw) a record of the focus of lighting devices used in the show. This is predominantly for conventional lighting devices.

Vectorworks already has an excellent focus point tool. It is disappointing that the user cannot easily export a graphical image of how a lighting device is focussed from within Vectorworks.

It is worth mentioning that our competitors (Capture Sweden) already do this.

Please see the attached video,

VE-102179

Speakers should be able to take Yokes and be focused

Tom White

A number of customers have requested the ability to assign a yoke or rigging bracket/sidearm to a single speaker unit, then the customer would like to focus the speaker much like a lighting device.

Please see attached the Vectorworks screenshot and an image of some real-world speakers.

VE-102157

Interconnected (bolt together) lighting device workflow.

Tom White

This feature request originated from the Martin Dot fixture range.

https://www.martin.com/en/products/vdo-atomic-dot-wrm#downloads

Manufacturers are developing lots of products that require the lighting devices to be interconnected.

There is currently not a good workflow for this with Spotlight

I was wondering if there was any way we could integrate the current Magnets workflow to assist with this issue?

VE-102151

In 2022 Can users change circuit bubble to pre existing bubbles

Tom White

I have changed the circuit label setting in 2022. All new circuits I create adopt my new preference.

However, there does not seem to be an easy way to change existing labels in the document?

Maybe I am missing something.

VE-102084

Display Schematic View Out Of Date Borders

Tom White

Users would like to not display an out of date border for schematic view objects as shown in the attached screen shots.

This should be a toggleable option in the Spotlight Preferences.

VE-102091

Edit 2d Components of Schematic View

Tom White

Lighting Designers would like greater flexibility when customising the 2d components of schematic views. The ability to add sidearms or bases or dimensions within the schematic. They would like to do this by right-clicking on the schematic and selecting edit 2d components.

See attached video.

VE-102085

Lighting device 2d view (in schematic View)

Tom White

When a user creates a front schematic view. The lighting devices are displayed in a front 3d view. In many cases the users would like the position to be in a 3d view whilst the lighting device is still shown in a 2d Top Plan View.

In addition, some users would like the ability to customise this geometry and select a specific 2d appearance,

VE-102090

Viewport Render Progress and time out log/info

Tom White

Viewport Render Progress and time out log/info

Users are seeking to understand which render processes is taking such a long time. For example, when a user renders a viewport in a hidden line and the rendering goes on for too long, the users would like some helpful feedback as to what the render is stuck on. This could be in the form of a log or pop upon completion?

VE-102087

JIRA Insert lighting Stand and then insert lighting device and snap to the stand Workflow is slow and clunky.

Tom White

Inserting a stand into the document is reasonably quick and painless, However there are a number of problems with attaching lighting devices to stands.
# Lighting Devices do not snap to the height of the 'top' of the lighting stand
# Lighting devices need to be inverted when attached
# Users should be able to specify types of spigots to be used (accessory tool)
# Users should be able to 'Change trim height of system' and watch the leko follow the extended lighting stand

Please see attached video.

VE-102083

Schematic View Label Legends

Tom White

When A user creates a schematic view they cannot graphically control the placement of label legend fields of the lighting device. These can only be edited through the lighting device itself.

We want users to be able to edit the location of the fields at the schematic.

VE-101941

Spotlight Lighting devices more than one focus

Tom White

Rep houses and users doing visualisations within Vectorworks have requested the ability for the lighting device to be able to toggle between multiple focus points.

VE-101939

Spotlight Workflow when working with Lighting Stands

Tom White

The Workflow for Working With Lighting Stands is clunky.

Users want to be able to insert the device with a single click

Have the device orientate itself correctly upon insertion (inverted)

Use the accessory tool to select the correct Spigot hardware

Then if the stand height is adjusted the future should follow the stand as it is raised and lowered.

VE-101937

Text - In the OIP you should have a "New..." option available in the text style drop down.

Tom White

Text - In the OIP you should have a "New..." option available in the text style dropdown.

Also in the create class dialogue, it would be great to also enable a new text style to be created through that menu also.

This would then open the text style editor. Upon exiting the editor a new text style is created and assigned to the pre-selected text.

VE-101936

Spotlight DMX Patch display user fields

Tom White

I have a customer who would like to display or at least have the choice of displaying alternate fields in the DMX Patch window if possible.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83076-dmx-patch-window/&tab=comments#comment-391951]

VE-101935

Spotlight Lighting Devices default to 'On' upon insertion

Tom White

Many users are unhappy with the lights defaulting to on. Personally I like it but maybe it should be a preference in the Spotlight Rendering Options dialogue.

VE-101285

Publish 3d Panorama

Tom White

I have a high-value customer in the UK who design exhibition stands, they would like to be able to publish their saved views as 3d panoramas in the publish menu.

So in File - Publish - Select the save views and then select export as panorama. Perhaps it could utilise the last known 3 panorama export settings?

Here is the email...

Thanks tom,

I am looking at producing a 24+ panorama sets which would need to be re-rendered repeatedly so that feature would be gold.

Kind regards

*Gareth Plumb*

*Design & Technical Support*

[gareth@skylinewhitespace.com|mailto:marta@skylinewhitespace.com] | T: 0345 260 5440 | D: 020 8687 5335

Skyline Whitespace 320 Western Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 2QA United Kingdom

Registered in England and Wales 4051236

If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message.

VE-101374

Add the number of DMX channels to the Select Light choices

Tom White

Similar to the Vision request we need an identical request for the same content in Vectorworks.

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97376

When selecting a new light, if you were to add the number of DMX channels to the name of the unit, it would help me make my choices faster.
At the moment, I have:
Robin 1200 LED Wash m1
Robin 1200 LED Wash m2
Robin 1200 LED Wash m3
Robin 1200 LED Wash m4
Robin 1200 LED Wash m5
Robin 1200 LED Wash m6

If it read:
Robin 1200 LED Wash m1 45
Robin 1200 LED Wash m2 21
Robin 1200 LED Wash m3 15
Robin 1200 LED Wash m4 10
Robin 1200 LED Wash m5 45
Robin 1200 LED Wash m6 37

Granted, modes 1 & 5 both have 45 DMX channels, but do different things, it would still be helpful to make faster choices.

Thanks, Scott

VE-101757

Vectorworks Find and Modify

Tom White

-ConnectCAD- *Vectorworks* users would like similar functionality to Spotlight users when it comes to find and modify.

ConnectCAD Find and Tool

ConnectCAD Find and Tool

Find devices based on

Name contains (Searchable Text Fields)

Room

Rack ID

Manufacturer and Model

Selecting Devices Only

Modify is done from the OIP

The ability to select a number of devices and change custom params or select a different device name symbol would be very helpful.

Video attached.

VE-101490

Export Saved Views as 3d Panorama's

Tom White

Current Workflow for exporting 3d panorama is fine for few panorama's but for large numbers, it can be a bit clunky. See the attached video.

VE-101754

VE Smart Options more quadrants

Tom White

Spotlight users would like the ability to add more quadrants to the smart options palette on the cursor, please see attached video.

VE-101760

VE ConnectCAD Signal Type Search and pop up

Tom White

ConnectCAD users can mistakenly enter 2 different signal types through mis-spelling or capitalisation errors when there should just be one type. Especially when a file is edited by multiple users. Please see attached video.

VE-101753

Speakers should have accessories

Tom White

Sound and Audio uses often attach speakers to lighting pipes via a hanging frame/bracket or hookclamp. It would be helpful to extend the accessory tool to support speakers as well as lighting devices. Video attached.

VE-101489

Save Stacking Order of Layers

Tom White

Be able to save the stacking order of a set of layers and select for future use much like filters.

see attached video.

VE-101481

Mirror ganged Lighting Devices

Tom White

When Lighting Instruments are ganged then mirrored to another lighting position they should preserve their ganging appearance (locally).

See attached screen recording.

VE-101480

Half hat and Asymmetrical Accessories should mirror within the lighting device

Tom White

When placing a half hat the user denotes which side of the accessory is closest to the proscenium. When mirroring these the user has to go in an replace or edit the accessories of each fixture. Please see that attached video.

VE-101479

Prefix Batch render folder with source filename

Tom White

When Exporting A Batch Render job, Vectorworks creates a file with name, date and time. Would it be possible to pre-fix the VW filename to that folder?

That's it!

VE-101466

Export MVR Instrument Heights Accessory offset

Tom White

When exporting a rig to Vision and Depence 2. there are accuracy concerns in terms of accessories such as hook clamps.

In some cases long hook clamps can offset a fixture by up to 250mm from the truss or lighting pipe, however, when the lighting devices export their height does not take this into account.

Any questions just ask.

VE-101467

Export to Vision simplify geometry

Tom White

Feature request for files containing complex geometry such as mesh objects and also circular truss chords.

Would be great if on export there was a command for complex mesh geometry to reduce the geometry count (much like simplify mesh, perhaps even with a preview).

Also, It would be great if there was a way to automatically swap circular truss chords for a square profile to reduce geometry count.

This would help prospects and new users with complex files and a lack of experience.

This is primarily for prospects and inexperienced users creating an un-efficient and over the complex project and just expecting it to work perfectly. They first criticise the software and never acknowledge their lack of experience in causing the slowness in Vision.

The workflow where the slowness occurs when they import an overcomplex mesh object from the set designer and then...
# throw tons of lights and truss and kit.
# complain when it is slow to respond.
Export ESC obviously is a suitable answer but I worry it just doesn’t look as good texture-wise.

Perhaps you could select all of the objects on a scenic layer and run the simplify mesh command en-masse and have it reset the objects after the export.

VE-101310

Fluorescent tube - LED Strip Lighting

Tom White

Customers are having issues with the 2d component of the 8ft fluorescent tube when rotated vertically, See attached Video.

Also This instrument does not turn on which could be a Bug?

VE-101052

Invoke Flyover Tool Whilst Focusing Instruments

Tom White

The focus lighting devices dialogue does not allow for changing the users view. This ould really help them whilst focusing lots of lighting devices. Or if they do not perfect their view before running the focus instruments command.

VE-100701

Data visualisation in schematic views

Tom White

When working with Schematic Views both in the workspace and on sheet layers, it is essential that the data visualisation feature when applied to a light plot also be able to function with the schematic views.

VE-100569

Forum complaints about Schematic Views

Tom White

Alot of this is addressed in SP3 but this forum thread illustrates many users frustrations with the workflow....

Sadly, the new schematic Views command seems still to be very much a work in progress. What is frustrating is that while this is so, functionality of the old *Create Plot and Model View* command has been removed (focus point behaviour).

Here are a few observations:
# The new tool assumes that we all work with lengths of truss and moving lights and that no rigging hardware is required to fix instruments to rigging positions.
# Accessories are almost impossible to make work properly
# Label Legends only work in Top View. That's pointless as the whole purpose of schematic views is that you can see the vertical layout (or otherwise) from one of the other orthographic views.

A suggestion with the new tool would be the ability to change the *2D Component View* of the *Lighting Device in Schematic View* to a Top view so that a 2D Label Legend can be applied properly.

The Help section suggests that this tool is going to work using Component Views. Perhaps this could be made clearer as using component views of Instrument Symbols and Hanging Positions could be a really nifty way of a user being able to tailor what they see of a lighting device and a rigging or hanging position for each of the 8 orthographic views.

Although this is a useful tool and a most welcome addition, retiring off the Create Plot and Model View workflow has forced me to present work now that I am unhappy with and has set back my workflow about 10 years. If you could put back the focus point functionality of DLVPs then at least I and several others will be able to carry on as normal while the various quandries surrounding the new Schematic Views are ironed out.

Thanks

VE-100469

Truss objects should have the position name field. (consistancy)

Tom White

Currently a user can draw a lighting pipe and ladder and create a schematic quickly and easily without creating hanging positions, Provided the position name matches the position name field of the lighting device the schematic will be successfully created.

When users try to apply the same workflow for truss objects the position name field does not exist on the truss item until it is made a hanging position. Which I feel is not consistant, In some cases a user might wish to keep the object just as truss objects and not a hanging position in case the truss layout is being continually redesigned.

VE-100276

Spotlight Schematic Views Create at next click command

Tom White

Currently schematic views are placed upon the vectorworks internal origin.

This very bad as there are lots of 'bad' Spotlight users who don't know where their origin is and could't find it if they had to.

It's going to create lots of issues unless users have the ability to dictate where they would like to place the schematic.

Please see attached video!

VE-100278

Stage Deck Half Handrail

Tom White

The Current Stage Deck Tool is not compatible with offsetting stage deck and stair objects. In order for you to centre stairs between two decks the user has to manually 'model' the required handrails to fill the gap. Please see attached video

VE-100271

Video Camera - Stand Functionality extended to lighting devices

Tom White

TV and Film and Events users frequently need to place single lighting instruments onto stands. The new 2020 camera tool enables the user to specify the stand that can be used to mount the camera onto. We would like lighting devices to have the same functionality.

Please see attached movie...

VE-100270

Linear light sources

Tom White

In Market competition products users can use linear light sources easily to uplight walls. Attached is a photograph of what a linear (LED Batten) light source should do and the current vectorworks work around.

The Vectorworks Image (From Left to Right)

Current virtual light objects. Arrayed at a low and diffused level

Centre is an existing GLP XBAR 10 which isn't in any way alike its real world counterpart.

Right is a glow texture applied to an extrude along path which doesn't really work. Customers are currently using these workarounds when the lighting device should be able to do this for us.

VE-100268

Vectorworks Viewer measure length along curve.

Tom White

Vectorworks Viewer doesn’t let you measure the length along a curve. It is straight only. Would be good to enable this in viewer. This was pointed out by a recent visit to a multiple license customer. It is also prevalent on the forum and facebook groups.

VE-100171

Audio Toolset improvements to speaker array builder

Tom White

*Tool preferences…*

Before entering configure array the default listening height value should never be 0. It should default to an audience member standing at approx. 1.7m much like the focus point tool does.

*Text Options*

The ability to select text data to display is useful, other useful information to display would be distance to a listening point.

It would be very useful for individual speakers in the array when looked at in a 3d view to be able to display their speaker number, splay or angle relative to preceding and distance from a particular audio origin.

*The Array Config*

Bumper is not a term used in the UK. Here it is referred to as frame, I suggest changing the name.

Angle relative to preceding is called Splay, we should consider a more succinct term than ‘angle relative to preceding’. Also in terms of Splay – The Top Cabinet can only have an angle of 0, It should not be possible to assign an angle relative to preceding in the Vectorworks Array Builder.

The user should have the ability to rotate the horn. Effectively rotating the dispersion features by 90 degrees. This should be an option, the user should not have to input new dispersion data in!

Arrays should be created in pairs, A symmetrical copy should be placed adjacent to the array so that it can be manoeuvred into position.

Interestingly arrays in array calc can be arrayed horizontally for front fills and subs. It would be good if the Vectorworks speaker array tool can also be used in this application.

Speaker arrays in vectorworks should get automatically assigned individual amp channels

we need a compression mode in Vectorworks D and B have unique hardware for this. This manipulates and changes the frame angle and pickup weights, drastically affecting Braceworks Calculations/.

Dispersion options should also include a single line so that you can see where the speaker is focused which would involve playing with angle relative to proceeding. This would feed eight information back

VE-100170

Audio Toolset Enhancements, Listening point/Origin

Tom White

*Audio Origin Point*

Distances from a listening point would be a crucial feature to incorporate, such as a central listening point like a FOH position. We need a listening point object like a hoist origin. It should be able to report distance to the front of speaker objects into a table, From this a user could calculate delay distances and times in ms. Speakers would be able to display useful information such as distance from the audio origin point.

VE-100078

Creating single hanging position from multiple lighting pipes crash and quit

Tom White

Creating a hanging position from multiple lighting pipes, crashed application

VE-100044

Colour attribute palate, Manual sorting and Colour mapping/Find and replace funtionality

Tom White

Users should be able to manually re-sort colours in their colour palate through the attribute palate settings (Video attached).

Two other suggestions from customers on a similar theme. Mostly for less organised users who haven't fully adopted classes.

1. You should be able to map colours on the DWG import dialogue in the same way that you are forewarned about missing fonts. It would be great if the DWG import would tell you which colours are coming in and if you would like to replace them?

2. Users would like to be able to right click existing colours on the attribute palate and run a replace with command. any instances in use and the colour itself could then be assigned a new colour by the user.

VE-100043

Ganging Tool and Spotlight Numbering interaction.

Tom White

The Ganging tool does not currently interact with the Spotlight number instrumentation dialogue in a way which users require, or you could say that 'Spotlight Number Instruments' is not aware of lighting devices that have been 'ganged' and still provides them with individual circuit numbers. This is causing users to go back and manually enter data that should have been populated correctly by the Spotlight Instrument Numbering Command.

In a theatre where enough circuits are available this is less of an issue. However where there are limited circuits available or for example where there are multiple lighting devices mounted onto a piece of scenery that our powered from a single circuit (cable). In this instance Spotlight Numbering should give these devices the same circuit name and number.

VE-99912

Class mapping tool,

Tom White

In creating some default class structures for UK Spotlight users. I discovered that plug ins using resource manager content naturally bring in part and component classes embedded within the symbol/resource.

This then renders a neat class structure worthless. I tried to use the class mapping tool for this after having run the create seating section command. I then mapped the seating furnishing class

We want the class mapping tool to understand classes being brought in embedded in symbols and then mapped to a specific class. I think this works in 2020 but not in 2019, email me to discuss.

VE-99910

Class and Layer Mapping Tool to Spotlight Workspace

Tom White

Essential functionality required fr Spotlight users. More spotlight users are now incorporating classes into their workflow and sharing documents and symbols with other people. Class and layer mapping tool is essential for these users and not currently in the spotlight workspace.

VE-99906

3D Lable Legends

Tom White

2 current issues with the 3d lable legend.

issue 1, Users would like to be able to customise the leader line associated with the text field, applying classes and the ability to turn the visibilities for the leader lines to not visible.

issue 2, after the user has created a 3d lable legend, they must assign the 3d lable legend view. this should have a deault of front so at least knows what they need to change. lots of users miss this step and waste tech support time with asking why their 3d legends are not visible

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64255-default-3d-legend-view/

VE-99904

Create New Class Visibilities default

Tom White

Creating a new class in the spotlight workspace. The default option should be visible. It is more likely that the user will require a class to visible than invisible. Before the user has created any saved views or viewports they are unable to change the default visibility option (because there aren't any saved viewports or views). This is fine but it should be set to visible by default as most users do not take care and attention when creating classes in a hurry. Also most users ignore this option before creating a class.

VE-99911

Significantly enhanced photometrics, vsualisation and glare and lens flare predictions

Tom White

Valued customer Michael Gorman has prepared a document for us. He is contactable through me. He has some idea for feature requests in the attached pdf. These feature requests fill a current hole in the market and would lead us into a new market of users from an architectural and televisual lighting design point of view.

VE-99908

Spotlight Increased control over bridle parts

Tom White

The manage Bridle parts dialogue should include the ability to assign classes of Bridle items, eg...

Class Prefix
Class for Chain objects
Class for Shackles
Class for Steel

This will enable the user greater control and ease of use in creation of bridle assembly diagrams and creating their own bridle and rigging drawings.

VE-99907

Create and export UV texture map of an object.

Tom White

Current Video projection designers for events are using Blender to create models and they could be using vectorworks and make the most of our video and LED screen tools if our 3d modeling enabled the use of UV textures.

So its two things, 1 to give 3d modelers the ability to map textures to geometry on multiple planes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj0uXid9oGo

Secondly the ability for projection designers to model their projection surfaces in Vectorworks and export the layer map as multiple 'projection surfaces' into Vision or 3rd party Video projection visualisation software such as disguise. We are in talks with Disguise about creating a plug in for export/live sync from Vectorworks to Disguise Designer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncolm_uRdi4

VE-99905

Spotlight Label Legend Manager add Prefix to class labels

Tom White

Creating a label legend in Spotlight, classes are automatically created for all of the text boxes that deliver the field values for that particular lighting instrument. This creates a class called

Lighting - Label - FIELDNAME?

In the same way that the user can add prefixes to text in other plugins such as stage tool or bridle tool.

I understand that there would be too many fields to display in the class prefix dialogue which would look crazy, but the ability to add a prefix to all lables would be really useful.

VE-99455

Vision Export focus Photos

Tom White

Capture has a function which although underused is quite useful. The export Focus Photos command generates a folder on the desktop full of rendered jpegs with focus photographs of each 'generic' lumiere taken from the perspective of behind the lighting instrument. The photo's are titled by the units channel number. It would be great if vision could do this?

VE-101926

Position of Worksheet On Drawing in OIP

Tom Pearce

Could we please have information about the position of a Worksheet On Drawing? Ideally with the Reference Point Widget.

VE-99432

Window Shade Behavior on Floating View Pane

Tom Pearce

It would be nice to have the Window Shade behavior on Floating View Panes. Double-Clicking to expand or minimize the window size would speed up my workflow. Currently, if a user resizes a Floating View Pane and changes the height to the minimum, opening the file crashes Vectorworks. See VB-VB-157242

VE-100626

Encrypt Files By Serial Number

Tolu Fapohunda

I'd like to raise the issue of Intellectual Property protection, as my office is now beginning the process of finalizing our BIM standards/templates.

I'd like it so that staff can't simply take our files/templates back home, or to another office, and utilize our systems and processes that took us a lot of time to develop.

It would be great if we had an option to encrypt our files by 'serial key'. So, one or more serial numbers generate a 'key' that the files are encrypted by. And these files can only be opened by computers running Vectorworks with specific serial number(s).

VE-100531

In Top/Plan view everything should be solid not wireframe

Tolu Fapohunda

In Top/Plan view, everything should be solid, unless you specifically tell Vectorworks to display it as wireframe.

In our world, no solid objects are see-through, so to have solid objects displayed as wireframe in Top/Plan view is not correct (left image). If you place a solid cube on a slab, the cube should cover the slab. Same with a sphere.

The only way to quickly achieve this at the moment is to use the 'floor' tool. Which we use very often for this reason.

To achieve 'covering up' the object below, we have to turn the cube and sphere into symbols, and trace over its outline in its '2D component' (right image). We go through this process a lot for more complex 3D forms.

So, in summary, in TOP/PLAN view, we really shouldn't have anything in wireframe. It is counter-intuitive, and counter-productive to any architect/designer's workflow. It would be great if you can communicate this to the 3D graphics team.

The Vectorworks file for this is enclosed.

VE-102635

North Arrow object doesn't show a preview of configurations and doesn't show more than 10

Todor Dimov

# Activate the North Arrow tool
# Insert an object
# The properties are shown
# Only 10 configurations are listed and you have no idea what their differences are

VE-103218

Energos: Show an alert when a wall/slab/roof component has an invalid lambda (0)

Todor Dimov

Currently such components are ignored in the calculations. This may be intended by some users for testing and checking but can also be an oversight. I propose to add an alert which would be shown when updating the Energos calculations and warn the user that there is an/are invalid component lambda(s).
This alert should be able to be hidden analogous the the alert about a missing Heliodon object. It should also list the offending components:
* If they are part of a style: show its name and maybe the option to navigate to it in the resource manager;
* If they are part of an unstyled object: highlight the object and maybe add the option to navigate to it in the drawing.

VE-101008

Add 3D visualisation of the linked Section Viewport's Height Range to Section-Elevation Lines

Todor Dimov

We can add visualisation similar to the Beyond Cut Plane Extents for the Height Range. The result will be a parallelogram enclosing all the visible objects. We can also draw the Before Cut Plane Extents and we can draw them in such a way that would provide information about the Length Range as well: ending at the section line when limited and extending some distance before and after the line's ends when infinite.

VE-100361

Add a "Convert to Unstyled" button in tool resource popup

Todor Dimov

It would save some time and clicks if there was such a button in the style selection itself. Currently users have to open the preferences, select "Convert to Unstyled" and then close them.

VE-104859

BUG: "Saved Views" + "Multiple View Panes"

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings.

There is a BUG (or limitation) with "Saved Views" in combination with
"Multiple View Panes"

In my attached test file (VW 2024 Beta2), I have two "View Panes" open.

The left pane is defined to: "Top/Plan" + "2D Plan" + Wireframe,

The right pane is defined to: Isometric + Perspective + Shaded.

The problem is, that the "Saved View" doesn't save the different settings
from the different "View Panes" independently.

The "Saved View" can only save the setting for the current active "View Pane",
not for multiple panes and can overwrite the settings of the other panes.

The in my test file included "Saved View" = "Test View 1"
was saved with Perspective + Shaded.

If you load the "Saved View", it depends on which pane you have active at the moment.

If you load the Saved View and you have the right pane (Perspective + Shaded) active = everything is okay, the left pane does not lost its settings (Top/Plan + WIreframe).

If you load the Saved View and you have the left pane (Top/Plan + Wireframe) active,
then these settings will be overwritten with Perspective + Shaded.

I find this behavior enjoying and would like to have this behavior improved.

Hope the explanation was not too complicated?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104732

BUG: Data Tag is lost if you Mirror / Rotate with "Duplicate Mode"

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you mirror or rotate an object with an attached Data tag with tool-mode 2
= "Duplicate mode"

The attached Data Tag is lost, even if you have activated:
"Duplicate linked tags with objects"

Attached a VW 2024 Beta 43 file with more detail.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-103900

WISH: New formulas for Worksheets: SumIF, CountIF, Percentage

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings. I wish you all a Happy New Year.
I'm totally excited for what you have to offer for us in VW in the year 2023.

/ / /

I think we do need some more useful and easy to use formulas for Worksheets.
My top wishes are (same syntax as MS Excel):

1.
=SumIF(range; search criteria; sum range)

e.g. =SumIF(A2; 'Apartment Unit 1'; B2)
Sum (areas, lengths, …) of all listed objects in B2, which
are set as "Apartment Unit 1" in A2.

It must be possible to easy search inside database subrows!

2.
=CountIF(range; search criteria)
e.g. =CountIF(A2; "Apartment Unit 1')

Count all listed objects in A2, which are set as "Apartment Unit 1"

It must be possible to easy search inside database subrows!

3.
Percentage
There is no easy way or formula to get a comparsion between
a percentage of one object in a database, relative to the
pecentage of the whole database.

Example:
A2 lists areas of spaces, if you want to have in B2 the percentage
of one space relative to all spaces found in A2, this is not easy to solve.

We need a formula like:
=percentage(A2)

/ / /

I found solutions for all written wishes above, but the solutions are way
too complicated, sometimes you require a second worksheet as reference
(percentage), sometimes you have to write very complex formula with criteria
in a spreadsheed-cell.
All solutions, i found, are relative time-consuming to set up.

The wishes above, improve worksheets and easy and fast to use!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105230

TK WISH: Simplyfication of Syntax for: IF-function with OR

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team

you can achieve fantastic results with the IF function,
but in some situations the syntax is more complex than it could be.

Example:
I have three rectangles, each on separate classes.
I set at criteria: Type = Rectangle

by the way: see also: VE-104701
This is also an important wish!

I can write the following IF-formulas:

Formula IF:
=IF(((CLASS='A') OR (CLASS='B')); AREA; 'nothing')
or
Formula IFS:
=IFS(((CLASS='A') OR (CLASS='B')); AREA)

/ / /

WISHED FORMULA SYNTAX

=IF((CLASS='A' OR 'B'); AREA; 'nothing')
or
=IFS((CLASS='A' OR 'B' OR 'C'); AREA)

alternative Syntax:
=IF((CLASS='A'; 'B'; 'C'); AREA; 'nothing')

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105229

TK WISH: a little AI for a better Rendering of touching objects with different line-thickness

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

could it be possible to enhance the rendering process
for touching 2D-objects with different line-thickness
with a little AI, for a more decent visuell representation.

Please see my file.
… is such an idea possible?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105227

TK WISH: DXF/DWG-Export with "Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space" + data visualization

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you want to export DXF/DWG from a Sheet Layer
and want to use "Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space",
you can't use data visualization because it is greyed out!

Please make it possible to export DXF/DWG:
with the following setup:

"Export viewports as 2D graphics in model space"
+
Viewports with active data visualization

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105210

TK WISH: 3D-Dragger improvements

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

the new 3D-Dragger is a fantastic tool and i love to use it.

In the forum if read relative often, that some users
don't understand the design from the dragger.

I know it is always a learning process in the beginning
with a new tool, but please consider my ideas.

The user do not know that the small “dots” (close to the “mid-ball”)
are responsive for snapping to other object.

I think that the small “dots” are too small and too close to the
“mid-ball”. It can happen that you click to the wrong item.

My suggestions:
1.
Eliminate the small “dots” to have only arrows
2.
Arrows a bit thinner, that they do not visually block the objects so much.
3.
The behavior of the Dragger, I would think, can work good:
- Single click to an arrow = let you enter a value to move in that direction
with the possibility to enter also a value + unit (different from the doc unit)
- Remember, you can glue the object to the cursor with click and hold
press space, release click = now the object is glued to the cursor!
click and hold to an arrow = move the object with always snapping on
press optional “ALT” to have no snapping
If a user wants to change that behavior, please make an own setting for
snapping on or off.
4.
Implement a Dragger menu direct accessible on the Dragger with: right click on the
“mid-ball”.
In this menu you can have some special dragger-only settings like:
- reset the Dragger position to standard
- world based or object based position
- set snapping always on or off
5.
Scaling should be always possible (no method) change.
Most Dragger I know have a “cube” on the mid of the arrow
to have access to the scale mode.

The Rhino-Dragger as the most flexible way to scale with it
(please see attached video)
You can scale with values: factor or enter wanted final size (with or without
units)
You can define the scaling start-point with moving the "scale-cube" to
the position you want to scale from.

6.
Implement a shortcut overview with mouseover to the parts
of the Dragger = mouseover to a part and stay there for a second
shows the possible shortcuts for that part
7.
Double-click to the “mid-ball” to reposition the Dragger
8.
I know the Dragger will be implemented for more objects.
Please make sure that we also can use the Dragger to
move also objects inside other objects like: Windows
or Doors inside walls.

/ / /

I'm also a Rhino user. Rhino does have such a Dragger for
a relative long time and they improved the Rhino-Dragger
over the last versions of Rhino. Now with Rhino 8 Beta they
set the industry-standard for such a tool (my subjectiv opinion).

Attached a video from the Rhino "Gumball" (Dragger) to show
some features I mentioned above, and I would love to see
in an improved Vectorworks-Dragger!

Perfection would be to edit Solids directly; please see second video!
With Rhino you have a special shortcut (SHIFT + CMD) to move the
Dragger to that position (edge, point, surface) to enter an edit-mode for it.
With this edit-mode, you can manipulate fast and easy what you want!

My customer Importance for this enhancement is set to critical,
because this (improved Dragger + direct editing of solids) would
bring VW to the next level!

VE-105193

TK WISH: Improvements for "Create Objects from Shapes" command

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

I use “Create Objects from Shapes” command very often, and I like it.

What I am missing:

1.
Roof-Face, and Roofs can't be created with this command

2.
Selectable “Style” for various object-types during the process
like for: Slabs, Roof-Face, Hardscape, … … all objects who make sense

Greetings
Tobi

VE-105188

TK: Viewbar: Font-Menu offers no search functionality

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings.

It is still a mess in the IT-world, that a user cannot decide how many
fonts are active/loaded in a software, so most users do have a lot of fonts
in the menu they don't want. A lot of font cannot deactivated OS-wise!

Because this is so, we need search features for the font menu
to quickly jump to the font we want to choose.

With VW 2024 we got a new Viewbar, which is great,
but the font menu in the Viewbar has no search function for fonts.

Please enhance the Viewbar with a font-search.

If you improve the font menu in the Viewbar,
please add also a feature/icon for font-size: +1 and font size: –1

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105192

TK WISH: Project Elevation available for Worksheets and Data-Tags

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team

with Vectorworks 2024 we got a new option in
“Document Setup” called “Project Elevation”

This is relevant for the “Elevation Benchmark Tool”.

Can we please also have “Projection Elevation” available
for worksheets and data tags!

This would help much with a lot of calculations.

Maybe we need a special record for the whole document,
where we can save various project related data for the
project like: Project Name, Project Address, …

The “Title Block” should have access to get the information
from there!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105189

TK WISH: Interactive Moving Window/Door in 3D-View

Tobias Kern

Hey VW-Team,

You can perfectly resize your Window / Door
with the interactive blue handles BUT what if you
want to move the whole Window/Door in a 3D-View?

This kind of movement is not very well solved at the moment!

With the commands:

Move 2D (CMD + M)
you can only move the Window/Door left or right

Move 3D (CMD + OPTION + M)
you can only move the whole wall (parent)
and not the child object!

I think we have two possible new options for moving:

1.
3D Dragger!

2.
One more Interactive handle in the middle of the object
only for moving the object (left, right, up, down).
Ideal would be to have a different color instead
of blue to visualize this handle can do different things.

I know Senthil is working to implement the 3D Dragger
for more object-movements, it would be great,
if he can also support Windows, Doors, Walls, …

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105135

TK WISH: Structural Member need more "per instance" options

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

the “Structural Member” need more “per instance” options
for Alignment, Elevation, Start Condition, End Condition

Alignment, Elevation, Start Condition, End Condition as grouped
option do only have one setting for all under-options inside the group.

Please add for all options inside the group separate “per instance”
options!

Greetings
Tobi

VE-105118

TK WISH: Solid Commands: Allow execution, if objects are on different Design-Layers (DL)

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you have objects on different Design Layers,
the solid commands, can't be executed.

It would be a very good QOL (quality of life) improvement,
if we can also execute all solid commands, if it doesn't matter
on which DL the objects are placed.

With the attaches VW 2024 file you can test it out!

- Add Solids
- Subtract Solids
- Intersect Solids
- Section Solids

If the objects are located on different DL, it would be good when executing the command, you are asked on which DL the resulting object should be placed.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105001

TK WISH: Subdivision and status of: OpenSubDiv

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

As far as I know, Subdivision in VW is based on OpenSubdiv,
which is developed by Pixar and is free for commercial use.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

In July 2023 OpenSubdiv got an update to version: 3.5.1

Which version of OpenSubdiv are we using in VW right now?

If we are using an older version of OpenSubdiv,
then it could be beneficial to update to the current
version of 2023 and implement some new features
from the updated API.

Please see:

https://graphics.pixar.com/opensubdiv/docs/release_notes.html#release-3-5-1-july-2023

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105120

TK WISH: View Bar Icons for Solid Commands

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

with the Redesign of View bar and Tool bar in VW 2024
we got new opportunities, one could be to have graphical/visual
"Icons" for all Solid Commands, like we have in other CAD-Software
like Sketchup, Rhino, …

I would like to see such Icons / options for the Solid Commands
in VW 2024.

This is more intuitive and i think also faster as the menu commands,
we have at the moment.

PLEASE see also my necessary wishes for the improvements for the "Solid commands":
VE-105118, VE-105119

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105119

TK WISH: Retain Objects for all Solid commands

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

Only with "Section Solids..." we have the possibility to keep
the original objects after executing the command (Retain objects).

It would be very good if we had this option for the other solid commands as well.
Specially for "Intersect Solids" this would be so useful.

Please add "Retain objects" for all solid commands.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104521

WISH: Improvements for 3D-Solid commands

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

working with 3D-solids in VW is often too time-consuming,
e.g., commands like “Intersect Solids” work only with two
two objects and both objects must be on the same
DLVP.

If you have to intersect multiple 3D-objects, you need much time,
with other 3D software like Sketchup, such operations are done in
seconds.

Please improve the following commands to the 21st century:

Add Solids
Subtract Solids
Intersect Solids
Section Solids

that they:
* work with multiple objects on multiple DLVP
* get tool-icons for the new View Bar

The actual commands feel very old and should be revised quickly.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105121

TK WISH: Text object with multiple columns

Tobias Kern

H{_}i{_} VW-Team,

text objects need an option to have multiple columns.

For sure, Vectorworks is not a DTP (Desktop Publishing) software,
but some basic features are necessary, one could be columns.

Attached is a screencast from Affinity Pubilisher 2.
In the screencast you can see how the columns are created and edited.

Please, something similar for Vectorworks!

VE-104645 is also a very useful improvement!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105123

TK WISH: Dimension-Standard as resource in the Resource Manager

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

Dimension-Standards are a little hidden as a resource inside Vectorworks.
You can find the standards only in the document settings.

Should the Dimension-Standard not be a resource in the Resource Manager?

… and related to the Vectorworks nomenclature: should it not read: "Dimension Style"!?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105122

TK WISH: Saving Dimension-Class in Dimension-Standard

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

If you use multiple Dimension-Standards, you often need multiple classes,
for all your Dimension-Standards.
… but we are imitated to just one class for Dimensions in the Document Preferences!

Best could be to save the Class for the Dimensions in the Dimension Standards!
This improvement makes the use of multiple Dimension Standards much more flexible!

Is it also possible to make “Dimension Standards”
a resource in the “Resource Manager”?

By-the-way:
Why are the Dimension-Standards called “Standards”?
“Dimension Style” fits more, relative to the context of the rest of Vectorworks nomenclature!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105041

TK WISH: Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview for "Format Text"-menu

Tobias Kern

HI VW-Team,

we got Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview with VW 2024,
which is a fantastic addition to make the long, long
list of Fonts shorter and clearer.

Some menus, have not yet received this addition,
one of them is "Format Text".

Please add Font-Family-Sorting + Font-Preview
to "Format Text"' and all other Font-related menus inside VW.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105017

TK WISH: Data Tag: Dynamic placement after object-resize

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you add a Data Tag to an object,
the placement of the Data Tag will
be, as defined.

But what if you resize the object?
The Data Tag stays at its last position.

I would like to see a dynamic placement system,
relative to the Bounding Box of the object.

If you resize the object, the Data Tag can change
the placement too, and e.g., always stay in the middle
of a tagged object.

Modes could be:

Top-Left, Top-Middle, Top-Right
Mid-Left, Mid-Mid, Mid-Right
Bottom-Left, Bottom-Mid, Bottom-Right

+ Shift-Distance (in x- and y-direction) to this dynamic placement.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-105011

TK WISH: Data Tag for labeling Sheet-Layer-Viewports

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

for labeling a Sheet-Layer-Viewport (SLV) we have a special Tool: “Drawing Label”.

The labels are placed inside the annotations layer of the SLV.

A German customer had the idea to label SLV with the Data Tag
(outside the annotations layer) and I found the idea useful.

Please give us access to some data fields of the SLV to build Data Tags.

Attached VW 2024 file with some further instructions.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-105012

TK WISH: Alternative Layouts for "Resource Manager"

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

attached is a VW 2024 file with some suggested
new layout options for the "Resource Manager".

I think No. 3. / 4. are useful.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104998

TK WISH: Mode-Enhancement for "Interactive Editing" like: "Move Edges Preserve Area Mode"

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

for 2D-Shapes like rectangles, we have a lot of editing-modes
we don't have for “Interactive Editing” like:

- Move Edges Preserve Area Mode
- Change Vertex Mode
- Add Vertex Mode
- Delete Vertex Mode

Specially "Move Edges Preserve Area Mode" is
very useful for editing "Window in Wall"!

I think 2D- and 3D-Objects should follow the same
editing-rules/ways.

Please expand “Interactive Editing” to align it with “2D-Editing”.

Attached:
VW 2024 file and screencast

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104991

TK WISH: Inconsistencies in Symbol menus

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

Symbols have inconsistencies in various menus,
please see my attached VW 2024 file.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104990

TK WISH: Interactive Scaling for 3D- and Hybrid-Symbols

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

you can scale interactively 2D-Symbols with the "blue handles",
but not 3D-Symbols or Hybrid-Symbols.

I would love to see a Interactive Scaling-Option like we have
for the 2D-Symbol for the other Symbol-Types: 3D and Hybrid.

Senthil Prabu is currently developing a "3D-Dragger"
I would like to see this tool also for scaling of Symbols.

please see:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/109064-

Attached is a VW 2024 file and a screencast

Greetings from Germany and have a nice weekend
Tobi

VE-104971

TK WISH: Datatagging of PIO inside Symbols

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

at the moment, it isn't possible to pack a PIO
like a Structural Member into a Symbol and
tag the Symbol with functions related to the
packed PIO.

Can you please add such an option if possible?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104939

TK WISH: Function options for Functions like: =zCoordinate

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

please make some Functions more flexible with new Functions options
like: =zCoordinate()

Example:

=zCoordinate('Top')
=zCoordinate('Midpoint')
=zCoordinate('Bottom')
=zCoordinate('Insertion Point')

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104937

TK WISH: Access to of Records of objects inside Symbols

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you add a Record to various objects inside a Symbol,
you do not have direct access to the Records of that
objects.

Only the Record of the whole Symbol (as container)
is accessible.

Can you please add an option, that we can have
access to all records of all objects inside Symbols
+ all the related functions for Worksheets, Data Tags?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104938

TK WISH: Missing Data Tag Functions, also for Worksheets

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

for Data Tag we have some functions,
we don't have for Worksheets.

Attached you find a screenshot with some of
the functions.

Can you please add those missing functions
also for Worksheets?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104805

WISH: New Mode- and View-Bar inbetween docked menus left and right.

Tobias Kern

Hi VW

As you can see (in attached VW 2023 Beta 5 file), i use a 21:9 ration and i have a lot of unused space in the Mode- and View-Bar.

I want to have more focus to the center with the Mode- and View-Bar.

- Left and right docked menues should have the option to go to the top (RED)
- Mode and View-Bar should have a option to sit inbetween menu left and right (GREEN)

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104804

WISH: "Attributes" as option for new Mode and View Bar

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

with VW 2024 we got a fantastic new Mode- and View-Bar.
Thanks for this new option.

I could imagine having the "attributes" palette as an option
for the new mode and view bar as well, because the bar
is the right place for this kind of information.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104803

WISH: Edit Saved View: NO Search and filter options for layers and classes

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

if you edit a "Saved View" you don't have search and filter options
in the layers and class menu.

Please add those options to the menu.

Attached ist a VW 2024 Beta 5 file with the comparison.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104807

WISH: More graphical options for lines

Tobias Kern

Hello VW Team,

Vectorworks is known to be very good in the graphical visual area.
If you compare Vectorworks with other programs, you will notice that contours/line options are still a bit behind with e.g. Affinity or Adobe products.

Attached is a Vectorworks 2024 Beta 5 file with a few ideas for improvement.

- Line ends: round or square
- Line ends: End at point or with line extension
- Line alignment. center, left, right
- Line corner: round, angular, miter

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104806

WISH: Hiding palettes more options as just ON/OFF

Tobias Kern

Hello VW Team,

some programs (Adobe, Affinity, ...) that I use have a shortcut,
to hide all menus with just one tap. In VW you have this option too.

This is useful when you want to present your designs to a client.

I would like to extend this behavior further and think we need more than
two states (all menus / no menus) for this feature.

Three states make more sense:

- all menus
- selectable menus
- no menus

With status 2 you have the possibility to choose which menu is visible.
e.g. for a presentation it can be useful that the layer and class menu
are visible on the screen.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104675

WISH: Improvement for "Connect Combine" (AND/OR Project-Tool)

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team

with the "Connect CombineTool" you can connect
fast and easy, two roof objects to each other.

Some roof-connections you can achieve with this tool
are complex.

If connections of complex geometry is possible
inside Vectorworks, I would like to see this technology
also for other object-combinations.

What is NOT possible at the moment with "Connect Combine":

- connecting a roof to a solid, or another 3d-object
- connecting other objects than the roof-object

Attached is a VW 2024 Beta File with more detail

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104701

WISH: New useful Criteria-groups for Criteria-sets and formulas

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

It would be easier to define Criteria-sets or Worksheet formulas,
if we could have new useful Criteria-groups like:

All 2D-Objects
All 3D-Objects
All Architectual-Objects
or other useful set-definitions

At the moment we only have "All Objects"

Example for a Worksheet formula:
=IF((objecttype=All 2D-Objects); Area; 0)

Example for a Criteria Set:
Type is "All 3D-Objects"

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104700

WISH: Improvements for Pop-up lists

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

Pop-up lists inside Records could be improved,
this are my ideas:

- options for sorting content
- options to define type of content
- option to have "no" as default choice

Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta 4 file with more details.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104654

WISH: Improved Criteria for: Classes and Layers

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

we need improvements for Criteria of classes and layers.

At the moment, we can choose between: IS or IS NOT

We need more useful options like:

- starts with
- does not start with
- ends with
- does not end with
- contains
- does not contain

Attached: VW 2024 Beta 3 with more detail.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104644

WISH: "Select Function" menu with ALT + CLICK

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

in the class menu, we can use:

ALT + CLICK

to change the visibility status for all classes at once.

In “Select Function” menu, we can't use ALT + CLICK
on the Arrows to open / close the list-entries.

I wish you can improve “Select Function” with the
ALT + CLCK option.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

Attached:
VW 2024 Beta 3 file with more visual detail.

VE-104655

WISH: Improvement for Surface Array: Manual start point for arrayed Items

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

A “Surface Array” is a combination of a
“Base Surface” + a “Array Item”

At the moment, I think, the “Array Items”
ALWAYS starts to array from a midpoint on
the “Base Surface” to the edges of the “Base Surface”.

WISH:
In a lot of situations it is useful, if you have the ability
to manual set the start point of the “Array Items”,
to a user-defined start point.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104645

WISH: Improvements for "Text Styles"

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

"Text Styles" needs to be improved.

I attached you a VW 2024 Beta 3 file
with some useful ideas.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104643

WISH: Improvements for Worksheets + Format Cell: Number

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

attached is a VW 2024 Beta 3 file.

You find some wished improvements,
regarding how units should be interpreted for:

Dimension, Dimension Area, Dimension Volume

I think some settings must be a “Worksheet Definition”
and some settings can be cell-wise.

I think the Data-Tag offers better and more flexible
settings for units.

Worksheets Cell-Definitions should follow the Data-Tag!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104642

WISH: UI-Improvements for the Script Palettes

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

the Script Palettes have a UI status like in the 80s.
The Palettes are only lists, with no modern options,
like we have in other Palettes in VW.

Attached you find an VW 2024 Beta 3 file
with an improved Mockup for teh Script Palette.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104624

BUG: Offset of vertical Structural Member + WISH: Creating vertical Structural Member in 3D

Tobias Kern

Hello VW Team.

1.
I think there is a BUG with “Offset” of the vertical
Structural Member (SM). Please see video.

2.
As you can see in my attached video, there is a difference
when creating a horizontal and vertical SM in 3D.

The horizontal SM can be drawn from start-to-end,
unfortunately, this is not possible with a vertical SM.

For the vertical SM, a height must always be defined.
The bottom edge of the vertical SM is placed
according to the settings.

It would be great if we could make the vertical SM
also, with the start-to-end method.

If you have placed a vertical SM, you can
edit the Member with the “blue handles” but you can't
create the vertical SM from start to end in 3D.

The video was filmed with VW 2024 Beta 3.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104560

WISH: AutoHybrid: choosable sides for 2D representation

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings.

Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta file with some ideas for
an enhancement of the AutoHybrid object.

The idea is, to enhance drawing with a mixture of 2D- and 3D-objects.

If the Autohybrid could generate 2D-representations of all sides
of a 3D-object, this would be a very fast way to bring a 3D-object
into 2D-drawings.

I think the wish could make sense.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104603

WISH: Structural Member + Split-Tool

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

some PIOs can be split with the Split tool, some cannot.
One of them is "Structural Member".
Please make both compatible with each other.

Attached you find a VW 2024 Beta 3 file.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104593

WISH: Allow "Smart Edges" with all 3D-Objects in "Top/Plan" view.

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

there is a difference in the behavior of “Smart Edges” with the combination:

Setting 1:
“Smart Edge” + 3D-Object + “Top/Plan” view OR "Top" view
Setting 2:
“Smart Edge” + 2D-Object + “Top/Plan” view OR "Top" view

With setting 1., the user CAN't create “Smart Edge” in Top/Plan view,
“Smart Edges” are only allowed in “Top” view for 3D-Objects.

With setting: 2., the user CAN create “Smart Edges”: in Top/Plan view
AND in "Top" view.

The WISH:
please allow the creation of "Smart Edges" for 3D-Objects
also in "Top/Plan" view.

In 3D planning, we need "Smart Edges" in all situations!

Attached:
VW 2024 Beta 3 file + video

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104442

Synchronization of the editing mode of groups with Multi-View

Tobias Kern

Hello VW-Team,

@Josh Loy (We have discussed regarding a further development of Multi-View
already in contact with each other via Private Message in the Forum).

Problem: Synchronization of the editing mode of groups with Multi-View.
If you use the option “Multiple Views” and switch to the edit mode of a group in one viewport, then switch to another viewport, then you have to activate the edit mode
of the same group there again, or in all remaining viewports.

This is very cumbersome!

It would be much better, if the status of the edit mode of groups
would be synchronized over all viewports.

Please see attached video!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104504

WISH: Improvements for Data Bar: z-height relative to VW-origin

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

attached you find a VW 2024 Beta2 file with some improvement wishes.

1.
Please always show z-height (also for 2D-objects) relative to ground plane
of DLVP AND NEW z-height relative to VW-origin.

2.
For some objects, the Data Bar could be reordered,
e.g. for Nurbs or 3D-Polygons it could be good to have "lenght" at 1st place
in Data Bar.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104200

Enhancement for combining Subdivisons

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

attached you will find a screencast and a VW 2023 SP4 file.

I show how the combining process of Subdivision works at the moment.

In the combined surface, the outer edges of the "old" surfaces exist
twice.

You see, if I want to move some "old" outer edges, they exist twice
and are not "glued" together.

I would expect that the process will check if there are unnecessary
edges and delete them.

Maybe we should add an option to delete those unnecessary edges,
or this should be standard?

/ / /

Can someone check which version of OpenSubD is included in VW?
... or am I wrong and VW uses a different Subdivision API?

Please see:
[https://graphics.pixar.com/opensubdiv/docs/release_notes.html]

… maybe we should update the version VW is using!

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104049

WISH: Enhancement for Sections

Tobias Kern

Hi,

currently, a section is a 2D-object only.

To better understand the cut in 3D space, you need more information, such as the height of the cut plane, or which objects are currently being cut by the section (as provided by the clip cube).

The 2D section in Vectorworks is only an abstract representation
of a three-dimensional section.

I would like to see sections be interactive 3D planes
that show the current cut of the 3D model.

Wishes in detail
* Workflow: draw line, polygon, … and push/pull to needed height
or click on a surface to place the section there.
* live-cut of 3D-model
* 3d plane as visual representation of section
* interactive sizing and moving of 3D-section
* show semi transparent 3D-plane as section,
option to show hatches of PIO, 3D-objects
* on/off mode = section active or not active
* show 3d-section-planes / don't show 3D-section-planes
* Ability to have more on/active sections at the same time

Attaches you see a video of Sketchup and the solution of
sections there. I like the options and would love to see them
in VW.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104047

WISH: Improvement to 3D-Modeling: Project

Tobias Kern

Hi,

Project-Tool feels a little outdated and untouched.

At the moment, the workflow is to project a 2D-shape
or a Nurbs-curve to another 3D-object.

I would find it useful to have the ability to project
also 3D-objects to other 3d-objects,
like Nurbs-surfaces/solids to Subdivisions or vice versa.

The wished workflow could be to have a project-surface mode,
in which you can pick a surface from an existing 3d-object
and select a target-object or -surface to project it.

Attached you find video from Sketchup, where I use
a Plugin from Christina Eneroth. Plugin is called: Eneroth Aling Face.
The worflow is fast, easy and fun to use.

https://forums.sketchup.com/t/eneroth-align-faces/54798

You can align/project existing surfaces to the orientation of other surfaces.
The improvement for 3D modelling would be huge!

Greetings from Gemany
Tobi

VE-104045

WISH: Improved "Object Info"-palette

Tobias Kern

Hi,

I think it would be nice to have more options for the "Object Info"-palette.

1.
We need more options to define what we want to so see in the
"Object Info" and some small options for doing a little layout (divide line, …).

Use Case:

PIO Object e.g. Walls:

I want to see the Gross / Net: Area, Volume, … of my active wall
in the "Object Info".

If I select more walls, I want to see the combined area, volume
of all selected walls.

Same for slabs, roofs, …

For 2D objects, I can get combined information like area and perim,
but not for 3D objects or PIO!

At the moment, it isn't also possible to get the volume of a 3D object
in the "Object Info"! Is the volume calculation too complex for a
instant background calculation?

2.
Layout

UI-Scaling is necessary!
Some text is so small I can't read. This can lead to errors!

The used font (for the whole UI in VW) isn't perfect to read.
Maybe you should discuss, to change the UI-Font, to a better
readable font!

With some bold fonts, you can make something more important.

Can we have colors for text, or to categorize some info parts?

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104051

WISH: Enhancement Push/Pull-behaviour

Tobias Kern

Hi,

often I have problems with the Push/Pull-Tool,
if there is a lot of 3D-geometry on the screen.

The P/P-Tool frequently don't know which side of which object
I want to push/pull (p/p), often the tool wants to p/p the wrong surface.

I mostly solve the problem by making a group of the object
and p/p inside the group. After the p/p, I ungroup my object.

An idea to “solve” the problem could be to prioritize the active
object for the P/P-Tool, that the active object is more in focus
for the tool, then the inactive objects.

Greetings
Tobi

VE-104044

WISH: Clip-Cube improvements

Tobias Kern

Hi,

I think the Clip-Cube need some improvements.

My personal wish-list:

— better snapping-behaviour to other objects
snapping often feels a bit clunky
See video attached: I can't snap to the cube in the foreground!
The cube in the background is snapable!
It depends on where you start with the mouse!
If you start on the left side of the clip cube, you couldn't snap to the
right cube, if you start on the right side of the clip cube, you could snap
on both cubes.
The x-ray-mode in combination with clip-cube would not help for a better
snappin-behaviour! It would be nice to see improvements with this!

— option (on/off) to not combine all cutted objects to one clip-cube-surface,
all edged-lines of all cutted objects should be visible + snapable.

– option (on/off) to show hatches of objects (walls, slabs, 3D objects, …)

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-104012

WISH: Enhancement for Rendering Opacity/Transparency

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings.

The rendering of transparent 3D-objects in Vectorworks
is currently not well solved!

Here are some thoughts on this.
Please see attached VW 2023 document with more information
+ a small video from Sketchup to see what's possible there.

Sketchup is way more flexible in rendering!

1.
Shaded View could be enhanced with more useful options like:
* Transparency + settings 0–100%
* Show Hidden Line + settings for: line-style, line-thickness, …
* Profile Lines
* End Points

If you enhance “Shaded”, maybe we don't need the other Rendering Modes
like “Hidden Line”, "Dashed Hidden Line" …

2.
All 3D and PIO won't get transparent if you change
the Opacity of a design-layer!

… only 2D objects gets affected!

Please also for 3D objects and PIO!

3.
Image Effects have no option for Opacity!

4.
If you set a Design Layer to “Gray” you do
not have any settings how transparent the objects
will get.

We need setup for this!

Hope we see an enhanced Rendering for Shades View in the future.
Best would be to have flexible options like in Sketchup to do our own setup.

Greetings from Germany
Tobi

VE-103854

WISH: Checking function: Line Color by Axis-color (temporary)

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

greetings.

Attached, you find a screencast from Sketchup.

I show a feature/function which is really helpful to check your drawing
accuracy relative to the current active axis.

In Sketchup, you can temporarily overwrite the colors of all lines
with the color of the current axis.

The lines get the color only, if they orientate 100%
in the direction of the axis.

You can check your drawings really fast with this feature.
This is also be very helpful with DWG/DXF imports with
a lot of lines, polygons, …

I used this feature/function very often in Sketchup.

Lines in x-axis-direction will be overwritten with red
Lines in y-axis-direction will be overwritten with green
Lines in z-axis-direction will be overwritten with blue

/ / /

I have tried to replicate this with data visualization,
but this cannot currently be achieved with data visualization.

At the moment, with Data Vis, you can achieve a color
overwrite only for 2D lines and only for x and y.
No other geometry (Nurbs, polygons, …) will be affected
and no color for any Z-direction.

So one solution could be, to enhance Data Visualization,
but it would like to see this function as option (icon) in the Mode Bar
(or is it called Option Bar) on the top right side, to easy and fast turn it
on or off.

Currently, we don't have any options to check your drawings,
in this way. I would find this very, very useful.

Greetings and Merry Xmas
Tobi

VE-103840

WISH: Temporary "Center Mode" with OPTION or ALT

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

in some software I use, it is possible to activate “Center Mode" temporary
by pressing Option (Mac) or ALT (Win).

We do have temporary modes in VW …

Rectangle Tool (with Mac)
SHIFT = square
SHIFT + CMD = rectangle with "Golden Ratio"

… but there is room for more.

The OPTION or ALT key cannot be used, while the user is in drawing mode
with Rectangle or Line Tool.

I suggest: “Center Mode” for an extra mode.

Examples:
Rectangle and Lines
Both tools have an extra but permanent "Center Mode"

This solution is okay, but not so “drawing-friendly” as a temporary mode
with OPTION or ALT, because a temporary mode is way faster, specially
for the Rectangle Tool.

… AND you always have to press the same key to activate a "Center Mode"

Rectangle: method change to "Center Mode" = U key
Line: method change to "Center Mode" = I key

Maybe other tools could benefit from OPTION or ALT too.

Greetings from Germany and wish you all Merry Christmas
Tobi

VE-103814

WISH: Enhancements for the "Saved Views" palette

Tobias Kern

Hi VW-Team,

at the moment, there is an ongoing discussion in the forum about
dividers for Layers and Sheets.

Please see:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103708-dividers-for-layers-and-sheets/page/2/#comment-452792

We also discussed the "Saved Views" palette.

We would love to see an improvement for this kind of palette.
At the moment, the palette is only to represent the views but
nothing more.

It would be useful to enhance the possibilities for this kind of
palette, to bring it to 21th century.

Needed options:

-Sorting options (#, names, … like the design layers)
- Search options
- "real" Dividers
- Colors options for text and underlying
- Tags
- UI-size for the text (text is to small to read)

Greetings from Germany, and thanks for your help.
Tobi

VE-103785

WISH: Better use of the arrow keys in Vectoworks

Tobias Kern

At the moment, the arrow keys are used for
panning in the workspace.

ARROW UP = pan upwards
ARROW DOWN = pan down

This behavior is also possible and i find it good:

ARROW UP + SHIFT = moves object upward
ARROW UP + SHIFT + CMD = moves object 10 units upwards

…

The panning behavior is no longer in keeping with the times,
since every user can do this either with his mouse
or with the trackpad can do this better.

So we can think about how we can assign the arrow keys
better!

Here are my suggestions, I think they make sense:

1.
In the Adobe or Affinity input fields, the arrow keys can be used to
Change value

Example:
ARROW UP = + one unit
ARROW UP + SHIFT = + 10 units

OR

ARROW DOWN = – one unit
ARROW UP + SHIFT = – 10 units

To activate this behavior, you only have to enter the input field.

This makes so much sense, because you
can work much faster!

Attached, you will find a sample video.

I would love to see this in Vectorworks.

2.
Axis inferencing.

At the moment, the axis directions can be fixed with the "T" key
during the drawing.
This solution is okay, but you always have to moving around with
the mouse and hover-over to find an axis of an existing object.

This could be also done better with the arrow keys!

I like the axis constrain of Sketchup.
There, you use the arrow keys.
Press arrow key to activate, press the same arrow key to
deactivate the behavior.

ARROW UP: fixes drawing direction to z-Axis (blue)
ARROW RIGHT: fixes drawing direction to x-axis (red)
ARROW LEFT: fixes drawing direction to y-axis (green)
and special:
ARROW DOWN: fixes drawing direction to a custom direction
via hover-over a non-orthogonal line in the drawing.

This works also in Sketchup for drawing 2D geometry like rectangles, circles, …
or this works also for all the tools, e.g. Rotation Tool.

Imagine if you want to rotate something 2D to stand up in 3D,
with the arrow keys, you can lock the VW Rotate Tool to rotation in z/x
or z/y direction.

The behavior with the arrow keys in Sketchup is so intuitive and good designed
that it is a must to bring it to Vectorworks!

Words are not always good for explaining, so a
here is a link to a tutorial video:

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IP1T77rjTg&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=27&ab_channel=SketchUp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HyHtsuRRoA&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=26&ab_channel=SketchUp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfE9CVNbRcE&list=PL-bndkJaV8A7R2t970OmHY6kPGJwTfGP2&index=28&ab_channel=SketchUp

I would really love to see this in Vectorworks!

Both suggested solutions are for me a better choice for the arrow keys.
I think panning with the arrow keys are old-school!

VE-103783

WISH: Improvements for Text-Styles

Tobias Kern

Hi,

Text-Styles are a bit too restrictive, because we don't have the option

to save "by style" or "by instance".

I often struggle with doing some changes in my text-style and all

related texts get a forced update and my custom changes/alignments

would be overwritten, but I do not want all updates

e.g. the alignment horizontal or vertical.

This could be fixed, if we got the option to save

"by style" or "by instance" in text-styles.

Please see the attached screenshot!

Greetings from Germany

Tobi

VE-103781

WISH: Dimension-Standards/-Style: Saving standard-class in Dimension-Style

Tobias Kern

Hi,

it is often needed to having different Dimension-Standards/Styles,

but we only have one option for the Standard-Class for all Dimension-Standards.

I think it would be useful to save the class of the Dimension inside the Dimension-Standard. With this solution, we are way more flexible with managing different dimensions.

This is my first JIRA-report. Sorry if I didn't make it right!

Greetings from Germany

Tobi

VE-103907

Not able to rotate horizontal and vertical frame bars in stair options for railing like you can when using just the railing tool

Tina Hauber

Not able to rotate horizontal and vertical frame bars 45 degrees in stair railing options like you can when using just the railing tool. This doesn't allow my model to look right, there is a mixture of railing showing when I want them all to look 45 degree rotated.

VE-103046

Would be nice to be able to see what is outside of symbol (in that instance) when editing

Tina Hauber

Would be nice to be able to see what is outside of symbol (in that instance) when editing, so if it could behave more like a group where you can choose to see what is outside of the symbol or not in that instance.

This would be very helpful when we have apartment unit plans that we may into symbols.

VE-103048

Be able to adjust arrow size on angular dimension

Tina Hauber

Would be nice to be able to adjust the arrow size on an angular dimension. You can adjust on text arrow but not angular dimension that I see.

VE-102991

Would be nice if you could right click on file or something and say open as read only

Tina Hauber

Would be nice if you could right click on file or something and say open as read only. This would be very useful when referencing another file you don't want to accidentally make changes in.

VE-102990

Would be nice if we could make a roof with a "ski slope" type roof

Tina Hauber

Would be nice if we could make a roof with a "ski slope" type roof. We want to create a roof that is curved on one side and normal pitch on other side of ridge. Would be really nice if roof could be more than just a typical pitch.

Would also be nice if we could two slopes on one side. Another project we have eaves at 3:12 pitch and then from building perimeter up to ridge we have 6:12 pitch. Have to create roof faces for the eaves at this point.

VE-102752

Multiple lines on drawing label

Tina Hauber

Would be nice if we could have drawing label on two lines. Sometimes drawing titles are too long to be on one line and would be nice if we could have two lines without having to type separate text above the drawing label.

VE-102636

Change roof pitch universally after roof is created in lieu of having to click on each roof plane

Tina Hauber

Would be nice if after a roof is created you can change the roof pitch universally in stead of having to click on each blue box at each roof face to edit the roof pitch - that's nice and want that to stay but want an option (maybe under object info palette) that shows you the current roof pitch and allows you to change roof pitch right there with one click.

VE-102499

Be able to stretch text leaders

Tina Hauber

We would like to be able to use the stretch command on text leaders. We have situations where we will have a number of notes on a wall section and want the arrows to stay where they are but stretch the line and text.

VE-102498

Separate plumbing fixture class from partition (so toilet can be on slab plan but not partition)

Tina Hauber

Would be nice if when using the toilet stall tool you had the option for the toilet to be a separate class from the partition. We like to show plumbing fixtures on a slab plan but don't want the stall to show up as well.

VE-102497

Door head to have a separate height than jambs

Tina Hauber

We would like to have a 4" door head on doors that have hollow metal frames. Right now you can only specify jamb and that's the whole frame.

VE-102266

Best computer operating system for Vectorworks moving forward

Tina Hauber

Our office needs to upgrade computers in the next couple months. Will Vectorworks operate better on MAC or PC? If one is preferred by Vectorworks over the other, we would like to know before upgrading.

VE-102070

Curtain wall tool is cumbersome to edit a storefront

Tina Hauber

Would like to see some improvements with the curtain wall tool. It is very cumbersome to edit the storefront, moving mullions is time consuming. Would be great if this was improved somehow to be a quicker tool to use.

VE-102069

Would like to add stroke to polyline where you have a the line and then add a stroke to the outside where the outside lines can be a different color

Tina Hauber

Would like to add stroke to polyline where you have a the line and then add a stroke to the outside where the outside lines can be a different color.

This idea comes from interior design wall finish sheets. We would like one line in the middle to be the actual wall color specified and the outside stroke line to be black so the line doesn't disappear when using lighter colors.

VE-102068

Be able to add image files to a worksheet

Tina Hauber

We would like to add an image file (.jpeg) to a worksheet as we are using for interior finishes and want to show the client/contractor what the finish looks like.

We currently put the image in annotations but it doesn't shift when we update the schedule (add remove rows).

VE-102067

Window trim needs more control to adjust where trim starts and stops

Tina Hauber

Window trim option under windows needs more control. If we have stone coming up to a certain height up the window we want to be able to tell the trim to go on top and sides to a certain height.

VE-104935

apply data visualisation to a graphic legend

Tim Spilman

I would like to be able to apply a data visualisation overlay to a graphic legend.
the option exists for applying to a viewport - but (as far as I can tell) not the legend.

VE-103198

T02274 - Vertical Faces of Site Model Don't Show Texture Bed Textures

Tim Connors

The attached file contains a Site Model with a Texture Bed applied, and a few modifiers that result in vertical Site Model faces. One is a Retaining Edge modifier and the other two are Planar Pad modifiers.

Note that the texture shows fine on the vertical faces of the Retaining Edge modifier (as it did in VW 2022), but it fails to show on the vertical faces of the Pads (see attached screenshot).

VE-103223

T02274 - Site Model Shape is Incorrect When "Define by Contours" is Enabled for Grade Limits

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model, a Grade Limits, and a Planar Pad.

To reproduce, enable the Grade Limits' "Define by Contours" option and update the Site Model.

Note that the sides of the Pad now show a vertical edge instead of sloping with the contours (see attached screenshot).

VE-103290

T02274 - Grade Limit Contours Show Min/Max Elevation Error When Coinciding Pads Exist

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains two Planar Pad modifiers with different elevations, that share an edge when viewed from the top.

To reproduce:

- Select the Grade Limits and enable the "Define by Contours" option
- Edit the contours

Note that many of the contours are red and show an error in the OIP saying they're outside the min/max elevations. If you update the Site Model at this point the Grade Limits will be ignored.

If you reshape one of the Pads slightly so that the edges _don't_ coincide the problem goes away, so it doesn't seem like this elevation error should be happening.

VE-103172

T02274 - Site Modifier "Show Surface in 3D" Option Often Fails

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model and a Site Modifier that has its "Show Surface in 3D" option enabled.

To reproduce:

-Select the Site Model and update a few times in the OIP

Note that the modifier surface shows correctly.

-Now select the modifier and update the Site Model a few times using the modifier's OIP

Note that now the surface will often fail to render.

If you don't see this at first, try going to Top/Plan view and updating the Site Model from the modifier's OIP.

VE-103146

Ability to Create Pathway Site Modifiers Using "Create Objects from Shapes"

Tim Connors

VW 2023 (task T02274) adds a new feature for path-based Site Modifiers, with two modes for creating them (Pathway Path and Boundary Path). It's currently not possible to create Pathway-type modifiers using the "Create objects from shapes" command, though, which presents some limitations.

The attached movie and test file show an example of this. The file contains a few open Polygons.

To reproduce:

-Convert one of the polys to a Pathway-type Hardscape using the "Create objects from shapes" command.

Note that this creates a pathway Hardscape as expected.

-Now convert the other poly to a Path-type Site Modifier

Note that it always uses a boundary-type configuration, with no way to treat the input poly as a longitudinal path line.

This means the only way to create pathway-type Site Modifiers is by drawing with the Site Modifier tool itself. This can be difficult because you have to draw the line perfectly; if you make a mistake you'll either have to start over or manually reshape the path after it's created (it's very difficult to keep a consistent width at that point).

Ideally, any closed poly would be treated as the outline for a Boundary-type modifier, and any open poly would be treated as the longitudinal path for a Pathway-type modifier.

VE-103195

Graphic Legend Has No Option to Disable 2D Component Display

Tim Connors

The attached file contains a symbol with custom 2D Component graphics, and a few Graphic Legends that show different Detail Levels.

Note that (as far as I can tell at least) there's no way to turn off the custom 2D Component graphics and show the legend image in a native Hidden Line render.

With Viewports, the OIP has a "Display 2D Components" checkbox that lets the user enable/disable custom 2D Comps as needed, but I don't see any way to do this with the Graphic Legend.

This might be more of a wish than a bug, but it seems like it could cause some limitations for users.

VE-102201

Story-Bounded Walls Fail to Update After Story Levels are Added

Tim Connors

I've attached a movie and test file that show this. The file contains a few Stories, and a Wall Style whose Top Bound uses a Story Level that doesn't exist.

To reproduce:

-Activate the Wall tool and choose the "Test" style
-Insert a Wall on the active layer

Note that you get an error since the "Mid-Level" story level doesn't exist in the Story Above.

-Now open the Org dialog and edit the "Ground" story
-Add the "Mid-Level" story level and choose OK

Note that the existing Wall fails to update and still shows as a flat shape. I couldn't find any way to get it to show the correct height at this point.

If you insert a new Wall with the same style it'll show the height correctly, so this only seems to affect existing Walls.

The same thing happened in VW 2018. This also occurs in VW 2020.

VE-102185

Angular Dimension Constraints Get Deleted When Objects are Moved

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few different types of associative dimensions (Constrained Dim, Unconstrained Dim, Radial Dim, and Angular Dim).

To reproduce:

-Drag the endpoints of one of the Lines attached to the Angular Dim

Note that the constraints are intact at this point.

-Now select all the objects in the file and move them any distance

Note that now the Angular Dim loses its constraints. The other dimension types don't have this problem.

The same thing happened in past versions.

VE-102172

T02195 - Process for Reverting Texture Parts to Overall is Confusing in 2022

Tim Connors

The attached movie shows this from a blank file in VW 2021 compared to 2022.

To reproduce:

-Open a blank file in 2021 and place a Wall
-In the Render tab of the OIP, assign an Overall texture
-Now activate the Left or Right texture Parts

Note that the OIP shows a "Revert to Overall" button that lets you match that part to the Overall texture.

-Now try the same thing in 2022

Note that now the only apparent way to get the part to Overall is to use the "Remove Texture" menu option, even if that part doesn't have a texture applied.

I didn't see anything in the task doc about this and didn't see any other bug reports, but this seems kind of counter-intuitive and difficult to discover from a user's perspective.

Maybe the "Remove Texture" command should just be renamed to "Revert to Overall", since that seems to be what it's doing anyway?

VE-100168

Callout Tool - Notes Manager Dialog Shows the Wrong Active Database

Tim Connors

I've attached a movie that shows this from a blank file.

To reproduce:

-Activate the Callout tool and place an object
-Click the Notes Manager button in the dialog that appears

Note that "[VW]//Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" shows as the active Database.

-Now add a new note to any of the sections
-Click OK a few times to return to the Callout dialog
-Make the "[VW]//Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database active

Notice that the note you just added doesn't exist in the "[VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database. You actually have to switch to the "[UsrLib]/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database in order to see the note.

It looks like the "[VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Notes/Callout.txt" database isn't actually editable, so the way this works is kind of confusing. It took me awhile to figure out that the note was being added to a different database than what was active.

VE-104561

T02410 - Graphic Legend Cell Contents Can't be Aligned in Rows

Tim Connors

This might be more of a VE- than a VB-. If it needs to be moved just let me know.

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Graphic Legends with different cell arrangements (left-to-right and top-to-bottom).

Note that the items in the left-to-right legend can be aligned in columns using the new "Align in Column" option, but the items in the top-to-bottom legend can't be aligned in rows.

Based on files I've seen from users, it's pretty common for them to use the top-to-bottom arrangement where row alignment would be needed.

If we're able to add this it might make sense to rename the new option to "Align in Row/Column", and then use the legend's existing "Arrange Layout By:" parameter (which is either "Row" or "Column") to determine whether column or row alignment should be applied.

VE-105130

Railing's Top Rail Fails to Get Mitered When Joined

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Railings.

To reproduce, activate the Railing Join tool in Dual Railing Connect Mode with Miter Connect Mode enabled.

Join the Railings as shown.

Note that the ends fail to get mitered.

The same thing happens going back to the 2024 release.

VE-104766

Cabinet Style Dialog - Add Controls for "All By Style" and Settings Import

Tim Connors

With most other Object Styles, the edit style dialog has two controls at the top of each pane: an "All By Style" button that toggles the by-style/by-instance state of all the settings in that pane, and an "Import Settings" button that allows settings to be imported from another style (see attached screenshot showing the Window style dialog).

It seems like both of these would be especially useful for Cabinet styles, since there are so many options in the edit style dialog. Toggling by-style/by-instance buttons individually or manually changing settings to match another style can be pretty time-consuming.

VE-104683

Structural Member Pitch Can't be Changed in the Floating Data Bar When Drawing/Resizing in Top/Plan

Tim Connors

This is a continuation of VB-188680, which involved the inability to specify a Pitch in the floating data bar when in Top/Plan view. The "Pitch" field is there and can be used when drawing/resizing in 3D views, but if you try to use it in Top/Plan you get a message saying, "these constraints are not possible" (see attached movie).

According to Gabe's comment in VB-188680, this is happening due to the way we apply story bounds in Top/Plan, and it's technically WAD.

This is something that seems like it should work from a user's perspective and feels kind of awkward, but if it's not possible it might make sense to just hide (or gray-out) the "Pitch" field in the data bar when in Top/Plan.

VE-104172

Ability to Turn Off Hardscape Cutting in the Site Model's OIP

Tim Connors

The new Draped Hardscape feature, combined with the ability for Hardscapes to cut Site Models, provides a really powerful new workflow. Site Modifier objects can be added to modify the Site Model, then Hardscapes in Draped configuration-only can be added with "Cut the site model" enabled. This gives a ton more flexibility since a Hardscape's elevations can now be controlled through multiple independent modifiers.

When using this workflow, one issue I encounter is that it can often be hard to tell what exactly your Site Modifiers are doing once the Hardscapes are cutting the Site Model. I've attached an image and file that show an example.

Updating the Site Model also takes much longer when the cutout shapes are being accounted for, so fiddling with the modifiers to get the desired Site Model shape can be really time-consuming.

One option is to turn off the Hardscapes using the Site Model's "Include Modifiers on Layer:" settings, but this isn't really intuitive.

Ideally the user would be able to toggle on/off the Hardscape cutting with a checkbox in the Site Model's OIP. This way they could tweak their modifiers quickly, see clearly what the effects are, then turn the cutting back on with one click.

VE-104120

Aligned Hardscapes Fail to Respond to OIP "Elevation" Setting in 2023

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains an Aligned Hardscape with a few Profile lines added.

To reproduce:

- Change the "Elevation" in the OIP

Note that the value changes, but the Hardscape fails to move.

- Now Undo the change
- Go to a Front view and drag the Hardscape to a new elevation, or run the "Move 3D" command and move along the Z axis

Note that now the elevation can be changed, and the OIP "Elevation" field even updates to show the change.

It seems that, if the elevation can be changed by dragging or using the Move 3D command, it should also work when changing the "Elevation" setting.

This is a regression from VW 2022. The same thing happens going back to 2023 SP0.

VE-103989

T02357 - Draped Hardscapes Have No Natural Way to Re-Send to Site Model Surface After Editing

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a Site Model with a "Draped" Hardscape selected.

To reproduce, move the Hardscape.

Note that now the Hardscape is no longer draped on the Site Model surface, and the only way to get it to re-drape is to manually reset it somehow (ex: changing an option and then changing it back).

This might be more of a wish than a bug, but it seems like there should be an OIP button to allow the Hardscape to be re-draped on the Site Model, similar to the "Realign" button for Aligned Hardscapes. The alternative of manually forcing a reset by changing options isn't very intuitive.

Enabling support in the "Send to Surface" command might also be a good way to get these to reset in a more natural way.

VE-104001

T02357 - Create Draped Hardscape from Site Modifiers Command

Tim Connors

With the new "Draped" Hardscape feature that was added in 2023 SP4, I'm finding that a really easy-to-use workflow is to create Site Modifiers that sculpt the Site Model surface, then use Draped Hardscapes that sit on top of the modifiers.

It also seems like it'll be pretty common for users to want to duplicate the exact profile shape of their modifiers and use them in Hardscapes. Currently this can be done by entering the Site Modifier path mode, copying the source shape, then exiting and pasting-in-place, then converting the shape to a Hardscape.

This is a pretty tedious process, and it seems like it would be really useful to add a command that allows the user to do this with one click. Ideally they could just right-click on a Site Modifier (or a multiple-selection of Site Modifiers), run a command from the context menu, and it would create Hardscapes directly over top of the modifiers.

The user could then use Add/Clip Surface or Reshape to quickly refine the shape, if it needs to be different from the modifier's shape.

VE-104042

Integrate Site Modifier NURBS Support Into the Site Modifier Tool/Object

Tim Connors

We currently have the ability to use NURBS Curves and NURBS Surfaces (and also 3D Polygons and 3D Locus points) as Site Modifiers by placing them in the "Site-DTM-Modifier" class. This is a really powerful ability in my experience, especially now that we have Draped Hardscapes that can fit neatly to the Site Model surface. Getting the right shape with the existing Site Modifier tool configurations can be tricky and time-consuming, especially when it comes to curved areas that have elevation changes.

The issue is that this ability is hidden from the user and isn't very intuitive to use. They need to know to reassign the class and need to use other tools that generally fall outside of Landmark.

There are a few ways I think this could be made a lot more discoverable and usable:

- Add a new NURBS mode to the Site Modifier tool, that would allow the user to draw NURBS Curves with the existing NURBS Curve tool behavior. These would automatically act as modifiers so no class change would be needed. Modes for 3D Polygons and 3D Loci could theoretically also be added, but aren't as important.

- Add a Landmark menu command that would allow NURBS Curves, NURBS Surfaces (and possibly 3D Polygons and 3D Loci) to be converted directly to Site Modifiers. "Create Objects from Shapes" won't work since it only supports 2D shapes. It could be named something like "Create Site Modifier from 3D Object".

- Add a new Configuration for Site Modifier objects for these new types of modifiers. It could just be a single new configuration named something like "Custom 3D" that encompasses all four types of 3D objects (NURBS Curve, NURBS Surface, 3D Polygon, 3D Locus). We would probably have to restrict some options and abilities (like changing the config from Custom 3D to another one) but it seems like it might be doable.

Further in the future, I think it would also be a really useful feature to allow other 3D object types (like Extrudes, Solid Subtractions, etc) to be supported as modifiers. These could also fall under a "Custom 3D" configuration.

Thanks for your consideration!

VE-104037

T02353 - Design Layer Render Options Affect Viewport Previews

Tim Connors

Movie and test file are attached. The file contains a few Viewports that are rendered in Shaded and RW. The file has "Saved Viewport Cache" disabled.

To reproduce:

- Render in Shaded mode
- Now go to the Shaded Options and disable Textures and Colors
- Switch to the sheet layer

Note that the viewport previews don't show textures/colors, even though they're enabled in those viewports' render options.

So it seems like the viewport previews are always applying the Shaded options that are in-use on the design layer. The same thing can be seen with the Draw Edges render option.

As F3 of the task doc states, the previews are just approximations, so it's possible that this is WAD and was done intentionally (I could see how it might help performance). It seems a little jarring with textures/colors though, so thought it was worth mentioning.

VE-103604

Elevation Benchmarks Can't be Edited for Multiple Selected Viewports

Tim Connors

The attached file contains a few Viewports that have Elevation Benchmarks automatically added.

To reproduce, select more than one Viewport and note that the "Elevation Benchmarks" button is grayed-out in the OIP.

It seems pretty common for viewports on the same sheet to use the same benchmark setup, so being able to edit mode than one at a time would be a big time-saver. Other viewport buttons (Advanced Properties, Classes, render settings, etc) seem to handle multiple selection without a problem.

VE-99938

T01954 - Show Directional Markers Inside Hardscape Profile Edit Mode

Tim Connors

This is a continuation of the discussion in VB-160675.

The issue is that the Profile Line edit mode doesn't show the directional markers on the Profile object. This makes it kind of awkward to keep track of which end is which when you enter the edit mode.

Ideally we would just show the markers, but any kind of directional indicator would be helpful here.

VE-103155

Snap Grid Support for Interactive Insertion/Editing of Windows and Doors

Tim Connors

In VW 2023 a new mode was added to allow users to draw Windows and Doors in 3D views with any size/location.

This works great but doesn't allow any snapping reference, so objects will end up getting placed at random distances relative to other objects. Architects will generally want their Windows/Doors to be at nice, even distances from other objects so they'll probably have to go in after-the-fact and fine-tune the placement to match their desired grid.

Ideally, the Wall surface would recognize the active snap grid and limit the X/Y placement to those intervals. This works fine in Top/Plan view but not in 3D views.

The attached movie and test file (with a 6" snap grid active) show an example. Note that if I draw an object in Top/Plan it adheres to the snap grid, but it ignores the snap grid in 3D.

VE-101120

Project Sharing Server - "Keep Re-Trying" Option is Needed in Locked File Dialog

Tim Connors

When working on the Project Sharing Server, if you try an operation while the file's in-use by another user, you get the message shown in the attached screenshot, where your only two options are Cancel or Retry.

This can be a problem in cases where you have to wait awhile, since you pretty much need to babysit the app and keep clicking "Retry" until it eventually works.

Ideally there would be a third option where VW would keep re-trying automatically (maybe every 5-10 seconds) so that the operation will go though as soon as the PF is available.

It would also be great if VW could issue a system alert sound as soon as the operation completes. That way users could do other things while they wait for the PF, then immediately know when their operation completes.

VE-102482

Protection Improvements

Tim Ardoin

There's currently a magic number ("seed") in VW's binary and Plug-In Support (PIS). These seeds must match each other. This was implemented years ago as a way to support additional protection types, and to prevent users from "switching" protection. Of note, Japanese protection aka Series F used this, but was discontinued around 2016.

Since then, Mac code signing has arisen and this requires us to package two separate Vectorworks.app bundles in the installers (one for Series B and another for Series E), even though these 1.8GB bundles differ in just a few bytes (the seed is different). Thus, every user of Vectorworks is required to download a much larger file, and this also slows down building (because each app needs to be signed and notarized which includes transfer time to Apple and more time on Apple's servers) and uses more storage and time to transfer files, etc.

In addition the whole PIS matching system makes it more difficult for users to change their protection (it requires a reinstall), and this makes it more difficult to move users off of Series Be and onto series E for example.

I have a two-part proposal:
1) Seed unification: There's currently no benefit of having different seeds for series B and E. I want to make them both use the series E seed. Kamen has said there's no security benefit to having different seeds, and that it would be a minor change that has no user impact. I would like to do this as soon as possible (for mainline which will become VW2023) so we can immediately start reaping the benefits.

Note that the following seeds would still exist with seed unification:
Viewer - has its own seed (but not packaged in main installers)
Series A - we build series A. It might be worthwhile to just move everyone to series E builds but this isn't really a problem currently - at least not one that's relevant here.

2) PIS removal: This is more complex, but basically means doing away with the PIS module and finalize removing our protection into the core of VW itself. I say finalize because Kamen has already done most of this -- the functionality for protection was moved to VW core in VW2019/VW2020. All that remains is the seed match and the determination of which protection to use, which remains in the PIS module.

This would simplify VW somewhat, allow users to switch protections (based on serial) but would have some end user changes that Kamen can outline. We would need to address Viewer and this would probably require removal of Series A (local builds). I do think there are also benefits of keeping the protection code up to date and removing unnecessary complexities, both to reduce the surface for possible attacks and as best practice for ensuring efficacy.

VE-100315

Publish: Multi File Naming Scheme - No way to change in saved set

Tim Ardoin

I have several files with a saved Publish Set named "TestSet".

It seems like there's no way to change the Multi-File Naming Scheme.

Now most of the time I just want the default which seems to be "Sheet#-Sheet Title". I had a file that had a different one (it was just "Sheet#"), and it took me forever to fix it.

Unfortunately I can't really uncover the steps it took, but an identical problem is suppose I want to set this for a saved set. I can't. I can set it using File Export Options, but then it just goes away, it never saves it to the saved set, because it changes to "Active Set" maybe?

And there's nowhere to save it inside Manage Sets -> Edit either.

VE-100041

Irrigation Zones

Thom Vetter

It would be helpful to clink on a zone valve and see all the pipe and sprinklers that are attached to that valve.

VE-100486

Irrigation Pipe Size

Thom Vetter

Remove or a least make an option to be able to remove the "in" delineation for pipe sizing. Would allow for less clutter.

See attached cluttered dwg

VE-100036

Irrigation Tags / Labels

Thom Vetter

Tags / Labels need to be scalable or scale intelligent. Presently when either creating a tag by Object Info or using the tag/label tool, The drawing scale must be modified to achieve the proper tag size, then the dwg scale has to be adjusted in the viewport.

VE-99711

Earthwork Cross Sections

Thom Vetter

The Autocad cross section is the standard. I will agree it is much easier to read. VW cross sections need to be modified to be of value and for read ability.

I would like to see the AC style of cross section be the default.

VE-105057

Ability to modify ConnectCAD default cable lengths within ConnectCAD preferences

Thomas Peters

Quoting, [~nzhelyazkov] from the [forum|[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/111053-circuit-tool-cable-length-drop-down/]], "You can create your own Libraries/Defaults/ConnectCAD/ConnectCAD_Database/CableLengths.txt file in the user folder that contains additional cable lengths that you need. "

Request is to be able to modify this from within the ConnectCAD settings dialog.

VE-105089

Whitespace, indentation in worksheet formulae

Thomas Peters

When a cell's formula becomes very long, with multiple nested brackets, it becomes difficult to keep these organized. With the ability to indent what effectively becomes code, it would be significantly easier to maintain an overview and reduce errors and time spent correcting syntax.

VE-103990

BIM | workflow after Importing ifc with spaces and using the data

Thomas Kelzenberg

workflow after Importing ifc with spaces and using the data

After successfully importing an ifc file provided by an architect containing rooms (spaces) i would be more than happy to use the data already placed.

i am talking from an av company point of view.

workflow example 1 open bim process:

when placing my symbols inside the room (space) it would be very helpful to transfer the name of the room into my symbol. i don’t want to rebuild all rooms coming with the ifc file with native vwx rooms an name them by hand. the actual project i am referring to has 2804 rooms.

workflow example 2 open bim process:

after importing an ifc file provided by an architect containing rooms (spaces) there will be a change. all (or just two) room names will contain letters instead of numbers.

how could i update these informations without placing new data tags, writing all room names into my symbols by hand, etc??

I love the bim idea but obviously there are some stones in my (and others) way.

for visibility:

[~cpreen]

VE-103353

Plug-In "Attribute ändern" move to international version

Thomas Kelzenberg

Hi
in the german version there is a plug-in "change attributes" which could be a gain for the international version.

this plug-in uses a dialog if-then to create links and execute batch commands. For example, it can change attributes of a class as well as entries in a database. these are saved as txt and can be used throughout the company. of course only with the German version.

my use case extends to planning using connectcad as well as light and rigging via braceworks.
once set up with the use of that plug-in i can easily set standard for drawings across the company and for externals as well.

screenshot attached.

VE-103617

Exporting Redshift Proxie

Thomas English

(Film/TV)

When working with production design and previs department it would be amazing to be able to export Redshift Proxies to be used by previs in Maya, Blender or Houdini.

Redshift proxies export the entire scene, lighting and textures as a redshift file that can be used in other applications running redshift.

I wonder how hard redshift proxie export would be to implement now that the redshift renderer seems to be working so well.

Off-course USD (Universal Scene Description) would be the unltimate goal.

VE-102062

Signed single DWFx file with multiple sheets inexistent on Vectorworks

TechLimits VSS

Architect Vectorworks users face a severe problem in Portugal since Project files that need to be approved require that all drawings have to be in a signed DWFx format and most have to be on a single DWFx file.with multiple sheets corresponding to VW sheet layers.

Besides the reported bug VSS-127182 these two none features prevents architects from using Vectorworks and need to do part of their work on the old 2013 Autodesk Design Review or a license of AutoCAD in order to Sign (with the Portuguese ID card and an USB ID card reader) and to place multiple VW Sheet layers into a single DWFx file. If/When Autodesk removes the download of Autodesk 2013 Design Review. All of our users will be forced to purchase an Autocad license in order to sign their DWFx files.

The text bug reported in VSS-127182 should be fixed.

The ability to export multiple VW sheet layers into a single DWF or DWFx file could be implemented in the publish command options, just like what happens with pdfs.

The ability to digitally sign a DWF or DWFx could be implemented in an option inside de publish options dialog box. You can find out more here: [https://www.autenticacao.gov.pt/web/guest/assinatura-digital/assinatura-digital-qualificada]

and here: [https://amagovpt.github.io/docs.autenticacao.gov/]

If you need more info on this, I can call locally and find out more

VE-100894

T02093 Landscape Area: Ungrouped becomes symbols instead of Plants

Tamsin Slatter

Not sure if this is a bug or enhancement request, so I'll start with bug and live in hope. :)

When playing with the new landscape area, my guess is that users will now try to ungroup the object to get at the individual plants.

When I use Modify > Ungroup on a Landscape Area, the resulting objects are symbols. Is it possible for this to ungroup to Plant objects instead.

In the attached file, I have a Landscape Area on the left, and created a copy on the right. I ungrouped the copy, in Top/Plan view, and it resulted in 2D/3D symbols (and a polyline). Could these be plants???

VE-102081

Site Modifier: Path mode suggestions

Tamsin Slatter

Hello

I have been looking at the Path mode of the new Site Modifier. It's great! I love that it can be reshaped, love the concept of the profiles and being able to edit them. However, as I used it, I had some thoughts on how it could be improved:
* The annotation of the Longitudinal Profile should be visible on the drawing (as long as the user selects this). The values should not just be visible in edit mode. We can see the end elevations, but we can't see the slope annotation. Currently, only the start and end elevation are displayed.
* The Slope Rise/Run value should not just show the result. In the attached example, the path is 10m long, and has a rise/run of 1:100. To enter the end elevation, I had to calculate this myself. Once the end elevation had been set, the Rise/Run value of 0.01 is displayed. But a designer would really want to see 1:100 on the annotation. It would also be useful to see the surface length as an option. In fact, it would be nice if the annotation options were the same as for the Grade tool.
* With the current iteration of the tool, the designer can use the tool to snap to existing modifiers, or they must enter specific values for the start and end elevation. It would be nice if the start or end elevation could be calculated - and have the same options as the Grade tool. The designer could enter one elevation, and then choose Percentage, Rise/Run or Angle, and Vectorworks would calculate the other elevation. The user would then have the option to display these values on the path - not just when editing.

VE-102286

Landscape Area: Ability to add a minimum number of plants

Tamsin Slatter

Hi

I have received the following request from a customer via a private message on the forum.

She has set up specific mixes, but is finding that some areas are too small for some plants to register so show as 0 in the count. She ALWAYS wants a minimum number of plants.

She makes a good point. She's got around her issue (areas being too small for certain plants to be included) but adding areas together. However, she has asked for the ability for plants to have a minimum number specified as well as the rate/percentage.

{color:#0747a6}_Hi Tamsin_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_We're a landscape architecture firm in NZ, using VW across our team. In recent weeks we've been testing VW landscape areas pretty hard, and have resolved a number of ways to achieve what we need, but still need help. Our browsing of the forum sees you as the expert, so I thought I'd message directly! Hope that's ok!_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_So, we have a site that is 3km long (a road). It has roughly 400 landscape areas, all of various shapes (from 1m2 to 100m2). We then have 3 base planting mixes (or landscape styles), 'Narrow', 'Medium' and 'Wide' that we can apply based on the width and location of the planting area._ {color}

{color:#0747a6}_The benefit of three landscape styles is that we can work quickly - obviously we don't want to individually assign a different mix to over 400 planting beds, it would take too long (to do, and also to change when the inevitable revisions come). However, we are finding that if you have a small landscape area (say 1m2), then there is not space in the landscape area for all the plants in the mix. As a result, the tag comes up with lots of zero's in it - but worse, we get a plant area that might have 15 plants in it but only one of each plant. It's not how we want the mixes to work._ {color}

{color:#0747a6}_Therefore, our first workaround was to join landscape areas together. We found a way to do this using a polyline joining a series of polygons, combined into a surface, and then converted to a landscape area. It requires a little adjustment to get right, but essentially it means we can have several landscape areas joined with a line, with only one tag for all three._ {color}

{color:#0747a6}_However, we're still wondering if we can be smarter? Could it be possible, for example, to set a minimum number of plants per style? Eg, we say Plant-A should be 5% of the mix, but there needs to be at least 5 of them in a landscape area._ {color}

{color:#0747a6}_The spacing of all the plants is the same in each mix, so theoretically once the area of is known, the number of plants is known._ {color}

{color:#0747a6}_Any thoughts? Complex issue we know!_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_Thanks_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_Shannon Bray_{color}
{color:#0747a6}_Wayfinder_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_shannon@wayfinder.nz_{color}

{color:#0747a6}_www.wayfinder.nz_{color}

VE-99572

Plant Catalog: Plant Catalogs must have metric data

Tamsin Slatter

I'm exploring the Plant Catalog options in more detail as I will be teaching some student garden designers tomorrow.
The questions they will ask me are:
How can I change all the values to metric?
There doesn't seem to be a way to do that.

Please can we either have the conversion script that we had with Filemaker, or localised data that is metric. This will be good for many more countries than just the UK I am sure.
Thanks!

VE-99917

Adding Landscape Areas does not combine the plants within.

Tamsin Slatter

If I draw two landscape areas that have the same mix of plants, I can use Modify > Add Surface to combine them.

However, if I then draw another landscape area that contains a different mix of plants, and add it to the first, all appears to be just fine. But in fact, the plants from the new mix are lost.
I can sort of understand why this is happening, in the Vectorworks will need to make decisions about percentages. But it is misleading in that this just happens silently, because the customer gets a false sense of success when the operation completes.

Perhaps there should be a warning saying that plants not matching the original landscape area will be discarded?

Or, even better, the Landscape Area Settings dialog is displayed and the user gets control over how the new plants should be incorporated into the existing area.

VE-99999

Hardscape: Edit Profile - be able to see other objects in Edit Profile view

Tamsin Slatter

I am so in love with the new aligned slab in the Hardscape tool, and cannot wait for roads to grow from this.

I have been playing with the ability to edit the profile. It's great. In the attached file, you'll see an example of a stepped wall. The stepping is a typical way that the wall would be constructed, but when aligned, the hardscape also steps, which it probably would not do in the real world. Instead, we would want to control how it faces the wall.
A profile is a perfect opportunity to do this, particularly as it gives us the existing profile to play with. But in this example, I would really love to be able to see the wall behind the profile, so that I can make sure my profile works with the geometry. I have turned on Show Other Objects while in Edit mode, but I still can't see the other stuff.

I am guessing this is not a bug and just functionality that is not there, but it would be really nice if it was. I am sure the customers would find it useful.

VE-99730

Mixed Hedges, Plants, Landscape Area and Planting Schedule Requirements

Tamsin Slatter

I have been talking to one of our Landscape Architect customers today who is very frustrated by the planting tools in Vectorworks. He can almost get what he needs but because of the scripts used to get at the Landscape Area data, we are a little stuck.

Here is his email, to put it into some context:
"Historically our schedules looks like the image below. These we essentially populated through area calculations to determine numbers based on mix percentages and manually counted elements for things like standard trees etc.

image.png (attached)

Bulk planted areas like woodland & ornamental mixes I imagine will be covered by the landscape area tool. Individual/Avenue trees will be created with the Plant tool, Areas of grass with a simple hatched polygon. I'm not sure of the best way to achieve a hedge definition (i.e. a mixed native hedge may be best with landscape area, but this doesn't show the linear meter of planting).

I need a schedule (report) that essentially encapsulates the above without duplication etc. It may be that I need a mixture of reports to talk to landscape areas, individual plants, basic polygons and whatever hedges would use.

I can't believe we're the only landscape architects who have struggled with this. Are others doing something wildly different? Am I missing a trick completely?

Hopefully that clarifies what I'm trying to achieve. Please shout if you need more information."

So, two things:
1. The ability to create mixed hedges with a tool that behaves like the Plant tool
2. Reports that offer the flexibility to produce and customise the list he needs.

As he points out, his requirements are not wildly different from the needs of other Landscape Architects. I would love to help nail down the requirements for improvements to planting, along with our new industry specialist for Landscape, who joins us in two weeks.

VE-99918

Landscape Area: Inconsistent with the rest of VW and needs to have true Object Style capabilities

Tamsin Slatter

Landscape Architects in the UK are really starting to explore the Landscape Area tool, which is great, but they are meeting some challenges to their workflow. It's great to have these more advanced users pushing the requirements of the tool, but also a risk to us, as there are competitor applications out there. But we can learn from them.

The workflow is:
The client creates a number of mixes and saves them using Save Landscape Area. This creates lovely resources on the Resource Manager, which they expect to behave like Wall Styles, Slab Styles etc.
They then place hundreds of Landscape Areas (yes, it might be hundreds on a large site).
After project discussions, a slight tweak is required to the chosen mix.
The client goes to the Resource Manager and edits the saved Landscape Area.
To their horror, they discover that these changes have not filtered through to the hundreds of Landscape Areas they have drawn.
So, they then set about finding a way to select all of them, hoping to make the change on the Object Info palette. But NO, with multiple areas selected, the Landscape Area Settings dialog is greyed out.
So, OK, surely with all these Landscape Areas selected, they can right-click on the saved Landscape Area on the Resource Manager, and click Apply. NO! There is no apply button.
They can drag and drop, but this has to be done to each and every Landscape Area on the drawing.

Is there a way we can have a true Landscape Area Style, that can be tweaked, that will update the drawing?

VE-101452

Export "flattened" panorama for Landscape Visual Impact Analysis

Tamsin Slatter

Landscape Architects in the UK are frequently required to perform Landscape Visual Impact Analyses. THere is a stringent set of technical requirements for these studies, as they will be used to support planning applications. The guidance document from the Landscape Institute is attached.

We have many Landmark customers exploring using Vectorworks to complete these studies (instead of other applications such as LSS: [https://www.dtmsoftware.com/Visual-Impact]

Part of the workflow requirement is to verify the accuracy of the settings in the Renderworks Camera, to match those in a physical camera used on site. Questions are documented here:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-176127

However, as the customer would normally shoot many images from a single tripod position, the customers would like an easy way to create an exported image that gives a 360º view from a single Renderworks Camera, but without the interactivity that comes from the Export Panorama command. So, the ability to export a cylindrical image, unwrapped into one long rectangle, so that's the subject of this enhancement request.

Could this even be an option within the Export Panorama command? Something that is an option to run in the cloud?

Please let me know if you have questions.

VE-99990

Vectorworks Cloud Services: Notification when file is downloaded

Tamsin Slatter

Hello lovely cloud people! I hope you are having a great day.

I was just talking with a client and showing them all the great things that the cloud can do. I showed them that they could share files, but they explained that they prefer to use WeTransfer. I asked them why. They explained that it's because they get a notification when the recipient downloads the file. They also get a notification if the recipient did NOT download the file within the required expiry time. I can see that this is very useful information in both scenarios. Is this something we could implement?
The notification could be a preference, and the user can decide if they would like notifications within the notification area on the cloud, or to receive an email.

It might encourage greater use of the tool and encourage people to incorporate this more in their professional workflow.

VE-101461

Renderworks Camera: Correlation to real camera settings for Visual Impact Assessment

Tamsin Slatter

Hello

Not really a bug as such... more a request for clarification on current settings, and then possibly an enhancement request...

We are gaining more and more Landscape Architect customers using Landmark, and have great fans within their teams who are looking to push Landmark into different tasks.

One task we are being asked about regularly is Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (commonly known as LVIA). This is effectively where the designers have to provide a very accurate photomontage of actual photographs taken on the original site, with the proposed development superimposed on top.

The technical requirements for an LVIA are attached. It's a lengthy document, but the key requirements for this specific discussion can be found on P31 (Camera Settings) and P53 (Matching Photography and 3D Modelling).

As you will see on page 53, there are precise definitions of the HFoV (does this mean horizontal?) as 39.6º with a 50mm lens focal length.

However, in Vectorworks, with a Renderworks camera, if we set the Film size to 35mm, and then change the Field of View to 39.6, Vectorworks calculates the lens focal length to be 59mm instead of the desired 50mm.

However, looking at this table, if we look at the 50mm row, and choose the Diagonal FoV value of 46.8 should equate to 50mm:
[https://www.nikonians.org/reviews/fov-tables]

In the attached file, you will see that the Renderworks camera is set to a Field of View is set to 46.03 which gives us a lens focal length of 50mm.

However, the client needs to be confident that the values they enter into the Renderworks Camera accurately match the settings of the real world camera. We suggested that they use the diagonal FoV value from the table above, but this gives us a focal length of 49mm, not the required 50mm.

In summary, our questions are:
# Is the Renderworks Camera a suitable tool for this task? Can we rely on its settings matching real world camera?
# Is our hunch correct that the Field of View value assumes it is the diagonal field of view when calculating the focal length?
# If 2 is true, *is there a bug in the calculation* which is causing the discrepancy between the values on the Nikon table linked above? Or is the Nikon table incorrect??

Of course, the alternative option to explore for this workflow is lovely Cameramatch. However, the site in question is often a field with no obvious horizontals and verticals to which the Cameramatch object can be aligned.

We would be very grateful for the answer to the questions, so we can determine:

a) Should we be encouraging the use of Vectorworks in this workflow as it stands at the moment.

b) Should we be creating enhancement requests if we can't support this confidently at the moment.

The other part of this workflow is the requirement to be able to export a cylindrical panoramic image, to stitch all the views together... but I'll handle that request separately and link back to this.

Here's a link to a discussion about this topic on the forum:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/67252-renderworks-camera-projection/&tab=comments#comment-333597]

Many thanks for your help.

VE-100144

Existing Tree: Please can we have a TPO checkbox?

Tamsin Slatter

The Existing Tree tool is so nearly there for us. Katarina has a longer list of requirements coming your way, but here's one to get you started.

Please may we have a checkbox or TPO (Tree Preservation Order), so that we can mark those trees that are so protected that nothing can be done to them?

Trees that have a preservation order are recorded in the local council database. So, it would be very nice also to have a field into which we can paste the URL to link to the further information for that tree, although we don't think there is national database to which we can link. (Maybe ESRI has this data somewhere for people who pay for it?)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas

VE-99654

Plant Tool Requirement: Mixed Plant Species for Hedging

Tamsin Slatter

Hi team
I have had the following requirement from a customer, and I think it is something we will definitely need to consider to meet the needs of Landscape Architects:

"There is a ‘hedge’ setting in the ‘Plant’ Tool. We had hoped that this would allow us to specify multiple species of plants. It would be very useful if this could be developed to allow multiple species, and staggering of the hedge rows. Neither of the current workarounds provides a satisfactory and reliably calculated route to what Landscape Architects often need, which is a staggered double or triple row hedge of several species (e.g. a mixed native hedge) that is able to ‘turn corners’.

Problems with the current workarounds (see attached screenshots):

The ‘plant tool’ will not allow multiple species. Attempting to create a single species hedge in a ‘triangular array’ (staggered) with the plant tool does not work to display a hedge, it has to be done ‘along poly edges’ and then multiple rows displays as a grid, rather than allowing staggered rows.

The ‘Landscape Area’ Tool, although it will allow plants to be organised by ‘Metres on Centre’, doesn’t show them as staggered rows, and you have to draw planting by working out the depth to draw a shape depending on spacing and row numbers, then check against 3D view to see how many rows you have. This is not easily edited as ‘3 rows based on a line’ would be. It is arranged as a grid rather than following a path, so that anything but a straight hedge is particularly challenging.

Even on a small, simple scale, you can see in the attached screenshots that the calculated numbers are coming out at about 10% different for each of these workarounds.

I will post this on the forum as well, in case the Vwx community has any further suggestions."

VE-99640

Plant Tool: Polygon Display. Please class the lines generated by polygon display

Tamsin Slatter

Please can we have a separate class for the Polygon Display option?
Customers want to be able to control the graphic attributes and visibility of these lines within different viewports, and therefore a class is the obvious answer.

Thanks in eager anticipation.

VE-99542

Plant Tool: Plant Data required for UK market

Tamsin Slatter

In the UK, we have a number of data sources that Landscape Architects and Garden Designers use on a regular basis.

These are online data sources. The owners of the data are unlikely to give us the data, so we wouldn't be able to make it available within the internal Vectorworks online data. The data is offered on a subscription basis, so the users pay the data source directly, and have to login to gain access.

The one used by Landscape Architects is already linked to Revit here in the UK. Our customers ask for a link to this data:
https://www.csdhub.com/cs-artisan/

The owner of this data (Tim Calnan) is a member of the BIM for Landscape team at the Landscape Institute, along with Martyn Horne. Therefore, and introduction from Martyn would be the best starting point.

The one used by Garden Designers is also an online subscription:
https://www.shootgardening.co.uk/
The owner of this data is Nicola Gammon. We already have a very old version of her database in the VSS libraries. But it contains a Plant ID only, and relies on the customer exporting a worksheet from Vectorworks, loading it into Shoot and matching the data. This is not a modern solution. Most don't use it as the setup is too complicated.

So, my ideal solution would be some kind of system like the Autoturn link, where the user would login, select a record, and pull the data back into Vectorworks and it would be added to a Plant Record.

This would require the Plant Record to include fields for the National Plant Specification (I need to create the VE for that). Ideally, there would be a nice, user-friendly dialog to allow the user/CAD manager to define which fields should be included on the Plant Record and Object Info palette.

VE-99543

Plant Data: Flexibility required for users to select which fields map to the Plant Record

Tamsin Slatter

We need a user/cad manager-friendly way for customers to select which fields from their plant data source should map to the Plant Record.

Currently, the Filemaker database has the NPS (National Plant Specification) fields. However, once the customer has selected a plant record to attach to their Plant Style, these fields are not included within the Plant Record.
It is possible to edit the XML files to determine which fields will map, but this is not a user friendly option. If the customer is using the new Plant Catalogs (text files) instead of the Filemaker database, the catalogs do not have NPS fields.

Please can we have a nice dialog box where the user can choose which field are included in either the Plant Catalog (or Filemaker Database) and which fields are mapped to the Plant Record. This needs to be easy. But it also needs to be under a Landmark > Admin menu so that it's not something the user would access every day. Or maybe a new Vectorworks Landmark Preferences (a little like the Spotlight Preferences option)?

Distributors could determine what the local requirements should be as a defaults, but the individual users should be able to override this.

It's critical for users participating in BIM for Landscape projects that users are able to bring this data into the Plant Record and for this data to be included in IFC exports.

VE-99641

Plant Tool Preferences: Advanced Settings has no obvious reverse

Tamsin Slatter

In the Plant Tool Preferences dialog, the default is now to show the Simple Plant Settings, with a button at the bottom-left, labelled Advanced Settings. However, once the user has clicked the Advanced Settings, there is no obvious way back for them.
They have to click Options on the menu and then uncheck a box. They then click OK and find themselves back on the drawing area, and start scratching their heads in puzzlement.

It would be so much more user friendly if after clicking Advanced Settings, there was a Return to Basic Settings button, which just restored the original dialog.

Please. Thanks.

VE-99850

Plant Tool Hedge Mode: Please can the hedge rows have an option to be offset?

Tamsin Slatter

The Plant tool currently offers the ability to generate additional Hedge Rows for Hedging or Edging. However, usually, a multi-row hedge has the rows staggered, or offset by half the linear spacing method.

Of course, this will still only plant a single species, and ideally customers would like to be able to include a mix of species. However, if we can't get the mix, this would be a great starting point.

Please see the forum post below from one of our new beta testers, who is also a UK Landscape Architect customer:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64275-hedges-double-staggered/&tab=comments#comment-319915

VE-100265

GIS Stake Tool: Ability to place by Easting and Northing Coordinates

Tamsin Slatter

If using a standard X,Y non-georeferenced file, if you place a Stake in the drawing, it is possible to use the X and Y fields on the Object Info palette to move the stake to a specific set of coordinates on the drawing.

However, if you have a georeferenced drawing, and place a GIS stake, this is not possible. X and Y are tied to the non-georeferenced coordinates (which are therefore irrelevant). The Set Geolocation button gives access to Longitude and Latitude fields. However, the client may be using Easting and Northing in meters instead. It would be very useful if they could specify the location of the stake in *Set Geolocation* button. But it might also be useful to have this in the *Modify > Move > Move Geographic* command too.

Here is the post on the forum where this is being discussed:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66659-gis-stake/&tab=comments#comment-331022]

Thanks!

VE-100503

Texture Beds: Please can they have the ability to map the direction and scale of the texture?

Tamsin Slatter

Texture beds are very useful modifiers, particularly at concept stage. However, it's not possible to map the direction of the texture bed, even if it's built into a Hardscape. It would be great to have this ability.

Here's a request from the forum too:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68916-orientation-of-texture-beds/]

VE-100150

Data Visualization: Auto Color suggestion

Tamsin Slatter

The Auto Color feature of Data Visualization is fabulous. I showed it to a customer today. Their immediate response was to ask if it was possible to have a grayscale option, or to be able to pick a range of colors between two selected colours.

This would be a great idea and would retain the huge ease of use, while adding great flexibility to the solution.

VE-100145

Modify by Record: Same Criteria Options as Data Visualization

Tamsin Slatter

Firstly, I always feel guilty asking for more stuff, especially when such an amazing release has just come out...
But here goes:

I was just playing with Modify By Record, which I love. But it occurred to me that it would really nice if this now had the same criteria settings as Data Visualization.

Thanks, developers of awesomeness.

VE-100318

UI: Unhappy with new icons and suggestion for frequently used tools

Tamsin Slatter

Hi

I am providing feedback from one of our customers, who doesn't like the new icons. Personally, I do like them, but he is adamant that they are not nice. I promised I would feed back, so here it is!

But he also suggested that it might be nice if any new interface had an option to reorder the tools based on those you use most frequently. I have no idea how popular this would be, but again, I promised him I would feed in the suggestion, so here it is.

All the best, as ever

VE-100226

Site Model Mesh Solid: Displays Hollow in Clip Cube and Clip Cube Viewport

Tamsin Slatter

Please see the attached file.

The Site Model displays hollow when sectioned with a clip cube. It would be nice to have the option to mask this in the same way that other objects can in a clip cube view or viewport.

This has been raised by a customer on the forum:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66347-landmark-and-site-modeling/&tab=comments#comment-329533]

VE-100016

Vectorworks Cloud Services: Ability to pause sync

Tamsin Slatter

Hello

I have just got into the car after doing some demos with a customer. I am using my laptop, tethered to my mobile phone data. Vectorworks Cloud Services has just started uploading my files. I want to pause the syncing of files so that it doesn't use up all my data. And I find I can't. I know I can shut down the app. I also know that I can change the file sync to Manual. But it would be really nice if I could click the icon and choose Pause file sync, so that I can resume it when reconnected to a less expensive network.

VE-99920

History palette

Tamsin Slatter

Hello all
I am sure this is not the first time this has been requested, but a customer has just discussed this with me and explained how useful they would find it. Particularly as they have it in AutoCAD.

Essentially, they would like a palette that shows a history of operations, so that if they walk away, get a coffee, take a phone call etc, when they come back to VW, they know where they have got to in their workflow. They would like to be able to click on the list of edits in the history, and undo back to that point.

The user log doesn't really cut it.

VE-99735

Site Model Snapshot: Please include the Include Modifiers on Custom Layers setting

Tamsin Slatter

Hello
I have been playing with a complex site model sent to me by a customer today.
He has a number of different modifier options that he wants to work with, and show in different viewports. He has ended up creating many site models in the same file, in order to show viewports with different options.
It occurred to me that as we have Site Model Snapshots, this would be an excellent way to stick with a single site model. However, the snapshots don't remember the layer choice for site modifiers.
So, my suggestion is that they should.
That way, a customer could create a snapshot that has certain graphic elements, but ALSO looks at site modifiers on a specific set of layers. Then, another snapshot could look at site modifiers on a different set of layers.

This would be very cool.

VE-99336

Make Hardscape Areas Slope Aware

Tamsin Slatter

Now that we have the ability for Hardscapes to slope, and that is going to get so much better, we need them to report "slope aware" areas.

See the attached file. Both hardscapes were drawn as 5m squares, so 25m2 in projected plan view.
However, the hardscape on the right slopes significantly, so it's surface area would be greater. A hardscape report, however, shows both having an area of 25 m2.
I appreciate that if I add a site modifier to the hardscape, I can report on the surface area of this site modifier, compared to the projected area. However, that doesn't help with the hardscape report, which could provide very misleading information.

VE-102035

Class for door and window headers

Takayuki Kibe

We want you to uniqueize the default class for headers that can be set on "2D Visualization" of doors and windows objects.

Currently, the door and window headers have the "Ceiling-Main" class set by default.
For example, this class should be used when creating ceilings with slab tools, and customers want different uses.
Therefore, we want unique classes such as "Door-headers" to be set by default.
Similarly, we would like the door overhead class to default to a unique class such as "Door-Overhead". (Currently this is set to "Ceiling-Overhead" by default)

Thanks!

VE-101370

Please include the description of on-board graphics corresponding to System Requirements

Takayuki Kibe

In order not to discourage customers from buying, we want System Requirements to include a supported on-board graphics statement.

As remote work accelerates, customers want to know that Vectorworks works on relatively high-performance onboard GPUs such as the Intel Iris Plus Graphics and Radeon RX Vega series on portable laptops.

Related: VB-175538

VE-99583

Request_Strict adherence to β schedule

Takayuki Kibe

If you skip 1 build of the beta program, the time for our work will also be reduced by two weeks, so don't skip beta.
In addition, please notify in the forum if it is delayed.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Takayuki kibe
A&A

VE-99582

Request_Improvement of development milestone: early distribution of α version and improvement of β version quality(Mid- and long-term requests)

Takayuki Kibe

We need to equalize the tasks of "time of localization of programs and documents" and "time of program verification".
Therefore, the ideal schedule for the distributed items, such as the VW program, is as follows:
· The α version should be provided in the beginning of a year, and β cycle should be devoted for bug FIX
· We would like to have the documents before the start of β cycle (VW Help)

The work of Vectorworks for the Japanese market has been condensed in months, making it difficult to work within the time frame.

Testing is particularly difficult to schedule, as the functionality increases with each version upgrade.

Also, we are required by our customers to supply high quality products.
In order for us to meet the user's wishes, we need a sufficient confirmation period and sufficient information for confirmation.

Relation:
VE-98761
tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Takayuki Kibe
A&A

VE-99601

Request_Enhancement of check around new features

Takayuki Kibe

In VW2019, nearly 60% of the bugs we found and reported up to SP3 are focused on new features and enhanced existing functions.
Please do a thorough check on new features, including related existing features.
If the product's selling points dose not work, it will be difficult to appeal to the market.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Takayuki Kibe
A&A

VE-99609

Request_Please tell us the unimplemented features for each beta version build.

Takaaki Mizuno

When testing with the beta version, we are testing without knowing how much the feature is implemented. Therefore, settings may not work or script errors may occur.
Please tell us about the unimplemented features for each build so that we do not spend time on our wasted tests, bug reports and your bug checks.
For example, it is easy to understand when an alert such as "... is not implemented yet" is displayed when activating the menu.

Examples that have actually been so far:
- "Import Adjacency Matrix" often causes script errors in the beta version, and we report Bugs each time.
- The new feature "Import MVR" / "Export MVR", the configuration options did not work at all.

tag: Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Best regards,
Takaaki Mizuno
A&A

VE-105006

Multi-line help texts displayed at the tool bar

Sylwia Bylica

We've received the feedback that long help texts for modes displayed in one line are difficult to read.
Would it be possible to set their display as multi-line text boxes with text wrapping, as in the tool hints?

!image-2023-09-14-13-07-34-141.png|thumbnail!

VE-104901

Spotlight Settings menu command

Sylwia Bylica

Hi!

I've noticed that the Spotlight Settings command is a bit inaccurate, as it contains also Braceworks and Cable Preferences (apart from Bridles and Spotlight).

What about calling it: Entertainment Settings, also to make the difference between Spotlight Settings and Spotlight Preferences submenu more evident?

We do have an Entertainment menu, so I think that such a commando would be in line with it:

!image-2023-08-21-11-57-46-399.png|thumbnail!

VE-104581

.vwstrings file names and other metadata should be finalized at an earlier stage - impact on the localization (Cabinets)

Sylwia Bylica

Hi!

It seems that the content of the Cabinets plug-in devided into three separate files up to Beta2 of Vectorworks 2024:

- *WallCabinetDlg.vwstrings*
- *TallCabinetDlg.vwstrings*
- *BaseCabinetDlg.vwstrings*

has been merged into one file: *Cabinets_Dialog.vwstrings* in Beta3 of Vectorworks 2024.

This is just to let you know that such changes of the metadata attached to the strings have huge impact on the localization process.

Each change in the metadata and/or the source text flags an affected string as New or Modified and requires manual work from translators. Even if only the metadata has changed.

Similar changes resulted in more than 800 strings marked as Modified/Updatedin Beta3. Obviously, also some new strings might have been added, that's why the localization team has to verify each string one by one to avoid mistakes.

Hence my request for the future, would it be possible to define the metadata (such as the plug-in and file name as well string identifiers) at the very beginning of the process to avoid such changes at a later stage? It would really allow us to focus on the substantial translator work, which will result in the better product quality.

I would be really grateful for taking this into consideration in your process.

VE-104438

Changing the behaviour of Vectorworks in case of a missing module

Sylwia Bylica

*Current situation:*

If the user does not have the module serial number, those tools will be shown, but display the following messages if the tool or menu is accessed. This is the design in Vectorworks.

!image-2023-06-01-10-20-22-434.png|thumbnail!
!image-2023-06-01-10-23-01-012.png|thumbnail!

*Change request*:

It would be visually more evident, if those tools/command will be shown, but greyed out. It will prevent users from clicking them. Right now, they can find out that they don't have access to them only after clicking them. It would save users two steps: clicking a tool/command, closing an alert by clicking an OK button.

VE-104402

Settings of roof components: 'Clipped by walls' is confusing

Sylwia Bylica

Hi,

In the roof component settings, in the *Edge condition > Wall Associated > Modification*, there are three drop-down options available:
- None
- Clipped by Walls
- Clip Walls

Problem: "Clipped by Walls" option name for editing roof components is confusing. Users often choose the wrong option because of this.

Possible solution: "Clip roof" would be more straightforward when seen next to the other options in the drop-down: "Clip Walls" and "None". This option will modify the roof instead of walls, so it will be more self-explanatory.

See: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/Roofs/Creating%20roof_components.htm?rhsearch=roof%20components&rhhlterm=roof%20roofs%20components%20component

The help text in the manual would perfectly correspond with the suggested solution:
- Clip Walls
- Clip Roof

!image-2023-05-16-12-01-59-998.png|thumbnail! Modification: Determines whether the roof component clips the wall, or if the wall clips the roof component

Steps to reproduce:
1. Create a roof
2. Select the roof and click the Component buttons in the OIP.
3. Click the New button to define settings of a new roof component.

!image-2023-05-16-11-56-56-960.png|thumbnail!
!image-2023-05-16-11-55-20-153.png|thumbnail!

VE-104392

Unique help identifiers in the ArchitecturalObjects plug-in

Sylwia Bylica

Hi!

Would it be possible to use meaningful help identifiers in the following plug-in: ArchitecturalObjects?

+For example in the following files:+
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14000 DoorSettingsDlg.vwstrings
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings

If each string had its unique help identifier instead of a number, adding new parameters to this file wouldn't change the existing strings anymore.

We use a translation database for translation, where any strings, whose either help ID or source text has changed, are marked as New. In fact, it gives false new results, because very often those strings have been translated, but since they use numbers as help identifiers, their help ID has changed and they are treated as New.

Assigning meaningful help identifiers would save distributors a lot of work, because we could focus only on real new parameters instead of filling out existing translations.

As a good example, you can take a look at the helpIDs e.g. in the GridAxis.
I'm also more than willing to share our own meta data guidelines for developers.

+Example:+
It is:
ArchitecturalObjects >14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > *28*> Window Shape:
ArchitecturalObjects > 14551 Window_params.vwstrings > *301* > Window Shape
ArchitecturalObjects >14555 Window_OIPparams.vwstrings > *107* > Window Shape

It could be:
- ArchitecturalObjects >14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > *Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape* > Window Shape:
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14551 Window_params.vwstrings > *Parameters_WindowShape* > Window Shape
- ArchitecturalObjects >14555 Window_OIPparams.vwstrings > *Parameters_OIP_WindowShape* > Window Shape

Meaningful help identifiers would also help us to locate any corresponding help texts to a given parameter.

+Example:+

It is:
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > * 943* > Choose a shape for the window.
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > *944* > Choose a shape for the window.

It could be:
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > *Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape_help* > Choose a shape for the window.
- ArchitecturalObjects > 14500 WindowSettingsDlg.vwstrings > *Dialog_Settings_General_WindowShape_help* ??? > Choose a shape for the window.

The last example shows very well, that without such a meaningful help ID, we can't really know for sure which string it belongs to.

By adding the param location: Dialog name + Pane/Tab name (*Dialog_Settings_General*), it helps us to identify records correctly.

!image-2023-05-16-12-40-05-871.png|thumbnail!

I'd consider improving this in Vectorworks 2024 SP4 or Vectorworks 2025.

VE-104159

Close option for the Mosa import could be clarified

Sylwia Bylica

Would it be possible to change the help text as follows:

Close *the dialog box* after the pattern downloads → Close *the generator window* after downloading the pattern. OR Close *import web browser dialog* after downloading the pattern.

When a user click OK, the whole import web browser will be closed and he/she will return to his/her Vectorworks drawing. I guess it's important to emphasise that clicking OK will make you leave this external generator window. A dialog box suggests that this dialog will be closed, but it will be whole generator window.

Option and help text should be unified:

!image-2023-03-17-14-30-18-139.png|thumbnail!

Relevant strings:
MOSAImport > DlgImportOptions.vwstrings > kAutoCloseChk > Close* the dialog box* after the pattern downloads

MOSAImport > DlgImportOptions.vwstrings > kAutoCloseChk_help > Uncheck this option to keep *the import web browser dialog* open for another import.

Impact on: Import Mosa pattern command

VE-100786

Formula syntax in Worksheets (Manual)

Sylwia Bylica

Hello,

The following formula syntax is not working properly: =SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement', ';', 2)

The proper syntax would be with semicolons instead of commas:
=SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement'; ';'; 2)

Chapter from the Manual: Worksheets.fm

"Substring(text/function, delimiter, index)
Splits a single string into an array of strings using a delimiter, and outputs each string at the specified index.
Example: =SUBSTRING('kitchen;bedroom;bathroom;basement', ';', 2) returns “bedroom,” which is the second substring in the specified string"

VE-103309

3D Polys to 3D loci command - localization issue

Sylwia Bylica

Hi,

Would it be possible to redesign this dialog, so that the help text is merged in one string? Right now it's chunked, which makes it difficult to localize it properly.
It looks pretty unusual like this and it's difficult to guess how to split it in each language, as they differ in length.

VW2023 SP0:
3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4004
This command will create a 3D locus at each vertex of each

3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4005
{{ES}}selected 3D polygon in the active layer.

VW2022 SP4:
3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4004
This command will create a 3D locus

3D Polys to 3D > Loci 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4005
at each vertex of each selected 3D polygon in the

3D Polys to 3D Loci > 3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm > String 4006
active layer.

!image-2022-08-01-13-11-57-362.png|thumbnail!

VE-101657

Help for the Export Revit command should be more precise

Sylwia Bylica

It's been reported to me that the existing help section available for exporting to Revit is very limited. As we try to keep our localized versions of the help online aligned to the English one, maybe it would be advisable to enhance the source text instead of creating our own version.
Below you can find more feedback I've got:

"There are a few things you need to take into account before exporting, which is not mentioned in the help text (https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FExport%2FExporting_3D_geometry_to_Revit.htm&rhsearch=revit&rhhlterm=revit&rhsyns=%20).

For example: If you want to export the 3D geometry , your active view needs to display all the objects you want to export. If just the active layer is visible, it will be the active layer only which exports. Maybe there are more things I didn't discover yet."

VE-102729

Enhancing search options in the Resource Manager (general wish)

Sylwia Bylica

Hi, would it be possible to facilitate search options in the Resource Manager, so that the rules are less restricted?
Those rules are explained in the [Help Online|ttps://app-help.vectorworks.net/2019/eng/VW2019_Guide/ResourceManager/Searching_for_a_Resource.htm], but it requires from the support team to teach customers how to use them.
It would be much more appreciated if you don't have to use a wildcard to get desired results.
Desired scenario:
For example, if you type "chair", you should get both "chairs" and "armchairs", basically each resource that contains the "chair" word in its resource name.
Right now, to see "armchairs", you'd have to type "*chair" and not every client would know that.

VE-102413

Display of help texts in dialog boxes

Sylwia Bylica

When you hover over a parameter name, no help text displays.
When you hover over a drop-down menu, it does.

It would be nice to have help texts displayed, no matter if you hover over a parameter name or a drop-down menu.
It seems to be a general Vectorworks behaviour overal in the software. Please see my examples. Help texts for the parameters illustrated in my screenshots do exist.

VE-101960

The Tabbed Document command in the palette's conext menu is always grayed out

Sylwia Bylica

Hi [~pblanco],

As we discussed it on Slack, apart from the fact that the Tabbed Document command is not included in the BCG DLL of a few languages, we didn't manage to active this command either.
We wonder if it would be better to remove it or at least find out how to activate it.

VE-101725

Automatic Numbering Preferences: issue with a prefix/suffix

Sylwia Bylica

Hi, there are two confusing issues in this regard.

First of all, in the Automatic Numbering Preferences dialog there are a few options, which are incorrect from a linguistic point of view:

* Prepend target distributor ID to prefix:
* Prepend source distributor name to prefix:
* Append brakout ouput ID fo suffix:

* Prepend the system name to the prefix: (the same syntax is also present in Braceworks)

The original version is really not logical: in general a "prefix" is always first (by nature), so if a prefix is preceded by other elements is not a prefix any more, like this: distributor's name + prefix.

Secondly, "Prepend source distributor name to prefix:" should be rather changed into "Prepend source distributor ID to prefix:", analogically to the "Prepend target distributor ID to prefix:".

Extra context:

CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix
CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix_2
CableTools > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverrideSuffix
BraceWorxsVwxPlg > AutoNumberingPrefDlg.vwstrings > kcbAllowUseOverridePrefix

VE-101724

Edit Brick Shader dialog

Sylwia Bylica

Color pane in the Edit Brick Shader seems to be confusing. This naming doesn't really make sense, since the only thing this pane does is allowing you to change the scale of the bricks, and nothing else. Does it work as designed?

Moreover, help section about this pane skipps the "Color" pane: https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2020/eng/VW2020_Guide/Textures/Renderworks_shader_parameters.htm

VE-104821

Seating layout issues

Stuart Allyn

I have an almost impossible time trying to use constraints to set up a seating layout exactly the way I want it.

I really wish there were choices to start seats exactly at the boundary edge, and to maximize within the boundary without going past it, but right up to it. I design theatres and after the architects get done the seating areas areas are perfectly defined, and I want to set up my seats exactly within that space. the seating layout tool is very hard to use for that. Also just trying to constrain the layout (as you can see in my video) does not work well, same for the focus point.

AND after a focus point has been created, and then I want to alter the layout a bit, I need a way to Lock the previous focus, so that seats don't shift angles if I chop off the end of the layout or remove a couple of sets to create a handicap space , etc.

VE-103260

New Drawing Label tool missing many parameters

Stuart Allyn

The old drawing label tool had all the font adjustments. It was great. The new one has none and I cannot find a way to get this to display the way I want. I tried editing in the Resource manager but that was not good. It only had the same as the OIP. I want specific fonts and specific sizes of those fonts in different parts of a Drawing Label.

VE-102711

VW Org Palette column widths should be saved with the file

Stuart Allyn

So, I use a 32" Monitor, so I can have palettes open as big as possible to see everything at a glance. i want the layout and column widths remembered with each file so that I do not have to re-adjust that every time I open the same file.

2 screen shots attached 1 is how it opens every time I open the file and the other is how I want it, every time I open the file.

I wish there was a preference that was something like

"always maximize palette columns to fit contents"

VE-105075

Show tags in Org Palette

Stuart Allyn

I have a set of classes I need to duplicate onto 220 different saved views, I have tagged these classes, but cannot use that tag in the org visibilities palette to set that up easily. What good are the tags if we can't use them in other parts of the Org palette?

VE-105157

Data Tag dialogs

Stuart Allyn

Please combine the tiny dialogs with the big ones to make just one all inclusive dialog for editing Data Tag Data. See movie attached. Also renumbering should be an easier option to get to, it is buried and difficult to get to and then i could not make it work unless I selected the first item in the sequence.

VE-100880

Dimension standard to include Unit choices

Stuart Allyn

It would be really great if the dimension standards allowed for changing units. I work in Feet/inches generally, but certain things I draw and specify need to be in inches only. I'd like to make a dimension standard that was "inches" along with the various spacing stuff that already exists. And then a second one that is the exact same but Feet/inches. that would be really helpful. I don't want "dual dimensions" just the option to have some dimensions one way, while the rest are the other way.

VE-105093

Spell Check options

Stuart Allyn

Can we have more spell check options, like ignore words that start with numerals.

And check selected items only.

If I am working on one worksheet an I just want to check it, I don' want ot have to go thru the 100 worksheets I have in the file.

VE-105073

Allow the use to rearrange the order of the view bar

Stuart Allyn

I would really like to change the order of the view bar to suite my personal idea of how I want it. Can this happen?

VE-105074

Use target document's class visibilities

Stuart Allyn

Please add the ability to use the target documents visibilities both layers and classes.

Example I have a document imported from ACAD. Hundreds of layers and classes.

I have worked it to get the exact bit that I want, with exactly showing hat I want,

I want to reference that into my working doc, but there is no i=option to use the visibilites I have set up int he target.

VE-105018

Add white borders and Use Colored text for open documents

Stuart Allyn

When using DARK mode, the lack of distinction between adjacent items is really annoying.

When not in dark mode, everything has a black line or border separating it for its neighbor, but in DARK mode, that line is not now white (which I believe it should be) but instead is dark grey, which is extremely difficult to see. Equally difficult to see is the text of not active document, also dark grey and extremely hard to read. Why can't the inactive documents text be a color? and not dark grey? In the attached screen shot I have 2 open documents, with very similar names, the non active one is very hard to see or read.

VE-104860

DWG Export - please sort saved views by name by default

Stuart Allyn

The default sorting of saved view names is extremely haphazard and makes no sense. Please sort by name as default and when switching tabs (general, classes, etc) Please retain the sort order of saved view when returning tot he general tab.

VE-104980

Please add thin white borders to Black Dialogs in Dark mode

Stuart Allyn

Once Again I Implore you to do this. In white mode, each dialog or palette has a thin black border so you can easily see where it starts or ends, in Black mode the reverse is NOT THERE so you cannot see where t items that have overlapping bits are and consequently it is so easy to just grab the wrong one. Look at he attached screen shot, you cannot see where the top of the worksheet ends and the Nav palette begins.

VE-104969

Please make the thin grey lines white or yellow or light blue

Stuart Allyn

the extremely thin dark grey lines that delineate the columns in the various dialogs are so close to black that in dark mode they are really hard to see. I have complained about this in the toolbar and view bar and in the tab bar that has the titles of open documents (including their text) PLEASE use some color!! Making them some very light color i.e. yellow, pink, cyan, whatever would easily distinguish them from everything else, be easy to see and not let them be confused with other stuff.

VE-104967

Please let me change the order of the multiple/floating viewpane stuff in the menu

Stuart Allyn

I don't understand why these seem to be hard grouped together. I really want the "create floating viewpane" away from the rest and up higher as I use that the most

VE-104814

Add Replace to doors and windows

Stuart Allyn

So, I had to draw an existing room in a hurry on site.

it was fastest to put doors in for all the wall openings, now I want to replace many of them with windows. there is no easy way. There should be.

VE-104703

Don't truncate when you have room

Stuart Allyn

I have a 34" monitor, I use the entire screen for VW. It is a 4K monitor, so there is plenty of real estate. I pone a handful of drawings, and way too many have their names truncated, needlessly. I have TONS of space for the names to be shown in full. Please change this, I understand if you run out of room, then sure, but also can you truncate SMART? truncate the .vwx (since it must be there and we know it is) but try to preserve as much of the file name and version number as possible. BUT if there is room, then please USE it.

VE-104707

Please make Bright, clear differentiators between bits of UI in Menus and Tool palettes

Stuart Allyn

Look at the attached, it is impossible to see where the tool sets selectors begin and the actual tools end. PLEASE make a bright RED line between them or some other very obvious differentiator. This also applies to any other place where black background objects touch each other. When it was white background ther were black lines that amade this easy, but dark mode has destroyed that.

VE-104702

Interactive scaling needs another mode

Stuart Allyn

Interactive scaling is handy but is missing a mode. I need an asymmetrical mode where in a bunch of lines can all be extended in one direction only leaving the other ends alone.

VE-104484

Please add thin white borders to Black Dialogs in Dark mode

Stuart Allyn

In light mode, all dialog boxes have a thin black border so you can easily see the outline of the dialog, making it easy to move etc, same for worksheets and everything else. In Dark Mode the "reverse" a white border" is not there, making these dialogs very hard to see where to grab the top to move them around.

VE-104485

Drawing Tab Names in color

Stuart Allyn

Can the drawing tab names be in color and not GRAY? they are really hard to see.

VE-104486

Allow worksheets to be visible when other apps have focus

Stuart Allyn

So I have an open VW file with a worksheet Open as well.

Now I switch to another application and I cannot see the worksheet anymore.

Please let that stay visible.

VE-104420

2024 UI issue, Once Again I beg for the object name at the TOP of the Object info palette

Stuart Allyn

I keep my OI palette open very long top of screen (almost) to bottom.

I really want the very top field of that to be the NAME of the object I just selected, followed by layer, class and all the rest. It makes no sense to me to have everything else at the top except the name, and especially when the rest of the palette is 1/2 empty between.

Also the OIP seems to have a mind o its own as far as its width goes. I really want it to stay the way I put it.

VE-104344

Right Hand View Bar icons need to be bigger and easier to distinguish

Stuart Allyn

So, While much of this new UI is interesting and when set to large, now readable on a 4K display, the right hand group of view bar icons is really still too small and too hard to distinguish one from the other.

VE-104105

Please allow user location of snaps palette-I HATE where it is.

Stuart Allyn

I hate where the snaps palette is So Much.

PLEASE let me locate it where I want it!

VE-103504

Let me put the Snap Palette where I want it and let me make it bigger

Stuart Allyn

I have a 34" 4K monitor to work on. I love it, Except for the resulting miniature text sizes in some apps, in some pallets and VW forcing me to put the Snaps ASOLUTELY NO WHERE NEAR WHERE I WANT THEM. Please make this palette moveable, and re-sizeable.

Look at how I have my screen arranged. All my tools are on the left, including the OIP.

I have had this this way since MiniCad days. It works great for me. The entire Middle and right hand is all my drawing page. Easy to see, easy to to the left for all tools and object info. I used to have the snaps neatly attached to the bottom of the Attributes in 2 rows, worked great. Now I have to go to the opposite end of the earth to get to the snaps where I have no other reason to ever be over there. It is grossly inefficient, totally annoying, and a real nuisance. Please let me put this where I want it!

VE-103252

Make Snap palette detachable, dockable and re-sizeable

Stuart Allyn

On a 4K monitor the snap palette is so minuscule that it is nearly impossible to select.

AND I put all my tools on the left not the right. So I want the snaps there where I always had them before. Please let this palette conform to all the others, re-size, dock, move to use pref. location.

VE-103238

Automatic update of referenced files

Stuart Allyn

When opening a previous version document, often a dialog appears stating that the referenced files are in a previous version and cannot be included. it would be outstanding if there was an option right there to update these files, add them in and save them in a new folder. possibly a locate function would be needed as well if they cannot be easily found, but to automate this process would really be nice.

VE-103206

Let the plug in manager work without a document open

Stuart Allyn

Why should i need a document to be open in order to install plug-ins? I'm going to have to re-start Vw anyway. why can't this work without anything open?

VE-102879

Menu Title Bars need contrasting outline and close box peerhaps Yellow

Stuart Allyn

Using Dark Mode, and dark menu bars, the boarders of the various dialogs and windows all suffer from lack of definition. It is exceedingly hard to see where the title bar is to either grab it to move it or to find the tiny little "x" to close it. ESPECIALLY on a 4K or 5K monitor at full resolution. So, I propose that a 1 or 2 pixel outline be added to all dialogs and windows in a contrasting color to the background of the title bar itself. My preference would be yellow as that is so easy to see and unlike everything else, so it would be very easy to find, I also propose that the close box "X" be yellow as well, or red.

VE-102738

Resource Browser, Please allow for moving of New resource and New folder to TOP of Resource browser

Stuart Allyn

Resource Browser, Please allow for moving of New resource and New folder to TOP of Resource browser where every other command for resources is located. I work on a BIG screen, I open the RB BIG, top to bottom, All the buttons etc for RB work are at the top except these 2, I have to mouse all the way down to the bottom and remember that they are even there.

Please allow a User pref to put these at the top. And maybe allow for bigger text while we are at it.

VE-102676

a bunch of selected walls won't just move with cursor.

Stuart Allyn

So, if I have a bunch of squares or other objects and I select them all, without grouping them I can drag them to another place on the drawings without re-sizing them. BUT I cannot do this with walls. If I have a bunch of walls and I select them all, even though the cursor changes to the move cursor, only 1 wall moves and it changes while being moved. No matter what I do, if I group them, then they will move and then i can ungroup them, but this seems extremely inconsistent and not desired. I can get the same "reshaping" extension of the wall by selecting it alone.

VE-102611

Offset Tool needs another mode

Stuart Allyn

I believe the offset tool used to have the option of resizing objects or not.

If I am imagining this then this needs to be added. If I am remembering correctly this needs to be brought back. Suppose I have a group of circles, arranged in a semicircle. Now I ant to duplicate and offset the duplicates by a few feet to make a second row. I do not want the circles to be bigger, I do want the semicircle to be bigger. This I do believe used tow ork and no longer does.

VE-102483

I hate the "Utility Bar" I want the Snaps back where they were or where I want to put them.

Stuart Allyn

On a 4K monitor they are so tiny they are impossible to see, let alone select.

I cannot tell you how much I HATE what has happened here. This is not user interface it is User interference. PLEASE, make this optional. Give us way to tear this off and put it where we want it. ALSO FYI the term "utilty bar" is shown in the diagram showing the UI, but it is not in the tble of contents or searchable anywhere.

VE-102400

Allow User to m ove the snapping paleete to the left or to detach it.

Stuart Allyn

I cannot stress how much I hate where the snap palette ended up. I hate it so much. I keep all my tools on the left, I have only the drrawing on the right. I use a 34" 4K monitor, and this is agony now. Every time I go to the snaps I have to mouse all the way across the screen and the dock pops up, it is simply awful for me where it is. PLEASE, let the user move it elsewhere.

VE-100769

Rendering change, to allow all visible layers to be seen

Stuart Allyn

If I have 4 Layers, stacked as 1,2,3,4

and Layer 2 I want to render as Open GL or renderworks or anything other than hidden line,

Why do the lower layers (in this case 3 and 4) have to become invisible?

VE-101104

visibility tool issues

Stuart Allyn

Why is the visibility tool "penetrating" layers?

I have 5 layers with information visible and stacked. I want to change some visibilities on the active layer I am working on, Not the top layer. Why is this happening? Shouldn't the visibility tool be limited to the active layer especially when in show layers is the setting, not show and modify others.

VE-101108

Menu Bars need White Edges

Stuart Allyn

In dark mode, the Dark Menubars have no distinctions at their edges, which makes grabbing them very difficult if you have them touching or overlapping each other. A slim white edge on them ALL would be extremely helpful. Note that in Classic (non dark) mode, the menu bars have a dark edge for this very purpose. See 2 screen shots, identical except for dark mode, classic mode

VE-101110

Update Thumbnail for RB

Stuart Allyn

I wish there was a contextual and menu item to update a thumbnail and let me set exactly what is shown in a bounding box.

VE-101109

Component Edit Menu Bar postion forgets where it is

Stuart Allyn

I really wish the component edit menu would stay where I put it, instead every time I start to use it, it cover over my OIP, so I have to move it.

VE-101102

text sizes in menues etc on 4K screen is crazy small

Stuart Allyn

So, I have a 4K screen and the text sizes in all the palettes is just unbelievably small.

I really wish there was a user preference to change this. just a point or 2 bigger would make a world of difference.

VE-101054

Broken Reference dialog at file open, needs more info

Stuart Allyn

When I open a file that has other files referenced to it, and for whatever reason VW has lost the location of the file, and asks for the user to locate the file, it is imperative that the dialog with the missing referenced file's Name stay on the screen! I I have thousands of files with dozens of referenced files with similar names. I cannot remember the specific name as I search around for it so I have to cancel and then do it again once the main drawing is open. From the Nav Palette, when editing a refference, that dialog stays so you can see the name, Please make the one when a drawing open have the same behavior, so this information is visible.

VE-100740

DWG Export of Saved views to include references and layers of different scales.

Stuart Allyn

So, I have saved views consisting of multiple design layers at various scales and some have references to other other files.

When I export PDF I get exactly what I see on my screen within my page border.

I want to export that Exact same thing to DWG. Right now to do that I have to create duplicate layers of things that were at different scales then change the layer scales to match then scale all the objects to match the new layer scale, then create a viewport of it all, then finally I can export to dwg. That seems like a crazy amount of extra work.

VE-100736

DWG Export option to confine to page borders

Stuart Allyn

I would like the option when doing a DWG export of saved views, to only export that information that is contained within the page border. Like many of us, I keep some stray stuff outside the page borders for future or alternate use, but I don't want that in my exports. When I export to a PDF that is not there, just the page and what is within in. I would like to be able to do the exact same thing with an AutoCad export.

VE-100538

Borderrs of floating viewpane and Nav Palette and others need a thin contrasting stripe so they can be seen in Dark Mode

Stuart Allyn

IN "white" mode, all the borders of floating view panes and Nave Palette etc are easy to see as the edges of the borders have a black line. BUT in DARK mode, they don't have a White line and so they just blend into each other making it very difficult to figure out where to grab them with a mouse, especially since on a high res monitor the whole title borader is so tiny

VE-100524

Purge Command needs a progress bar

Stuart Allyn

Have just again tried using the purge command and ended up force quitting when It was really still working. This needs a progress dialog of some sort so we know it has not crashed.

VE-100232

Can the Saved View Menu Drop down and the Scale Menu Item both be Bigger?

Stuart Allyn

Classes, Layers, Layer Plane, View, Rendering all have these nice size menu buttons and poor little Saved View isn't written out it's just this tiny little eyeball. Scale too is small by comparison, look at these in the attached pic from my 32" 4K monitor

VE-100235

Dimension Witness lines override to be part of a custom style

Stuart Allyn

I have my own custom Dimension style, I would really want the custom override of the witness lines "multiple custom offsets" to be part of my "style" instead of being forced to choose that every single time I draw a dimension.

VE-99428

Font Shadow specify color

Stuart Allyn

Currently there is no way to tell VW to make the Text Shadow a different color or a larger or smaller amount, so the Shadow command is mostly useless. VW needs a way to define the attributes of both Shadows and outlines. If I have red text I might want a black or blue or Green shadow. If I have black text I might want a blue or red shadow. and so forth. I might want the shadow a bit "hazy" or very sharp.

VE-99731

Need find replace text in Worksheets, for selected cells

Stuart Allyn

So I want to find/replace some text in a BIG worksheet, I only want to do this on a bunch of selected cells. There is no way to do this. Please add Find/replace to the functionality of worksheets. With action on selected cells only as one of the options.

VE-99671

Combine Custom Selectioon and Custom Modification and make them both work on everything

Stuart Allyn

Custom selection is somewhat useless when it comes to symbols, since after selection, unless the symbol in question is in front of you nothing you can see is selected. Custom Modification, on the other hand, HAS NO CHOICE TO WORK ON SYMBOLS, which is terrible. Please put these together into one really powerful tool. That can go in and change every line weight from .03 to .125 or something in every symbol, worksheet, hatch, et c etc. etc.

VE-99531

Paper or relative Grid option

Stuart Allyn

I use grids all the time, HOWEVER, I have to keep changing them all the time so that the printed paper "grid" is the same regardless of the layer scale. Example, I have a bunch of notes with call outs that I want to look exactly the same on my 1/4" = 1' ground plan, and on my 1/2" = 1' elevation AND on my 3" = 1' Details. I would like the option in Grid set-up to be independent of layer scale, just the way fonts and font sizes are, The default font does not get bigger on a bigger scale layer, 12 pint is 12 point. So I would like the option of having that be the case for design layers.

VE-99440

Line type remember last selected

Stuart Allyn

So, Line weights become default when selected with nothing else selected, ditto fonts, fills etc. Why can't line types have the exact same behaviour? I want to set a default line type, such that when I choose line type, that is the one that comes up already selected, instead of having to scroll thru the whole list every single time.

VE-99429

Page set-up and print dialogs that allow for ZERO margins

Stuart Allyn

There are printer that can print from edge to edge, and require zero margin, I tried to set that up and VW would not let me. It forced me to have a 3mm margin.

VE-103175

Remove "Edit 2D component" from object context menu

Stjepan Tkalec

We would like to prevent our users from editing the 2D components of our plugin objects.
In the SDK there are not any options to remove it and in the object context menu in the workspace editor there is only the option to remove "edit" but not the "Edit 2D components" which only apears when you right click a parametric object.

!image-2022-06-22-16-18-54-226.png!

!image-2022-06-22-16-21-25-839.png!

VE-103176

User Interface whishlist

Stjepan Tkalec

We would like to create better dialogs but the SDK is limiting our possibilities.

At the moment we have 4 major point we would like to implement:
# Scrollable container (GroupBox) that should be able to contain:
* EditText
* EditReal
* Pulldown
* Button
* Checkbox
* Picture....
!image-2022-06-22-16-50-29-634.png!
# Scrollable image selection (similar as in the resource manager)
!image-2022-06-22-16-52-11-191.png|width=274,height=279!
# Dialog windows that resemble the design of the resource manager
# Text style support in the "Object Info Window"
* text color + font style to highlight special types of attributes

VE-104863

Spotlight Preferences Menu desparately needs Updating!

Steve Shelley

Hi folks; first off, again i tip my hat to the folks responsible for creating the Spotlight Preference menu; having the ability to truncate and resort the OIP palette has been a game-changer, and i hope it will be expanded to more OIP windows.

That said, it has been ages since i had to build a new OIP menu from scratch, and quite frankly, the Spotlight Preferences menu desparately needs updating and simplification.

I opened the Spotlight Preferences window. I turn off the unneeded data fields in “show in shape pane” column; [the sensitivity checking a shape pane on or off is very slow - i’m constantly having to wait for some amount of time to first select, then second click to turn off. instead, it constantly opens the “edit” window for that data field. can’t the amount of time between first and second click be shortened?]

i resort the order of the parameters; i save this arrangement as “conventionals.” i click ok, i view the OIP results, i return to the parameters window to make adjustments.

when i re-open the window, it displays the contents of the “conventionals” OIP arrangement, but as soon as i merely select a row of data [much less click it a second time to turn it on or off] the settings dropdown reverts to <custom settings> *without* reverting to the default custom settings window? Why? why doesn’t it remain the “conventionals”?

naturally i don’t notice this, make changes, *then* notice it. change the settings back to “conventionals”, and lose all my changes.

so i make all the changes again, then click on “save” and am presented with the window showing NO options other than a blank window. Why? why doesn’t the “save…” window be combined with the “manage…” window, so i can select a previously-saved name, or enter in a new one?

so i’ve now forgotten what the saved name is, so i type in “conventional” [singular], accidentally creating a second setting name. now i need to compare “convential” to “conventials” in order to figure out which one i need to keep and which one to delete.

when i click on “manage” and view the two names, clicking on a name doesn’t show that particular saved set. only clicking on the dropdown “settings” menu shows each one, one at a time.

and oh yeah, by the way, what is the difference in the “settings” dropdown between <custom settings> and <spotlight>? they seem exactly the same to me?

Please put a review/upgrade/revisit of the Spotlight Preferences window palettes on the “to do” list!

Thanks, Steve

VE-103584

Allow word wrap in Spotlight label legends

Steve Shelley

<Lighting> I just finished working on a show where diffusions were added during focus. Properly adding these additional filters in Lightwright, they must be in a single data cell. But graphically displaying them in a Spotlight label legend means that label must be smaller-size font size [to fit,]or divided into two label legends.

It would be most helpful if labels in the label legend had word wrap; if text was wider than the label, it would wrap to a second line. and if there were other labels that were "lower" than this one, it/they would be appropriately shifted down to remain visible. </Lighting>

thanks!

VE-103443

When an object is Locked, it's layer and class should remain viewable?

Steve Shelley

I've been working on someone else's document for over a week now, and they've been very careful to lock all the items [architecture, for example]that should not be moved within a drawing. Problem is, when I discover a locked object that I want to move out of the way, it takes additional time to figure out where it is.

In order to unlock it, I need to activate the layer. figuring out which layer that is can be daunting; the "locked" OIP means both layer and class designation are dimmed. Like, *really* dimmed.

This may have been discussed before, but IMO if an object is declared "locked" in the OIP, I see and recognize that. but if i want to be able to access it, it would be a major assist if the layer and class text were _not_ dimmed, so i could figure out how to get to the layer/class faster, and be able to unlock it.

VE-102543

Adjust fonts to behave more like inserted symbols

Steve Shelley

Too often I receive documents with fonts i've never heard of. When the document opens on my machine, I see the Alert Window that displays the unknown font, and allows me a choice of which installed font would seem most appropriate to be used as a substitute.

It would be nice to be able to see what Fonts are being used in a document in the form of a report. If you discover an odd font prior to export, you could either globally change them all to common one - or being made aware of the odd font, you could know to send the font files when you exchange document with someone.

For that matter, it would be terrific to be able to "locate the font" as a contextual right-click in a document, the result of which would highlight all instances of the font.

VE-102542

Adjust the color palette to behave more like resources or it's own folder in Application Support

Steve Shelley

Old custom colors created by color wheel selection then get deleted, but they seem to be embedded in a document. Once the instance has been deleted, the colors subbornly remain. It would be great to have the color palette behave more like another resource in the Resource Manager, with the ability for a given color palette to be edited or imported into another document.

For that matter, it would be great to have an entire folder of Color Palettes to be visible in the Vectorworks Application Support folder, allowing the individual color palettes to be more easily transferred between documents, or transferred between machines.

VE-101563

Allow the font size or style to be changeable in the palettes

Steve Shelley

Hi folks; In the last year i've been having to zoom in and out a lot more while working in Vectorworks. The font size in the OIP and any other palettes is *so small* that i must scroll in and out to make sure i'm typing the correct text or choosing the right action.

Could there be a preference choice that allows the default font size or font type be changed, so i could make it BIGGER? or in CAPS? or BOLD? or somehow easier for me to read? Thanks

VE-100839

Change Colors of Resource Manager Folders and Records

Steve Shelley

In vw20201 [548071] the color of folders and records are very similar. In list view, it's challenging for older eyes [ahem] to discern between the two; the size is about the same, and compared to older versions, the color values in vw2021 Resource Manager components now display icons that [for me] are too close in color or value.

back in the day [vw2017, for example,] there was a distinct color difference between the two. would it be possible to allow for user-changable colors in the RM interface, so we could make the visual distinction between the two [and the rest of the components] more evident? or, would it be possible to make the default colors for each category in the RM be more different?

thanks. screen shot attached.

VE-99650

Build a "split screen" feature into the Spotlight OIP

Steve Shelley

I just finished a webinar that had a very tall Spotlight OIP. While the ability to modify the Spotlight OIP has been a transformative experience, in this case i had just too much information that needed to be seen for each lighting device.

As soon as i scrolled down to see the information at the bottom of the OIP, i could no longer see the fundamental information of the selected object; the name, class, layer, X-Y-Z coordinates, and so on.

It occurred to me that this might be the perfect place to use the "split-screen" function i've seen for years in Excel spreadsheets. drag the small "split' in the top of the vertical scroll bar, and visually divide the palette at the placement of your choice. in this way, it would be possible to retain the top fundamental information about each selected object, while still being able to view the data fields at the bottom of the palette.

Thanks!

VE-99289

Disclosure triangles for Design Layers

Steve Shelley

There's no doubt a really good reason why this doesn't already exist but what the heck, i'll ask; Why is there not the structure in place to allow several labels to start with the name number or letter and a dash - thus allowing all of the layers with that same prefix prior to the dash to be part of a disclosure triangle, and have all those sub layers "collapse" and disappear when the triangle is clicked?

It seems so simple and basic, so obviously i'm missing somethiing. i've thought of this so many times over the years; about one less time than the number of times i've subsequently forgotten about the idea.

anyway, if no one else cares one way or the other, i would vote for including this basic function in to the Design Layers menu, so as to mimic the same function in the Classes naming scheme.

Thanks!

VE-99287

Add "separator line" to choices in Lighting Device Parameter window

Steve Shelley

The Lighting Device Parameter window is one of the best new features in Spotlight for some time. Being able to rename and resort data panes is heaven-sent, but the OIP can still get so vertically tall, it would be great to be able to "break it up" into sub-sections.

Attached are two jpgs; "LD Parameters window" shows a OIP setup for a repertory light plot with three productions in the same plot. The red rectangles show the Custom Control buttons have been shifted to land between the Electrical Path data for the light device and Show 1, for example.

the second jpg "OIP with separator highlight.jpt" shows the result of this strategy. The red rectangles show the result of the parameter construction. The longer width of the Custom Control buttons allows the view to scan down the finished OIP and visually "skip" to the data for Show 1, or skip down to the data for Show 2.

In the same way that "separator lines" are available in the Worksheet Editor, it would be a helpful advancement to add "separator lines" to the Lighting Device Parameter window, allowing for the Custom Control buttons to be placed in other more intuitive locations within the OIP, while allowing the new separator lines to be the visual separators between "chunks" of OIP data cell information.

VE-104801

Provide IFC pset search criteria to the worksheet database

Steven Shorter

Hello

When setting up a schedule, we cannot search for objects with a specific IFC attribute.

We need to be able to search for a specific value in a specific filed in a specific ifc property set and list those objects alone.

Thanks,

VE-104415

TrueType Font problems

Steven Shorter

Hello

Could someone please take a look at the attached fonts, and give us a technical reason why they do not appear in the font list in Vectorworks on Windows?

Thanks.

Regards

Steven

VE-104399

ISO 19650 Compliance - Revisions and Issue Codes

Steven Shorter

ISO19650 requires two fields: Status and Revision, to be added as metadata, along with others.

The revision code is composed of three parts: a letter and two sets of numbers, separated by a fullstop.

e.g.

P01.01

We need to be able to enter a revision code like this AND utilise automatic revisioning via the Title Block Manager.

Current behaviour means we have to use either 'letters' or 'numbers' in the revision numbering options to ensure that when we add a revision to multiple sheets VW adds the next revision to all sheets as opposed to the same revision if we set the revision numbering options to manual.

We need three fields in the revision data tab:

Preliminary or Contractual = P or C

Revision Number

Sub-Revision Number (with option to ignore this and when ignored incrementally increase the Revision Number only).

We also need others fields and have been asking for many years... We need 'Approved' and 'Checked' fields in the Revision Data tab.

VE-104287

Batch Convert UI Overhaul

Steven Shorter

The batch convert dialog needs an overhaul and behave more like a cloud server interface, allowing you to choose which folders you want to convert and which are to remain as-is.

Was reminded of this need after batch converting a load of projects on One Drive where, like Dropbox, etc, you can de-select folders to sync and therefore remove from the batch conversion process, like 'SS' or Superseded folders and existing Archives.

For example, my Dropbox folder structure allows me to deselect folders that I do not want to sync....

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2023_04/86003345_Screenshot2023-04-21at17_39_23.thumb.png.f29e56051482491102f9aeef5f5c89e7.png|width=1000!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2023_04/1506847542_Screenshot2023-04-21at17_39_23.png.4ec8776da39f76df08a7aafd8391021a.png]

Thanks

VE-104150

Adjusting storey levels when set as 'default storey level'.

Steven Shorter

I have a 10 storey template model.

I have storeys.

The storeys are for FFL, SSL, etc.

I want to change the SSL level for each floor.

The steps should be...

1 Select all storeys.

2 Click 'Default Storey Levels'

3 Edit Default Storey Level, e.g. SSL

4 VW edits the SSL level in all storeys selected.

VE-104016

Phasing for BIM objects...

Steven Shorter

I think this has been discussed before, but it would be very useful if we has some way of recording when a wall, or door, or, window, when deleted, still remains in a schedule.

BIM methodology when compared to how we used to tag doors, dictates that when something is deleted, it's gone from the file so you can't record why the door number was retired or the door omitted, e.g. for Value Engineering, or simply because the design has changed.

We never re-number a door once it's been deleted up until construction. The door number remains in the file but the door is noted as 'omitted for VE' or 'Demolished' or whatever.

So there should be a way to retire a door via a 'phase' that removes it from the wall, but leaves it in the schedule and note it's status somehow.

The same applies to any BIM object that contributes to a schedule.

One way to do this might be to allow the tag to remain, detached, but hidden via a class or phase.

VE-104024

Export IFC from DLVP

Steven Shorter

Build a simple model of 3 storeys, using storeys or by defining ifc storeys in the ifc export settings.

Reference this file to a second file as design layer viewport, making all three layers visible in the viewport.

Export the file as an IFC.

Check the IFC in Solibri.

One one IFC storey exists despite there being three floors in the building = not compliant.

I know some BIM softwares seem oblivious to the purpose of IFC storeys (e.g. Tekla) but given we are told to issue models with distinct floors in the BEP, this is quite important and we are losing out on some very useful functionality.

We could build the second model file using individual dlvps each placed on it's own layer, etc, but that is quite time-consuming, particularly when there are multiple buildings involved.

So, we need the ifc storeys defined in the source model to map through the second model so that on export the storeys export correctly.

VE-104017

Amending and re-distributing Door and Window Number

Steven Shorter

When we place a door, we place them randomly. They might get deleted and new doors inserted in their place.

When we come to tag them en masse, the numbering follows the doors based on placement.

If we then try to renumber the doors, we are not allowed to determine the sequence, for example, a corridor full of doors would start at EDG001 and end EDG099, clockwise around the corridor.

The renumber tool does not know how to do this, and includes doors that are not in the corridor.

Without having to jump through hoops to turn off doors we do not want to tag, whilst at the same time take advantage of the 'tag all doors' option in the data tag tool, it would be great if we could select the tool to renmeber the doors and then click on the doors in sequence and link them via a virtual polygon that gives a visual of the process and the selection and allows it to be edited and whilst selecting the doors allows you to go back one step using the delete key, like a polygon.

VE-100206

Repair

Steven Shorter

Hello

Having just spent weeks and weeks managing 100s of workstations and preparing them to work with BS1192 compliant content, I am horrified to find that the Repair function puts back all the files we deleted from the Application Libraries folder, and staff are using the wrong resources, and our data is getting rejected!

Please add a button to give the option to 'repair' Library content. Not sure why it needs repair. One assumed 'repair' was at package content level not file level.

VE-102984

Column Tool needs custom profile for concrete column

Steven Shorter

If I select and place a column, in architectural only mode, I cannot select a custom profile for a concrete column. Would be useful to be able to do so, from a symbol in the file, similar to how the framing member works. Only options for concrete colimn is 'oval' and 'rectangle'.

We are able to select a profile for the steel column, but only from a predefined list, and not a custom profile as one can the framing member.

VE-103296

DWG Import - Auto-detect User Origin on Import

Steven Shorter

Could we please have a similar situation when geo-referencing is present in a VW file, and have the DWG import options detect the presence of a pre-ordained user origin, and use that instead of default to the insidious 'centre on import' option?

We spend a lot of time preparing template for projects with pre-defined user origins and the last thing we want is for Vectorworks 'recommended' settings to intervene.

The same goes for the subsequent message asking if we want to do what Vectorworks recommends! Often causes problems when the user fails to read that message and assumes it's asking if they want to do what they have spent time setting up, only to find out it's doing what Vectorworks recommends.

VE-103242

Batch Convert... Needs option to select sub-folders within source folder

Steven Shorter

A good project folder structure will include folders containing non-Vectorworks data, as well as folders containing archived Vectorworks data.

Often a project folder will contain multiple 'Superseded' folders, as well as 'VW Backup' folders.

When selecting the source folder for conversion or archiving it would be very useful if we were given a view of the folders to be converted, and be able to tick and untick which folders we want to convert, similar to how, for example, backup software works. See attached screenshot from Crashplan.[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_07/1412352928_Screenshot2022-07-13at11_11_30.thumb.png.0a309223e4bf45ac4de766b72a4b9076.png|width=1000!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_07/148299539_Screenshot2022-07-13at11_11_30.png.2ed068950b5ffb90a05f2ffb0378dc6d.png]

So if a project folder is comprised of two sub-folders, rather than Vectorworks trawlling through both folders, we could select one or the other and avoid the unnecessary waste of time while Vectorworks assesses if the folder contains any Vectorworks files or not.

An option to ignore 'VW Backup' or Folders containing the word 'Superseded', or other keyword, would also be essential.

Thank you.

VE-103193

View Templates

Steven Shorter

We need something similar to Revit's view templates.

[https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Revit-Customize/files/GUID-C3B5FB82-3247-48F6-82F0-73011A0F8027-htm.html]

We have long since wished for the ability to import Saved Views, and also have them linked to Viewports.

A method of linking saved views, set up as templates, that could be applied to viewports, would bring comparable functionality.

VE-102966

Layer Colour reverts when updating reference

Steven Shorter

Like classes there should be a mechanism for layer colour to be determined by the recipient file in a reference string, or like classes an option to update layer colour on reference update.

VE-102429

Storeys, Storey Levels and Zones should reference

Steven Shorter

When we reference two files together most of the content and setting of the other file are imported.

The critical omissions are:

Georeferencing

User Origin

Storeys

Storey Levels

Zone Parameters

These are unfortunately, also the most tie consuming to set up.

Wish: For there to be a model setup command where we can import settings from another file.

VE-102042

Collinear Wall Join

Steven Shorter

We can only join walls of different thickness in a collinear manner when they are parallel.

We have a need to be able to join walls of different thickness when they are at an angle to each other.

VE-101834

Geolocate and User Origin

Steven Shorter

Hello

When we use the geolocate tool and link the user origin to the georeferencing coordinate system, we would like a small change in behaviour to stop someone inadvertently changing the user origin.

Current behaviour...

Once we have set the user origin to match the georeferencing coordinate system and then return to the user origin dialog there is nothing to tell you that the origin is so linked, and also, unless by a quirk of fate, the user origin defined in the 'relative to internal origin' dialog is not the same as the actual origin set.

Desired behaviour

Once set using the 'match to the georeferencing coordinate system' button, it should be very difficult for the user to change the user origin. There should be some sort of warning that the user origin has been set using this method or there should be some sort of mechanism such as having to 'de-georeference' design layers before the user origin can be set using a different method.

The origin is such a key part of project setup and coordination that we cannot afford for someone to inadvertently mess it up.

VE-101717

Please stop 'regurgitating' Folder Selection in Title Block Manager

Steven Shorter

Not only is this dangerous but very irritating that the TBM remembers the previous folder selected as the source of sheets.

It should not recall any previous folders. That's what the 'Saved Sets' are for.

Thanks.

VE-101592

Vectorworks Licenses are easy to steal

Steven Shorter

Have noted this as a bug!

While we can see the first six and last six digits of a serial number in the About Vectorworks window, it does not take a lot of effort to find the full license elsewhere, such as the Registry on Windows or plist files on the Mac.

If Vectorworks has been installed by an admin user, then the installer log is usually locked to standard users.

However, when someone runs the updater, the license is there for all to see, so even if someone does not know about the registry or plist files, Vectorworks gives them a hand and displays it when they update.

Suggest the updater shows 'XXXXXX' etc as per the About... window and the license is installed at System level, not User level.

VE-101457

New Class DIalog needs Filtering

Steven Shorter

When requesting a new class and then searching the class libraries for a class it is clear we need filtering, particularly with the BS1192 class libraries.

VE-101398

Storeys - Model Setup

Steven Shorter

Not being able to add levels to multiple storeys in a pain in the...

Not being able to duplicate storeys and simply rename...ditto

There needs to be a better way to manage storeys.

We need an interface were you define the number of floors, the layers, the layer prefix, the storey naming convention, the elevation, the storey levels, etc.

Something similar to the old 'Model Setup' command but brought up to date.

Whatever is then set up should be exportable and reimportable to update or create a new model file.

VE-101207

Wall Corners

Steven Shorter

One of the weaknesses of native BIM components, in all BIM softwares, appears to be where walls meet on an external corner.

Walls currently meet at a mitre. Often we need them to join with a butt join.

And in a number of cases we need the corner to be sculpted in some way. Corners may be rusticated, concave, bull-nosed, or 'bird's mouth'. Examples attached of what we want, and where I had to compromise.

Currently no wall recess or projection, plug-in or symbol will go anywhere near the end of a wall and therefore we cannot 'sculpt' corners using the wall tool alone.

VE-100733

Special Saved Views need to include options for Georeferencing and User Origin

Steven Shorter

Title says it all.

It would be very useful if the settings in the document georeferencing could be saved somehow within a special saved view, or other pulldown menu, similar to how 'Project North' and 'True North' work in Revit.

Similarly, any user origin settings should be more easily recovered by saving them in a saved view.

These should be special saved views that cannot be deleted except by admin user and should be capable of being transferred from one model to another without having to 'save as'.

VE-100690

Styles need to be storey aware

Steven Shorter

For parity with Revit, Door, Window, Stair Styles, etc, need to be storey aware, like Symbols.

VE-100495

CityGML Support

Steven Shorter

Hello

We need support for CityGML for import and export.

_CityGML: The CityGML format is a format for representing, storing and exchanging 3D models of cities and landscapes based on XML. It defines the most important topographic objects in cities according to their geometric, topological, semantic and appearance properties. It is an OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standard._

Thanks

VE-99644

Reference Alert

Steven Shorter

Hello

Could you please add a 'do not show this again' button to the alert that comes up when a file name has changed and in order to fix a broken reference we navigate to the correctly named file.

Those of us who use referencing extensively and know what's going on do not need these additional time-consuming alerts.

It makes it look like the product has been designed for users with a very basic knowledge of CAD.

VE-99471

Shorter - Filtering - When creating new class...

Steven Shorter

Please add filtering to the New class dialog and please add a 'filter' file to the workspace that VW looks at to then display the office filters to the user...wait for it...like microstation.

Microstation filters are actually embedded in the equivalent of the class libraries in the Standards folder, so by extension, it would make sense for the cad manager to set up vectorworks class libraries with the most common used filters applied in the class library file, and then these filters are available to the user when connected to the office standards via the workgroup folder preference.

Vectorworks too could add sample filters to encourage it's use which is a huge time-saver.

VE-99454

Publish Settings need to be available via Workgroup Folder

Steven Shorter

When we defined custom publish settings to affect the naming of output files from sheets, we would like the settings we use to be available not as a user or file settings but as a workgroup setting so that we can issue and manage settings centrally and not have to update the settings across literally 100s if not 1000s of workstations.

VE-99324

Shorter - Navigation Palette - Right click on class

Steven Shorter

An option when right clicking on class to 'select all objects in class', would be nice.

VE-99293

Shorter - Please add 'Save Cache and Auto-Update buttons to Batch Conversion'

Steven Shorter

When running the Batch Convert command it would be useful if you would turn on or off reference saved cache and auto-update.

VE-99729

Save Wall Caches to Disk

Steve Johnson

There are data structures that we do not flatten to disk. That we must build the first time we need them. The biggest offender is the Wall data. This data make Scene sync'ing Extra slow the first time a scene is visited. We do not provide the option to save this data to disk. We should. Short of that we could provide an option to pre-build it when opening file. WE could show this option when the cache is not flattened(Saved in file). User could opt to take this time at open. This will greatly improve the UX later as views are seen for first time.

VE-99557

Viewbar is too short: Controls look messy.

Steve Johnson

Can we increase Viewbar height? As a small increment to help UI?

VE-103633

Text Merge Command

Steve Johnson

Text Merge Command -- a very useful CAD command, for merging a group of unconnected text objects into one text block. For me, this is a very useful modifying command for working on floating text objects in construction details, and general notes on sheets. Text Merge has been in use in AutoCAD for many years, and its competitor BricsCAD also recently added it. The command takes away the tedium of having to select text content in a block of text, cut or copy it, and then pasting it at the end of another block of text. I always add it to my workspace whenever I update the Vectorworks version. I don't know who is the author of this (Julian Carr MIGHT have written it), but I got the script on a message board somewhere, and made a menu command from it. When the command starts, the cursor turns into a target, and the user clicks on the first block of text to be merged. After clicking on the second text and so on with the same target cursor, the user clicks on an empty space, and the selected text objects are all merged.

VE-103632

Enhance Undo Views

Steve Johnson

From Public Roadmap:
Add an option of removing the camera entirely from the undo-history (but keep the option to undo only the view with the arrow top-left of the GUI).
The option "Undo View Changes>Never" in the settings still make the camera go back to the view it was before undoing.
The german version of Vectorworks has a different translation of this menu:Undo View Changes>"Alle widerrufen + letzte √Ñnderung" which means "Undo View Changes>Undo all + last modification"

VE-99587

Customer wants to be able to import (.pat) files

Steve Johnson

If a designer wants to import .pat files available from a hardscape paver manufacturer, which is designed to be used in AutoCAD, how do they go about getting those into Vectorworks?

They can't.

I should include an example...please see what can be brought in by a designer. Getting this into Vectorworks, when not already in a DWG file would be helpful. https://www.keystonehardscapes.com/professional-resources/pavestone-autocad-hatch-patterns

VE-102621

Cloaking Project Data

Steve Johnson

Vectorworks is used to Design/Plan/Execute "New Product" retail rollout.
Vectorworks is used again and again to Design/Plan/Execute "New Product" rollouts.

Problem: Could Vectorworks support cloaking as defined/described below and in attached pdf?

Cloaked:
The design data related to new products are visible only to people with special roles at a given date in time.
Uncloaked:
The entire world knows the products launched.

Cloaked:
Designer A and Designer B are disclosed. They can access the project data.
Illustration: an "new Product" planner kew in August 2021 that a "new Product" was launched in September.
Designer C is not disclosed
S/He doesn’t know that a "new Product" is being developed
S/He should not know when the "new Product" announce will happen or if there’s any new announce in preparation
S/He should not access any data concerning the new launch

Please ask Steve for PDF password Hint: 3 letters for a Company Premium Retailer...

VE-101383

Can we make smaller PDF Export?

Steve Johnson

Is there any opportunity to make a smaller export to PDF?
This question came from Firm visit with David Thorne Landscape Architects.
Chelsea Chan <chelsea@thornela.com>

VE-100770

Improve Navigation Performance switching to new 3D View

Steve Johnson

FIle 243-SOP2-WB-Gesamtmodell:
2020 sp4 (546184)
Open 2020 file in 1:01 seconds (long time in Reset Bounds phase)
Switch to 01-Aussen Front 0:33 seconds

2021 @546348
Much bigger cache (lots of High Curvy Stored-PS Still called)
Open 2021 file in 1:46 seconds (Very small delay in Reset Bounds)
Switch to 01-Aussen Front 0:18 seconds

==============================

File "Adruino"
Open to simple Design Layer
Switch to layer "CNC_Shield_Kompon..."
2020 sp4 (546184) 51 seconds
2021 @546425 15 seconds. (Still calling PS)

==================
File "Villanova"
Open to Sheet View

Switch To SV "3D"

=================
VWX-Active Campaign Project Files:
Luis' EastLake File has many view changes that can be timed and compared to 2020
Two files have saved views "000 _Begin_SavedViewTimingTest" and "000 _Start_SavedViewTimingTest"
2020 "Start..." takes 127 seconds.
2021 "Start..." takes 117 seconds.
NOT ANYTHING TO CALL ATTENTION TOO.

VE-99963

IProviderShapePanePtr. API needs support so subclass need not store Handle

Steve Johnson

IProviderShapePanePtr is a delegate of the ObjEditController system. Controller events are passed the current context - there is no need for IProviderShapePanePtr to store a handle - the handle should be passed in.

CL 498535 begins the changes that would allow all 60 or so subclasses to STOP storing Handles.

VE-99678

Automation/Marionette/Cloud

Steve Johnson

We have opportunities not provide more and more automation. Some questions:
1) Could we automate the Publish command? Could it be a VS and SDK command like Publish("SaveSetName", "OutputLocation")?
2) Could we have a Marionette node that provides this publish option?
3) Could we provide a VS and SDK command to Run a Marionette Node? Could it be a command like RunMarionetteNode("NodeName")?
4) Could we have a Cloud Generic Job to run a Marionette Node in a File?
5) Could we provide a VS/SDK to create/Publish a 360 Pano at the current camera View?
6) Could we have a Marionette node to publish a 360 pano?
7) Could we get a Marionette node to set the current view to a named RW Camera?
8) Could we have a Marionette Node that activates a Saved View?
9) Could we have a Marionette Network that a)invokes saved view; b) activates RW Camera; c) Publishes Pano 360?
10) Could we have an VS/SDK that publishes a animation movie for a named animation object? a 360 Movie?
11) Could we have a marionette network node that a) invokes saved view; b) publishes animation movie?
12) Could we use any one of these to publish to a presentation library?
13) could we use any of this to run automated tests?

The attached TestFIle#.zip try to demonstrate how quickly we could use a Publish("SavedSetName","OutputLocation") capability. We could run this command and then start an automated Image compare of the two folders. While we wait on automated image file compare, we still can have very valuable automate tests - we can compare visually - we can compare total time.

So much automation available.
Marionette is an excellent automation tool.

VE-104079

Attribute mapping tool should work on SurfaceUV mapped Overall Texture Part

Steve Brann

Create any object with surface UV mapping and an image or Tile based texture

Choose the attribute mapping tool

No handles appear on screen

!image-2023-02-10-10-41-18-734.png!

Click on the object - texture the covers the obejct but still no handles appear.

!image-2023-02-10-10-41-41-085.png!

Note - with over an hour of experimentation I did at one point get a rectangle in space awayf from the object with editable handles - I havent been able to reproduce this since.

Change the mapping to Plane, cyclindrical or spherical and handles appear

VE-104995

Title block boarder - boarder offset suggested

Steve Brann

When a Title block boarder is set to fit to page and then printed one or more of the edges often fails to print.

An existing solution is to change the boarder to Custom and then reduce the settings but 2 mm

However if the printer does not have equal non printable edges the print does not end up central on the paper.

A solution to both problems would be to have 4custom offsets (top left right bottom) from the 'Fit to page' dimensions which can be customised to the printer.

The result would be nice centred prints without missing lines

VE-104694

Level of Detail control for Design layers

Steve Brann

It is not at all clear what Detail Level the Design layer is in unless you activate the Auto Setting.

I propose that there be a manual Detail level setting as an alternative to the Auto Setting and in the meantime that the Detail Level is explicitly shown next to the Auto Setting.

VE-101439

Seating Section - change offset rows to include seat size plus seat gap

Steve Brann

At the moment if you. have seats with no gap the offset rows does the right thing and sets the middle of one seat lined up with the gap between the seats in front.

However if you have a gap between seats then this no longer works as the offset is always 1/2 the seat width and takes no account of the gap between seats.

Please change this asap - for one thing it stops you using. this. tool. successfully. for socially distanced seating!!

VE-104695

Detail level settings for Door and Window tools (and others?)

Steve Brann

I propose that the Door and Window tools are given options for 2D details to be shown in different Detail Levels like the 3D details that are there currently.

VE-104696

Change Detail Levels to Level of Detail to bring in line with other CAD programs

Steve Brann

In the interests of conformity and clear communication I propose the *Detail Levels* be changed to *Level of Detail*

VE-104444

Ability to create new Resources in relevant Browsers

Steve Brann

I am sure I have suggested this before and had many people in and out of Vectorworks agree.

Would like to be able to create a new Hatch when choosing hatches

Would like to create a new Wall style when choosing wall styles

Textures

Gradients

etc

etc.

VE-103967

Add ability to reference an image into a texture

Steve Brann

Currently you can reference an image to use as an image fill but not as a texture.

It woud be great to reference an image to use as a texture as well

VE-102767

Working planes menu - add 'New..' to the menu

Steve Brann

Previously you could access the working planes palette from the Planes menu.

This is now replaced by Options... which actually just takes you to Doc prefs not the planes palette.

Actually the planes palette doesn't do much but the main thing you want to do here is to make a new named plane.

So I suggest that we add a *New..* option right there in the menu and revert the options.. button to opening the planes menu so you can edit the named planes (or have an *Edit...* button that allows this)

I realise that many people may not use named working planes but nonetheless I think it would be helpful and logical.

VE-101349

Interface consistency - objects from shapes

Steve Brann

I have just done a demonstration to a potential client and I have to say it went well and he will almost definitely buy it!!

I did come unstuck on a couple of items that were not working the way I had grown used to and I learned some new 2021 workflows which are good but not consistent across all tools.

So in terms of workflow we can often make a basic shape, edit it and then upgrade it to a plugin object by doing one of the following things:

1. Right click and 'Create objects from shapes.' (but not all plugin objects that could be there are in there - eg Rope and Stantion)

2. In the Events menu of the Spotlight edition use some items like Stage or Room (but not Seating section for example)

3. Use the tool like the Seating Section tool and with the paint bucket mode click on the object to be converted. (but not all plugin objects that could have this mode do have it)

My point is that this is an important workflow and there is gross inconsistency as to which tools are included in the 3 ways of doing it.

Please can we have a task to :

1. Add the paint bucket mode to all tools that use a shape as their source

2. Add all tools/commands that use a shape as their source to the Create objects from Source command

3. Add Seating Section the Events Menu (and any others??)

this is not adding new technology but making Vectorworks consistent so I can use the same workflow across all the program.

VE-99705

Ability to Adjusti activated camera in animation via normal camera controls

Steve Brann

When a normal Renderworks camera is activated you can do such things as orbit, pan, zoom etc with normal controls and the camera itself is altered.

I would like this to happen for aiming the camera when editing a keyframe of an animation -dragging the camera handle is not nearly as intuitive. If a camera is activated and you try to do this you effectively deactivate the camera - is this WAD or a bug?

VE-100819

Face Smoothing needed for Sweep object

Steve Brann

Have requested this before but with a sweep object that has a large Segment angle (eg 45) it would be great to be able to adjust the smoothing to show it as a polygonal object not so smooth.

!image-2020-06-04-14-25-17-003.png!

VE-100085

Smooth Animation along a path by providing a camera target a variable distance along the path

Steve Brann

Add feature to enable more natural looking animations by having the camera look at a point on the path a variable distance along the path from the camera. This effectively allows the camera to look round a corner and is what a human would do when coming to a corner rather than the robotic turning when actually at a corner.

VE-101132

Allow Door to interact with Railing/Fence

Stephen Schrader

It would be an amazing help if we could create gates in the Railing/Fence object. Could this be adapted to allow interaction with the Door object, similar to the way the Door interacts with a Wall object (creates hole, etc.)? Even better would be if the gate (Door) could ride along with the Railing/Fence object when that object is reshaped.

VE-99740

Add default class for plant tick marks

Stephen Schrader

Now that the Tick mark on Plant objects is class responsive, can VW add a class in the default structure -- e.g., Plants-Component-Ticks, similar to Plants-Component-Tags?
And will this be noted as a new feature somewhere?

VE-99345

Allow image props to obscure linework when foreground rendering is on in viewport

Stephen Schrader

See attached PDF - the sketch linework foreground rendering really makes the drawing look better, but plant material doesn't obscure the windows as it would if actually drawn by hand.

File used to create these is attached to VB-156593.

VE-104279

T02461 - UI Review - "Return to Viewport" expected

Stephan Monninghoff

When I call "Select Linked Space" from a viewport annotation, I would have expected to be in edit mode with the "Return to Viewport" button at the top right. This would happen if I choose "Edit Design Layer" from the VP annotation. Is this a technical limitation or by design?

VE-104272

T02461 - UI Review - Not possible to tag space from outside a Viewport

Stephan Monninghoff

Should it be possible to tag a space in a Sheet Layer without entering the annotation space? The TOV states: "- If the linked object is part of a group, a symbol, a {*}viewports annotation{*}, Vectorworks should enter the edit group/symbol/{*}viewports annotations mode{*} to be able to show the object."

This does not seem to be possible.

VE-104824

Make "Create Polygons" default for double line polygon

Stephan Monninghoff

This tool has a default setting that is rarely useful. Time to change it to "Create polygons".

(While we're at it, we might want to fix the radio button labels tobe sentence case)

!image-2023-08-02-08-23-04-512.png|width=321,height=321!

VE-104540

cmd- - and and - + to zoom in and out

Stephan Monninghoff

There seems to be an open slot in the shortcut keys to support this. Most other design apps seem to allow this for zooming about a fixed factor.
* cmd - + zooms in by double
* cmd - - zooms out by half

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103153-discussion-of-new-user-interface-preview-t02250-mode-bar-and-view-bar-redesign/&do=findComment&comment=471225

VE-104390

Can we make the document drop shadows graphic a bit more appealing?

Stephan Monninghoff

Could we...
* lose the gradient
* use a grey tone (this could be a tree, or a building...)
* make the shadow solid or hatched
* use a higher resoluton ?
* lose the white background?

!image-2023-05-15-11-28-55-924.png|width=560,height=559!

VE-104295

Add icons for RM "Create Resource" dialog

Stephan Monninghoff

The right-click menu has icons, the dialog doesn't. We now have a control that allows to use icons with radio buttons. Can we add them here?

!image-2023-04-24-12-08-40-264.png|width=458,height=794!!image-2023-04-24-12-09-17-246.png!

VE-104194

Should we think about a responsive HTML OIP?

Stephan Monninghoff

A lot of plugins, like doors and windows (including those of our distributors) use dialogs and at the same time, a subset of controls that are exposed in the OIP. Some plugins, like the Space object, allow the user to set up which of the controls are actually shown in the OIP.

This seems like a disjunct UI and it burdens the user with decisions he does not want to have to make.

The OIP has always been a narrow and tall palette. Users are used to scrolling in it as well as folding and unfolding chunks of its controls. But is this ideal UX?

Screen sizes are ever increasing and we now have users with wrap-around setups consisting of screens that are either very wide (and often even curved) or of multi-screen setups. At the same time, a lot of our users work on the go on laptop screens which make screen space a premium resource.

Users on large or multiple screen setups could use a larger OIP whilst users on laptops need to be able to use a narrow, docked OIP.

This resembles the same challenge that webdesigners had to solve when mobile devices started using browsers to access the www.

If we could allow the OIP to become a html palette with a stylesheet for responsive content, we could enhance the appeal of this palette.
* Enriched set of controls, like previes, draw pad, interactive custom controls.
* Wrapping columns to reduce scrolling
* Anchor links to get to related parts without scrolling
* custom UI elements like clickable images, etc.

This does not necessarily mean we need to allow each developer to brew his own stylesheet. On the contrary: by providing a standard stylesheet, we can keep the user interface of the OIP unified.

VE-104119

Smooth view adaptation, no zoom for objects found by worksheet

Stephan Monninghoff

This was sparked by a [task review on the forum|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106171-t02461-data-tag-%E2%80%93-select-linked-object/]. I have always found the way that we zoom into found objects a little jarring. We have smooth view transitions available now and I wanted to propose we use this to improve the experience when showing found objects.

Please review the short video.

VE-103536

Home Screen dew document dialog: make this a menu or better still, a page

Stephan Monninghoff

When choosing "New" from within the Home Screen, the "Create Document" dialog pops open. The user experience is not ideal: the dialog pops up away from the button (I guess its last position on screen is remembered). The dialog is also slightly unexpected as it seems unnecessary to open an extra dialog.

Here are some suggestions that come to mind to improve the user experience
* At the very minimum, open the dialog directly underneath the "New" button
* Or, use a menu with the available templates that opens up when the button is clicked
* An even better option would be to have a swap pane "Recent Files" <-> "New Document" that would show previews of template documents.

* !image-2022-10-11-11-18-54-306.png|width=332,height=311!

VE-102730

Search functionality in Resource Manager

Stefie Mievis

Customers find it hard to search for resources in our libraries. One of the reasons is that the Resource Manager (RM) does not allow searching for the second part of composed nouns written as one word e.g. If you sourch for "bedroom" the RM will give results for bed or bedroom, but not for symbols that have a label "room".
These composed nouns are very frequent in Dutch, and oblige translators to adjust translations for these nouns, which is not always a very elegant solution.
It would help a lot, if the resource browser could be optimized for this.

VE-104964

Save Object Styles from dialog

Stefie Mievis

For the VW, inc. Window and Door tools, there are several ways of creating and saving a new object style:
The user has to duplicate an existing Object Style from the Resource Manager, or select an unstyled Joinery object in the drawing and do one of the following:
# use the command 'Create plug-in Style'
# right mouse click > ‘new plug-in style’
# In the OIP > ‘New Plug-in Style from Unstyled Plug-in' from the Style dropdown

However, when user's are working in the dialog, it is not possible to create a new object style from there. Adding an extra Save Style button in the dialog could save te user a few steps.

This feature is highly requested to solve a regression on our part:

In the DE windoor tools, until 2023, it was possible to save project windows directly from the object settings dialog, or from the tool's preferences dialog.
For VW 2024, we are preparing to replace our project windows with Object Styles. However, new Object Styles cannot be created from the dialog, which means there will be a regression compared to our previous project window system.

VE-104780

Worksheet function to return image resource

Stefie Mievis

Users are requesting the possibility to show an autogenerated thumbnail of the image resource assigned to a slab or hardscape.
Users need these images to have an overview of the possible amounts of each type of flooring / hardscape.
But because the images cannot be autogenerated, customers now create an empty column in the spreadsheet, so they can paste their image there manually. Interior clients often use this workaround. It would save some time if the thumbnails can be autogenerated by a worksheet function.
Worsheet function =Image is not a good solution because it show a Top/Plan image of the slab itself, not the image resource assigned to the surface. And worksheet function =ImageFill only returns the name of the image resource.

VE-104772

Searching in a worksheet

Stefie Mievis

Searching for an entry in a large worksheet is not possible. Now, you have to scroll through all the rows until you find it. If I take exel as an example, you can press Command/Ctrl+F and type in the value and the entry is found. It would be nice if you can quickly search for keywords in a worksheet.

VE-104617

Editing Lights of refrenced files in a viewport

Stefie Mievis

When your document includes a refrence file, which in turn includes any light sources or fixtures. You can edit the lights (on/off, colour...) through the visualization palette. However, when you the make viewports to render etc, selecting the viewport does not show any of the lightsources of the refrenced file in the visualization palette. You cannot edit any of the refrenced lights in viewports. You would have to edit them in the design layer.

VE-103961

Improving Worksheet functions and user interface

Stefie Mievis

For our SP4, we plan to implement big improvements on the worksheet functions for our Exterior and Interior Joinery tools (DE-WD): We will streamline our functions with the available QTO functions and provide more textual information, as well as images and examples for each function.

However, to get the best result, we thought of some more improvements that our not in our own hands like a scroll bar for the Select Function dialog, markdown possibilities, etc.

You can find all our Enhancement Requests in the document attached.

VE-103715

Custom controls have white background on Dark Mode

Stefie Mievis

Custom controls, like those that we use for our Windoor tool dialogs, currently have a white background on Dark Mode on Mac. Can this be adjusted to make the custom controls fit it better with the color theme?

Suggested solution from Maarten: "Having the option to make the background of the custom control transparent would already by a huge step forward.
And an SDK function that returns if dark mode is active or not is also very useful, that way we can change the color of the objects we draw inside the custom control to a lighter shade so they will be visible on a dark background."

VE-103568

Data manager and worksheet function syntaxis error

Stefie Mievis

We localized our formula syntaxis because our European system gave an error on the American syntaxis.

For example "=afronden(2.345,2)" This example doesn't work in our european version. This should be "=afronden(2,345; 2)" (using a comma as decimal seperator and ; as field seperator)

But because we made this change, another issue has popped up: In a formula (e.g. =left(Class,2) the data manager states that it needs a Comma (Comma Expected), while it actually needs a semicolon to work in our localized version.

This issue also occurs for worksheets and is very confusing for customers.

A solution could be to provide two sets of settings, in the same way we're offered to work with an imperial or metric system.

VE-103482

Entering multiple serial numbers is not possible

Stefie Mievis

In the Vectorworks Preferences, the user interface to enter your Serial Number seems to suggest that you could also add a 2nd serial number and switch, for example, between an Architecture and Landscape license. This is confusing for some customers, and they often call support because this doesn't work.

+solutions could be:+
1. Keep the current functionality and change the interface, so it doesn't look like you can add 2 serial numbers.
OR
2. Keep the current interface, but add the functionality to enter multiple serial numbers (preferably). It would be great to be able to switch from PRO to education easily, for professional teachers but also for internal employees.

VE-103472

Expanding the possible stair configurations

Stefie Mievis

A stair is a very complex item. We can already configure many stairs via the stair tool, but some stairs that are often used in residential or apartment construction cannot yet be found here. A stair that often occurs is one with the following configuration: We start with a single winder, followed by a straight single straight stair followed by a double winder return to finish with a single straight stair.

VE-102825

Rotate options for windows in walls

Stefie Mievis

When you select a window and open the context menu, you have several rotate options. When you use one of these options, it is not only the window that is rotated but the whole wall. As a result all the connections between the walls are broken.
Could it be made possible to make the rotate options gray when a window or a door in a wall is selected?
We understand this is standard Vectorworks behaviour, but in most cases it is not what the user wants or is expecting.

VE-105197

SBE: Create Report Dialog: function description incomplete

Stefan Bender

Please have a look at attached screenshot. The string in the .vwstrings file says that function "landscape area" has an additional parameter "<field>". However, this parameter does not show up in the function list.

This is very inconvenient for users as they can't see that they need/may add an additional parameter.

VE-101487

SBE: Symbol Display Controls need option to have transparent background

Stefan Bender

In our dialogs, lots of stuff are drawn in symbol display controls. Sometimes symbol display controls contain previews of the edited objects, very often they contain complex images that are calculated at runtime depending on the current settings.
Unfortunately, the background of these images is always white by default. But more often we need it to be transparent as white looks inappropriate.
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to do that. We're trying to fake a grey background by drawing a grey rectangle behind the other objects in the symbol, but this is not always working. Mac OS uses different shades of gray on the "base level" of a dialog and in group boxes, and Apple uses different colors in different versions of the OS. Not to mention night/dark mode, in which case the background should be black and not gray. So what we need is an additional parameter for UpdateSymbolDisplayControl (or maybe a flag in SymbolImgInfo) to tell VW to draw the symbol on transparent background, i.e. to use the actual background color of the dialog at this very position.
Please see attached image that shows the problems.

VE-101271

SBE: Listbrowser: Direct Editing of graphical attributes

Stefan Bender

In VW 2022 we would like to support direct editing in more listbrowsers. This includes lists displaying graphical attributes as in the stair settings dialog (please see attached screenshot).

We noticed that in the SDK headers (MIniCadCallBacks.h) some EListBrowserInteractionTypes are defined that imply the support of graphical attributes,
however, I could not find any plug-ins that are using them. There is only the organization dialog, and that is not an SDK dialog and supports color attributes only.

Can you please let us know which of these EListBrowserInteractionTypes are actually implemented? Are there any samples or documentation?

I also had a look at the interface provided by the CSGXXXValueChange data types in MIniCadCallBacks.h.

As far as I can see, there are several things missing we would need before we can actually start supporting these graphical attributes in our listbrowsers.

(1) Classes: We need special entries like <"Class of Container PIO"> or <"Active Class">. I understand that you can add proposed items to a CGSClassAndLayerPulldownCollection,

but how are they displayed? Shouldn't these special items be distinguished and displayed in a different way than actual classes or proposed classes? How can we do this?

(2) Material: How can we support Direct Editing for building material selection? I don't see any kListBrowserItemInteractionEditBuildingMaterial EListBrowserItemInteractionType in MIniCadCallBacks.h

(3) Fill Attributes - how to support Direct Editng for them? There is no kListBrowserItemInteractionEditFill. The cell should be able to display lots of different values line solid, none, "By class", pattern, gradient, image, tile, building material... Editing this cell needs to allow users to change the "fill type" from solid to "By Class" or to pattern/tile/whatever (or vice versa) plus selecting a resource/pattern of the new fill type. How can we do this?
Besides, all these CSGGradient/Pattern/Hatch/ValueChange data types are lacking a "by class flag".

(4) Pen / Color attributes - this should allow users to select a color or "Color By Class". How can we set or read this flag? I don't see it in CGSColorValueChange. And what does CGSColorValueChange.fSpecialIndex mean?

(5) Line Type - CGSLineTypeValueChange has just one member value fNewLineType. Is this a dash index or an index of a line type resource? How can we support both?
Hoo can we support "By Class" flag?
Is this actually implemented? It doesn't seem to be supported in the organization dialog.

(6) Line thickness - CGSLineWeightValueChange: what is CGSLineWeightValueChange.fNewLineWeightValue? mm, mils?
Is this actually implemented? It doesn't seem to be supported in the organization dialog.

(7) Opacity - There is no kListBrowserItemInteractionEditOpacity. There are lots of different combinations of values possible, Pen/Fiill opacity by class, Fill and pen opacity linked...

(8) Texture - There is no kListBrowserItemInteractionEditTexture. It should handle the options no texture/user-selected texture/texture by class and (for some objects) "texture by object material".

VE-99637

SBE: Speed improvement: TXString comparision operators should NOT ignore case

Stefan Bender

Lots of speed tests of our plug-ins revealed one bottleneck: TXString function CompareNoCase ist used when Compare would be sufficient. This also includes operators "==", "<=", "<" that also use CompareNoCase. This comparision is way slower than character-wise comparision.

To demonstrate this, I made a simple benchmark test. One of our door PIOs was regenerated 1000 times.

The first test was in a regular release build of mainline (see trace file "door_1000_regens_benchmark"). As redlined in screenshot "profile compare no case.png", the code spent 1.04 minutes in the PIOs recalculate function. A large percentage of the time was spent in the routine that updates the PIO's parameters to its object style. To find out if a parameter is by style or by instance, the PIO needs to call VWStyleSupport::GetStyleType() lots of times which in turn causes lots of calls to TXString::< which uses CompareNoCase.
I redlined one of the many instances where this operator is used to compare it with the next test.

For the second test, I replaced all COmpareNoCase / EqualNocase functions in TXString operators by simple Compare or Equal functions (of course just locally, didn't submit).
This test showed a significant speed improvement (see trace file/screenshot door_1000_regens_compare_with_case).

Overall time was reduced to 44 seconds and the time spent in "<" operator was drastically reduced.

As mentioned in other bug reports and enhancement requests, the case-insensitive comparision operators and functions are causing major delays in lots of situations. It would imho improve overall speed drastically if case-insigificant comparision would only be done where absolutely necessary. In almost all situations it is just a huge waste of time.

To make a gradual transition, I would propose the introduction of a class TXCaseSensitiveString which is derived from TXString but has case-sensitive comparision operators and functions. Lots of data types (for instance VWStyleSupport which is used here) could then use this derived class instead of TXString thus improving speed considerably.

VE-100590

SBE: SDK-Plug-Ins need access to photographic scale of a layer

Stefan Bender

In order to fix VB-162586 (text size of objects changes when they are converted to a new VW version), some new SDK functions have been added ( VB-160391 ). Unfortunately, these new functions are useless unless you can pass the photographic scale of a given layer to them. So we need an SDK function or object variable that returns the photographic scale of a given layer.

[~rberge] [~larsenyuk] [~vstanev]

VE-100084

SBE: Default horizontal section cut plane values for stair, visual plant, railing

Stefan Bender

There was a request to define specific default values for horizontal and vertical section cut plane for some of our PIOs. PIOs that are being created should get specific default values, not the ones ("Cut"/"Cut") that are default in Vectorworks. This means the values redlined in the dialog will be set to default values specified below when a PIO is created. Existing PIOs will not be modified.

The propsed defaults for horizontal/vertical section cut plane are:

Stair: Uncut below | Cut
VB Visual Plant: Uncut Below | Uncut beyond
Railing: Cut | Cut

VE-99486

SBE: Special flag in Regeneration code of PIOs during file conversion

Stefan Bender

We already had several situations in which it would be important for the PIO's regeneration code to "know" if the regeneration code was called during a file conversion. This would allow us to fix "(VB-157421) Stair Railings Get Lost When File is Exported to Previous Version then Reopened in 2019". We also could do some special conversion stuff if necessary.
This could be implemented by adding an additional member variable"Boolean bFileConversionIsRunning" to VWParametricEventSink that is true only if the recalculate handler is called during a file conversion or maybe by some global program variable that is true only while a file is converted.

VE-99629

SBE: VWStyleSupport class should have some custom variables

Stefan Bender

One of the time-consuming and slow functions of VWStyleSupport is adding new keys. However, we often need to do that to make sure that our VWStyleSupports have all required keys as there might be new keys added or others removed between versions. It would be helpful to know by which version of the plug-in (not VW!) the VWStyleSupport was created and updated.
So we would need some custom variables of type integer that can be set and read by plug-ins.
The interface could be line
Sint32 VWStyleSupport::GetCustomInt(size_t IndexOfVariable); // returns variable[IndexOfVariable]
void VWStyleSupport::SetCustomInt(size_t IndexOfVariable, Sint32 val);// sets variable [IndexOfVariable] to val

IndexOfVariable should be zero-based. You may wish to allow unlimited number of variables, but a limitation to say 10 variables or the like would be OK.

These variables could be used as internal version numbers and flags and greatly help to improve speed. They are NO KEYS, just independent member variables of VWStyleSupport

VE-99611

SBE: SDK function to enter 2D component edit mode

Stefan Bender

In order to support 2D swap graphics it would be helpful if there was a way to enter 2D component edit mode for PIO instances and PIO styles by some SDK function (please see attached screenshot). It would be great if this function could have some parameters to select which swap graphics (top, bottom, top/buttom cut...) is to be edited.

VE-104851

Adding default gate configuration to Railing/Fence tools

Stanislav Milev

Currently if you draw a railing or a fence and go to the reshape tool and try do add a gate noting happens. There was a bug report from a user confused by this. It isn`t very intuitive that you have to go to the options of Fence/Railing tool and create a gate configuration in order to be able to place a gate from the Reshape tool. I think a good addition would be to have default gate configuration set.

VE-101040

Add message explaining why the records isn`t attach to the mapping

Stanislav Milev

Since records are allowed to have spaces/blanks at the end of the name (refer to VB-172073) and this isn`t a valid case for a name in the Data Manager the record won`t be mapped. There is no notification/explanation why the record didn`t attach/mapped/added in the Data Manager. I think it will be appropriate to notify the user that the name of the record isn`t valid and it won`t be attach/mapped/added.

VE-104662

T01987 - Cabinet handles are not centered correctly

Srilakshmi Gogineni

See attached screenshot and file

Note that at drawer handles are not centered

Same for the cabinet doors

VE-102334

Creating Center Mark in rotate plan, it is not constrained to object

Srilakshmi Gogineni

See attached movie
Rotate the plan
Place Rectangle/circle/rounded rectangle
Place center mark from Dimension tool set
Note that it is not constrained to object.
You can easily move the mark away from object

VE-104678

T01987 - Face item configurations are not preserved when switching cabinet Face

Srilakshmi Gogineni

I am not sure if this is designed. See atatched movie
But it would be nice to preserve all face item configurations when face item is switched.
For example for both Standard and Full height door face " Door - Double " is a common face item.
The values entered for that face item is not preserving when the face is switched.

VE-104666

T01987 - In some occasions Elevation fields are not grayed out on OIP when multiple cabinets are selected

Srilakshmi Gogineni

See the recording and file

Sometimes when Wall and Base Cabinets are selected, Elevation and Elevation Reference fields are not grayed out

This happens randomly. Sometimes its grayed out and sometimes not.

VE-104664

T01987 - Cabinet Box Parameters are not grayed out when multiple cabinets are selected

Srilakshmi Gogineni

See atatched recordeing

When Base and Wall cabinets are selected, Cabinet box parameters like Base Type and height etc.. are not grayed out

VE-104749

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing: Tab Labels

Simon Pettitt

Thinking about a 'hired gun wireperson', the tab labels at the top are snazzy and minimalist but might not be that intuitive without text labels. A preference in the Units prefs popup for 'Icons/Text/Icons & Text' would help people transition to the interface. I'm now up to speed with what these tabs do, but it will take some onboarding of each user to explain what each tab does. Text would aid this, even if more experienced users might choose to go back to icons.

[ CPreen comment:

What Simon is getting at here is important. The icons we have for switching views may not be obvious to everyone. We need some way for new users to get on-boarded fast from help within the app. How exactly this issue is solved is a matter for our UI/UX designer.

Since our goal is to facilitate adoption I'm going to schedule this for 29.0.0 if possible. I want to remove these kind of obstacles. ]

VE-105094

STEP Exports should respect file structure

Simon Pettitt

I have a file (that I can't attach for IP reasons) that I have exported a STEP from to be imported in to Fusion 360 for manufacture. The Vectorworks file is built logically: a combination of symbols and plugin objects. As would be expected, multiple instances of the same symbol are used in the Vectorworks document.

When importing most externally-sources STEP files to Fusion, they appear with the logical hierarchical assembly/component/body structure defined in the STEP file, including multiple instances of the same part/component being presented as such (see EndPanelL used 3 times):

!image-2023-10-09-12-12-44-758.png!

However, when importing a STEP from Vectorworks, it seems that the STEP exporter module used in Vectorworks just presents me a flat list of (354!) bodies at the root of the tree.

!image-2023-10-09-12-15-42-615.png!

The two biggest problems:
* Hierarchy is ignored, flattening all of the logical structures of the Vectorworks file (symbol instances, plugin object instances) our to the bodies contained, in one massive list.
* In doing so, multiple instances of the exact same thing (i.e. a symbol) become unique in the STEP file

So the VE:
* Vectorworks should export STEP files with at least some respect to hierarchy and components, even if not to huge levels of detail, in line with other platforms.
* A symbol in the file should export as a component
* Symbols within that symbol should export as subcomponents
* Generic solids, extrudes etc should export as bodies within the relevant component or subcomponent
* Instances of the same symbol should be exported as instances of the same Component
* An instance of a Plugin Object should export as a component

It could go a lot further than this, but even just being able to do this would be a huge move towards being useable.

Looking at a STEP file from Fusion 360, they are using:

ISO-10303-21;
HEADER;
/* Generated by software containing ST-Developer
* from STEP Tools, Inc. (www.steptools.com)
*/

Here is a simple example:

Three symbols in VWX, each copied three times:

!image-2023-10-09-12-29-56-472.png|width=418,height=219!

And imported in to Fusion:

!image-2023-10-09-12-30-39-622.png|width=1088,height=443!

Whereas it should look like:

!image-2023-10-09-12-32-30-651.png|width=1036,height=504!

VE-104869

ConnectCAD: Visualise Panel Layout on Equipment Item

Simon Pettitt

Just logging something discussed on the forum here:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/109003-0900-t02355-panel-visualization/#comment-476425]
* The concept whereby we sometimes need to visualise the panel layout in context of the 3D building model - usually to demonstrate to those on site which side of a panel each containment service should run to (i.e. Loudspeaker containment should run to the bottom right corner of the panel).

Potential ability for the Equipment Item to reference a Panel layout and visualise it on the equipment item. This reference could potentially also help mitigate the risk of Equipment Item height U vs Panel Layout height U being mismatched.

VE-104756

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing: Group By

Simon Pettitt

This is the same request as I have for worksheets, which I need to submit separately.

Long flat lists can be intimidating and require lots of column-scanning to review. Filters can help but sometimes you are interested in all of the data, but not in one massive list. One thing we do a lot of in our current reporting system is have presets to break up the data in to logical, useable chunks.

The attached is still a list of Circuits, but is much easier to digest than a big flat list. Containment 'AV2' is only printed once, which avoids the need for endless column-scanning to check there isn't a rogue 'AV3' hidden in the list.

This should have minimum 2 levels of heirarchy (in this case Position then Containment) and the ability for the name of the grouped field to appear in the header.

Thinking through this further: This would be slow to configure for a user. They would be better set up as presets in our company VCS account. I make a preset called 'Circuits Grouped By Containment', and the user just has to select the preset they want. For companies that haven't saved any presets yet, the option wouldn't appear to the user and they could carry on as normal.

VE-104755

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing: Download with Warning

Simon Pettitt

I understand that the ability to work offline is already on the roadmap. But just to say, if someone is viewing offline data, there should be a clear persistent coloured warning header/flag/label, ideally with text to say something like:

'Offline data shown: New cloud data may be available'

VE-104754

ConnectCAD: Reports Share: Partial Release of Data

Simon Pettitt

I can see applications where work needs to start on site for some phases of a project even though other rooms/venues/phases are not finalised. We may have a VWX file with several auditoria in, especially when there are lots of tie lines between them. Or, we need to start pulling cable in the auditorium even though the client hasn't decided what they want for video relay in the foyer yet.

With PDF solutions this is easy, because we can just run a report filtered to the things that are ready for work.

The upload facility may need the feature to filter the upload somehow - by Room/SubRoom or something like that, to save someone accidentally pulling cable for something that isn't approved. I don't really know exactly how this would work within the data schema behind the scenes.

Without being able to talk to Project Managers, I don't know how critical they will view this, but I can chat to them more on release and feed back. Left as medium for now.

VE-105004

ConnectCAD: Arrow Circuits: Text Pen Colour

Simon Pettitt

As per this thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/110550-circuit-arrow-style/#comment-481589]

Could I request that the pen colour of the text within the arrow responds in the same way as the circuit bubble currently does, please?

Therefore, if a circuit had only a 'fill' data vis applied, the fill of both the bubble and arrow pill would fill themselves in reaction to the data vis, and the pen colour of both bits of text would be driven by the signal type class? This would be slick and visually more uniform.

If no data vis applied, I would suggest a black fill for brighter text could make a lot of soggy paper and ink usage. It would be ideal if this were controllable, and IMO I'd probably set it to white most of the time.

VE-104738

ConnectCAD Network Info Record - add CIDR

Simon Pettitt

Most people here want to specify network mask as CIDR, which is also easier to integrate in to a device label.

I've expanded the NIR with a CIDR mask field, and then a Concat field to concat the IP and CIDR mask together. Our device labels will then have a field for IP: 192.168.9.34/24.

!image-2023-07-21-15-08-48-118.png!

It would be better if this integrated with the normal subnet field - changing the long-form subnet changes the CIDR, and vice versa. I didn't fancy the maths for this in the data manager though!

VE-104858

Spotlight: Hoists: Lock/Disable Plan Rotation

Simon Pettitt

We often want to rotate Hoists such that the motor body is correct for real life rotation - especially for subhung hoists within Pre Rig/Tyler GT and similar trusses.

However, hoist symbols on a rigging plot should be aligned as per the symbol definition at all times.

I think there should be a tickbox in the OIP of 'Disable Plan Rotation', whereby rotation of the hoist will rotate the 3D component but the 2D will be as per the symbol definition.

A Custom Plan Rotation as per lighting devices would be cumbersome - as for a hoist rotated by X degrees, the user would always need to figure out the opposite rotation to cancel it out and enter that. Forcing lock to 'normal' rotation would be much better.

VE-104748

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing: Colours

Simon Pettitt

The interface uses bubbled text as hyperlinks to jump to a different entity. When there are a lot of these on screen together it takes a small moment of hesitation and thinking to analyse what data type the link is before you click it - circuit, port or device? Especially if you end up changing tab context quite a lot by clicking on links.

It would be good to use more colour coding. Circuit links teal as they are, then borrow the orange from the public roadmap task cards for equipment to keep it on-brand, and then device connections as grey? I think this will build some mental links to those colours which will improve the UX of navigating a design you don't yet know.

The tabs at the top should be coloured the same all of the time.

VE-104737

ConnectCAD Circuit Containment

Simon Pettitt

Among the various fields we've added to our ConnectCAD template is Containment.

Circuit segregation is important whether we are designing containment ourselves or communicating to an M&E contractor who will be designing the containment systems.

Initially, this is working OK for us as a custom field in a record, but as it is universally applicable, I feel it would be worth some consideration for the stock deployment.

At a minimum, we would separate circuits in to 'ELV' and 'LV' (i.e. Band I and Band II), but on larger projects this would be more granular. See examples below.

Where possible, I'm hesitant to give our users more and more fields to fill in. So in this case, I'm using the data manager to lookup the containment required based on the signal type chosen, which will assign the containment to the 'default' containment class. The user can override this per-circuit in the Data pane if they know better.

Additionally, if the Source and Destination rack/drop point for the circuit are the same, the containment always calculates to '—'. Reports grouped by containment class are then possible, filtering out cables without a named containment.

!image-2023-07-21-14-51-23-849.png!

A worksheet allows the user to select the project default containment class for each signal type.

!image-2023-07-21-14-49-00-559.png!

!image-2023-07-21-14-52-06-591.png!

VE-104743

ConnectCAD: Local Circuit

Simon Pettitt

We have mapped a boolean field for Circuits to our standard template called 'Local Circuit', which is TRUE if the Source and Destination Rack/Drop Point are the same.

Above general use for filtering, filtering out False records is used for producing a cable schedule for pre-wiring racks that are built off-site. Filtering out True records is helpful for sizing and planning containment.

It is also a very useful field to run data vis on when checking through a schematic.

I can't instantly think of a particular reason it would function better as a stock field than a custom field, but as a point of development for the future, I feel it would be useful as part of the stock deployment.

VE-104744

ConnectCAD: Layout Room Name: Illegal Character

Simon Pettitt

Now that nested layout rooms are possible and the '.' delimiter is used, some users may want to programmatically split the room names using formula for reporting purposes (I can see us doing this on larger multi-auditoria projects). It would be ideal if the '.' was made an illegal character in Layout Room name input validation to protect the delimiting function of that charater. We will probably communicate to users not to use that character, but sod's law says.

This is only a minor point

VE-104750

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing: Tag Externals

Simon Pettitt

When navigating around the sample dataset, it wasn't obvious what 'LIGHTING' and 'SOUND' were. When checking the schematic, it made clear they were Externals.

I think there should be an 'External Connection' tag on the Equipment entry for Externals. I don't think 'External' is clear enough for an average wireperson - external to what? 'External Connection' or similar would be better.

VE-104751

ConnectCAD: Replace Equipment Item

Simon Pettitt

Easy 'Replace' ability for Equipment Items - similar to the 'Replace Lighting Device' button in the Lighting Device OIP. At the moment, if I have 48 items of a given make/model placed in my drawing and it turns out that the supplier can't supply them and we swap to a different model, it's easy to point the Use Symbol towards different geometry, but the Make/Model/Power/Weight doesn't change and the user needs to be careful to update all these values to the new values.

VE-104742

ConnectCAD: Panel Size vs Equipment Item size validation

Simon Pettitt

Some DRC/validation/error checking is needed to prevent a user accidentally having, for example, a 3U panel layout and a 2U Equipment item, or the linkage of the two object types such that the size data is unified.

VE-102003

[T02195] Enable Pick Up mode to also pick up mapping attributes of texture

Shengxi Wu

Our industry experts point out that it would be really helpful if the _Pick Up_ mode can not only pick up texture from object/face, but also pick up the mapping attributes of texture.

Please investigate if it is possible to implement this in VW2022. If no, we will leave this as a VE for future.

VE-102171

[T02195] Reposition resource name text shown in resource selector

Shengxi Wu

See attached image. For the resource name text shown in the resource selector on the _Render_ pane, please inform whether it is possible to:
# Reposition the _resource name text:_ set it on the right side of the thumbnail (Mac)
# Vertical-align _resource name text_ with its thumbnail (Mac and Windows)

VE-102375

[T02195] Enhance Texture tool pickup function with Mapping overrides

Shengxi Wu

"_With the release of VW 2022 we can now paint individual faces with the Texture tool. Part of that tool is the 'pickup' mode. Unfortunately this function only pickup the used texture of another face but not the mapping overrides like rotation or scale. Would be a timesaver if we can also pickup this information and use that for texturing other faces._"

My comment: A possible solution is to add a Tool Preference for the Texture Tool, with toggles to enable/disable mapping attributes picking for the Pick Up mode.

VE-102187

[T02195] Cursor should change to reflect the mode you are in when using Texture tool

Shengxi Wu

See attached image:
* when using Apply to Object mode, the cursor should change to a pointer with the Object icon
* when using Apply to Face mode, the cursor should change to a pointer with the Face icon
* when using Replace mode, the cursor should change to a pointer with the Replace icon
* when using Pick Up mode, the cursor should change to an eyedropper

VE-105187

Override zero snap for preview-based 3D modeling tools to get smooth preview.

Senthil Prabu

Since snapping to zero length/angle won't be a design intent, we can avoid in preview-based tools like
* push/pull
* offset edge
* Edit Subdivision-extrude mode
* taper face
* deform tool.

Attached movie explains the zero snap non-smooth preview in various tools.

VE-104543

Exposing 3D Dragger usage through SDK

Senthil Prabu

Creating set of SDK function to interact with 3D Dragger, so that our plugin developer can use it.

VE-102345

SubD Improvements requested by Scott Barnes

Scott Barnes

I have several already submitted, but to recap:

1) Need some sort of modifier keystroke that helps select a range of vertices, edges, or faces along a path. I select the first edge and then modifier key + arrow left to add the adjacent edge to its left to the selection and so on.

2) Would like to be able to save a selection of vertices, edges, or faces in a way that I can easily grab that selection whenever I need to. Think Groups for SubD parts.

3) Would like to be able to hide a selection of SubD parts temporarily. Clip Cube is too boxy in shape to hide specific parts of an organic shaped SubD model.

4) Speaking of selection, would love to have a dynamic selection tool in the OIP that would allow me to make customizable selection arrays. For example, I select one face and then dynamically select every other face within a designated X/Y array count. This would also be handy for adding vertices across an array selection.

5) Would love to be able to keep the model as a SubD when using Subtraction/Add Solids. Maybe it's time for VW to have an actual Boolean tool?

6) Can the new texture mapping feature include individual SubD faces? UV mapping in the near future?

7) Not sure how possible this is, but if we had a way to import 3D models that convert to SubD automatically, that would be sooo much nicer than importing a model with hundreds of thousands of polygons.

8. Can we improve the Slice tool so that I select an edge(s) and then have a handle or slider in the OIP that creates additional edges need to round off the edge. Right now, I have to slice one side and then the other...and the slice goes the entire distance of the model rather than where I only want it.

VE-100844

Fillet Edge tool - Supporting multiple edge for Variable radius

Senthil Prabu

Like constant radius fillet, variable radius fillet may enhance to support for multiple edges.

After supporting history to fillet, some cases the variable radius fillet edge may be split into multiple edges, so the feature need to support multiple edges.

VE-103281

Aline hardscape at top and bottom with modifiers

Sebastian Löw

In some cases, it is necessary to adapt a hardscape that has been adapted to the surface on the bottom as well. For our user it should be possible to select the layers that will be affected. It would also be great do have the option to automatically create a layer as a levelling layer in such a case.

Attached file with two examples.

VE-103031

Import Tree survey file: Allow comma as decimal separator for values

Sebastian Löw

German users are used to separating decimal values with commas. In the Existing Tree Tool the source data must be separated with a point. If a comma is used as a separator, the decimal places are all "0". This applies to coordinate values as well as to size values. It would be nice if our users could also import data with comma as a decimal separator.

If comma as operator is used decimal

Txt-Testfile ist attached.

VE-103235

Filter Hardscape in Worksheet for subpart or component name

Sebastian Löw

Some of our clients would like to filter by subpart names when editing worksheets - especially in Hardscape by component name. Currently this is not possible. There is only a workaround via material or class of the component. It would be nice to be able to search directly by subpart or component name.

VE-103280

Clip objects from hardscape (components)

Sebastian Löw

The workflow of our users requires that objects can be cut out of a hardscape. This is possible with the clip tool. The only disadvantage is that only the entire structure can be cut. It would be nice if it would be possible to choose which components are cut. Of course, it would be great to be able to clip out a volume by choosing the components.

File with examples and some more description attached.

VE-103263

Allow vertex and arc grades as surface modifiers for hardscape

Sebastian Löw

Our users want to create curved paths or garage entrances with a curve. However, it is hard to edit these with grades as surface modifiers, as these can be drawn only straight. With tight curves, this requires a great deal of design effort.It would be nice if our users could use the grade tool in the form of an arc or vertex.

Example shows an entrance to an underground garage edited with straight grades.

PS.: In german version we have grades as an independent tool and have reported the same wish for it in our database.

VE-101140

Files in workgroup folder not visible in recourse selector unless in one of the default folders

Sebastiaan ten Broek

Files in the resource folder are visible in de Recourse Manager (RM) regardless of the folder structure chosen by the user.

However those same files will not be visible when trying to acces the workgroup through the Recourse Selector (RS). They will only be visible when placed in one of the default folders.

I believe this should not be necessary and users should be able to choose their own folder structure like it already works in the Recourse Manager.

Previously a workaround was to place an alias to the folder in one of the default folders, however at some point last year (can not pinpoint in which SP) that also did not work anymore.

Attached three screenshots of the workgroup in the RM and the RS and of the folder structure in finder.

VE-104035

A UI to create formatted DMX Patchlists within VW

Sebastiaan ten Broek

[~sparker2]
Long story

New users often ask me if there is an easy and pretty way to format DMX Patch lists. Ofcourse we can make worksheets, but if you want to make it pretty with fixture and Universe summary's and subheaders between each fixture type or universe for instance. Then this would take multiple database rows and would not dynamically add another data base row if another instrument type is added. Maybe with this task and the graphic legends being availible, such a UI to create pretty DMX patchlists could be made as well?

I know how to deal with the above myself, I have a script that creates these worksheets, but new users would almost expect such functionality. It's a feedback I often hear from students. (I know the first answer might be Lightwright, but people do not use that over here, or only marginally)

Attached is a VWX file containing a number of different types of Lighting Devices. They are patched with DMX addresses on different Universes. I created a script "Patchlist Fixture & Universe" that can make two worksheets, A DMX patchlist 'by fixture' and one ' By Universe'. The worksheets have multiple database rows and can be seen as an axample of what elements such a Patchlist should and could contain. Elements are:

1: A header with the project name. This information comes from the title block border

2: A subheader with more details about the project also from the title block border. Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use

3: A fixture summary based on Lighting device record summarized by instrument type. Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use, such as DMX footprint etc, or even user fields.

4:A universe summary based on Lighting device record summarized by universe. Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use, such as DMX footprint etc. Also a total parameters used count is usefull here. Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use

5A: A database row with a header for each universe with the universe number as criteria in each subsequent database row. There should be as many database rows as there are universes. I Added a worksheet function to caluclate the last free DMX channel in the universr (thanks to help from Pat Stanford on the forum :-)
Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use or not

OR

5B: A database row with a header for each instrument Type with the instrument Type as criteria in each subsequent database row. There should be as many database rows as there are instrument Type. However in my worksheet I chose to filter by Channel ranges from 1 to 100, 101 to 200, 201 to 300 and so on. (dividing channels numbers in this way is very common place)
For two reasons. Dimmers often control different types of instrument types and are given the same channel range througout the dimmer. The second reason is that the 'By Channel" will sort the Lighting devices in order of channel number
Would be great if a user could specify which columns to use or not

OR

5C: Perhaps the above is actually 3 options in stead of two, a possible patchlist by: 1 universe, 2 instrument type, 3 channel ranges (ranges of 100 or 1000)

If the above is a preformated report, there needs to be an error checking if Universe or instrument types are added or removed. In that case data base rows need to be added or removed so the tool needs to be run again. In my sheet I added formulae to display a red warning that the script needs to be run again. Could this be done dynamically?

Also perhaps the above could be done better and dynamically if this was not a preformatted report, but a DMX Patchlist plug in object? Worksheets are still difficult to understand for new users. They should learn them eventually, but I notice new users expect more UI for these features and I need to manage their expectations.

VE-101144

Export lighting device pan & tilt state to DWG

Sebastiaan ten Broek

Please make it possible for a lighting devices individual pan and tilt position to export to DWG.

This is since v2020 already possible for the lighting device rotation, but imo should be expanded to the pan & tilt field too. This is especially needed for conventional fixtures.

When collaborating with other stakeholders that are dwg based it is important that the exact mounting like it is modelled in VW is transferred to the DWG file.

For instance when it is a foreign production with limited build and focus times details like this can save a lot of time on the production location.

Attached is a VW file containing a simple example truss with focused fixtures and a layer containing a DWG import from the example layer.

VE-101114

Make eyedropper tool label position only affect 2D label in 2D view / 3D label in 3D view

Sebastiaan ten Broek

Please make the eyedropper tool with label position only change the 2D label of a lighting device label legend when it is clicked from a top/plan view leaving the 3D label unaffected when clicked from a top/plan view.

Vice versa please make the eyedropper tool with label position only change the 3D label of a lighting device label legend when it is clicked from a 3D view leaving the 2D label unaffected when clicked from a 3D view.

This way the 3D and 2D labels of lighting devices can be positioned with the eydropper tool without the need for an extra check box in the eyedropper tool preferences.

The eyedropper is a very powerful tool to make fast changes to the lighting devices label legend position. Before VW2020 SP3 the eyedropper label position only affected the 2D label. In VW2020 SP3 both the 2D and the 3D label are affected bij the eyedropper at the same time. This is undesirable as a plot presented in 3D do not necessarily require the same label position as in 2D.

Attached are two screenshots of the desired end result. And a screen recording of a workflow using the eyedropper tool on a plot with both 2D and 3D labels. The screen recording shows that after first the 2D positions are made, the 2D positioning is then messed up as soon as the 3D position is made using the eyedropper tool.

I know a workaround could be to have more label legends with combinations of 3D & 2D label positions but that would make a complicated administration of label legends. (combining 4 positions for both 3D and 2D would require 16 legends for instance, also that number would not be enough). Creating new legends on the fly during a project is more time consuming than using the eyedropper.

VE-101130

Manual Focus (without focus points) does not work if lighting device is within symbol.

Sebastiaan ten Broek

If a lighting device is placed within a symbol the new manual pan and tilt fields do not change the pan and tilt of the Lighting device

During a lighting design, it is desirable to create symbols from positions. Often the position sare repeated and mirrored in a design and the workflow with symbols will give faster editing of a design. Later on in a project during technical production these symbols are often converted to group again.

Therefore it is desirable for the new manual pan and tilt workflow to also work within a symbol.

Attached us a example file containing a lighting device inside a symbol and one outside a symbol. Both have values entered in the pan and tilt field but only the lighting device outside of the symbol responds to it.

VE-100696

Project Sharing Server hosted on VCS

Scot Wilcox

Request from user:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71092-project-sharing-server/page/2/]

This would mean that we set up a Project Sharing Server instance that runs alongside our normal Vectorworks Cloud Services. The Projects Directory would be located inside the Vectorworks Cloud Services folder, and we'd give the user a URL to use inside of Vectorworks. We'd also need to support SSL on that connection.

VE-100694

Allow HTTPS on Project Sharing Server

Scot Wilcox

We've got a customer trying to set up HTTPS on the Project Sharing Server. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71092-project-sharing-server/page/2/]

We can support that without too much difficulty, but the user will definitely need to know what they're doing.

VE-103287

Spotlight Cable Tools Component Graph, add click on component part to select when editing device

Scott Parker

For easier editing of distributor devices, being able to double click on parts in the Component Graph would be very helpful.

VE-104439

Spotlight Equipment Summary Key unit alignment and spacing issue T02059

Scott Parker

The new summary tool has symbols colliding with each other, and some are not aligning very well. Please refer to the screenshot attached.

In the old Instrument Summary tool, each symbol had the same amount of space between symbols. The symbols also had a more consistent vertical alignment.

[~bmerdzhanova]

VE-102688

Patch Connections logical sort order needed

Scott Parker

We need patch connections to sort in some logical way. A simple alphanumeric would be extremely helpful. In the example screenshot, it would put all channel numbers (unit ID) in numerical order followed by the ML connections.

VE-104501

Spotlight Inventory T02059 expose inventory assigned source to worksheets and data tags

Scott Parker

Please create a list of data record fields allowing users to recall inventory data for use in worksheets and data tags.

Fields:

Source
Part Type
Category
Total Available
Totals Stock

VE-104502

Spotlight Inventory Worksheets T02059 add EntUniversalRecord fields to all worksheets

Scott Parker

Now that the EntUniversalRecord is being implemented, please add the following fields to all worksheets being created by the create worksheet function. They can be inserted after the last fields are placed when the worksheet is built. After any parameter columns. If placing after the last parameter is an issue, they can all be placed before the parameter columns.

='EntEquipUniversal'.'Short Name'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Symbol Name'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Location'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Position'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Unit #'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Notes'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'Device Type'
='EntEquipUniversal'.'MVR-ID'

[~nhilendarov] [~yaleksiev]

VE-104413

Spotlight Inventory T02059 doesn't see seat symbols inside seating objects

Scott Parker

We'll need to add the ability to report on seat symbols that are inside seating sections. I didn't realize the seat symbols would be hidden from the equipment list symbol category.

Either we need to add a seating plugin category, or we need to have the equipment list look inside the seating section and see the seat symbols. The same will apply to any symbol placed by the seating section tool; tables, chairs, etc.

VE-105078

Spotlight Equip Summary Key T02059 needs to ignore the drawn beam of lighting device plugins

Scott Parker

When configuring lighting devices to display their drawn beams towards focus points, the summary key indicates the drawn beam for plug-in object-based lighting devices. This results in excessively large summary keys for the drawing. To resolve this issue, it is necessary to disregard the drawn beams of plug-in object lighting devices.

The problem exacerbates when a user positions the drawn beam inside classes and subsequently conceals those classes. Consequently, the summary key expands significantly without clear justification.

VE-104982

Equipment and Inventory limit reach of items needing to be checked out by project share

Scott Parker

I assigned 12 lights to an inventory in the project share file mentioned below. To do this, I had to check out all the lights and their attached cables. This limits the chance for multiple people to work on the drawing simultaneously.

An electrician won't be able to work on cable tool items, while a lighting designer wants to assign lights to an inventory. I'd like to see the lights being assigned to an inventory source without needing to check out their attached cables. Also, if we're assigning just a few lights, the rest shouldn't be checked out.

We need to let users work on single objects in a drawing without checking out other items that seem unrelated.

The PS file is located at:

[http://pss.vectorworks.net:22001|http://pss.vectorworks.net:22001/]

Projects/Vectorworks 2024 SP1 B1 Acceptance Test/sparker/29.0.1_721587 cable tools acc test.vwxp

VE-102425

Spotlight LED Screen tool needs weight per panel info

Scott Parker

When inserting an LED wall the tool can figure out how many panels are needed to fill the overall size specified. Each panel of an LED screen will have a set weight. At the moment, the LED Screen object has a Distributed Weight field which does not calculate the load for based on the number of panels.

This leads to drastically incorrect load calculations.

To accurately calculate the weight of an LED screen/wall, one needs to manually figure out the linear distributed weight. This calculation needs to be done EVERY time the user makes a change to the height of their LED screen.

Likely the best place for this field is right under the Width & Height fields. Thus, the user will see it at the start and enter what they need.

VE-104950

GDTF Fixture Mode dialog doesn't allow double clicking to select and close the dialog

Scott Parker

In the GDFT Fixture Mode dialog, please allow users to select, assign, and close then close the dialog via double clicking on a list browser choice.

VE-104699

Equipment and Inventory dialog T02059 not seeing VW truss tool truss

Scott Parker

This was not included in the task.

Our dialog is not seeing straight or curved truss placed by our VW truss placement tools. We need to show the basics for each.

For Straight, we can Concat Length, Hight, Width, Profile, and Connection. Followed by the EntEquipUniversal and Layer fields.

For Curved, we can Concat Diameter, Total Arc, Height, Width, Profile, and Connection. Followed by the EntEquipUniversal and Layer fields.

The OIP for the straight and curved truss do not have inventory parts, virtual parts, or assign source.

VE-104916

Spotlight Equip Summary Key T02059 when count is not shown, remove column space

Scott Parker

When a user unchecks the show counts checkbox, we should narrow the border box automatically. Right now, the count column width is still being accounted for when drawing the border.

VE-104800

Spotlight cable tools, new cable path data tag needed with cable ID and Used Parts Ordered

Scott Parker

Please build a new custom cable data tag for paths. We have one that gives us a Cable List. Please make another that includes the User Parts Ordered field for each cable. See attached.

Left column will be the Cable ID, and the right column will be the matching User Parts Ordered field.

VE-104794

Spotlight Truss insertion tool, add line drawing constraints

Scott Parker

Adding the line drawing constraint settings to the Truss insertion tool will allow easier and consistent placement of truss.

Adding the Draw from Center option to the truss insertion tool will allow one to draw a run of truss based on the CenterLine of a stage.

Help files refer to the Creating single lines help page.
|Mode|Description|
|Constrained
!Line_Constrain_mode.png!|Constrains the line to be vertical, horizontal, and 30 degrees or 45 degrees from vertical or horizontal in any direction|
|Unconstrained
!Line_Unconstrain_mode.png!|Draws the line at any angle
Press and hold the Shift key to snap the line to predetermined angles|
|Vertex
!Line_Vertex_mode.png!|The first click is the start point of the line|
|Center
!Line_Center_mode.png!|The first click is the center point of the line; the line is drawn outward in both directions from the center point|

VE-104506

Spotlight Inventory T02059 revise display for cables to show cable definition

Scott Parker

We have many different types of cables within a general cable type. "Jumper cables" can contain dozens of different types of cable. The display currently shows "JumperCable" followed by the length. The issue, as shown in the attached screenshots, is we can have several "JumperCable, 25'0"" containing Edison, L6-20, etc. types of cables.

Users will benefit in seeing the used cable type in the collapsed view.

If we could concat the Used Cable field into the main display line, this would be very helpful.

[~nhilendarov]

VE-104202

ConnectCAD drop points and cables to snap to objects at height

Scott Parker

It would be helpful to have ConnectCAD Drop Points and cables to snap to objects in a 3D space and accept the z-height of the snapped-to object. Once clicked, the cable or drop point would contain and use the appropriate height. This is instead of having to pre-define the Cable Heights in advance.
Case in point, snapping to a light or hanging position in a light plot.

VE-103508

Spotlight Cable Tools add power Source ID to Power Overview tab of web palette

Scott Parker

There is no way to tell which generator is which in the power overview tab.

Please add an ID column. Or, append the generator name with its ID.

VE-104338

Add more data sources to Create Data Tag Style dialog property choices

Scott Parker

When selecting an object to create a new data tag style, it would be very helpful to add Data Source sections to the property list of choices.

In my case, I wanted to add the layer #L# of the object to the data tag. My object's record does not contain the layer info. I had to finish creating the data tag first, and then edit the style again to add the layer field.

VE-103284

Spotlight cable tools property view needs power pathway column for missing info

Scott Parker

We need a column that traces the power path from the load name back to the generator and it needs to include each distributor device along the way. Perhaps something like the "Used Parts Ordered" column used by cable runs.

In the attached file I have several lighting devices that are patched using breakouts. For lighting devices that use a breakout, the connected power distributor column shows the breakout information but is missing the distributor in which thier upstream fuses are located.
Even though the fuse column contains breaker or dimmer numbers, when using multiple distributors, we will have multiple copies of the same breaker/dimmer information.

VE-104312

Add Extra Large option to Control Sizes

Scott Parker

Please add an Extra Large option to the Control Sizes in the VW Preferences dialog. I've attached a screenshot showing the difference on my 4K monitor between 2022 and 2023 with 2023 set to Large. Better, but could still be larger.

VE-104275

Improve error for out-of-date files. Add a location

Scott Parker

Displaying the file location would help a user find the file in question. Though it has the file name, we have no way of knowing where the file is stored.

The file "AEC-UK-Uniclass2015-ARCHITECT-Ss-System.vwx" is not in
the format used by the application version that you are running, so it
cannot be opened here. Use the Open command in the File menu to
open and then re-save it.

Related VB-194846

VE-104188

Split Tool should set polygons to Closed as default

Scott Parker

Splitting a closed object results in two objects that have defaulted to open objects. Users must click the "closed" checkbox in the OIP before deselecting. It would be preferred to have the checkbox default to closed.

VE-103999

Add "cyclical symbol" to the glossary in our help file

Scott Parker

We have a warning dialog, "Using symbol "xxx" for replacement would create a cyclical symbol," without any guidance as to what a "cyclical symbol" is and why this might not be a good thing.

Please offer users some help on this. Any/all of these:
# A help icon.
# More info about cyclical symbols in the dialog itself.
# A definition in the help file glossary.

VE-102685

Hoists need Cable Lenght field back

Scott Parker

In the US, riggers use the Control Cable Length field for use with Data Tags to communicate the needed cable to the rigging crew on site. On the rigging plots, not the electrical layout paperwork, the head rigger adds the hoist number and the cable length to the paperwork. This allows the local crew to pull a hoist and the specified cable from the gear area and bring them both out to the proper location on the truss. The crew member then places the hoist, connects the cable.

Since the plan is to have the Cable & Power Planning layout tools specify the needed cables, this cable length field should be filled in by the C&PP tool. However, this field should be user-editable to allow riggers who are not using power planning to add their needed cable lengths.

User request is shown here: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/91833-control-cable-length/#comment-418227

VE-102814

Add Worksheet on Drawing checkmark column to Resource Manager

Scott Parker

When browsing dozens of worksheets in the resource manager, it would be handy to have a checkmark column showing which ones are placed on the drawing. Or perhaps the text could be bolded.
If possible, another column with the layer(s) the worksheet appears upon?
This would save users a lot of time versus the current method of right-clicking each worksheet to see if the checkmark is next to "Worksheet on Drawing."

VE-102812

Worksheets. Locate in drawing option in worksheet menu and Resource Manager

Scott Parker

Since worksheets can remain open regardless of the layer we are in, it can be difficult to remember which worksheet is assigned to which layer. Though the checkmark next to "Worksheet on Drawing" is valuable, it does not help us find it.

Adding a menu option to the worksheet's file menu of "Find in Drawing" would likely be an often-used option. Alternatively, having an "Activate Layer" would also solve the problem.

Additionally, when browsing worksheets in the resource manager it would be equally useful to have a "Locate in Drawing" function. Perhaps added to the right-click menu.

This functionality would be valuable to all users of Vectorworks.

VE-102903

Add a Data Tags filter under the All Resources pull-down in the Resource Manager

Scott Parker

With Data Tags becoming system-wide for VW users, we should have a resource filter in the RM for them.

VE-103998

Add a cancel button to the cyclical symbol warning dialog box

Scott Parker

If I am creating a symbol that results in a cyclical symbol, I am presented with a warning dialog, "Using symbol "xxx" for replacement would create a cyclical symbol."

The dialog box has only one option, OK. We don't offer the user an option to back out of the operation. Please add a cancel button.

VE-103997

Closing VW, please add "yes to all" button in dialog asking "do you want to save changes..."

Scott Parker

When closing VW with several files open, adding a "yes to all" option would be a time saver for users who wish to save all files upon exiting.

Currently, users need to wait for each file to save before having the option to say "yes" to the next file.

VE-103789

Spotlight lighting devices to adopt Hanging Position ROLL for Y rotation upon insertion

Scott Parker

When inserting a lighting symbol upon a hanging position using the lighting insertion tool, the lighting unit should adopt whatever angular value is contained within the ROLL field of said hanging position and adopt it for the lighting symbol Y rotation field. The result will be the lighting device will insert itself in the appropriate Y rotation, as seen in the screenshot attached.

Currently, inserting a lighting device onto a hanging position hangs it in the downward ZERO Y rotation regardless of the roll setting of the hanging position.

Interestingly, once a lighting device is attached to a hanging position, changing the roll value rotates the lighting position along its Y rotation axis.

This enhancement request will relate to task T02404 as it relates to attaching lights to truss chords.

VE-103411

Create a report listing fonts used in current document.

Scott Parker

Whether via a report or a worksheet, users will benefit from having the ability to create a list of fonts they are using in their current document. This list will allow them to share the appropriate fonts needed for collaborators to experience the same visual layout intended by the original user.

The only way to see what fonts a user might be missing is to import the drawing to the receiving machine. Once the list of missing fonts is shown, the receiving user must request those fonts from the original user.

Another option is to add a column into the font mapping dialog box to indicate what fonts are being used in the current document. The column could be populated with the word "present" for fonts stored in the local machine and the replacement font field would be greyed out.

VE-103283

Spotlight cable tools power planning property view column headers word wrap

Scott Parker

Please allow the column header titles in the property view to expand vertically and wrap the text into multiple lines. This will allow users to make narrower columns in order to fit more information in the power planning palette window.

VE-103285

Spotlight Cable Tools Power Planning Property View pane needs to retain column settings

Scott Parker

Users wish to rearrange columns and set the column widths in the Property View pane of the Power Planning Palette. The columns reset each time the palette is refreshed, or the file is reopened.

The columns should retain the layout settings between refreshes and file sessions.

Users will likely want to set their columns for future use in new files. Therefore, columns should be allowed to be set and saved as defaults.

VE-103286

Spotlight Cable Tools Power Planning Connection View pane needs to retain column settings

Scott Parker

Users wish to rearrange columns and set the column widths in the Connection View pane of the Power Planning Palette. The columns reset each time the palette is refreshed, or the file is reopened.

The columns should retain the layout settings between refreshes and file sessions.

Users will likely want to set their columns for future use in new files. Therefore, columns should be allowed to be set and saved as defaults.

VE-103509

Spotlight Cable Tools add power Source ID to Component Graph tab of web palette

Scott Parker

There is no way to tell which generator is which in the component tab.

Please add an ID of the generator to the box of each generator.

VE-102982

Spotlight Cable Tools automatic numbering preferences, add target consumer option

Scott Parker

Please add an option for cables to be labeled with the target consumer ID after the suffix. Electricians will often add labels to their breakout tails that indicate which light (consumer) the circuit is to receive.

This consumer ID is traditionally either the unit number on the pipe or the channel number, a.k.a. control or instrument number. We need to allow the user to choose which field they are using for their ID designation.

VE-102687

Spotlight Cable Tools respect proper connectors and dropdown order

Scott Parker

When a user is assigning circuits and checks the "always use next free output" option from the select output dialog box, the order in which the cable connections progress should move downward from the cable connection chosen by the user. In the screenshot attached, I choose an output A.120 V and I'm using a Socapex cable. Logically, I would expect the next connection to be used to be out. B. 120 V. Followed by C and D. The tool should stop inserting cables once it reaches a connection type that does not match the preceding cables. In this case, it should stop when it reaches the 208 V option.

Currently, the tool seeks out the "next free output" from the beginning of the list regardless of starting point. Thus, my first placed cable is my Socapex, followed by an Edison cable. This is not the desired result.

This current method requires the user to select the desired output each and every time. Thus, adding considerable time to the process.

VE-103232

Spotlight Cable Tools Break-Ins require unwanted Jumper cables

Scott Parker

This file has too many jumper cables.

When using break-ins with distributors, we rarely need jumpers to connect them. Since break-ins come with cables, they plug directly into the sockets contained within distributors.

At the moment, the only way to connect a break-in to a distributor is via the connection pulldown menus. These automatically insert unneeded jumper cables.

We need a way to connect the break-in without adding the extra cables.

VE-103391

Spotlight Power Information Connector field needs user selectable option

Scott Parker

We need to make the Power Information Connector field a pop-up or drop-down so users can set each selected light to use their desired connector.

The current US default is set to Edison, which is inaccurate for many users. We have a range of connectors, including the Edison (Nema 5-15), Twist-Lock, PowerCon, True1, 2P&G Stagepin, and others.

I have attached charts showing various types of connectors.

Each consumer device needs to have ownership of the connector regardless of the circuit it is patched to via the power planning workflow. Having the light have one connector while having the distributor, cable, or breakout have a different one will allow for automated insertion of cable connector adapters.

Related to VB-189874

VE-103239

Spotlight Cable Tools Cable Style needs Data Tag at End of Each Part option

Scott Parker

Please add an "End of Each Part" option to the Cable Style data tag options.

VE-103496

Spotlight Cable Tools daisy chain circuit IDs not reporting as expected

Scott Parker

The attached file shows incorrect circuit names and numbers for lights connected using the daisy-chain mode of the cable tools. We need to change the reporting to reflect the actual circuits being utilized to draw power rather than the single circuit jumping from one light to the next. These will likely need to be assigned part numbers as each one is an electrical extension from the last rather than a newly placed independent circuit.

VE-102378

Spotlight Cable Tools Two-Fer inserts Jumpers when not needed

Scott Parker

Two-fer distributors need to be aware of their reach. Here in the US, two-fers often have tales ranging in length from 12 inches to 36 inches. Inserting a two-fer between two lights that are 24 inches apart does not need any jumpers added. Currently, adding a two-fer distributor object between two lights and then using the cable tool to circuit these two lights results in extra jumper cables being added.

Considering the above, solving the issue can be accomplished in different ways.
1. Creating different twofer distributor symbols each with their predefined length of tales.
2. Adding the ability to allow users to specify the length of the tails.

Similar to the breakout objects from 2021 having a length be assignable to each output, a twofer, or three for, etc. should allow the same functionality. This differs from using a plug box which would require a jumper in most cases. With the exception of lights that are located nearby a plug box where the pigtail of the light itself is within reach to said plug box.

VE-102377

Spotlight Cable Tools assigning multiple lights to shared circuits on the fly.

Scott Parker

When running cables/circuits out to a row of lights on a pipe or truss, it is often desirable to quickly add a two-fer between lights along the way. When running cables using the old cable tools, one could hold down a modifier key that would assign the same circuit number two multiple lights. After releasing the modifier key, the sequential circuit numbering would continue.

The attached video shows how I can quickly circuit a truss run of various lights into a single six-circuit multi-cable.

Process steps towards offering multiple lighting units and circuiting them to a multi-cable distributor object.

Activate a jumper insertion tool.

Select the distributor output (circuit box, breakout, etc.) as the starting object.

Click on the lighting units that you wish to circuit. The first lighting unit would obtain the first circuit number from the distributor object and insert it into the circuit field of the lighting device object.

To two-fer the second lighting unit to the first, hold down a modifier key such as Command and click on the second lighting unit. Holding down the command key would insert the circuit number from the previously chosen lighting unit to be the same. This number gets inserted into the currently selected lighting symbol circuit name/number fields.

Should you wish to two-fer/three-fer the next unit with these prior units, you will keep holding down the Command key while clicking on additional units.

Releasing the Command key and clicking on the next lighting unit will use the next available circuit number from the distributor object. In this example, it would be circuit #2.

Should the user wish to two-fer more units, they would press the Command key for each desired instance.

This process will continue until the user clicks in an empty area, which ends the circuiting command. Or the process would end once the user runs out of usable circuits as defined by the distributor object. For example, if the distributor has only six circuits, the tool would automatically end once the user reaches a point whereby a seventh circuit would be needed.

During this circuit assignments, each lighting unit should receive the following information from the distributor object to which they are being circuited:
Circuit number into the circuit number field.
Circuit name (cable ID) into the circuit name field.
Dimmer number (obtained from the distributor from which power is supplied to the cable run) is inserted into the dimmer field.
The jumper cable length used from the breakout distributor to the lighting unit should be inserted into the cable field.

During the circuit assignments, the multi-cable distributor, or the multi-cable itself, should receive the following information.
Each circuit number should show which lighting units are assigned to the said circuit. If units are two-ferred together, these fields will receive multiple unit numbers. (See screenshot.) Note the Prefix of "Unit" followed by unit numbers separate by commas.

Jumper cables that are inserted into the drawing using the above process should receive the following information:
Cable run ID followed by a colon, followed by the circuit number to which it is assigned.
Loom ID if present.
The unit number from the lighting unit is assigned.
Jumper cable ID numbers could also follow a 1.1, 1.2 type of number system.

VE-102353

Spotlight Change Trim Height of System for Hanging Position improvement for clarity

Scott Parker

Though we are working towards shifting workflow from hanging positions to truss systems, many users will still construct hanging positions out of pipes and other objects.

When selecting a hanging position, the OIP offers a button, "Change Trim Height of System," which only makes changes to truss objects inside the hanging position container. Multiple posts on our forums indicate that many users need clarification on this. When activating the tool and assigning a new height value, the rigging objects inside said hanging positions are moved but the Z height value in the OIP remains unchanged. Thereby confusing.

We should add an option to move the Hanging Position to the drop-down options in the Change Trim Height dialog box. See attached.

If one chooses this new Hanging Position option, the tool should change the Z height value of the hanging position itself, and everything attached should follow. The user may have to reconnect any attached hoists.

VE-103233

Spotlight Cable Tools Break-Outs may require unwanted Jumper cables

Scott Parker

Similar to
# VB-188814

This file has too many jumper cables.

When using break-Outs on a truss, we often have times when we do not need jumpers to connect to nearby lights. Since break-Outs come with cables, they can connect directly.

in the attached test file, I have drawn a red 10-foot radius circle around the breakout. Since the breakout has 10-foot tails (cables with connectors), all lights within the 10-foot radius circle can be connected directly to the output circuits of the breakout. Therefore, jumper cables are not needed for these lights.

We need a way to connect the break-out without adding the extra cables to lights within either a symbol specified or user defined distance.

VE-103421

Data Tags automatically offset placement when multiple data tags are place via PIOs

Scott Parker

With the proliferation of data tags, we need a method to have overlapping data tags automatically offset from each other.
Cable tools have an option to automatically add a data tag at the beginning point of each cable. When doing so, cables originating from the same distribution device all have the same origination point. Therefore, all the data tags are piled atop each other. The user has two options. One, dragging each data tag to another location one at a time. They then need to perform some form of formatting or distribution and alignment adjustments. 2. Using the align/distribution command. This, however, requires several steps. The first is to move one of the data tags off the pile to an estimated distance that will allow the distribution command to fit all the rest in a line. This falls short as all the data tags are distributed in seemingly random order. The distribution command does not currently have a method of sorting the distributed items.

Solutions could include:
1. An automatic offset for data tags when being placed. For plug-in objects that place a single item at a time and then attach their specified data tag, the plug-in object would need to consider data tag placement.
The automated offset would need to measure the bounding boxes of the data tags to avoid collisions.
2. Adding a sorting function to the align/distribution tool would allow the user to choose which data field the sort will be based upon. In the cable tools example, this would likely be the ID field.

VE-103430

Home screen file preview size, please make larger

Scott Parker

It is very hard to see the preview images of recent files. When compared to what the File Open preview gives me in WIndows, I would rarely use the home screen for seeking out recent files.

screenshot attached.

VE-103424

Data Tags for general items like circles, rectangles, arcs, etc.

Scott Parker

Users wish to use data tags for general shapes to report their shape, size, X.Y.Z location, and more. Everything contained in the OIP users can see should be reportable in a data tag.

Question from customer:
_“what is the data tag code to show the radius of an arc. E.g. the perimeter is #Perim# . Is there a list of all codes for reference?”_
I cant see a way to report the radius of something in a data tag, or in a worksheet either, any thoughts?

VE-102690

Video Screen 3 point placement. Make 3rd click land on truss

Scott Parker

In the attached screen shot I show the current and my desired insertion points. Currently, the third click is located at the lens. Thus, the projector lands behind the truss. This means the truss and braceworks do not grab the projector for calculations.

If we can shift the insertion point to the center of the project, the truss will grab the project allowing for calculations.

[~cdunning]

VE-102778

Spotlight Video Screen third click to place project should read truss height and attach.

Scott Parker

Placing a video screen and choosing a three-click method to place the projector allows the user to place the projector at a desired distance.

When placing a projector on a nearby truss:
# The projector should trigger Braceworks to claim ownership of the projector.
# The projector should read the truss height and adjust its Z value to align with the truss.
# An option to have the project land on the top or hang from underneath the truss will be needed.

[~sparker2]

[~cdunning]

VE-102696

Spotlight Cable Tools overwriting existing info during Data Cable planning

Scott Parker

When placing a cable the cable placement tool places the circuit name and circuit number in a lighting device's circuit name and circuit number field. This works as desired.
Those that are following up and placing data cables, however, are having the above information overwritten by the second cable.
Would like to offer a workflow whereby the user does not overwrite their power circuit name and number with subsequent data cables. At the moment, the cable tool does not differentiate between the types of cables being drawn.

If we can offer any of the following, it would be helpful until data cables are implemented.
1. A checkbox that, when checked, inserts the circuit name and circuit number into the appropriate field. When unchecked, the information will not be entered and therefore not overwrite any existing data.
2. A checkbox or additional setting in the automated numbering tool allows the user to insert or not insert the circuit name and number information.
3. A limit of some sort that restricts the placing of circuit names and circuit numbers to that of jumper cables.

VE-103401

Spotlight Duplicate Load ID info into Load Name field of OIP

Scott Parker

Please duplicate the text from the Load ID field into the Load Name field. This will populate the field for reporting needs. Users can override as they need after the first insertion of the object.

The example shown in my screenshot is from a projector.

VE-103264

Bridle tool needs larger shackle for top of down leg for three or more leg bridles

Scott Parker

When rigging bridles, riggers need to adjust the size of the shackle where all the cables meet at the top of the down leg to accommodate multiple cables. Cable eyes should not overlap or be pinched within shackles that are too small.

The current bridle tool allows users to replace shackles on the down leg manually.

To improve the user workflow, having an option to automatically place a specified shackle for each type of bridle (2 leg, 3 leg, 4 leg) at the top of the down leg would be very helpful.

VE-103247

Spotlight Cable Tools add modifier key to drag connected items as one in the power Planning Palette

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to drag an entire system, or parts of sub-systems, as one on the Component and Device Graph panes of the Power Planning Web Palette.
The screenshot attached shows three red boxes. The largest has all devices and these would be moved when a modifier key is pressed and the mouse clicks and drags the top generator.

The 2nd box would move all objects within the box without moving the parent item.

The 3rd box would move only the child objects connected to the top child object. The two levels of parent objects would remain stationary.

This function is needed for larger systems as shown in the second screen shot attached.

VE-103243

Spotlight Cable Tools adding the Input info to Distributors would be helpful

Scott Parker

Some distributor symbols have input info shown in the 2D symbol, and others do not. Having this info is helpful. Please add the input and pass-thru info to the 2D part of the distributors.

VE-103222

Editing a 2D Symbol/Plug-In Object warning dialog needs a cancel button

Scott Parker

When Right-Click selecting a red symbol/plug-in object in the RM and choosing Edit 2D Components presents the user with a warning that editing the object will change how it behaves. Users do not have an option to back out of the command.

Please add a Cancel button to the dialog box.

VE-103174

Multiple Views, saved user layouts

Scott Parker

Add ability for users to save their preferred multiple view panes layouts. I almost never use the standard 4 panes as they are displayed the first time upon activating the multiple view panes. For each new drawing, I need to rearrange my layout. See attached.

I'd like to save my preferred layout for reuse in new drawings.

A bonus would be to allow a list of layouts.

VE-103042

Home Screen, please remember my window size between uses

Scott Parker

The home screen takes up my entire 4K monitor upon opening. After I adjust it to a usable size, it opens the next time again at full screen.

VE-103043

Home Screen, local cloud folder option

Scott Parker

In the Cloud Portal area, add an option to open the user's local synced cloud folder.

My screenshot is just to illustrate what I mean. The wording needs to be much better.

VE-103044

Home Screen, allow file management. Allow move to cloud folder

Scott Parker

Add check marks next to file names.

Add function to move or copy files to the user's local cloud folder, which would then sync to their cloud account.

VE-103041

Home Screen, Please reduce the white space and add more text

Scott Parker

Please make the file browsing more compact or adjustable. Please see the screenshot. The filenames are limited and do not expand when I make the browser window wider. The height of the white space could be reduced to review more file names.

VE-102915

Create Bridle Assembly Diagram dialog box should prefill with current layer

Scott Parker

When building a bridle assembly, users will likely wish to place the diagram on the same layer as the bridle itself. Having the first pulldown menu default to the layer in which the selected bridle is contained would be a time saver.

See attached.

The pull-down will still offer users the ability to place the bridle on whichever layer they wish.

VE-102914

Hoist Context Menu, add "Select Hoists within same system."

Scott Parker

In Task T02291 we have several context selection methods. Symbol, Name, Function, and Capacity.

Adding "by system" would allow users to narrow down their selection to all the hoists specified to move together regardless of the other fields.

Though we do have the option to select all parts of a system via a truss OIP, selecting just the hoists is not an option.

VE-102902

Allow saving even when no changes have been made.

Scott Parker

VW does not allow saving a document unless a change has been made.

To test,
# Open a new, blank document.
# Press Cmd+S to save.

An error appears saying "No changes to save"

At this point, the file is not saved anywhere.

Reasons why a user would like to save a file even though no changes have been made:
* A good habit of saving a file in the desired location at the very start.
* Marking the time and date for the user's OS. This allows the user to update the time stamp without having made any changes.
* Stops the really annoying popup asking if the user would like to save the file or open the settings to the autosave/backup system.

Yes, Save-As is the workaround for the first and third bullets. Bullet #2 is solved by allowing Save to happen anytime a user activates Save regardless of the last time a change was made.

VE-102719

Projectors: offer a Top Trim option

Scott Parker

When placing a projector and choosing the "rigged" option, users that wish to underhang the projector need to research the height of the projector itself. A truss has its Z height set to the bottom of the truss. Having a top trim on the projector will allow a user to enter the truss Z height for trim and the projector will attach to the underside of the truss.

Keeping the top trim option allows users who place their projectors on top of truss to keep the same workflow.

VE-102718

Speaker Array, have checkboxes automatically activate update

Scott Parker

After placing a speaker array and populating the array, all speakers are shown as expected. When a user then checks one of the dispersion buttons, nothing happens until the user then clicks on the Update button.

This is different than the single speaker tool. For a single speaker, the dispersion lines show/hide upon checking the checkbox.

Checking/unchecking these boxes should activate the update.

VE-102689

Cable Basket needs to remove cable when Eyelet is selected

Scott Parker

In the basket dialog box, when changing the basket dimensions preset to eyelet, the height and width are automatically changed to zero but the basket parts are not removed. A venue with eyelets require only the shackle and not the basket parts themselves.

VE-102416

Spotlight Cable Tools cable end marker improvement

Scott Parker

When placing cable objects the ends of the cables are limited to standard line end markers. The cable placed also brings in a very clear graphic symbol linked to each cable type and their corresponding cable length.

Adding an option to the cable settings to specify that symbols be used as cable end markers will greatly improve the clarity of the connection locations of drawn cables.

The user should have the option to show/hide these ending symbols via a checkbox in the OIP.

If this is a doable thing, I'll write a more detailed outline of process.

VE-102672

Spotlight Cable Tools Select Output choice of Always use next free output needs a change

Scott Parker

If I select a distributor output, I'd expect the tool to use the "next" output. At the moment, if ANY output above the currently selected output is open, the patch will use it. This happens regardless of the type of connector being circuited. The attached screenshot shows a distributor that has three different output connectors. In my case, I want to place four Multi cable circuits into Out.A-D.120V and bypass all the Edison connectors. Having chosen a cable with a multicable connector, I have only these outputs to choose from. The current tool does not read the connector and will allow the connector to patch to an incompatible connector.

Additionally, if I were to start at Ed.4A, I'd expect the tool to choose Ed.5A as the "next free output." Whatever my chosen start point is should dictate which output is chosen next.

*Bonus Points* towards having the tool stop and pop an error when one runs out of the chosen connector definition. If I choose OutA.120V, it should allow me to keep assigning new connections until it hits a different connector type. In this case, when it changes the Voltage from 120 to 208.

VE-102600

Duplicates with assigned sequence number should insert after/below original

Scott Parker

When duplicating an item that assigns a sequential number after its name, it would make sense to add that item after or below the original in any list.

The attached screenshot is an example of duplicating a layer. Since the design layer name adds a sequential number after its name, having a duplicated layer added underneath the original would make more sense.

This does not need to change the placement of a new inserted layer.

VE-102534

Spotlight Cable Tools add phase info to consumer items

Scott Parker

In the current display (see attached) the generator and distributor both have loads on Legs 1 & 2. Leg 1 has four loads and Leg 2 has two loads. All six lights are showing they are taking power from Leg 1 only. Currently, this is WAD as these particular consumers are pulling power from one leg.

As an electrician who lays out systems and deals with balancing loads between legs, I would prefer that each consumer tells me with Phase/Leg they are pulling power from. Since we offer a drag and drop interface within the web palette, allowing our users to know which lights are in which leg will allow users to reassign patching as they wish.

Considering we have lighting units that pull from two legs (240V units here in the USA), we need to know which legs are being used.

VE-102495

Spotlight Cable Tools end of cable distributors, aka, breakouts need fields to match their cables

Scott Parker

Distributor objects that are connected to the end of cable runs need fields to match the cables they are attached to.

Since distributors (breakouts, plug boxes, splitters, etc) attached to the end of cables runs are often considered part of the cable run, these objects need matching fields in the object info palette.

Current fields
||Cables ||Distributor Objects ||
|Cable Run ID|ID|
| |Name|
|Universe| |
|Rack ID| |
|Box ID| |
|Port ID| |
|Loom ID| |
|Tape Color Code| |
|Location|Location|
|Volt| |
|Ampere| |
|User Field 1| |
|User Field 2| |

Cable Run ID: Since breakouts and plug boxes are always connected to the end of a cable, they all should have a matching Cable Run ID field.

Universe comes to play when thinking about Opto Splitters placed on the truss.

Rack ID is not high on my list. But for consistency's sake, we should consider.

Box ID is vital to allow for road case management and truck packing.

Loom ID to allow proper prep in the shop before the show is shipped.

Tape Color Code: Production electricians use tape color coding to easily communicate with their crew which cable ends and breakouts are connected together.

Location: already present.

Volt: When users need to match the voltage to that of the cable.

Ampere: same as Volts.

User Fields to give users their own options.

VE-102464

Spotlight Cable Tools Consumer Objects: Connector, voltage, wattage, editing

Scott Parker

For consumer items, we need the ability to edit the connectors being used for each symbol in a drawing.

In the US, we use Edison, Stage Pin, True1, and more. The OIP of consumer symbols need to allow users to edit the connector.

Additionally, the Power Information area at the bottom of the OIP needs to read the user's Voltage and Wattage.

This consumer is available with various options of voltage and wattage.

115V, 120V, 77V are poplular

350W, 575W, 750W

Users will set their own voltages and wattages depending on their needs.

Some will use different settings for duplicate symbols in the same document.

VE-102444

Expand and Reveal Active class upon activation

Scott Parker

When I use the right-click mouse button to activate an item's class and that class is hidden in a collapsed set of classes, the checkmark of the newly active class is hidden. The newly activated class does not trigger an expansion of the collapsed set of classes to reveal itself.

I would have expected the activation of a class to trigger the expansion of the class parent to reveal the active child class.

This will aid the user in figuring out what nested classes items live within.

VE-102424

Spotlight Projector add Trim (Top) option

Scott Parker

When setting a projector to be "Rigged," I'd like to see the "Trim (bottom)" change to "Trim (top)."
Or, let's add a "Trim (Top)" option.
Considering that most rigged projectors hang down from the truss, allowing the user to set the top to match the truss trim height without the need to do the math makes a lot of sense.

Additionally, for those hanging projectors from ceilings, specifying the height from the top allows for easier math. If the user knows their ceiling is 20' and they have a 24" mount, they enter 18' for the top of the projector. Thus, removing the need to measure the projector itself and adding that measurement to figure out where the bottom of the projector will be.

VE-102391

Spotlight cable path, please add ability to specify arrows for direction.

Scott Parker

When drawing a line representing a cable path, the attributes do not allow specifying arrows. Please allow cable paths to use symbols at the end of their lines via the attributes palette.

VE-102339

Spotlight Cable Paths need to allow Auto Classing

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to assign classes to Cable Paths automatically.

VE-102396

Spotlight rename OIP Select System Objects button for Hanging Positions

Scott Parker

Even though I have select just the hanging position portion of a rigged system of truss, the button in the OIP for the said Hanging Position selects the entire system.

I suggest we change the button to read either:

Select Rigging System Objects

Select Entire Rigged System

Select Connected Rigged System

These options better describe what the button does and offers clarity to the user.

VE-102386

Spotlight Power Information in the OIP needs a Connector pull down for Users

Scott Parker

We need a choice of connector for users to choose from if we're going to show the connector and have the cables automatically choose the appropriate cables during cable planning.

In the USA, we can find Edison, Stage Pin, Twistlock, True1, and more.

For an example, I've created a custom pull-down for a "Connector". The Power Information panel should read the chosen connector when this is present.
Screenshot attached

VE-102319

Create report to help users who update drawings. "Invalid Data Sources" is not enough

Scott Parker

Opening the attached file presents us with an error message "one or more data visualizations in the document have invalid data sources."

There is no indication of how many issues there might be in the document nor any hint of what they are.

It would be beneficial to users who are importing such documents to have the ability to run a report so that they can more easily track down invalid sources.

VE-102328

Class Filters, add option to display classes of selected objects

Scott Parker

I'd like to see only the classes being used by a group of selected items. I thought a new classes filter would come in handy. I've added a mock-up screen shot with the addition of a drop down to allow selecting all classes for currently selected items.

This thought comes from the desire to turn off dozens of classes at once after importing a drawing. Being able to select a large group of objects and turning off those classes would be much faster than using the visibility tool on one item at a time.

VE-99903

Braceworks Truss inserts at mid-truss point

Scott Parker

In the attached file, the vertical truss shown in the attached refuses to join at the corner block. The run includes an 8', 6', and 1' strip of truss. This strip attaches between truss sections rather than at the end.
See attached image.
Open attached file, select the set of truss that is not attached to the rest of the structure and drag to connect to the remaining corner block.

Thanks, Scott

VE-101728

Select Similar tool doesn't select symbols with same name

Scott Parker

When trying to select all of the same lighting symbols that have the same name, the select similar tools pops an error.
In the settings of the tool I have only one checkbox checked: "Symbol Name". If a lighting unit has a symbol name in the symbol name field, should it not select all the other symbols with the exact same name?

VE-99657

When a file already exists, add a choice to "save with a new name."

Scott Parker

I was trying to save a copy of a project file in the same location as one I had. The error allowed me to cancel or replace. Please add the choice "save with a new name" to this dialog window. See attached.

VE-100697

Seating tool needs both a chair and a table class

Scott Parker

The seating section tools currently uses "seat" as the default class for all symbol items within the section. The tool needs a table class to allow us to see tables without the chairs for layout purposes.

VE-100714

Table & Chair tool needs more settings. As used in the Seating Section tool

Scott Parker

The Table and Chairs tool could be given a lot more power if you add some of the tools used in the seating section tool.
1. the Customize Symbol settings window that allows to assign the settings by class. Fill color, pen color, texture, etc. See screen shot.
2. Need more default classes support. Matching the classes added via the Seating Section tool would make a lot of sense.
3. Allow the customize symbol tool in the seating section tool to control the inner parts of the Table and Chairs item after it has been created would be fantastic.

VE-102173

Associate Dimensions with 3D objects, as they do for 2D objects

Scott Parker

Currently adding dimensions to a 2D object, let's say a basic rectangle, has the snap points connect themselves to the 2D object. Thus, when you change the size of the object, the attached/connected dimensions and their lines are automatically changed to match.

If one then extrudes that same 2D object into a 3D object, the dimensions no longer associate to the snap points.

If one builds the 3D object first and then adds dimensions, these dimensions do not associate to the snap points.

I propose that the dimensions be able to associate to their respective snap points and function the same as the 2D option. When changing the size of the cube, the dimensions should remain connected to their respective snapped points and these dimensions would change to match.

VE-99318

RM: Add either a Script folder or a way to group scripts.

Scott Parker

In the resource manager, please add either the ability to add a folder to contain script files, OR, allow the RM to group them together regardless of the script names. At the moment, a workaround is to add a prefix of s- to all script names.

VE-100159

Project Share publishing, need to combine all the check outs of layers

Scott Parker

Please combine the checking out of the various items on each layer during publishing. If I am publishing several sheets, I currently need to stay at my computer to click OK for each layer's item that needs to be checked out.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99780

Option to confine Select All to within a Clip Cube

Scott Parker

I would like the option to use the select all tool to select all of something visible in a clip cube. Thus, ignoring all the objects hidden by said clip cube.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100830

Focus Lighting Along Path Tool, please show Beam or Field Angle cone

Scott Parker

I'm playing with the Focus Lighting Devices Along Path Tool. I foresee it being very handy. It would be very helpful if it was to preview the beam and/or filed angle cone shape of light to allow quick figuring of overlapping beams of light coverage.

VE-100829

Allow selection tool to ignore beams of lights when trying to select lighting units

Scott Parker

As seen in the attached screen shot, Trying to select lights that have beams shown doesn't work. I should be able to select lights without having to turn the beams off. Nor should I have to resort to shift-clicking each light to select.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100726

Allow records to be kept in a record folder. Spotlight Numbering Tool Issue

Scott Parker

It seems that the Spotlight Numbering Tool looks at records stored in the root folder of the RM only. I Like to keep my RM organized by storing types of items in parent folders.
Please allow the spotlight numbering tool to seek out records stored in folders.

This has been discussed on the forum here: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/69503-spotlight-numbering-field-list-obj-with-record/#comment-342465

VE-101347

installer offer to create desktop icon

Scott Parker

Please add a checkbox to the installer to add an VW icon to our desktop. It can be on the same installer window that offers to open VW and open the VW registration page.

VE-100837

Focus Along Path Tool: option to set hight of focus points

Scott Parker

Please add an option to assign heights to focus points before placement.

VE-100827

Fixture mode should auto populate

Scott Parker

When inserting a lighting unit that has a fixture mode attached, the mode should automatically choose the first choice.

VE-100835

Focus Along Path Tool: add "At Interval Mode"

Scott Parker

Please add the choice of At Interval Mode as seen in the Spotlight align and distribute tool.

VE-100834

Focus Along Path Tool: option to show beams

Scott Parker

Please add an option to immediately show the lighting unit focus beams of units just focused.
At the moment, the tool adds the focus points and doesn't leave the lights selected. Therefore, I have to reselect said units to draw the beams.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100831

Add modifier key to selection tool to allow select by insertion point

Scott Parker

Based upon further chatting about VE-100829, it would be handy to have a modifier key to set the selection tool to select by the insertion point.
In this particular case, I want to select lighting units with the focus beams are turned on as a group via using the marque selection tool. Drawing a selection shape to include the light and the beam often would include many other objects within the boundary.

VE-100828

Combine or add shortcuts between Braceworks Overview reports

Scott Parker

Please add a shortcut button to both the Load Overview and the Calculation Overview report windows to allow for faster reporting. These two report go hand-in-hand but requires running each on their own.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100802

Update VW Icon with new color or image please

Scott Parker

It's that time again. Playing Whack-a-mole with my icons. Please consider updating/changing the icon for 2021 so it doesn't look like prior years.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100803

Add setting for default scale of new blank document via built in template

Scott Parker

Though the Spotlight blank document has the default of 1/4" scale, I tend to always draft in 1/2" scale. I'm sure others have their own desires. I'd like to have a setting to allow me to set my own starting scale please.
Granted, I rarely use the built in template in favor of my own. But, when I test, I use the built in one and allowing me to save from having to change the scale would be a nice touch.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100715

Table and Chair tool: allow me to set chair width and/or choose my own chairs

Scott Parker

I can change the size of the tables. I'd like to change the width of the chairs.
I'd also like the option to browse my RM to choose my own tables and chairs. Mainly for 3d rendering needs.

VE-100728

Dimension Tool: Please add custom classes to standard dimension tool

Scott Parker

I'd like to have more control over dimensions with classes. This will allow me to assign text styles via classes with fewer steps.

VE-100727

Dimension tool: Add leader text for custom dimension standard

Scott Parker

When creating ground plans for fire marshal approvals for corporate events I need to label exits with the word "exit" and I need to add a dimension of the labeled exit. If I had the ability to create a custom dimension that added the word "exit" before the dimension.
With this function, I'd likely add more prefixes including "Stage", "Drapeline", "Isle", "seating', and more.

VE-100712

Edit Text Style Preview window improvement needed

Scott Parker

Having the Preview window show alignment and an insert Loci would be very helpful. See attached screenshot.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100693

Seating Section tools needs Offset amount option

Scott Parker

Choosing offset in the seating tool should allow me to set the offset distance in percentages of the table/seat size.
The attached image shows tables that are set to offset, but do not align as desired. I'd want these to fully alternate spacing to resemble the pattern of a the five on a casino dice.

VE-100463

VW Viewer, please allow access to Nav Palette

Scott Parker

The Nav palette is a much simpler method to use vs. opening up the Organization window to change layer and scale visibility settings. Since they basically do the same thing, restricting the use of the Nav palette seems like an unnecessary roadblock for viewer users.

VE-100330

Add Option to Publish to VWX from Poject Share working files

Scott Parker

Almost every time I need to send a file to a venue, I need to send a PDF from a sheet layer and and copy of the VWX file. When working in a Project Share working file, I'd like to have the option to publish to VWX so that both the PDF and VWX end up in the same folder. Even better would be to allow me to publish to prior versions of VW.
This opens up a lot of options. Publishing just what's in the chosen sheet layer to the VWX could include the option to purge all un-seen objects. Thus, making the file much smaller and allowing for more frequent updates between us and the venues.

VE-100275

Please add a Reset or Release button next to the Filters in the NAV Palette

Scott Parker

The Filters are terrific. Releasing requires pulling down and navigating up to "All ...." It would be faster to have a release or reset button next to the filter button. See attached.

VE-100255

Project Share, list of company users along with standard colors

Scott Parker

Since we project share with many of the same team members, it would be nice to have a saved list of some sort. Rather than the current "import for other file" method that requires one to have access to the other files.

Also, each time I create a new project share, my own color seems to be chosen at random.

VE-100242

VW Viewer, add ability to add dimensions and print

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to add dimensions to a sheet layer and then print.

I completely understand limiting what one can do in a simple viewer. This one tool would be a tremendous asset to someone working in the field.

VE-100253

Dropbox Smart Sync: Restrict VW browser windows from activating Smart Sync.

Scott Parker

Dropbox has a function called Smart Sync which allows the user to set folders to either sync local or sync on-line only. Files using the setting On-Line Only are automatically downloaded when called upon.

The VW open window triggers ALL the files in any folder opened while browsing for the file I actually want to open.

The VW finder windows need to not trigger the setting, but also show the file names while browsing for the desired file.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100243

VW Viewer needs a different icon

Scott Parker

Perhaps something with two V's? Like Vv instead of the exact same V icon.

VE-100241

VW Viewer Navigation

Scott Parker

The viewer needs to have the navigation palette activated. Currently, only the layers that are turned on in the VWX file are visible as overlay layers. One can use the Layers pull down menu to see other layers, but this doesn't allow you to turn on several layers to see how things work together.

I need to be able to have the lighting layer AND the truss layers on at the same time.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100245

Please add setting to save Multi-View Panes default

Scott Parker

I almost always use three panes, one main and two on the bottom, rather than the four equal sized panes opened with activating "enable multiple view panes."

I'd like to be able to save my layout as my default. Perhaps along the lines or Saving palette views.

Thanks, Scott

VE-100069

Widen the save as text entry window

Scott Parker

We use rather long file names and it's hard to read the entire line of text in the save window in Mac OS. I don't know if this is a VW thing or a limitation of the Mac OS.
See attached

VE-100012

Locking or Read Only documents in RM workgroup folders

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to make a document Read Only in a shared workgroup folder in the RM.
I have various departments who create symbol drawings and it would be handy to keep others from being able to edit these shared symbol files.
Either locking to the original author or create an admin/user level setting to allow a company's VW admin to open the same file if the author departs.

VE-99955

More info in the Updater tool window please

Scott Parker

Please add the current build to the updater window.
Please add the incoming build number as well.
Please see attached.

VE-99946

"Witness lines" vs. "Guidelines" in Spotlight Preferences

Scott Parker

In the Spotlight Preferences window, but the Witness line class, I suggest changing the default to Rigging-Witness Lines rather than the current Rigging-Guidelines.
Or, let's change Witness lines to Guidelines.

Personally, I think "homing lines" might be better overall. This is actually what the line does.
Or "Hang Point Lines"
I don't think Witness nor Guidelines are specific to what these lines are.

Best, Scott

VE-99754

I would like to use Design Layer Viewports referencing between Project Share working files

Scott Parker

Crazy request. I am working with two different teams of event designers, each in a project share file, and I would like to be able to add design layer reference viewports between the two working files on my computer.

Specifically, I need to match truss and rigging systems between the two files and I want to overlay the layout from each to the other. I can't simply copy/paste in place as both files are also using Hanging positions and lighting is snapped to each. If I copy/paste, Braceworks will not be happy.

As I said, call me crazy. But this would save me a bunch of time.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99786

Multiple View Panes: Trade Views

Scott Parker

I'd like the option to have my view panes trade Current Views.
I have three panes, one big one on top and two smaller side-by-side below. The top is my main work area set to Top/Plan and the two below are set to Front and Left Iso.
When I switch my main pane to Left Iso, I'd like the pane below that is currently set to Left Iso to switch to Top/Plan. When I switch my main working window back to Top/Plan, I'd like the other to revert back to Left Iso. Same for the front pane.
Perhaps panes could be set to a desired default view and they switch only between default views. If I switch to something not set as default, the other panes do not switch.

VE-99779

Braceworks Truss systems: additional selection items please. All Truss, All Hoists

Scott Parker

In the OIP of a truss symbol and/or a hanging position, I'd like the option to "Select Connected Truss Symbols" and "Select Connected Hoists."
Let's say I have a truss run that's 400' long (I do in my current project) and I want to select all the truss in the run. I have to use a very long and thin selection box to avoid the hoists. Then I have to deselect any loads I've added.
If I use the "Select objects of same cross section", I get all the matching truss in the drawing. If I use "Select Object of Same Symbol" I get all the matching symbols in the drawing.

Same request for selecting all the hoists connected to my 400' truss run. Let's say I need to change all the hoists from 1/2 ton to 1/4 ton. Right now I have to carefully select each one in the run.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99778

Add ability to select more than one truss system at once.

Scott Parker

When I have several truss systems I'd like to be able to choose more than one system at a time. In the OIP I am able to choose the system connected to the single object I have selected. If I want two systems, I need to select one via the OIP elect System Objects button, but then need to select the second system part by part.

Case in point, truss systems that cross each other and are connecte via drop hoists or dead-hangs. You can only select one level via the OIP. The second needs to be selected part by part.

VE-99736

Project share plotting, please combine checkout of "Core Print Info"

Scott Parker

When sending more than one sheet to the plotter I am presented with the "do you want to check them out?" window for "Core Print Info". This is for each sheet being sent. Thus, I have to sit a wait to do the checkouts until my stack of drawings is sent. Each time requiring two clicks.

Please have all these checkouts combined.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99714

Batch Rename, Add renumber function for Sheet layers

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to renumber sheet layers to the batch rename tool.
Perhaps add a wildcard to the search window and then add a sequential number command.
Search for "Sht-*" and then change to "Ltg-(renumber starting with)"
This would allow adding, deleting, re-ordering sheet layers.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99715

Project Share reporting, please include Layers

Scott Parker

As Custom Release only works on objects, please change the system so that The criteria system will also report on layers.

VE-99676

Publish command, please change "Publish To" pulldown to Radio buttons or Columns

Scott Parker

The "Publish To pulldown" list has only five choices. These five could easily fit as radio buttons. Thus saving a click per operation. Or make Columns with check marks for these settings.
See attached.

VE-99677

Viewports, add an anchor point. Much like Detail viewports, would allow easy moving

Scott Parker

Like a detail viewport, adding the ability to have a regular viewport have a visible anchor point in a design layer would save time when moving items around. This would also allow us to use these in other design layers as detail VPs do not.
Having these would negate the need to edit the crop on all the sheet layers when an item moves locations on a design layer.
See attached for an illustration.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99675

Project Share option to revert when Purging from Working File

Scott Parker

When someone else has purged items from their working file, I'd like to be given the option to review what was purged so I might have the option to revert those items in my working file.
When purging from a working file one is presented with a warning that my purge will purge items in other working files and to check with others before doing so. Allow me the option to revert the purged items from my working copy would allow me to save my work rather than lose items I am still using.

VE-99656

Allow copy/paste of class settings from one class to another

Scott Parker

Add some sort of eyedropper tool to allow one to grab settings from one class and apply them to another. Perhaps in the Right-Click menu when in the class structure window. See attached.

VE-99526

Add the name of Hanging Position to Truss Record of truss contained within.

Scott Parker

Greetings

I'd like the Position Name of a hanging position to automatically be adding to a report-able field in the Truss Record of the truss objects contained within the hanging position object.

At the moment, I need to open each hanging position object and copy/paste the "Position Name" into the User Field. This is both time consuming and a hassle when wanting to change the HP name.

I want this to aid in making better worksheet reports. Having my lists of the truss assigned to various hanging positions aids in everything from truck packs to on site logistics.

The function would need to update the names at anytime to allow HP name changing.

I see two options going forward. Either add a field to the Truss Record named Hanging Position. This would only be filled when the truss is inside a HP. Or, simply allow the user to specify which User Field to use in some sort of setting. This would need to be document wide to avoid accidentally filling in Field 1 in some truss and field 2 in other truss.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99506

Add Attache/Detach Record tool to Right Click for folders in RM

Scott Parker

The attach and detach record tool in the tools menu is terrific. It would be nice to have it listed as a choice while in the RM when right clicking on a symbol folder. See attached.
It would be even better if the Symbol Folder drop down would automatically pick up the proper symbol folder when right clicked.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99504

Please add a "show me" button to Project Share Custom Release tool

Scott Parker

When doing a custom release of a user's items, I'd like to see the items to figure out what they have checked out. Please add a show me button. See attached.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99474

Please add a "show me" button to error "That name is already being used..."

Scott Parker

If I create a new folder in the RM with a name that clashes with an existing object, I'd like a button to show me said existing object. See attached.

Thanks, Scott

VE-99473

Add ability to Update Symbols with revised record info.

Scott Parker

Please add a tool to refresh/update symbols with info revised in chosen attached data records.
I'm updating information on several records that are attached to items in my drawing. Once the record is updated, there doesn't seem to be a way of having the existing symbols already placed in the drawing receive this new information.
This comes to be an issue in existing worksheets that are counting said symbols.
Thanks, Scott

VE-99300

RM, Add Right Click to Reveal Folder/FIle in Finder/Explorer

Scott Parker

Please add the ability to navigate to the folder on our hard drive via right clicking on a folder in the Resource Manager.

VE-99319

Add Tags to the New Layer & classes windows

Scott Parker

Would be nice to add tags during the creation of new layers.
Further, would be nice to add my own default tag to all layers I create when we use Project Shared files.
Same for classes.

VE-99301

Need ability to copy and apply current layer/class to update viewports

Scott Parker

See attached. 1000 words in one image.
Perhaps a button in the viewport layer/class properties that can "Refresh with Current Nav Pallete Settings."
OR, add a "redefine" option in the Viewports pane of the Nav pallete.
I could use an easy way of updating/copying current visibilities from my current design layer work into an existing viewport? Without deleting said viewport and making a new one. Or without searching line by line for visibility settings.

Let's say I have a template with existing viewports on existing sheet layers. Said viewports will have various layers and classes set to their own visibility settings.

Now, let's say I do a bunch of drawing/editing in various design layers. While doing so, I make changes to my current set of drawing layer and class visibility settings.

VE-100759

Data Tagging Locked Items

Scott Mann

The data tag tool does not work on locked items. If using a layer reference, the program locks the items that are referenced into a file. The tool should allow users to pull data from the referenced file without changing the locked file.

VE-102674

Adjustable Door and Window Header Location in Walls

Scott Mann

When placing doors and windows in walls with components, it is common to have a wall component that sits below the door/window head, ie water tables and wainscot. The header for these instances needs to be adjustable so that the line of the header matches finish wall components that are different than components shown below. -See Attached screenshot and file for example.

VE-102586

Data Tag Rotate Text with Marker

Scott Mann

It would be helpful to add the 'Rotate Text with Marker' constraints feature to the Data Tag Tool.

See the screenshots below.

VE-102588

Create Sheet List' should use the Preformatted Drawing List Report in Architect, Landmark, Designer

Scott Mann

The 'Create Sheet List' menu command creates a static spreadsheet and causes confusion as Architects create new sheets and it does not update.

I'd recommend changing that menu command so that it creates the preformatted 'Drawing List' Database worksheet. This is a live worksheet and updates with new Sheet Layers.

-Screenshots below

VE-101932

Symbol Gimbal

Scott Mann

It's becoming more common for symbol resources in modeling programs to have insertion and editing controls that are similar to the Clip Cube adjustment controls, or the Sub Division adjustment controls.

The idea is that adjusting symbol placement should easier, more interactive, and intuitive when it is selected. Instead of rotating a symbol using the rotate tool, or moving the symbol with the various move tools. The move and rotate controls should appear when a symbol is selected. This interactive control could look like the clip cube controls. --see screenshot.

VE-99726

ADA Door Option

Scott Mann

A Door Plugin Tool option that includes an ADA checkbox. If the box is checked, it will provide 2D geometry of minimum clearances based on these options: Front Approach Push Side, Front Approach Pull Side, Latch Approach, Hinge Approach, Interior, Exterior, Latch, Closer, and Recessed. Code requirements are attached to this VE for clarification.

VE-99897

Property Line Tool Georeferencing, Counter Clockwise Input, & Bearings Default

Scott Mann

In most design projects, the north arrow is not at 0˚ (N 0˚0'0" E). Users have to place the property line and then move and rotate them to fit to project north. It would be much more intuitive if the tool corresponded with the Georeferencing True North Angle Setting. It would also be helpful if there was a counter clockwise check box for inputing straight line Bearings/Azimuths like we have for curved lines. The default tool setting should also be changed from Azimuth to Bearing.

VE-100743

Automatic Viewport Naming Standard

Scott Mann

A check box to automatically name Viewports should use the standard:
Sheet#:Drawing#:Drawing Title. -see screenshots

This would be a significant improvement for viewport creation and management of visibilities and drawing marker coordination.

VE-100749

Window Plan View Graphics: Wall Beyond

Scott Mann

The wall graphics should be visible beyond the cut plane in top/plan view if the window casing/jamb does not extend through the entire opening. -see screenshots

VE-100723

Stair Tool Insertion Point

Scott Mann

Hello,

This is a request to move the insertion point from the front midpoint of the stair nosing to the midpoint of the riser facing. The riser connects to the floor below and is the appropriate control point when inserting stairs. -see attached images.

Thank you.

VE-100695

Story Styles - GDP Malaysia

Scott Mann

This is a request based on our visit to Kuala Lumpur and Dubai to create Story Styles. This would enable users to save Story types or styles that can be quickly added to a project. There is also a need to create Stories at the same elevation. For instance 2 story of parking might be the same as 1 story of the lobby. There are workarounds, but it isn't ideal.

GDP's average building is 60 stories. The Story dialog control can be much more robust in order to compete with the other BIM softwares. -see attached photos

VE-99998

Walkthrough Animation Along a Path

Scott Mann

Improvements that would greatly improve this tool:

• The ability to create a camera focus point for single and multiple keyframes along a path.
• Camera smoothing between keyframes.
• The ability to export a movie in forward and reverse.

New improvements to the walkthrough tool are a step in the right direction, but the UI and options make this tool unusable in a productive workflow. -See attached.

VE-105134

2D Drawing Improvements

Scott Lebsack

The consistency, reliability and usability of +some+ of our 2D drawing tools are mediocre in comparison to our competition. I've linked to a few bugs/enhancements related to this issue and will include a brief summary and additional issues here.
* https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-105038 -Fillets are inconsistent, see comments.
* https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-105037 - Arc issues, see comments
* https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-199393 - Trimming Problems
* Bezier Curve Discussion - [https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/CCL8DP7FZ/p1695916516332119]

Regarding Bezier curves and NURBS, I'm unfamiliar with architecture, but when planning in 2D many Landscape Architects are looking for very simple polylines. Bezier curves and conversion to NURBS (this seems to happen often when creating something like a hardscape from a shape), causes unnecessary complication. The abilty to by default prevent creation of Bezier curves or conversion to NURBS unless absolutely necessary would be appreciated.

Missing Tool modes:
* Tan, Tan, Rad for defining CIRCLEs and ARCs would greatly speed up drafting of curvilinear elements.
* The ability to define an ellipse by one axis (centerline) and 1/2 of its second axis would eliminate several steps in some scenarios.

I'll continue to comment with additional tweaks as I come across them.

VE-103078

Irrigation Filter - Retain previous state

Scott Lebsack

If a filter is active in an irrigation catalog the preferred behavior would be to remain active (checked) until the document or program is closed, or a new irrigation catalog is opened.

VE-103583

New Features and Modes for Fillet, Chamfer and Connect/Combine

Scott Lebsack

These seem very basic, and should probably have been done long ago?

New tool features:

Allow closure of an open polyline with the Connect/Combine, Fillet or Chamfer command - in addition to checking the closed box in the OIP and getting an odd angle between open endpoints, allow a user to select either mode and settings to close using either tool.

Allow a user to "redo" a Connection, Fillet or Chamfer
Currently on a polyline, once a fillet is complete, there is no easy way to adjust the fillet - the two lines that were used to determine the fillet are still present, but I cannot use the fillet command to eliminate the current arc and redo the fillet easily. This seems basic? As long as the lines selected are co-planar eliminate whatever existed previously between them and join the lines at a point (connect/combine), or with a fillet or chamfer. For some reason the polyline is getting in the way of constructing the desired shape, I know this is possible in other software.

New modes to the Fillet:
# Trim and Join - join the two lines and Fillet into a single polyline
# Fillet with largest radius - use the endpoints and angles of two lines being joined to determine the maximum radius (and join)
# Tangent, Tangent, Radius - similar to above, allow selection of two lines and calculate the largest radius available between the two, auto fill that number, but allow user to manually enter a number below that maximum. (and join)

Update Chamfer Mode selection
Move Fillet mode selection out of settings and onto mode bar

New Chamfer Mode:
# For line length allow setting angle relative to line one, two, absolute.

VE-104977

Ability to set text to ALWAYS be in front

Scott Lebsack

Offer the ability to always have text above (in front of) other objects. There are many different ways I could image this being implemented. It could be done in file properties, it could be set as default behavior, with the ability to uncheck the box. It could be managed by content type - one would guess that all callouts should be on top...

Requested from Forums https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/110506-ability-to-float-callouts-above-other-objects/

VE-105010

Text Background masking

Scott Lebsack

The following feature would be useful for most text objects.

AutoCAD has the ability to smartly "mask" text. In this case the mask is called "background" and the function it performs is to "knock out" (remove) any lines within the boundary of the text box and border defined. Instead of filling the boundary with a color, it uses what is already in the drawing background.

This would be very useful for contour labels in Landmark/Architect

VE-102532

Add Rotate grip to text boxes and symbols

Scott Lebsack

It would be helpful to have 1 or two rotate grips on text and symbols. I very often used to need to rotate a chair symbol, or rotate text to align with a contour line. It would be a substantial time saver to be able to grab a rotation handle parallel to the text to quickly align it, rather than having to invoke the rotate command. It wasn't uncommon to do this several hundred times when labeling existing contours on a survey.

VE-103956

Worksheet updates

Scott Lebsack

# *Formatting Enhancements -* It would be appreciated if the worksheet user interface was updated to something more graphic and accessible. Folks are used to Excel or similar when formatting cells. the same would be nice in our worksheets. Right now alignment, font, just about everything is buried in a menu item and multi-pane dialog. Making formatting data more user friendly would benefit everyone using worksheets.
# *Summarization/Sorting enhancement -* A quick checkbox to enable/disable summarization and sorting would be beneficial when troubleshooting a worksheet. I sometimes have more than 5 columns with various settings, that are a pain to remove for checking and then re-enable.
# *Worksheet Text Styles and Worksheet Styles -* I would like the ability to setup overall styles for worksheets that would include text styles for application to different data types Titles, Labels and data, setting should include font, font color, background color, borders, etc. to easily apply to worksheets for a consistent look throughout a file, or office.
# *Unit Formats -* If the formula in a cell calls for a volume, the cell should display units by default, while still allowing for manual override
# *Rounding* - Users need the ability to round values in cells. I should be manual, but if I have several hundred feet of fencing, I don't care about inches, or potentially, depending on scale It could be rounded to the nearest 10' - 100'
# *More helpful report building -* When editing a report, additional filters would be helpful, but ignoring the current filter would be helpful as well. I almost never understand where the value I'm looking for may be stored and the differentiation between Records, Function, Data Sheets, Styles, IFC and Cobie seems arbitrary? Many times I'd like to search across all the values. Almost always, when using the search function, I am looking for counts, or numbers that return an actual value, the ability to "Ignore" (or filter) values that return a true or false would be extremely helpful, too. In addition, the criteria selection should be the first filter, if something isn't applicable given the selection criteria it should be hidden, this might need to be overridden in special cases, but likely not often.
# *Worksheet Title* - It would be great to have a checkbox to link the worksheet title and resource name, with the ability to uncheck and manually enter a worksheet title.
# *Subpart Reporting* - (in the last couple of years) users need a way to differentiate between subparts and the main component, for instance with formatting using styles, perhaps subparts could be italic or parent objects could be semi bold? It would be good to have the option to leave non-applicable (N/A) cells blank. It would also be helpful to have a "Compund" cell value - assign one value to the cell for the parent object and a secondary value for subpart values?
# *Preview Values* - It would be helpful to show preview values from the current file of selected report elements as they are added to a report.

VE-103409

Apply the "Style" metaphor properly to text styles

Scott Lebsack

Request from the forum, that I thought was an elegant solution for text styles.

Very often I want to change a text objects font, size or color without changing it's alignment or other characteristics. Using our current Style approach and adding "By Style" and "By Instance" toggles to the text style implementation would offer a better more flexible approach than is currently available.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/100600-text-styles-should-have-by-instance-option-for-attributes/

VE-104987

Batch Rename - Additional Filters

Scott Lebsack

Using search for a filter is great. I often use it to find which resources I want to rename, however, often as part of the rename, the search filter no longer shows the resources I've just applied changes too. It would be good to have the option to show "Active" or "Selected" items, once I have a subset of the resources selected.

An additional helpful filter would be to show only items changed by the current proposed action, which would then allow a user to refine the selection by "un-checking" resources prior to applying the selection.

VE-104591

Fence: Specifi mode for "Fabric" fences

Scott Lebsack

Fabric fences are not handled well with the current fence tool. I think this type of fence may need to be added as a special mode under the "racked" category. The current work around is the set a zero depth profile of a given height and "construct" the fence from a single "rail" and posts. A texture is then added to the "rail" to represent the fence style. This fails in several ways:
# The texture does not follow any slope on which the fence is placed.
# when broken, the fence tool uses the center point of the rail, rather than "clipping" the rail perpendicular to grade
# the use of a single large "rail" to represent the fabric is not intuitive.

VE-104345

Automatically zoom extents when entering symbol edit

Scott Lebsack

I always have to perform a zoom extents when entering symbol edit, usually the elements I'm looking to edit are not even visible initially... Maybe my typical workflow is different than most, but this seems like it might be an improvement to automatically zoom and center content when entering the edit symbol workspace.

It would also be good to have the menu remember it's location and not reset to the very top left when opening a file - if it could appear near the exit arrow in the upper RH corner consistently, at least to begin that would be great.

VE-104828

Existing Tree tool should have styles, or a least a way to easily remove the built-in tag

Scott Lebsack

The existing tree tool could use some updates, [~meshete] just created useful data tags, but as of now there is no way to hide the tag line, without assigning it to an invisible class.

Ultimately existing trees should be styled like other objects to allow selection and placement of an object that already has the necessary data associated with it. In many cases, when using this tool many of the existing trees will be quite similar, and styles would make it easier to manage and assign that data.

VE-104373

Add Rotation Option to Bump in texture dialog

Scott Lebsack

Content is standardizing wood grain in a horizontal orientation. This orientation decision was made as part of the cabinet task to provide consistent results with the new plugin. Unfortunately the wood shader defaults to a vertical orientation, and doesn't allow for rotation. Adding the ability to rotate the shader would be helpful for our default wood orientation, and might prove beneficial in other applications?

VE-103492

Add Irrigation Data to Plant Styles

Scott Lebsack

I propose adding an "Irrigation Tab" (possibly a "Maintenance Tab") to the plant style dialog. There have been user requests to embed irrigation emitters in the plant styles, which makes sense, particularly for point source irrigation;
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68753-drip-irrigation-emitter-workflow/|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68753-drip-irrigation-emitter-workflow/,]
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/95204-our-current-vw-irrigation-wishlist/#comment-428301] #6.

In discussion with [~bgoff] yesterday, I believe we found an elegant way to accomplish this goal. Rather than worrying about getting irrigation emitters within a Plant Style Symbol. I think adding a tab to the plant style titled something like "Water Use", "Sustainability" or "Maintenance" could allow us to define a plants maintenance and water needs in more detail.

Looking specifically at water needs, This could be beneficial in several ways. Visualizations could be set to to easily determine if adjacent plant materials had compatible water use. This could also be used to define point source irrigation - in my experience, irrigation directed at a single plant can be accomplished in one of thee ways:
# Dedicated bubblers - generally for trees, something like Root Watering Systems [https://www.rainbird.com/root-watering-system]
# Point Source Emitters [https://www.hunterindustries.com/irrigation-product/micro-irrigation/point-source-drip-emitters]
# or rings of drip emitter line [https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/pinalcentral.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/9/db/9dbe68cd-fe63-55d3-875d-e953818d2eab/5e21dc5d5aae2.image.png?resize=400%2C224]

To make this work, the irrigation portion of the new tab would require:
# a pull-down on the irrigation tab for "emitter style" (pick one of the 3 above)
## "Emitter Style parameters"
# a "Supplimental Irrigation" requirement, (maybe inches/week)
# and an "Establishment factor" that would be some multiple of the supplemental Irrigation, generally allowed for the first year or two, depending on Jurisdiction
# We would need to the ability to "connect" plant styles not covered in other irrigation - drip areas, or overhead spray directly to laterals or drip lines.
# Callout of the emitters could be done with data tags.

VE-104242

"Smarter" Complex linetypes

Scott Lebsack

"Smarter" complex linetypes should be able to understand that there is likely one repetitive element that a user wants to show up within the line. I have generally had decent success creating linetypes for my normal work, but this becomes trickier with linetypes in legends. Ideally all the letters/symbols would show up in alignment (generally the center), I'm not sure how well graphic legends may have solved this?

My idea for making linetypes smarter would be to allow the user to define the "Unique segment" for instance the line segments used to define center lines _________ ___ __________ (in this case the blanks and shorter middle dash) or the letters used to symbolize lines for utilities like "SS" for sanitary sewer, separately from the regular linetype.

Rather than defining both the line and text together explicitly, it would be great if a user could define a linetype, generally solid or dashed in some manner, independent of the "Unique segment". Once the "Unique Segment" was defined it should be applied algorithmically based on settings from the user.

For instance, I wouldn't want the "Unique Segment" to appear on any line less the 3X the length of the "Unique segment" and in general it should appear at 5X spacing, spaced evenly along a line segment length and to restart at corners. I'm sure a dialog could be created with value fields for spacing and a checkbox for restarting at corners. It could also have a setting for lines in Annotative space to appear one time centered?

VE-104189

Set X-Ray "Depth"

Scott Lebsack

Add a setting to allow a user to limit the "depth" of lines revealed when using x-ray mode. Generally the distance one may be working with in this mode are known, and having lines show up from the opposite side of a building, versus those in the vicinity of the existing object can be helpful.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106695-x-ray-select-mode-improvement-suggestion/

VE-103372

Landscape Area - Allow 2D fill and Line to be defined/edite by style (or instance)

Scott Lebsack

Please add the ability to define the 2D fill and Line to be defined/edited by the Landscape Area Style. In order to change the 2D appearance of a landscape area, a user now needs to change the color/line manually, if the style is edited, it will re-apply the colors/lines previously defined? To save changes to the style, a user has to un-style and recreate the style with the current fill/line definitions. Allowing the fill and line to be defined and/or edited within the style definition will make the application and editing of the style more consistent.

VE-103973

Send to surface update

Scott Lebsack

I have a few symbols that need to embed in or excavate a site model.

Generally I set the origin of the symbol so that Z=0=Finish Grade. Could the send to surface tool be adjusted to recognize if a symbol origin is not at zero and ask if I want the symbol extents sent to the surface or the symbol 0 elevation sent to surface?

VE-103972

Surface plane for symbols

Scott Lebsack

Details matter, here's a reddit post with a great summary and comments. [https://www.reddit.com/r/architecture/comments/10q9a5g/details_matter_what_will_it_take_to_prevent/]

We need the ability to set a surface plane in symbols so that when they are sent to they surface they have the ability to "conform" (tilt) to any simple planar slope they may land on. The reddit post shows an image with multiple cars, the wheels against the curb are "floating" because the road is crowned. The same thing happens with benches and sloped paving. Additionally, I would like the ability to set a "Surface Plane" within a symbol for items that might extend below the surface of a site model or similar like fence posts, embedded furniture or excavated elements like pools, etc.

I would need the ability to set the "surface level" within the symbol, and then a check box to "allow conformation to planar slope" For instance a pool would always want to be level, and likely embedded in the surface model, while a bench could tilt slightly to conform to the pavement it sits on. !https://preview.redd.it/7a0vd615tffa1.png?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=06d2d3f6cb89a9ff99679c57f41ac89369f5f07f!

VE-104005

Allow some program functions while Modal Dialog is open

Scott Lebsack

[Forum post about modal dialog blocking the program functions. https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/105482-dialog-box-locks-screen/|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/105482-dialog-box-locks-screen/]

I've often found this frustrating, too. Is there any way to allow view changes while a modal dialog is open? Pan, Zoom, maybe even showing or hiding a layer or class or invoking a saved view. I've often needed information that is "off screen" and have to exit, pan and re-invoke the command.

This was also brought up with the home screen task, the fix there was to look at updating the home screen, but maybe altering the Modal Dialog could be more beneficial?

VE-103835

"Universal" Wildcard for data queries

Scott Lebsack

I would be helpful to add a "Universal" wildcard character to allow a user to associate data from different locations for fields with the same name. For instance, I might have the field "MFG" (manufacturer) appear in any number of records or other data location, but that is pertinent to associate for a simplified data tag, worksheet or visualization. Task T02371 is doing something similar for IFC fields, I beleive it would be useful to create the ability to ignore data silos and access specific field data for fields of the same name, in areas outside IFC.

VE-103787

Irrigation manual radius should remain after changing nozzle.

Scott Lebsack

Not sure if this is a bug or enhancement, or how big a change it would be?

When a user places an emitter with a manual radius, the manually set radius should be retained when changing the catalog data, unless it is outside the defined values of the selected emitter/nozzle definition.

Ideally a manually set radius should only change in very limited circumstances once set.
* If the manual radius is < minimum radius value when the catalog data is changed, it should reset to the minimum value
* If the manual radius is > maximum radius value when the catalog data is changed it should reset to the maximum value.

In some cases an emitter radius can be adjusted (25% is common), if this could be easily taken into account before changing radius values that would be great, too. But not required.

VE-103245

Add mode to align/distribute to allow user to set space value

Scott Lebsack

Similar to Adobe products. Our users would benefit from the ability set a space value for the distance between objects being aligned. Implementation could be adding two lines to the align submenu for "distribute horizontally by set distance" and "distribute vertically by set distance" with a popup to enter the distance after selection.

VE-103344

Add Filtering to the Resource Manager

Scott Lebsack

Many users find "clutter" from portions of the software they would like to remove from their system, ([VE-102057) luckily much of this content exists on the cloud, so storage footprint is limited, unfortunately it still occupies large areas of the resource manger when performing a search.

My proposal is to implement a filter system in such a manner that users are able to hide entire categories of resources which they wish to "remove" from the resource manager.

This could potentially be accomplished in part using our existing tag system, though it may require reserved/special tags for this purpose? It would also be helpful to provide tagging at the folder level as this would allow simple exclusion of entire folders.

The main categories I can imagine users filtering are:
* Units
* Imperial
* Metric

* Discipline or Software application
* Architect
* Landmark
* Spotlight

* Hidden files (things like "zNested" or other files could be hidden with a tags as well.

To provide a consistent interface, check boxes (rather than the pull down) could also be available for
* Resource type
* Gradients
* Hatches
* Images
* Line Types
* Materials
* Record Formats
* Renderworks Backgrounds
* Renderworks Textures
* Roof Styles
* Scripts
* Sketch Styles
* Slab Styles
* Symbols/Plug-in Objects
* Text Styles
* Tiles
* Wall Styles
* Worksheets

* The Resource type filter would allow a user additional flexibility to include multiple resources in a single search.

Notes:
* These filter setting should be persistent across an install for continuity
* Check boxes should be positive, meaning that if a box is not checked filtering will not occur.
* The check boxes should be exposed (easily accessible) in a bar or similar along top or side to allow easy iteration of a search, rather than hidden inside a button.

VE-103381

Irrigation Catalog Streamlining

Scott Lebsack

This change proposes we abandon the use of the product model number to lookup irrigation performance data. I propose this be accomplished by using one of the existing cells in the data table, or adding a cell that would directly reference a single nozzle performance data set. Using a direct reference, rather than the model would greatly reduce complexity, redundant data, errors and time consuming changes within the performance catalog.

Much of the complexity comes from using the Manufacturers model names to lookup performance data. for example. A manufacturer may offer:
# 4 different heights (all different model numbers) X
# 2 different materials X
# Check valve or not X
# Non potable (Purple Cap) X
# etc.

I've had models with 20+ models and 34 nozzles resulting in 680 model numbers that should only have 34 performance tables (or 68 with pressure regulation) that end up with 5x or more of that number. Each nozzle should have a single performance table - 2 if there is a pressure regulated version.

The Hunter I-20 has 24 models that reference the 2.0 Nozzle performance, 10 of these use an alternate "pressure regulated" chart. These two tables currently have 11 entries in the Outlet Rotor Performance catalog that use a variety of wildcard characters in a effort to reduce redundancy. Each data set contains ±25 pieces of data that define the nozzle performance - the proposed change would eliminate the redundancy from 255 data points to 50, while also making it much simpler to insure the reference calls the appropriate performance data. Each of the 24 entries would simply receive a reference either the standard "I-20 2.0" or "I-20 2.0PR" data set.

For example the Outlet Rotors catalog could add a column titled "Nozzle Performance Table"to enter these values.

VE-102947

Direct visual explanation of where all IFC properties are input, edited and maintained.

Scott Campbell

Our users are requesting a direct _*visual*_ explanation of where all IFC properties are adjusted in the Vectorworks file. Functionality is robust, but workflow and visual (UI) best practice guidance is lacking.

VE-102949

Unnecessary panning and zooming when editing.

Scott Campbell

Over all in Vectorworks, views shift when entering an edit mode for an object. This requires zooming and panning to locate the object to be edited. Examples are “Edit path” for a Landscape Area, and “Recreate from Source Data” for DTMs. It is desirable that the current view/zoom remains unchanged upon entering the editing mode. Upon exiting, the view/zoom should be unchanged from the last view/zoom in the editing mode, i.e., the view/zoom upon entering the editing mode and the view/zoom upon exiting the editing mode quite likely differ."

VE-102934

Updating large Site Models is too slow

Scott Campbell

From our customer, Multiconsult: “We have seen that it is important to divide the model into several smaller terrain models.”

VE-102935

Vectorworks freezes when updating Landscape Areas

Scott Campbell

Vectorworks freezes when updating Landscape Areas which are too large and/or have too small a Simplification Tolerance

VE-102939

Automatic update of site model in the background

Scott Campbell

Automatic update of site model in the background.

This should be an option, i.e. possible to turn off if necessary due to performance issues.
Competitor comparison: This sort of automatic updating is standard in Revit.

VE-102940

Attaching to site model surface

Scott Campbell

Plants, Landscape Areas, Hardscapes, outdoor furniture, fences and curbs should always attach themselves to the site model surface, if this is not explicitly overridden.

VE-102941

=ZCOORDINATE() of Plants

Scott Campbell

=ZCOORDINATE() of a Plant should result in a value relative to the ground plane, not the site model surface

VE-102942

UK Landscape Institute PDT Flora fields

Scott Campbell

UK Landscape Institute PDT Flora fields should be set up as defaults in the Plant record.

VE-102944

Space Object needed in Landmark

Scott Campbell

Add Space Object to Landmark.

VE-102945

Plant Tool - 3D geometry.

Scott Campbell

Plant Tool - 3D geometry. Settings to be able to show natural growth form, as in Revit.
The Existing Tree does this already, more or less.

See attached pdf.

VE-102946

Individual POIs for table, chair, bench, playground equipment.

Scott Campbell

Our users are requesting individual POIs for tables, chairs, benches, and playground equipment. We have a PIO for "Table and Chairs" but they can't believe there isn't a separated PIO for a "Table" or a "Chair" or a "Bench".

VE-102950

Free-standing flow arrow object

Scott Campbell

Free-standing flow arrow object. There should be a separate flow arrow object that functions much like a stake object, in that it finds the surface of the DTM, but which additionally reads the slope of the DTM at the insertion point and creates an individual flow arrow similar to the flow arrows that are available in the DTM itself.

VE-102951

Method for selecting which DTM a Grade Object or a Stake Object picks heights from

Scott Campbell

In the case of overlapping DTMs, there needs to be a method for selecting which DTM a Grade Object or a Stake Object picks heights from.

VE-102952

When using Rotated Plan and editing the crop of a DTM, the view/zoom should be unchanged.

Scott Campbell

When using Rotated Plan and editing the crop of a DTM, the view/zoom should be unchanged. Currently, editing the DTM crop forces rotating to 0°.

VE-102953

Rethinking of Grade Objects capabilities and functionalities

Scott Campbell

When creating Grade Object 2 which meets and links (grade network creation) to the previously generated Grade Object 1 somewhere along the latter’s length, Grade Object 1 should not be split into 2 separate Grade Objects. In this case, Grade Object 1 should remain unchanged.

This wish clearly requires a rethinking of Grade Objects capabilities and functionalities, most likely the idea of Grade Objects with multiple points.

VE-102955

Site Model and Plants

Scott Campbell

If a Site Model and a Plant are on different Design Layers, and if the Site Model layer is invisible, switching the Plant Style for the plant via the OIP button “Replace Plant Style" causes the plant to lose its height reference to the Site Model and this must be re-established, for example with Send to Surface, after making the Site Model visible. It should be possible to select a Site Model Layer that a plant gets its height from (as with the Landscape Area-object), or perhaps even better, a specific Site Model, regardless of what layer it is on.

VE-103448

Reading dongle-ID on old Mac

Scott Campbell

Hey [~jalmansa] !

I trust you are busy and hope you are well.

Question: How can I help a user read his dongle-ID from and old Hasp HL dongle on an old Mac?

Details:
Mac OS 10.4

Thanks!
Scott

VE-102954

It should be possible to join collinear grade objects after they’ve been split.

Scott Campbell

It should be possible to join collinear grade objects after they’ve been split.

VE-102937

Ability to control point size of point cloud points.

Scott Campbell

The user should have the ability to control point size of point cloud points.

Competitors: Recap, Infraworks and Civil3D do this.

VE-102938

Ability to downsample a point cloud/reduce the % of points also after import.

Scott Campbell

A user should have the ability to downsample a point cloud/reduce the % of points also after import.

VE-102943

# of characters allowed for resource names

Scott Campbell

Increase # of characters allowed for resource names from current limit of 64

VE-102936

Simplification of system for PIOs, Object Styles, symbols

Scott Campbell

Simplification of system for PIOs, Object Styles, symbols. Red PIOs, Green PIOs, 2D symbols, 3D symbols — all of these exist in the Resource Manager, side by side with little, and confusing structure.

Ref. how Revit families work.

VE-102948

Referenced IFC and DWG need to keep their relative position regardless of origin at time of re-import.

Scott Campbell

Ref files: IFC and DWG need to keep their relative position regardless of origin at time of re-import.

VE-104482

Additional Shaded Render Needs

Scott Barnes

Love the new features in Shaded Render mode.
Here a re a few additional requests for Shaded Render:
1) Glow textures to emit light and be seen in object reflections.(would love a quick preference setting that toggles glow on and off...like a light switch)
2) Backlit textures need to be seen in object reflections
3) Glass textures need to have reflections. Basically any texture with transparency is not allowing reflections too.
4) Would love some sort of interactive slider for depth of field. When flying around in 3D to show others the model, a quick way of adjusting depth of field would be helpful...a la focus encoder on an actual camera. Would allow a live rack focus ability.

VE-103066

Shaded Rendering Needs Exposure Setting

Scott Barnes

Now that we can have more than eight lights on in Shaded mode, large arrays of lighting devices blows out the exposure. I have to select the lights in the Visualization tab and edit their intensity to a very low level in order to see them in the design layer I'm working in, but then the levels are way too low for normal Renderworks render modes.
If I create a 3D viewport of the scene and render that VP in Shaded mode, it is also to blown out. I feel like I I should be allowed to change the Emitter brightness in the Lighting options of that VP, but currently, it does not affect it.
Likewise, we need overall brightness controls for Shaded mode in design layers.

VE-103095

Backlit texture not showing in Shaded View Object Reflections

Scott Barnes

See attached file.
There is a red car in the middle with several lighting softboxes overhead. The soft boxes have a backlit texture to simulate diffusion. Each softbox has custom SkyPanel symbols inside them. The SkyPanel symbols have multiple emitters in order to backlit the entire face of the light. In Shaded mode with Object Reflections checked, these SkyPanels are seen in the car reflections but the backlit part of the softboxes are not.

VE-102337

SubDivision Edge and Vertices Selection

Scott Barnes

We already have the ability to right click on the SubD cage and choose Smooth/Crease All Edges or All Vertices, but I do a lot of SubD modeling where I have a combination of creased edges and smooth edges, and I like to do much of the modeling with everything creased. We need two things:
A) We need a quick hotkey that enable and disables creased edges/vertices temporarily. Where that enabling it, creases everything and disabling it smooths only what was previously smooth, not everything.
B) We need the ability to Crease/Smooth a selection of vertices, edges, and/or faces, rather than just ALL.

VE-101113

Fit to Objects across all Multiple View Panes

Scott Barnes

Would it be possible to create a setting that allows Fit To Objects to happen across all panes? I see this being something I could toggle off and on easily, if needed. This would be very handy when modeling complex objects, like Subdivision models.

VE-101112

Multiple View Panes for Solar Animation Exports

Scott Barnes

Can we have a setting for Export Solar Animations to capture multiple view panes at once?
I would like to show a final render from a camera POV along with a top view and frontal view to show the sun pass.

VE-101100

Extrude Mode for more than one Face or Edge

Scott Barnes

Can there be a way to use the Extrude Mode tool for more than one Edge or Face?
Right now, I can select multiple edges, but the moment I click the Extrude Mode, they deselect.

This VE would go nicely with VE-96417 that I requested several years ago. Desperately needing these features. I'm currently modeling a complex SubD model and it is time consuming to shift select a range of points, lines, or faces.

VE-99785

Data Visualization Ignore Label Legend Containers

Scott Barnes

Is there any way to add a checkbox in Data Visualization windows to ignore Containers in Label Legends? See attached image.

VE-100297

Add Hanging Angle and Roll Fields to Hoists

Scott Barnes

I know this sounds strange, but there are several times on motion pictures and TV that light boxes are hung with motors offset to allow for tilting the truss box. To show this in 3D, I would like to have Roll and Hanging Angle, like we do with truss and lights.

VE-100048

DMX Patch Window should be allowed to stay open while working in the design layer

Scott Barnes

I really love the combination of Live Data Visualization with DMX Patch. It allows me to highlight particular dmx universes in order to edit them in the DMX Patch window, however, every time I make a change in the DMX Patch, I have to select Okay and the window goes away. It would be a much faster workflow if this window could remain opened while working int he design layer.

VE-99948

Direct Editing of Hierarchy Top Classes

Scott Barnes

I love the the new Live Browser Direct Edit feature.
It would be extremely helpful to include class hierarchy with this.
If I have complex hierarchies with rather deep amount of sub-classes, and I need to rename a top class to that hierarchy, it would be helpful to not have to edit each sub-class.

VE-99873

DMX Patch Needs Accessory Ignore Option

Scott Barnes

See attached image and file. I have some custom lightbox symbols that have louver accessories attached to them. Since VW considers them a lighting device, they show up in the DMX patch as Unpatched fixtures, but there is no way to know that the accessories are what the dmx patch window is referring to as unpatched. This took some time to figure out. Can DMX patch have a way to ignore or filter out these type of devices?
Also, is there a way that selecting a fixture in the dmx patch also selects it in the design layer? Or maybe a right click, Locate Fixture option like we have with Symbols and Label Legends?

VE-105072

Zoom Menu: Request to add zoom button back in 2024

Sasha Thompson

User is requesting to add the zoom button back to the menu bar as he states all the other options interrupt his workflow.

Showed workarounds, scroll, C key, drop down menu, Zoom tool. But still requesting the button.

VE-105033

"improvements" to loft surface tool

Sasha Thompson

User requesting that the loft surface tool behave more like NURBS where the points are controlled from start point, middle and end. Maybe more of a mode than a tool overhaul. He sent a video explaining, it is attached.

VE-104081

Adding More Fencing Style Option to Fencing tool

Sasha Thompson

User wants to use the symbols in the resource manager with the fencing tool so he can create a continuous fence

-Advised since the fence style he wants to use is a symbol that the fencing tool will not recognize it
- Showed how to edit the symbol and use along path command
- user requested feature request be submitted

VE-104354

T01987 Style Settings Dialog Missing Import Settings button

Sarah Barrett

Door and Window Style dialogs have a parameter at the top of each tab that allows the user to set all parameters on that tab by style or by instance, and to import the style/instance settings of that particular tab from another style. The cabinet style settings dialogs should have this as well.

VE-104355

T01987 Filler should be simplified

Sarah Barrett

I think we should remove "filler" and "filler-pullout" from the face items and make filler a box config like the end panel. A filler should just be a flat piece that may or may not have a base inset. It should be the exact width of the cabinet width (no reveals) and the front of it should be at the cabinet depth, like it is a solid face frame. There shouldn't be a box or anything behind it. This is true no matter what the frame type is, framed or frameless, inset or overlay. Essentially, filler should look like a frame extension that is detached from the cabinet.

VE-105112

More 3D detail level objects for Cabinets

Sarah Barrett

Shelves and separators are not currently listed in the 3D detail levels list in the settings of the cabinet tool. These would make sense to add, as well as any 3D geometry that gets added to cabinets in future updates, such as stretchers and drawer boxes. This means that when someone cuts a section through a cabinet they can decide how much geometry is visible depending on the detail level of the viewport.

VE-104285

More dimension formatting in worksheets

Sarah Barrett

When formatting dimensions in worksheets, specifically feet and inches, there should be a way to format the value so as to add a dash between the feet and inches. For example, 3'0" should have the option of being formatted as 3'-0". This is a request from Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects.

VE-104165

Presentation Mode for Vectorworks

Sarah Barrett

Jeremy Levine Design is a longtime Vectorworks customer who does 3D modeling, rendering and animation. Jeremy's biggest wishlist item would be a "presentation mode" for Vectorworks. He uses TwinMotion extensively, and he would want something similar to what is available in TwinMotion. He finds that the majority of his client meetings are virtual these days and he wants to make it easier to present a project in Vectorworks on Zoom. Things that would be necessary in Presentation Mode would be annotations, cropping views of what is shared, the ability for cursor to enlarge, a workspace change where palettes can be removed, preference changes like turning off the visibility of light objects, dirty viewport indicators, etc. Most importantly, Any annotations that were created would be saved to a document that can be shared with a client.

VE-104167

Hierarchical display for Layers

Sarah Barrett

Jeremy Levine, a longtime customer, wants to have more organizational control over Layers. Like Classes, he wants to have a hierarchical display that would allow him to more easier turn groups of layers on and off as well as organize them visually.

VE-104166

A Solar Panel Tool

Sarah Barrett

Jeremy Levine Design, a longtime customer, suggests creating a Solar Panel tool. It would be a plug-in object that would place 3D solar panels, size them, choose a few different options, and have data that can be reported to estimate output.

VE-104128

Separate Class Control for Slab 2D Attributes

Sarah Barrett

When creating slabs, you often want a specific hatch in 2D that may or may not correspond to the top component. Unfortunately, the slab 2D attributes are controlled either manually or by the slab object class. This means that there need to be separate slab object classes for slabs that are different materials which does not fit with standard architectural classing structures, or the attributes have to be set by object. Attributes that are set by object cannot be controlled via class overrides, so this is not a good solution. I would propose adding the ability to control the 2D attributes of a slab using a separate class, like the hardscape tool and the space tool. Both of these objects can have an object class AND a 2D attributes class.

VE-103893

Graphic Legends: New Display Type for Structural Members

Sarah Barrett

In trying to create a graphic legend for Structural Members - beams, specifically, I tried to display them in a Front View using the Hybrid Object Display. Even though I created all of my styles so that the "profile" of the beam is facing a front view, the Graphic Legend doesn't display them that way. No matter how I sort them, one or more of the beam styles are displayed longwise instead of by profile. I assume this is because the GL is choosing a particular beam in the drawing to be the representative image and it happens to be turned 90˚. I propose another Display type, Member Profile Display, which will display the profile shape of structural members no matter their structural use (beams or columns) or their direction in the drawing.

VE-103326

Pocket door config needs more controls

Sarah Barrett

For pocket doors, I would like to have more control over the look of the pocket recess. The recess fill doesn't appear to be controlled by any classes, so I can't make it invisible. I also think there should be a setting to allow a minimum overlap of door leaf within the pocket for a fully extended door. In the file attached, there are two pocket doors that are meant to overlap with the wall even when fully extended. To create that, I had to fudge the location of the pocket recess, meaning I can't show how it would look when fully open and also the pocket recess is in the incorrect position. I would have to draw over it in my plan or create my own 2D components to show it accurately.

VE-103173

Studio 2G Wishlist

Sarah Barrett

During a firm visit on 6/9/22, Studio 2G mentioned some wishlist items. Studio 2G is an 11-person firm in San Luis Obispo, CA. They are using a BIM workflow but still struggling to meet BIM Deliverable Requirements for Public Works projects. There wishlist items are:
* Demo Tool or some form of phasing capability.
* Better BIM interoperability - there BIM deliverables have been rejected because there is no phasing workflow in Vectorworks that doesn't involve classes. The must adhere to NCS Standards and they don't accommodate -demo, -existing, and -new classes. There needs to be a different way to control phasing.
* Improved Section Viewports - they cannot create good drawings from sections so they are forced to draw over everything in their section viewport. They want more control over graphics.
* They want less flexibility and clearer understanding of best practices. There are too many conflicting UI elements to know what to use and how.

VE-102630

Data Viz with Black and White Only applied

Sarah Barrett

We would like to have more control over data visualization. I was unable to export B&W PDFs with the data visualization turned on. I didn’t see an option in the edit data visualization tab.

We have data visualization set up for fire walls for filing drawings and furniture/fixtures/millwork for RCP/PTE.

B&W should not be disabled when data visualization is applied because we use data viz for many reasons, many that don't preclude turning off color.

VE-101002

More constraints for text in markers styles

Sarah Barrett

There are some situations that aren't possible currently in the marker styles because of how text flips in Vectorworks. Attached are two marker styles that don't work in every direction, because the text flips when it shouldn't. Perhaps we could add constraints or be able to group text objects and then set the rotation for that group.

VE-100587

Explicit Data Tag Naming

Sarah Barrett

It is difficult to know what Data Tag to use simply by its name in the Resource Manager. The workflow of the Data Tag requires that you choose an existing Data Tag from our resources the first time you use it, and new users don't have any indication of whether a certain Data Tag will work with their object. My suggestion would be to add a generic "default" Data Tag that is not attached to a record that could be used as a starting point. Also, existing Data Tags that do require a specific record to be present should indicate that.

VE-99479

Question : Can we do some process when we open the old version vw-file ?

Saori Daita

We know the dialog when we open old version vw-file .
<E-1.png>

Can we do some process when we open the file similarly ?
We want to do update our plug-in objects made by SDK in the old vw-file .

We'd like to get your advice .

Regards

VE-103489

Fill Style might not show in a section viewport when assigning Materials to particular objects.

SANSHIRO MORIYAMA

The problem seems to occur when an object is Extrude Along Path, Multiple Extrude or Tapered Extrude, and the fill style of a material is Tile, Image or Gradient.

Steps to reproduce.

1)Please see an attached file ("0426.vwx").

2)Switch the active layer to "Sht-1".

Objects in the red frame are assigned Materials like as other objects, but even though the viewport is updated, the fill styles are not show.

The objects in the red frame are Extrude Along Path, Multiple Extrude or Tapered Extrude and assigned Materials using Tile, Image or Gradient.

Please refer to attached files. (0426.vwx and 12861.png)

Best regards,
Sanshiro Moriyama
A&A

VE-101196

Project Sharing Server file operations

Sam Williams

Maybe there's a good reason why this wasn't implemented, but I find it frustrating that I can't delete/rename/move files and folders that I create/upload inside the PSS UI.

On a similar note, I often select several referenced files in the Organization dialog and change them from absolute path to relative path. This triggers a "Would you like to upload this file to the server?" dialog for every single file, which is kind of annoying. Would it be possible to get some kind of batch upload dialog for this case?

VE-101799

T02204 - Railing/Fence Offset: Add a notifier/definition to the offset line to better understand it's direction

Samuel Kowalsky

Add a definition or notifier to the offset line to easily understand it's direction. This will allow the user to easily understand the offset behaviour.

This feature was requested during the DemoMovie presentation 2022 on April 15th.

VE-100166

Fixture Numbering does not number accessories

Samuel Jones

Whenever a fixture is assigned a value for the field "Unit Number", that same value should be assigned to the "Unit Number" field of all the accessories and static accessories that are assigned to the fixture.

Right now the Spotlight numbering command does not do this.

VE-100153

Textures in Hardscape Tool Preferences-Draw 3D to be like any other texture choice menu

Salvador Clariana

When you go to the preferences menu in the hardscape tool, under "Draw 3D", you can choose "Main texture" or "Border texture", but the drop down menu only shows the names of the textures available. I would be nice to see the "mini-resource manager" that we see, for example, when we choose textures for classes. That menu shows images, which is what users need to make the right choice.

VE-99884

Hedges - Double Staggered Rows

Ryan Hood

Is there any chance of getting the option to put in double staggered row hedges? I know we can add a double row hedge but there doesn't seem to be any option to stagger the second row.

We are trying to create a hedge with multiple species in it, that is not simply linear (i.e. it needs to turn corners) and use 2 staggered rows. Ideally we would like to use the hedge tool to do this for accurate numbers.

There is a ‘hedge’ setting in the ‘Plant’ Tool, which is what we were referring to. It would be very useful if this could be developed to allow multiple species, and staggering of the hedge rows.

VE-105063

Railing Improvement - option for 2 infills, alternate post sizes

Ryan Butler

After reviewing T02498, I believe that including an option to have two infills, so that they could be on either side of the post, would be beneficial. Use case for this would be to make a privacy railing or to "beef" up the railing so that the posts could be hidden behind the infill. I've detailed this in a studio where there are horizontal bars on either side and they are staggered so that you cant see through the railing. This can apply to fences as well. I have screenshots of a privacy fence that I have modeled, but this can work with railings as well.

Also, alternating post sizes and spaces would be a nice option as well. I have also done this in practice, where for example a post is 4x4 and the railing could span a longer distance with an intermediate post in between that is smaller.

VE-99718

Sheet Layer Templates

Russell Uridge

A bit like master pages, it would be good to ba able to apply a set of guides, or some ghosting to aid similar layouts across multiple sheets.

At the moment, the only way is to use guide geometry copied and pasted (and then hidden on output) but a master pages setup similar to Adobe InDesign would be great.

VE-99692

Tear-off Tabs

Russell Uridge

I would love to see a more customisable UI similar to the Adobe setup.
I've got a workspace ready for a laptop screen, which works great, but my desktop setup is a 3x 4k 27" display, so I have loads of space.

I'd really like to be able to tear layers out into a pallete next to classes, as well as having the "shape, data, and render" tabs from the OIP accessible and side-to side. This would mesh nicely with the new group-roll-ups feature which is due out soon.

So more docking and tear offs would be a great feature.

VE-99470

3D Crop objects for DLVP

Russell Uridge

When Referencing, either in file, or another file, we need to have the ability for a 3D crop object.

The 2d, screen plane crop object is pretty useless in a 3d file, and you can't set it to be layer-plane.

Just a simple cube volume would be a good start, similar to the clip cube on initial release, with custom volumes to be catered for in later releases.

VE-99459

Dimension Anchor point

Russell Uridge

Constrained dimensions do not change automatically on 3d geometry.
On larger files this creates a huge workload updating dimensions in viewports, and the 3d geometry does not automatically amend the dimensions.

With a plan or elevation it would be difficult to define where the dimension should bind to, so in the model it would be good to add an anchor point, similar to a 3d Locus.

When the geometry is adjusted, the anchor point can be moved to automatically update the dimensions associated with it.

At the moment, the checking and amending of dimensions is the largest weakness in the workflow, and this is where most of the errors creep in.

Some sort of automation is essential in this area.

VE-99380

Updating Drawing Numbers

Russell Uridge

When you update a drawing number, with automatic number co-ordination, when the number conflicts, you always get the warning box, attached. Which adds an extra step.

Often, you want to update a lot of numbers quickly, and having to click "yes" everytime is an extra, slowing step.

An "Always do the following" or "do not show again" box would be very very useful.

Thanks"

VE-102000

Incorporate Lighting Devices in Subparts Reporting

Russell Benoit

When creating a lighting device report, there needs to be a way to display information of multi part fixtures, like circuiting, fixture numbers etc.

Within spotlight the patch window and the edit lighting device windows have a way to display this information separately.
When creating a report and using the new "T02205_Subparts_Reporting" feature found in 2022 the sub information of a lighting device is not broken down and displayed in the report.

It would also be beneficial to have the ability to display the subparts separately when using the export lighting device data feature

For a Master Electrician, this data needs to be displayed separately to generate gear lists and to balance lighting loads.

VE-103177

Drafting Improvements for Circular Arcs

Rubina Siddiqui

This is from a former academic user.

He has labeled himself as a general CAD (CNC Machinist at a community college):

"I've been using your products since the days of MiniCAD and have always preferred it to your competitors because it allows me to approach problems my way instead of how some programmer thinks people should approach design problems (Fusion 360 is a prime example of this). I can't comment on SolidWorks because it does not run on a Mac... While I love VectorWorks, there are some things it needs to do better (documentation, drawing worm gears, some types of extruding along a path), as well as add some functions.

One set of functions people have been asking for for years relate to *drawing circular arcs tangent to two lines, a circle and a line not tangent to the circle, and 2 circles*. I know that users can write programs for VectorWorks but I've never been able to figure out how (poor documentation). Since I don't know how to program those functions for VectorWorks, I'd be happy to provide the mathematical formula for them as well as the bit more complicated problems of drawing circular arcs tangent to a line and spline, a line and an ellipse, 2 ellipses, and 2 splines.

VE-101402

Wish List Items from Alchemy Architects, St. Paul, MN

Rubina Siddiqui

Notes and Suggestions/Wish List items from Virtual Firm Visit with Alchemy Architects on December 4, 2020.

VE-99684

Create Objects from Shape - better support for Round Walls

Rubina Siddiqui

When I run the "create objects from shape" command on a circle, select walls for the type of objects to create, I get a diamond shape with the straight wall instead of a a circle with the round wall tool.
See attached video.

VE-103385

CDR: Thousands separator (comma) not working with data tags.

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

I see this more as a bug than a VE. But, maybe I'm wrong.

Thousands separators are not working on data tags or any other places, even if the option is configured on system preferences (Os). This is happening on Vectorworks 2022 and 2023.

Versions before (I can't be precise on when it was gone), Os units had an impact on Vectorworks units display, especially on areas. Right now it only affects the decimal point.

Now the user is having clarity loss for larger numbers (more than one thousand).
See the image attached.

The fix can be:

1. Use thousands separators option checked should work for area units and perimeter also. Only works for linear dimensions.

2. Use the Os setting for the symbol used in the OS system preferences.

This should work with area units, perimeters, and volumes, in every part of Vectorworks:
object info (displays) and reports (data tags, for example)

VE-104406

CDR: Add progress bar for Reset Plug in Objects

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

Reset plug-in Objects: A progress indicator bar is needed, especially when using the command on large projects.

Thanks

VE-104018

CDR: Incorporate Chat GPT inside Vectorworks.

Rubén Hernández

Hello

Specifically in the scripting window. It will be a fantastic *assistant* for programming in python and vector script (if available in its database)

"As a language model AI, I need to gain specific knowledge on whether chat GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer) can be incorporated into Vectorworks software. However, it is possible for a chatbot using GPT to be integrated into Vectorworks as a custom plugin or interface. This would require development and programming expertise."

If incorporated is a fantastic way of communicating Vectorworks as a cutting-edge solution. Also an opportunity for marketing purposes.

Thanks!

VE-103093

CDR: Control of windows and door elevation and height via stories

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

Please allow windows and doors height and elevation via stories and levels.

Please, connect parameters to story levels: Finish floor, top of the slab, lintel, and knob height should be able to determine the size of a door or window and some of its components in the Z direction mostly elevation and object height.

Thanks,
Rubén

VE-103092

CDR: Add "Merge with structural objects in sections" to structural member PIO

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

Problem: Structural member, always draw undesired lines when in shaded mode. There's no way to get a clean drawing when rendering in Hidden Line. Please, check the attached Vectorworks File.

Solution: Structural member doesn't have the button "Merge with structural objects in sections", adding the button mentioned earlier to the structural part and covering part of the structural member options, will solve all the possible outcomes for this problem. Please, check the attached Image File and the Vectorworks File.

Right now all objects (non-PIO objects) have the option, resulting in a correct a fantastic behavior when touching walls, roofs, slabs, and hardscapes with them seamlessly. The only object falling apart in the workflow is the structural member.

Thanks,
Rubén

VE-102289

CDR: Pick up attributes, wall closures and wrappings

Rubén Hernández

Please add wall closures and wrappings in pick up attributes options:
1. For walls.
2. For Doors and Windows.

We think it's an obvious function for the existing set of options available in the pickup attribute's tool.
Please, check image.

Thanks

VE-102215

CDR: Support for .3mf's files (3D printing)

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

Supporting .3mf files for Vectorworks is an important feature.
The .3mf format will add greater communication with the 3D printing machines and their software.

At the moment Rhino and some Autodesk products support .3mf files and are widely used in academic digital fabrication labs.

Please, find more information here:

https://3mf.io
https://3mf.io/specification/

Thanks

VE-101283

CDR: Title Block Border Settings, auto generate page number starting at...

Rubén Hernández

Hi,

Right now is not possible to auto-generate a page number from a starting number different than 1.

Making difficult the numbering a unique drawing set consisting of various documents.

Please, check the image.
Thanks!

PD: I don't think this is a bug, but if the current implementation allows changing/ recognizing a number different than one, this issue can be seen as a bug and not an enhancement.

VE-102015

CDR: Scaling for Enscape's Assets

Rubén Hernández

Hello,

Right now Enscape's Assets can't be scaled
For the particular case of tree assets, scaling can help to obtain more natural renders with Vectorworks.

Normally when using a lot of trees one of the methods used is to scale the trees in almost a close to normal size, 0.8 to 1.2 factor, while rotating them.

Attached are some images of trees rendered using the beforementioned procedure.

Thanks,
Rubén

VE-102256

CDR: Multi Format Cell (for text) in worksheets

Rubén Hernández

Hi,

Worksheet cells could support multi-format text. Check image taken from Apple's Numbers.

Thanks!

VE-101954

CDR: Insert rows and columns in worksheets, before and after.

Rubén Hernández

Hi,

1. When right-clicking on a cell insert rows and columns.

a. After and Before a row
b. After and Before column

2. At the moment when the user inserts a column or a row breaks the workflow because the new row(s) or column(s) is inserted "before".

3. The user can indeed select the corresponding cell in a way that the new element is placed accordingly but as other programs like Numbers or Excel have the option, that's not the user's preliminary choice. Even in this solution for the last row or column, there's no way to insert a column or row after the last one. These new insertion modes will solve that problem.

Thanks,
R

VE-101807

CDR: Support for SAF / STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FORMAT

Rubén Hernández

SAF / STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS FORMAT
Text from SCIA web:

SAF is a neutral, MS Excel-based, file format. It improves collaboration between structural engineers and allows them to easily exchange analysis models between different analysis software. It is practical, simple, and intended to be used in daily practice. Originally a Nemetschek Group initiative, the SAF open format has already been implemented or is in progress by many software providers like: SCIA, Graphisoft, Allplan, RISA, FRILO, Axis VM, Dlubal, Sofistik, IDEA StatiCa and more.

VE-100415

CDR: Element Tool. Walls, slabs, beams, and columns.

Rubén Hernández

Please check the infographics attached.

Thanks,
Rubén

VE-99960

CDR: BIM Collab Manager

Rubén Hernández

BIM Collab is a collaboration tool IFC/BCF based. BIM Collab already had plug-ins for Revit and Archicad. We think it's a fantastic addition to Vectorworks, since BIM Collab offers free clash detection (MAC and PC) and free Viewer (MAC and PC).

Adding this plug-ing puts Vectorworks on pair to other software that already offers the solution: https://www.bimcollab.com/en/default

This is from a mail template supported by BIM Collab:

--> For efficiency reasons and an increase in BIM model quality I would like to have a live connection with BIMcollab’s issue management platform. More and more BIM projects require an open and effective BIM issue management workflow. Since BIMcollab is an important part of our toolset a connection between your software and this platform is highly preferable for us.

Part of the BIMcollab ecosystem is an SDK which should make it easy to add full BCF and BIMcollab connection functionality to any BIM tool.

More information about this integration, the SDK and contact information can be found here: https://www.bimcollab.com/sdk <--

VE-101431

CDR: Use option in Edit-Subdivision tool to select back-faces.

Rubén Hernández

Hello!
Use the option key while clicking to select the back-faces.

In Vectorworks 2021 the user is able to select vertices and edges but not back-faces while editing a subdivision object.

The user must use the *flyover tool* (or another nav tool), while working and selecting faces exiting the subdivision tool is mandatory to select flyover and rotate the object to again select the subdivision for further editions. This behavior is time-consuming and annoying.

Please see the video.
Thanks!

VE-101262

CDR: Geodesic Calculator and Function.

Rubén Hernández

Hi!

1. A Geodesic Calculator inside Vectorworks like these ones:

https://franzpc.com/apps/conversor-coordenadas-geograficas-utm.html
https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/utm-latitude-longitude-d_1370.html

2. A function (UTM to Geographical and vice-versa) for worksheets that allow the conversion inside a worksheet cell or database.

3. The Calculataor will be a fundamental step forward in GIS capabilities inside Vectorworks.

4. The GIS stake should have the calculator inside: in "set geographic location" we can put the UTM coordinates for automatic translation to the Geolocation setting inside the document.

Right now the user receives a table like the one in the image. The user has to convert outside
Vectorworks to get the points in the corresponding location. Tedious work.

On the other hand, this function (convert UTM to geographic) is needed in the survey import command with the option to convert to gis stakes.

Thanks!

[~vstanev]

VE-99667

CDR: Wall Component Height Function

Rubén Hernández

Problem:
Right now there's no direct way to obtain the Height of a wall's specific component.

Solution,
Please add the following function to the list of function in worksheets: WallComponentHeight

VE-101044

CDR: Pivot Door Configuration in Door Object.

Rubén Hernández

Please add a Pivot Door option in door object configuration.
Check images for further reference.
Thanks!

VE-101010

CDR: Save settings to IFC dialog needs same options as DWG export dialog.

Rubén Hernández

Please check the images.

Thanks

VE-100755

CDR: DTM Support of altimetry bar

Rubén Hernández

Autogenerated altimetry bar from DTM while using colored elevations.

This is an useful add-on to the set of features already in the DTM.

It is also important in competitive terms since Revit has a similar feature.
Please, Check image.

Thanks

VE-100889

CDR: Import KML

Rubén Hernández

Actually Vectorworks can export but not import KML.

If a user mark o draw some information on google earth he doesn't have a way to bring that information directly into Vectorworks.

Google Earth (place, polygon) --> Export KML --> Open in QGIS (Or another GIS Tool) --> Export Shape --> Import Vectorworks.

Polygons should be imported as polygons or polylines, and places as locus or stakes. Georeference must be supported.

Note that Google Earth saves the information as a KML file
That said, KML is a very welcomed export format, especially now that Vectorworks is focused in the GIS Workflows.
Thanks
R

Note: [~vstanev]

VE-100898

CDR: When importing a new class, recreate the resource folder hierarchy

Rubén Hernández

1. When importing or
2. When copying an object with a class from another document
3. And the class contains an image, hatch, tile, line type, text style, texture, or any resource, a window should prompt and give the option to preserve the folder hierarchy from the source document and then the original hierarchy is recreated in the target document.

In current versions, not having these options makes maintaining a clean structure in the resource browser is cumbersome. Please check the attached image.

If you notice: al resources were created at the top level in the target document, messing things up.

Thanks

VE-100899

CDR: Import Geometry from Sheet Layers.

Rubén Hernández

Sheet layers should allow importing of geometry: especially useful for title blocks.
This will allow the user to have a standard with sheet layers and title blocks within it.

Thanks

VE-100896

CDR: When creating a Field, new input option, List of Numbers

Rubén Hernández

Please,
Add a new option for field input: List of Numbers.

Right now, in worksheets, values entered as popup are reported as text (database in a worksheet) making them useless for calculations.

Check images.
Thanks!

VE-100897

CDR: More options for texture mapping in classes.

Rubén Hernández

Please check the image attached: Classes and Textures

VE-100873

CDR: Annotate station points on property line.

Rubén Hernández

The Property Line tool should have a way to annotate the corners (or stake/station points), two goals should be accomplished:

1. The user must be able: to rename and re-sequence the labels.

2. When reporting to a worksheet the order should consider the "station labels" and its adjacent bearing.

Thanks

VE-100846

CDR: Collapsable list for Data Visualizations

Rubén Hernández

Data Visualization is a powerful feature. The list of saved Visualizations is getting longer, especially as a resource that is always present in an office standard.

Check the image, please.

It will be undoubtedly important to have a collapsable list, managed in the same way that classes are.

Thanks

Note: [~rberge]

VE-100858

CDR: Use of Object Dimension Display for some objects

Rubén Hernández

Actually:

*DTM, Benchmark Tool, Spaces, and The Stake Object* should use the _Dimension Object Display_ instead of the _Decimal Display_ from the Units Settings Dialog.

When a user wants to use a different Decimal Display it will obtain different results from dimensions objects, forcing the user to use the same rounding for modeling and dimensioning. Sometimes this is not the case.

Check images, please.
Thanks.

VE-100810

CDR: Include attributes palette in the flagship on-demand Menu

Rubén Hernández

Suddenly, the *attributes palette* became a mandatory option for the *on-demand menu*

Changing attributes in that manner will be very productive.

Thanks!

VE-99484

CDR: MEP module for Vectorworks

Rubén Hernández

1. Mechanical: the actual tools are in need of a big upgrade. Right now the elements are not interactive, can't solve connections. It does not work as a system and it should.

2. Electrical: this part of Vectorworks needs a complete facelift; a better interface and better 3D and BIM oriented tools.

3. Plumbing: tools are falling behind. The solution isn't integrated, and can't perform grading calculations (for storm and waste, it's a must), making it almost useless. The lack of a complete BIM 3D geometry is also a big issue as pipes and its connections needs to be modeled correctly. It should be integrated to de Drainage Tool and the Irrigation System. Plumbing tools don't behave as a system and they should.

For sure, this will equalize Vectorworks to some of its competitors, opening the software to other disciplines.

VE-100756

CDR: More Choices for Bullets in Data Visualization Legends

Rubén Hernández

Data visualization legends should support different kind of shapes for the bullets.
Please, Check image.

Thanks

VE-100711

CDR: Set Opacity should work directly on 3D objects.

Rubén Hernández

Set opacity (attributes palette) should work directly in 3D objects. The opacity level should persist in all renders: hidden line, shaded polygon, openGL, Final Quality Renderworks, etc. Should work as it works in planar objects.

A group of students that previously used Revit and migrated to Vectorworks misses that kind of feature. Specifically for representational graphics that requires transparency. They understand that applying different textures to get different transparencies too cumbersome compared to Revit.

I think this feature is an important one that removes a competitive's disadvantage.

VE-100505

CDR: Layers organized equal to classes. Using -

Rubén Hernández

Please, naming layers, sheet layers and saved views should have the option to use a - (hyphen) to make their names collapsible as classes do.

For Design Layers:
*Floor 1*{color:red}-{color}Architectural
*Floor 1*{color:red}-{color}Structural
*Floor 1*{color:red}-{color}Electrical
*Floor 1*{color:red}-{color}Storm

It will produce a resumed:

*Floor 1*{color:red}-{color}Architectural
________Structural
________Electrical
________Storm
Sheet layers can have the same behavior, this time based on a prefix or layer number.
This can be useful for making groups of plans:
*A1*{color:red}-{color}1-First Floor Plan
*A1*{color:red}-{color}2-Second Floor Plan
*A1*{color:red}-{color}3-Third Floor Plan

It will produce a resumed:
*A1*{color:red}-{color}1-First Floor Plan
____2- Second Floor Plan
____3-Third Floor Plan

Saved views should be the same as classes when using - (hyphen)
This will make easier to manage long list of layers, design layers and save views.

See attached image of Classes in current behaviors. Why not have the same behavior in the before mentioned organizational elements?

Thanks!
Rubén

VE-100423

CDR: Export Sheet Layers as Design Layers.

Rubén Hernández

Export Sheet Layers as Desing Layers: Manu Command.

Vectorworks should be able to Export a Sheet Layer Content into a Design Layer:

This command will be useful if an user wants to export the sheet layer content without a BIM model in a Vectorworks file, in the form of basic objects, lines and polygons, for the viewports. Drawing Borders as drawing bordes; objects in annotations as they are.

The scale could be same as the sheet layer (1:1) or from a specified viewport.

Thanks,
Rubén

VE-100104

CDR: Date format configuration in units dialog.

Rubén Hernández

Hello!
A Date and time configuration section in Units is a welcomed solution:
1. You can setup and change at once the date format for worksheets and records, also for title blocks.
2. It needs the following variations, at least:
a. Record formats and Worksheets
b. Include Title blocks

Thanks!

VE-100050

CDR: Dimension icons should be blue for dark and light mode readability.

Rubén Hernández

It was reported like a bug. It's wad. So maybe this is a proper improvement.

Dimension icons should be blue for dark and light mode readability.
Check images: maybe they should be blue like the line and double line tool.

Thanks.

VE-99997

CDR: Use pen color as texture color.

Rubén Hernández

When using obj attribute as base color for a texture, please allow to use the pen color. As an option.

This option will do a good job when preparing standards, sometimes classes (specially when modeling) don't need a color fill (sometimes a hatch, or simple white); in that case the use of the pen color will do great.

It gives flexibility to the render/texturing process.

VE-99719

CDR: Create Title Block while creating sheet layer.

Rubén Hernández

1. Add the option to create or insert a title block while creating a sheet layer.
2. Title block style selector included.

See image.

VE-99664

CDR: More Granular Doors & Windows parts.

Rubén Hernández

Problem:
Right now Jamb, Sash, Panel, Trim, etc., is draw as one piece. Doors and Windows are more granular and need more control in their 3D details (both, for technical drawings and renderings).

Door and Window Parts, at least:
1. Jamb / Sash: separate vertical and horizontal parts
2. Leaf: separate vertical and horizontal parts
3. Panels: separate vertical and horizontal parts
4. Trim: Separate vertical and horizontal parts
5. 45º (or any angle) cut should be supported.

Door & Windows Parts (Classes)
1. Jamb / Sash: Class for horizontal Jamb, Class for vertical Jamb
2. Leaf: Class for horizontal parts, Class for vertical parts
3. Panels: Class for horizontal parts, Class for vertical parts
4. Trim: Class for horizontal parts, Class for vertical parts

Advantages:
This will produce better drawings (elevations, sections and details)
This will allow the user to texture all elements the right way (correct directions for wood textures).

Please check file.

VE-99645

CDR: Please Add Page or Paper Size column to the organization window.

Rubén Hernández

Please check image attached.
Please Add Page or Paper Size column to the organization window (Sheet layer section).

VE-99634

CDR: Referenced Section Viewports, Horizontal Section Viewports, Detail viewports...

Rubén Hernández

1. Only a Standard Viewport can be referenced, within design layers.
2. Allow any kind of viewport to be referenced.
3. Referenced Viewports should work directly within a sheet layer.
4. A proper interface to manage section lines for a referenced section viewport, referenced detail viewport, etc., will be needed.
5. Referenced viewports should have all the options that a non-referenced viewport has.

Advantages:
a. It will allow the user to have a Vectorworks file with a centralized model (even a federated one) with not other information.
b. It will allow the user to have a Vectorworks file with all the plans and drawings, with no model in the same Vectorworks File. Just a direct connection from the viewport to the file containing the model. Same as the behavior of the current referenced design layer but within sheet layer environment and all the kind of viewports
c. This will remove limitations in the current workflow: referenced design layer viewports - viewports on sheet layers. For example, as the viewport in the design layer is in the middle of the workflow, encapsulating the geometry and limiting many of the advantages that a viewport with direct access to geometry has.
d. If the user can directly reference any kind of Viewport to a model, it will a cleaner workflow. It will have a file exclusively for the model and a file exclusive for Drawings.

VE-101088

Make property line segments taggable

Ross Harris

Currently a data tag cannot report the length or bearing of a property line. The ability to tag this with a tag tag with length and bearing fields would allow tidier annotation of a property line object allowing flexible placement of the tag so it doesn’t become obscured.
In the case of multiple short segments, being able to have a leader line to the tag will allow them to be annotated - currently the segment labels need to be hidden as they are larger then the segments and can lead to issues with regulatory bodies wanting all segments annotated with length and bearing.

VE-99326

Custom Hatch Creator / Editor

Rob Nykolaishen

I have been struggling with the current hatch creation / editing process.

The current system requires a lot of thought and time, and also trial and error to create a custom hatch.

I propose a new hatch / tile creation method. Such as drawing the pattern in the design layer, selecting all the objects and then have a command of "Create Hath Pattern" or "Create Tile Pattern"

The display window could then show how that selected pattern will display in the field pattern of that hatch or tile. You could see if there are any conflicts or display errors and adjust accordingly but moving or drawing lines. Not worrying about fumbling distances in the current hatch pattern editor.

This will greatly speed up custom hatch creation that is required when designers want a specific pattern to show up in their drawings like in my case a custom facade design pattern to match a custom rendered texture based on real world materials not currently available in Vectorworks.

As a Tile creator using the same method, an option to convert the tile pattern to 3D objects would also speed up custom tile patterns needed for modelling.

VE-99338

Story Symbols

Rob Nykolaishen

I propose that there be a solution to create a symbol that can contain walls, and those walls will obey their bounds, no matter what story their symbol is placed on.

Often with multi family residential design, there will be typical floor layouts in multi-storey buildings. For efficiency, one type of each unit floor plan is drawn and repeated throughout the whole floor plan on many floors. These floor plans would typically be symbols so if the master unit plan is edited, all plans of that type are edited.

In some cases, these multi-storey buildings could have different floor to ceiling heights, such as the first floor may have a 10' high ceiling and the upper storeys are only 9' or less. Or the opposite, the lower floors are 9' ceilings and the highest floor will have higher ceiling heights.

Placing these symbols within a multi-storey model will not produce the desired effect of having the walls within the symbol to bind to their correct height or datum as determined within that storey.

The Story Symbol creation could be a different process than current symbol creation to allow for separate story relevant information to present itself in the creation process.

VE-99717

Door insert in two different wall types

Rob Nykolaishen

I will often find that I have to draw a framed wall sitting on top of a concrete upstand. This concrete upstand usually is quite low, about a foot or less, and the framed wall will continue on above it.

I will insert the door in the concrete upstand, but the door will then be obscured by the wall sitting on top of the upstand. I then have to create a door opening in the wall above to allow the real door to punch through.

Do this a few times over the course of a large building design and it can get quite tedious, especially when the doors move or get re sized. I then have to change all the "openings"

I propose that the door (and this could work for windows as well) receive a right click edit option where you can select a door that is sitting in one wall and have the option to duplicate opening in adjacent wall type. This would create a punch out in the wall above that matches the door opening exactly. Then when the door moves or is resized, the opening can be updated.

Screen shots and file attached.

Rob

VE-99792

Door Tool Frame Stops

Rob Nykolaishen

Building codes are becoming more prescriptive with the built environment for accessibility requirements. Such is a case where we need to show the clear opening of a doorway.

The requirement in our case is to show a minimum clear opening of 850mm between the frame stop and open leaf at 90 degrees.

We need to be able to model accurate frame stop sizes and locations and show those frame stops in our drawings.

I have attached a screen shot of how the code is interpreted on a door frame detail. I have also provided steps I would like to see as options in the door tool to help expedite the plug in door size based on criteria a user can provide.

VE-99360

Grid Bubble Tool - Flexibility

Rob Nykolaishen

The current Grid Bubble tool once the grid has been drawn is set in stone. There is no option to move overlapping bubbles out of the way for clarity.

In the attached image I have done a quick layout of grid bubbles. The top line of grid bubbles are as laid out with the tool. 4 and 5 overlap. In many cases this overlap could have one bubble obscuring the text in the other.

In most cases I would have to ungroup the grid bubble to adjust the overlap. The bottom line demonstrates this.

It would be beneficial to be able to relocate the grid bubbles to improve clarity of the drawing while maintaining the grids still within a grid bubble without breaking the object apart to do so.

The snap points could show up in the bubble to be dragged. Dragging the bubble could cause a leader line to appear to maintain its attachment to the gridline.

Dimensions associated within the grid bubbles should also have the flexibility to be individually moved out of the way for clarity.

VE-99346

Design Layer Tags in Sheet Layer Annotations

Rob Nykolaishen

When creating a Door ID Tag, Window ID Tag, or an Interior Elevation viewport, those items appear on the design layer but are not editable through the attributes on the sheet layer much like when one uses a Create Section Viewport.

When creating a Section Viewport, it can be edited on both the design layer and annotation viewport on a sheet.

I propose that the Door ID Tag, Window ID Tag and Interior Elevation marker be editable within the annotations on a viewport. This will allow one to relocated the tags as needed when annotating the drawing on a sheet layer.

I often will find a tag needs to be shifted when I am annotating dimensions and notes on the sheet. I will often have to go into the design layer, shift the tag or marker over and see if its where I want it back on the sheet layer.

VE-99327

Export to Vectorworks - DWG options

Rob Nykolaishen

I have consultants I deal with that use Vectorworks. They may be landscape architects, interior designers and other types of consultants that will only require a small part of a project to work on.

Often these consultants don't need everything I have drawn, and in most cases I don't want to include everything within the file, only parts that apply to their work.

Currently I have to "save a copy" and go through deleting and shutting off classes and layers I don't want to pass along to the consultant.

I propose that there be an export to Vectorworks option like the export to DWG options. This could include the Sheets to Include option and invisible classes are not exported.

This way I could select the sheet I want to send the consultant set up with classes and layers they only need to do their work. The file will then be reduced to only what the consultant needs.

VE-99286

Railing/Fence - Control Line

Rob Nykolaishen

I would very much like to control the placement with how the railing / fence is drawn. Currently it is only able to draw from centre line.

Often I am either placing a railing on a deck, or to be aligned with the face of the deck. Having the option to control left, right, or centre much like the wall tool would make drawing rails on multiple decks on a multi family residential building so much easier.

VE-99282

Stair Settings

Rob Nykolaishen

I would like to see additional control dimensions added to the stairs tool. I have attached a sketch.

I wish to have the ability to control the dimensions of the landing independently from the location of the stairs. In some cases I need a landing to project beyond the edges of the stairs. This could apply to both straight and U shaped stairs where the risers and treads need to be offset from the edge of the landing.

I have in the past designed the landing separate but it would speed up efficiency if it could be an all in one solution.

VE-102109

FBX Export slices geometry

Rob Nykolaishen

Laika studios is using VW to model then export it to DCCs.

This is the message they sent to Tech Support

We are encountering issues consuming the FBX files generated by Vectorworks when loading them into DCCs - specifically both Maya and Houdini. The issues we are running into are broadly: 1. Objects which should be exported as single objects come in split apart into many objects. 2. Normals and winding order are randomly flipped and do not properly represent the exterior side of surfaces. More specifically, - Mirrored geometry comes in inverted / normals are pointing the wrong way. EXAMPLE. What should be the outside of the surface is pointing the wrong direction. Essentially the winding order is reversed causing the normals to point in the wrong direction. - Normals/winding order for geometry which is concave AND does not have any volume/thickness associated with it is flipped so that the surface points the wrong direction. EXAMPLE. We see this happening quite often when we add thickness to a complex flat surface. The surface usually does not export as a single object and the normals and the concave areas of the extruded sides come in broken into their own piece and the normals are pointing towards the inside of the extruded volume. - When we export objects that should be solid they come in broken apart. EXAMPLE. Walls, they usually come in broken apart and are not solid surfaces. Maybe this can be resolved by having a solid object toggle on each symbol which informs the FBX export? - Applying multiple material to an object or partial materials to an object (only a set of faces) results in an object that exports as several pieces. EXAMPLE. a Wall with a material on each face will come in broken apart based on the martial assignment. - Site models export as separated polygons. It would be good to have this export as a single object and currently requires additional work to make it export as a single object. - Groups are not retained in the FBX. The FBX recognized the symbols are retained but not the grouping structure present in Vectorworks. It appears that the symbol is converted into a group but the true scene organization is lost.
Steps: 1 - load file 2 - select File->Export->Export FBX 3 - use the following settings: Export: All Visible Objects on All Layers Scene Organization: Native Vectorworks Organization Include: Geometry, Materials and Texture Tags If the scene is big enough, we will also just export Selected Objects on Active Layer, and have at times had to use the Fast Renderworks render mode.

I have included their vectorworks file, FBX file and many screen shots showing the issues they describe. The screenshots are how they see the export in Houdini

I am not sure if this is a bug or should be submitted as an enhancement. I have not had someone use Vectorworks so extensively to export as an FBX

VE-105036

Good Neighbor Fence

Rob Nykolaishen

Customer requested the ability to create a good neighbor fence.

A fence with alternating sides of where the "good side" finish is.

It could either be one panel is facing one way then the next panel is the other way or each board is alternating which side it is facing.

VE-104408

Stop including the SPS installer with VW installer

Rob Nykolaishen

I would really recommend we stop including the SPS installer with the Installer package.

Too many people who have no business touching the SPS installer get stuck in that installation and have no idea what they are supposed to do.

We should provide the installer of the application on its own and then have a separate download for the SPS software.

Many people new to Vectorworks call in confused as to what their activation key is when they should not even be touching that software. They then complain that there is no clear instruction as to what that is for.

VE-104160

Chain Dimension Dual Dimension precision

Rob Nykolaishen

When single dimensions are placed using dual dimensions, you can adjust the precision for primary or secondary dimensions in the oip

If chain dimensions are used, you cannot adjust the precision for the secondary dimension, only the primary

Please add the ability to change precision of secondary dims in chain dimension mode

VE-104116

Customize Home Screen for internal customer communications

Rob Nykolaishen

We have received a request from a customer to be able to tailor the message / communications on the Home Screen launch.

They would like to be able to notify their team each day at launch with updates on standards and templates etc.

I have included the text from his original message below

Customize Launch Window Hi. Now that VW has a launch window, is there any way for us to customize it for our staff, so we can communicate templates, standards, etc as they open the program? Since we deploy through Mosyle MDM/Munki we can tweak pretty much whatever xml and plist files we need (so long as Apple's hyper-security doesn't stop us)

VE-103899

Unified View warning message upon opening a file

Rob Nykolaishen

If someone has an older file that they are for the first time opening in the current version of Vectorworks, and the because of the older format or older workflow they had unified view disabled, it would be nice to provide a warning screen to the effect of "This file has Unified View disabled would you like to enable it now?" or "....The file will open with unified view enabled.... click to cancel" as well as provide a help link to the workflow they should be using with unified view enabled.

this way we could perhaps convince more people to move to a workflow with unified view enabled.

Seeing many older files / older workflows moving to 2023 and they are complaining their file is very slow and its because they have disabled unified view.

VE-103885

Hanging Position Trim Height displayed in OIP

Rob Nykolaishen

I have a customer that when converting a system of truss to a hanging position then with it selected, sets the trim height in the OIP. There is nothing in the OIP displaying what this system's trim height is now set to. Z height does not change and there is no other way to determine what the stick of truss has been set to.

VE-103196

TORO Rotor with Valve built in

Rob Nykolaishen

User submitted this following request

[https://cdn2.toro.com/en/-/media/Files/Toro/Golf-Irrigation/Rotors/FLEX800-35-55/FLEX800-35-55-SS.ashx]

His description of this is to have a rotor like the link above with a valve built into it.

VE-102992

Reshape Two Leg Bridle

Rob Nykolaishen

User called in to tech support asking how to re attached bridles that missed their house rigging point.

User had draftsman place almost 200 2 leg bridles in his drawing and more than half were not properly connected to a house rigging point. Asked how to make those bridles connect, but could not find a way

There should be a way edit the bridle legs after they have been placed if a mistake was made.

If there is, I could not find it

VE-101377

3D preview of PIO Plants prior to download

Rob Nykolaishen

User requested to be able to see the 3D view of plants prior to downloading / importing into the file. User was frustrated at having to download the plants first into their file to see how they looked in 3D. User says its a time waste to have to only see the 2D view of the plant. place it in their file using the plant tool only to find its not the height they wish to have.

VE-102844

MEP Circuiting

Rob Nykolaishen

User emailed tech support referencing a forum post 12 years ago about MEP circuiting and how its still not resolved according to him.

This looks to be WAD? so I am submitting as an enhancement.

This is from the user.

I was wondering if I could get assistance on the following issues involving the MEP circuiting tool

The help entry on this tool makes no mention of the fact that the circuiting tool will not work for receptacles that have been inserted into walls. Thus the tool works in reverse to most normal practices. Receptacles inevitably are inserted into some entity be it a wall, floor, ceiling. I discovered this after extensive searching on the forum and found an entry from 12 years ago! I guess it has never been fixed. 12 years is a long time for an outstanding bug. The process appears to remain inserting receptacles without attaching to walls circuiting them and then attaching to walls

The actual graphic circuit indicators do not track if an outlet is being moved. Is there a way of having the wire connections associate to the receptacle insertion point or centre of the symbol?

VE-102656

VW Help Doc regarding Black and White and Viewports

Rob Nykolaishen

User posted a thread on the forum as well as emailed Tech support regarding black and white settings with rendered viewports.

Clarification should be made on the help docs describing what can be changed in a viewport to black and white, and perhaps mention viewport class overrides or link to that help article.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/91189-sheet-layer-viewport-advanced-properties-black-and-white-only-doesnt-make-everything-black-and-white/

VE-102537

2022 Attributes Line Start and End Marker Toggle

Rob Nykolaishen

Many 2022 users wish to have the previous version end marker toggles reinstated.

in 2021 and older you could simply click whether the default end mark was on or off, now in 2022 you have to choose none to turn the marker off or choose a marker to turn it on.

VE-102274

Colour contrast on tool buttons

Rob Nykolaishen

A user with degrading eyesight called in asking if there was a way to change the colour contrast on buttons in VW that are pressed and active

He is looking for this to happen all over the app but his main focus was on the Snapping tools

There should be a way to set the active tool to a much more contrasted or even custom color. In this users case he wished he could change the color to red

VE-101495

Gridline tool - VP scale adjustment

Rob Nykolaishen

User submitted a file where his design layer is 1/4" = 1' and his viewport of that plan is 1/8" = 1'

The gridlines on the design layer when displayed in the vp show the bubble location further away from the model with longer grid lines.

I explained to the user he can adjust his gridlines and bubble location in the annotations of the viewport. User came back with that works until he changes the scale again of the viewport.

This looks to be WAD, I think the user needs to choose a scale for his viewport and adjust his grid lines accordingly. I submitted this as an enhancement perhaps that it could behave better if you tweak the vp scale?

VE-101824

Title Block Manager Copy and apply revisions

Rob Nykolaishen

If a user added revisions to one title block only but later wanted to apply all those revision notes to several sheets at once, currently from how I understand it, they would have to manually type those revision notes over again while editing multiple sheets.

Could it be possible to take already created revision data on one sheet and just have it populate the other sheets? It would save time if a user mistakenly only applies the revisions to one sheet when they needed to apply it to many.

VE-101731

Find floating / undocked palettes

Rob Nykolaishen

Under the Window > Palettes menu item we should have a button to bring into focus all undocked or floating palettes. Such as an option to move all undocked palettes to the center of the screen.

Many users on multiple displays lose the a palette in behind something or in to the ether between the two displays. Often when they call in we ask them to disconnect displays, change resolution or have to remote in to go hunting for the hidden palette.

If we had a button to relocate these palettes to the center of the design layer as a "parachute" to help find the missing palettes faster.

In addition if a palette is active but can't be found, as in some cases it is user error that they docked it and it shrunk, if you could click on the active palette name in the menu and a color change highlight would show you where that palette is docked?

VE-101730

Slab Drainage

Rob Nykolaishen

The slab drainage tool needs to be tweaked to work with real world / true modeling conditions and construction practices.

Currently when creating drainage in a slab, the drain location gets a default elevation of 0 and the entire slab tips up now raising the slab higher than it was intended / modeled

The user then has to move the slab down in 3D to re-align its edges but the datums listed on the slab are no longer valid or just show information not needed by the designer.

Current workflow is Place Drainage, relocate slab in 3D, associate all text info on the slab to a class that can be turned invisible because it is inaccurate for construction purposes, then annotate over top the true to be built datums and conditions.

Proposed workflow is:

Slab drainage when placed in the slab should leave all edge datums where they were modeled when the slab was first drawn flat. Any drainage should have the option of raising the insertion point up (To slope to the exterior edges) or probably by default slope the drain insertion point down. (Water would drain from the edges to the drain datum below the top of slab elevation)

In a normal design process, one could have all their slabs modeled and walls in place, perhaps most of the design complete, and then proceed to want to figure out where the slab drainage will go. Doing so in the current workflow will cause all the slabs to not be set at the correct height any longer, sand would require a lot of fixing after.

VE-100331

Full Save Prompt

Rob Nykolaishen

Many users get caught up in drawing and may or may not have autosave set up correctly. Or they may skip an autosave prompt or may have turned it off for the duration of drawing.

Some users have complained that the autosave backup may lose complex geometry.

I am proposing that there be a setting in Vectorworks to prompt the user that a full save has not been completed in some time. (This can be set by the user or default to 30 minutes) Perhaps with the option to instigate a save as or a save a copy as in the options as well as just committing to a full save

VE-101453

Incandescent fixture text background

Rob Nykolaishen

By default the incandescent fixture config label has a grey fill background. This should have an empty or white fill background. User is required to manually change the fill of the fixture.

This looks to be WAD, but really should not have a grey fill when trying to print a set of plans. the default grey fill in the label makes it hard to read on print.

VE-101437

Resource Manager - All Resources button

Rob Nykolaishen

Many users get stuck in the resource manager where "There are no items to show in this view"

I propose that under that message we see a button to "show all resources" to trigger the top menu bar to switch from which ever resource the user is currently in to be able to see everything available, whether it was from navigating the files on the left or through the Resource Manager search bar.

VE-101238

Window Trim with Sloped Sill

Rob Nykolaishen

When creating a sloped exterior sill of a window and then including exterior trim, the trim floats above the sill instead of extending to meet the slope.

I have included a file with the behaviour

VE-101211

Unified View Detection Dialog

Rob Nykolaishen

Have a dialog box appear in the new / current version when opening a file created in an older version to indicate that unified view is currently disabled.

The dialog box should have a brief description as what the unified view does and then have a default option to activate it, but also the ability to leave it off.

For example, user has a 2020 file that they created and had unified view off. Open that file in 2021 and it detects that unified view is off and triggers the warning.

I have had many users complain that the newer versions are very laggy with their old files. I often ask if unified view is on and they ask "what is that?" usually followed by "wow that worked"

VE-100196

Grade PIO Attributes

Rob Nykolaishen

Client submitted file with grade objects not taking all of the class settings.

Pen and Fill Opacity settings in PWL Grading-Grade Markers WORKING *DO NOT PRINT* class are unlinked. Pen Opacity set at 100%, Fill Opacity set at 50%

On drawing layer, grades objects are set to above class but both pen and fill are linked and are both set at 50% opacity. There is no way to unlink the setting.

Submitted Bug https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-165462

Response was WAD. I would like to ask that this PIO receive more flexibility with attribute / attribute settings

VE-100724

Architect Template

Rob Nykolaishen

The Architect.sta template, both imperial and metric do not have default classes assigned to the 2D Visualization settings / Visibility Classes in the Door Settings.

When creating a new blank document without using a template, the Door Settings have classes assigned in this dialog.

Users who use the architect template have difficulty finding these settings when trying to turn off aspects that would be there by default in the blank document.

I have attached screen shots for reference.

VE-100562

MEP Receptacle Tool

Rob Nykolaishen

User wishes to have more control / options when using the receptacle tool with the Show 3D detail.

User requested that he be able to turn the 3D receptacle object by 90 degrees to accommodate tight spaces such as when he needs to place the receptacle sideways over a back splash on a counter top.

Simply having a rotate 3D objects button in the OIP?

VE-100473

Door Side Light Settings

Rob Nykolaishen

User has requested that the side lights in the the attached door file align with the geometry of the door. User would like the ability to align the muntins and rails sizes to match with the door.

VE-100363

2020 General Notes Tool Should Have 2019 Database Controls

Rob Nykolaishen

User found that General Notes tool is not efficient.

Wishes the Data Base Controls found in 2019 was still in 2020. The ability to mass populate the General Notes between the left and right panes in 2019 was highly efficient.

The many clicks to add one piece of database in 2020 is not efficient, especially when needing to add a great deal of notes. Requires multiple clicks of "Ok" to add one note at a time.

VE-100022

Snap to Grid - Dialogue pop up

Rob Nykolaishen

I have found that some users have not noticed that they have activated "Snap to Grid" in the snapping palette and their document was never intended to be drawn with Snap to Grid on. This can cause some inaccuracies within their design especially if they did not set up any grids to snap to.

I propose that when Snap to Grid is activated, whether intentional or by accident, a dialogue box should pop up to alert the user that this function is now active. Perhaps this dialogue could have a cancel button to immediately turn off the function if it was indeed activated by accident.

VE-102864

Supercharged Quick Search

Rob Hollis

Expand the capability of Quick Search by offering customers the ability to search within the OIP Palette and Preference Menus. Doing so will greatly increase customer efficiency as the search time for various settings within files will drop. Frustration due to not quickly finding the needed item will reduce.

Preferences: For example, there are multiple sections within the Vectorworks Prefs, Doc Prefs and Spotlight Prefs. Customers must know which one of the three to navigate to and then they need to find the preference they wish to change. New customers may not even know that there is an option to control a particular preference much less know where to find the preference. By having an option to search prefs included in the QS, customers can quickly type and then be swiftly directed to the appropriate preference. i.e. typing "Off" (offset) which auto-populates with "Offset", "Roller Chain - Offset Link", "Roller Chain - Offset Link - 3D" and now "Offset Duplications" which can be found in the Edit Section of the Vectorworks Prefs.

OIP: Rather than customers needing to scroll and scroll and scroll the OIP to find a particular setting, they can use the QS while an object is selected they will be directed to the appropriate place on the OIP. Note the two pics of one OIP attached. It is a lot of info to scroll through. Reducing this time will benefit customers by saving them time and frustration.

VE-104425

Enhance Point Cloud functionality/partnerships

Rob Hollis

Have had several conversations with prospect customers that are looking to do more with point clouds.

Case in point, Chris Knapp (attached point cloud file) wants to be able to import a point cloud > convert to a solid or mesh > apply a 6" foam insulation shell to the exterior of the mesh/solid object created > create custom size "framed" objects/symbols for all of the wall penetrations > subtract the frames from the insulation > turn off the mesh/solid base building > create a cut list to sheet out the insulation in 4'x4' or 8'x8' sheets > send cut list to on site CNC machine > drastically reduce the hours to increase the energy efficiency of thousands of buildings in NYC.

Although Vwx may not be able to convert the pts to a mesh or solid, other companies may be able to do so. Consider partnerships to increase the use of cloud point functionality within the Vectorworks environment.

https://pointcab-software.com/en/
https://www.constructpoint.com/

This will become more and more common place in the documentation of existing conditions in all of our industries. The easier we can make the connection from existing conditions to proposed experience for the designers, the greater impact we will make on their workflows.

VE-104135

Worksheet Function to link to viewport and/or drawing label

Rob Hollis

MJP Architects current workflow requires using the Data pane of the window and/or door style settings to define the head/jamb/sill detail location. Note the highlighted criteria in attached pic. These fields are queried to populate the worksheet. If the detail number and/or sheet changes, it is a manual process for customers to edit the style or the worksheet to update the data.

Alternate workflow 1) is for worksheet cells to be able to query directly from a viewport and/or drawing label.

Alternate workflow 2) is for the Data pane fields to be linked to a viewport/drawing label.

Errors will be reduced and coordination is greatly simplified as the worksheet will automatically query detail location changes as they occur.

VE-104136

Class Options in Viewports don't filter

Rob Hollis

MJP Architects noticed that in the annotation space of a viewport, the Class Options do not work. Without needing to find the combination of settings for the Magic Wand Tool, they want to select all objects of a particular class without everything else also being selected. No matter the class options filter selected, all objects are selected.

Not sure if this is WAD. That said, it is expected that if a filter can be selected in the Class Options, there should be a different result based on the filter selected.

VE-101148

Real Time File Size Monitoring

Rob Hollis

Assist users to control overall file size by allowing them to visualize various elements within their files in real time. Using visual gauges and charts, users will see the impact that various elements have on file size as they add and subtract elements from files.

# Have an easily accessible way for users to monitor file size in real time. This could be located in the utility bar (i.e. 127MB that flashes red as it increases to 165MB after adding imported symbols to the file).
# Have File Control Center tool will allow users to visualize the size of various types of components via a gauge or chart relative to the entire file size (Symbols 22%, site model 18%, image textures 3%, meshes 16%, etc.). Accessing the File Control Center allows users to view categorized gauges. See images of gauges for reference.
# The user should be able to see the size impact that specific components have on the overall file (Symbol “x” is 8.7% of the overall file size). This could be more of a chart that lists the components in each category. This will become a lengthy list quickly and a minimum threshold should be set for the size of individual elements to be included in the charting.
# There should be a pop up or warning option that can be enabled in user preferences to warn users if an object will impact the file size over a certain size or percentage. i.e. Importing a heavy symbol will invoke a warning popup and allow for direct access to the File Control Center.
# Purge will be located in the File Control Center and users can preview the impacts of purging various elements on overall file size.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64075-file-size-breakdown/&tab=comments#comment-318928]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68656-file-size-vwx-dwg-theatre-design/&tab=comments#comment-338918]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/71425-size-matters/&tab=comments#comment-349741]

VE-103057

Home Screen - Design/Graphic Inconsistencies and Issues

Rob Hollis

Two items noticed on the HS that should be addressed.

1) There is an inconsistency between the white frames of the message center tiles and the lack of frames on the picture tiles on every other pane. The Home, Learn and Cloud panes all appear flat. HIGHLY suggest the addition of white frames to all tiles on all panes for consistency. Additionally, to further define the layout, add a line on the right of the side bar and increase the thickness of the white line at the top of all panes. The sidebar and tiles do not appear to be landed on the HS. The linework grounds and better defines each.

See images: "Msg Ctr Pane has outlined tiles", "Suggested linework for all panes" and compare to the flatness of the "Typical Pane - no outlines". There is a marked improvement of the clarity and graphics of the panes with the additional linework.

2) The “Mark all as read” and “Delete All” should be the same font size and should align with the "Get Certified, Let Us Do the Heavy Lifting, etc" text on other panes. The “Mark all as read” and “Delete All” should move down to match and verify they are the same font size as on other panes.

See images: "Correct height for text" and "Msg Ctr text too high" for clarification.

VE-102863

Find and select objects from within Resource Manager

Rob Hollis

Customers should be able to find and select all instances of an object while in the resource manager. For example, a customer could highlight the object in the RM, pop up context menu and they choose “select all instances”. Depending on the object selected in the RM, this could be nearly identical to the options that are available in the Select Similar tool. If wanting to refine their search, customers could specify layer, class, etc. This would benefit workflows as a single source to EASILY find any object(s) in the document.

VE-101991

Drag and drop directly from Texturing Tool Selection Window

Rob Hollis

The workflow for the Texturing Tool could benefit by replicating the method of being able to directly drag and drop textures from the resource manager thereby directly applying textures to objects. The Texturing Tool selection window appears nearly identical to the Resource Manager yet users have to click on the texture they wish to use and then click "select". This is an additional click and not consistent with the workflow of dragging and dropping textures from the RM.

VE-101887

Color Palette Generator

Rob Hollis

A simple but mega cool add to user functionality, especially interiors, is a color palette generator. Currently, it takes a lot of back and forth to add user defined colors to custom user palettes. A few simple steps: 1) Allow users to set a few colors that they will lock as the base upon which the palette will be built. 2) The user will then define a minimum and maximum number of colors for their custom palette. 3) Click generate. The user can lock and unlock colors to keep or swap out for each iteration of the process until they reach their ideal color palette.

This already exists online and is what I use to develop palettes that match but have to create each color in a time consuming way. A large number of architects, myself included, are horrible with selecting colors. Hence why this would ease their workflow and allow for greater control of presentation styles.

Look here for the web based idea:

[https://coolors.co/]

There are a lot of options to expand upon this (i.e. build palettes around manufacturer specific paint colors, fabric swatches, carpet colors, etc.) but it should be a simple add in the first go around. Possibly consider a partner link that live links Vectorworks to the Coolors webpage and directly imports the color codes into the user's palette.

VE-101863

Wish list from ROJO Architecture

Rob Hollis

Here is list of wishes from that firm that would help them for their process:

More options for window trim. They would like the capability to better control the trim & sill components. Particularly, they'd like to be able to have multiple trim components in the same window. i.e. The bottom 1/3rd could be stone with the top 2/3rd as wood.

They would like to be able to have Wall types/styles as a 3d graphic symbol

Better opportunity to create 3d symbols for standardized bathrooms that they use on a regular basis.

There is not have enough control of sheet numbering when issuing revisions or supplementing sheets in a set.

The curtain wall tool is cumbersome. Would like to more easily be able to divide frame members equally. Easier editing capabilities are needed as the current workflow is difficult to move and precisely set frames.

Better integration of incorporating drawings & graphics directly into worksheets.

Would like to ensure the integrity of hyperlinks to outside resources. Meaning, there could be a way to show graphically reflect that a hyperlink is broken (much like when a viewport needs to be updated).

They miss the Bluebeam integration on their Macs. Still works on iPads. They would like to see a mark-up feature in Vwx.

Stair railings need a better wrap/return function to walls or around corners. They don't currently have the ability to draw railings as they actually need to be built.

Need a better way to create ceilings other than solid modeling or creating another slab. They want more of a ceiling tool.

VE-101057

History Palette for Easier Undo/Redo Navigation

Rob Hollis

Build upon 2021's History Based Modeling and the ideas below to streamline workflows by simplifying the undo/redo command history process. Users can control the number of undos in Vectorworks but can not directly access a list of the command history.

Creating an Undo/Redo History Palette (or pull down) will allow for users to quickly navigate to the desired point within their string of operations. Users can instantly access the appropriate point to which they want to return as well as avoid any potential issues of not navigating back far enough or too far.

In an ideal world, a thumbnail would appear when a user hovers over the particular undo/redo within the history palette.

Not all commands provide a tangible visual reference for a user to know if what they wanted to be undone was actually undone. Tying the undo/redo process to a visual reference will allow users a fast, clear and reliable method to increase their productivity.

* INNOV-346

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/INNOV-346

It is proposed that an Undo History palette be implemented to visually display the current undoable states in Vectorworks. This undo interface would enable the user to more easily and more quickly identify the state to which they want to undo their document.
* INNOV-386

{color:#172b4d}https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/INNOV-386{color}

This would be a dynamic palette that would show the previous actions that the user has performed as they perform them, with the most recent action at the top of the list.
* VE-99920

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-99920

Essentially, they would like a palette that shows a history of operations, so that if they walk away, get a coffee, take a phone call etc, when they come back to VW, they know where they have got to in their workflow. They would like to be able to click on the list of edits in the history, and undo back to that point.

VE-101075

Facade Tool - Wall Tool Alternate

Rob Hollis

Allow surface arrayed items (and other modeled elements) to convert into walls/curtain walls via a Facade Tool. This will greatly enhance the ability for users to create walls based on designs not in the box. Stories will dissect the arrayed wall element as per their elevation benchmarks for graphic purposes but the wall/curtain wall is one element. This will be a tool that is in addition to the wall tool allowing users to keep their current workflow, use the new one or use both.

VE-100968

Classes - Multiple Texture Selection Option

Rob Hollis

When modifying textures within a class, the current process is to select one texture at a time, change the texture to a different option and then repeat for each option (Obj/Component Texture, Top & Dormer for the Roof Texture, Left Center & Right for the Wall Textures). That is potentially six times to change a texture.

It would save a tremendous amount of time to be able to select any combination of or all of textures at one time rather than having to individually move from texture to texture to adjust each of the options. I'm currently working in 2021 but this is a typical process in 2020 as well. Much like is an option to select "All" as per the Select Similar option. Images attached.

Thanks for considering this enhancement.

VE-100722

Drawing Label Coordination

Rob Hollis

Coordination of Drawing Labels location on small and large sets of contract documents can be a very time consuming task.

Vectorworks users should have the ability to create a mass formatting or rearrange method for drawing labels rather than for users having to go into each viewport one by one to modify the location of each drawing label. In particular, to be able to align/distribute labels on a sheet, but in multiple viewports, so that there is user defined spacing, mass location editing and/or vertical & horizontal alignment. This would also hold true for consistent alignment of drawing labels on a series of sheet layers. In other words, the label housed in a viewport can be set to a specific location on the sheet layer.

Regarding the same location of a drawing label on different sheet layers, [~smann3] notes "If all of the viewports are in the same location on each sheet, you can use Tools>Custom Modification. Filter the criteria to look for drawing labels inside of viewports on specified sheets and then change the xy positions of all the labels." This is a great option but takes the user to an entirely different tool to make this functionality happen

For multiple viewports on a single sheet layer, either:

1) while on the sheet layer with all of the viewports selected, a user could “ghost” access (meaning not actually go into the viewports) to select specific elements to modify. In this case, all of the drawing labels.  It’s a big ask but would save a lot of time on large projects.

or

2) As mentioned by [~mpanzer2] as a consideration for the Editable Markers Task, "allow Drawing Labels to associate to viewports like Data Tags do. This would allow you to place them directly on a sheet layer. You could then move them independently from their viewport which would allow you to also use the Align/Distribute command on them. But if you move a viewport, its associated Drawing Label would move along with it."

There should be a single source location for users to specify the attributes of drawing labels for multiple sheet layers and multiple viewports on a single sheet layer. Providing greater functionality/options/criteria for the drawing labels will improve user customization, presentation consistency and increase overall efficiency.

VE-100174

Duplicate Array with Center on Next Mouse Click

Rob Hollis

Is there any reason that center on next mouse click for duplicate array only works on Top/Plan view and not Top view? The option is greyed out when in the top view but would be advantageous for users to not have to switch to top/plan when modeling in top view. Thank you.

VE-100105

Sheet Layer Organizer/Viewer

Rob Hollis

Consider adding a 'visual' Sheet Layer Organizer/Viewer similar to the Slide Sorter or side bar viewer in Power Point. This feature would allow for easy navigation of sheet layers in a thumbnail view type format. This feature will allow for quick and simple rearrangement of sheet layers, editing, duplication, deletion, new sheet creation in addition to a highly user friendly experience and time saver.

Making this visually available by means of a thumbnail will greatly enhance the workflow especially in large project files with dozens of sheet layers. Tony Kostreski and I will be developing this idea further for innovation week.

VE-100089

Saved View Navigation

Rob Hollis

Consider adding the nesting feature to the saved view section of the Navigation Panel similar to the expansion and collapsing of subclasses in the classes section. This would greatly help with navigation during presentations especially in instances of many saved views. The numeric/alphabetic organization is limiting and not conducive to navigating through a sequence of views with ease. Thank you.

VE-103170

opening a 2022 file in 2023 claim that some of the objects could not be regenerated.

Roberto Cipriani

As from Summary, the attached file bring up an alert (attached) about the impossibility of regeneration of some objects.
If the 2023 detect this, why not list the offending objects?

VE-103248

a lot more tolerance in importing .obj files

Roberto Cipriani

As I pinpointed in forum

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/98639-importing-a-obj-file-do-not-find-mtl-file/]

if the .obj and the .mtl companion enclose in double quotes the file name it is not recognized by VW and the textures are not imported but the file is correctly imported in CloudCompare

If I remove the double quote (.obj files are text files) from filename it import correctly in VW.

Can VW remove the double quotes if they are present?

VE-103165

Update export to Revit

Roberto Cipriani

The export to Revit save a Revit 2022 file; now there is Revit 2023.
Why not let the user choose the version to which export, as for DWG?

VE-103096

Please, be consistent about the search for layer, class in the relevant tab

Roberto Cipriani

I observe that if I search for a particular class or layer in Object Info pane, as soon as I type the list is populated only with the items corresponding to my search.

If I do the same search in Navigation palette, I have to write the full string than press the return key.

It is inconsistent; please modify the search method in Navigation palette as it work as in the Object Info

VE-102836

Add a Print of stories

Roberto Cipriani

When working with a near complex building, in which the levels are not equally spaced, it will be very useful to be able to print a schematic drawing of the stories, organised as virtual section.
I attach a real section as example, from a real building I am modelling.
In the Stories windows is possible to see only one story at time; I need to see all the stories at the same time.

VE-102837

Door don't have story reference level and get misplaced

Roberto Cipriani

I have a wall which in a stories scenario has a bottom level lower that the level of the story.
When I insert a door, that is placed at the story level, and the only way to place at the bottom of the wall is with the MoveByPoint tool (or clicking on "Set Position" button in Object Info Palette.
I strongly ask for ALL the building object (Door, Windows, Furniture, Light, etc.) to have a reference level as walls has.
Only this way we can work in BIM environment.

VE-102664

Some consideration about speed

Roberto Cipriani

I had the opportunity to test "Create Section Viewport" thank to Lorenza Barabino, a betatester, who gave me a file on which she is working.
The problem arise when she was not able to calculate a section on a iMac i9 32Giga ram, and asked me to see how work my MacBook Pro 14" M1Max 64Giga, either using 2022 and 2020.
The file is the project for the "Torre Piloti" of Genoa harbour by Renzo Piano, and she is working for executive design.

Using 2022
The file opened fast, and using the clip cube is real time.
Indeed, creating a Section Viewport VW dismiss the settin window in near 2 seconds the first time and near instantly the subsequent.
The setting are in the attached windows; the viewport windows show up after rougly 1' 30" in the various timing I made:

VW2022
sheet layer 72 dpi
2” to close the window;
1’ 25” to show up the section.

sheet layer 300 dpi (made after the previous one)
windows close almost instantly when pressin OK;
1’ 32" to show up the section.

Using 2020
I had to test also using 2020 because Lorenza at work on this project has to use 2020:

VW2020
sheet layer 72 dpi
10” to close the window;
3’ 15” to show up the section.

sheet layer 300 dpi
10”to close the window;
4’ 40” to show up the section.

And continuing to work on this test file creating more section slow more and more.
Apparently there are no much use of CPU and memory (seen using Resource Monitor)

I belive that VW2022 native on Apple Chip is no so speedy as one might expect; perhaps is necessary some more optimization.
Really, Lorenza told me that detailed section are essential for verifying the correct intersection between slab and wall and other components, and she use to do a lot during the design process. One minute and half is too much.

Attached you will find the drawing. Feel free to ask more info either to me or to Lorenza.

VE-101484

please made all relevant object to building aware of stories level

Roberto Cipriani

I had the necessity of create a 3D model of a building, to be exported as IFC Project, for subsequent thermal analisys.
I found a lot of inconsistencies, a great part related to the stories structure.
It is very easy to create a structure of the story and the duplicate them when all is needed is a simple model, i.e. internal and extenal walls, windows, doors.
As soos as the model need to be more detailed, the problems arise.
1) The pillar object
the pillar is recognized by the walls as similar object, and then a wall can joint to.
Indeed, the pillar is not recognized as valid wall by the "Space" object, which find a hole in the perimeter;
The pillar, when exported as IFC, is misplaced somewhere along the Z axis (bug already submitted) and it is not recognised as element able to close spaces;
2) so I switched to Structural Element, used as Beam or Column.
This object has only a starting level given from space, either for the starting point and for ending point.
It is not possible to indicate, as for walls, a starting and ending level;
3) ditto for slab.

If I need to change the hight of a beam, now I have to go to the beam and change the dimension; I wish to go to the relevant levels (i.e. Beam Base and Beam Top, or Beam Base and top slab, or whatever I'll use) and change as for walls.

Now the only way I found is to use walls...

4) The extrude are not considered in the Stories bound...

Final wish: Please, made all 3D object relevant to building aware of stories bound!

VE-101360

Pillars need some rethinking

Roberto Cipriani

I am using Pillar to insert column in a model, but it is only a origin of trouble.
Pillar is not recognised as wall by slab Picked Wall Mode, and it is recognised in Inner Boundary Mode

Pillar when exported in IFC lose the Z information and is placed somewhere in the space above the building...

We need a object which work as a wall, i.e. a wall with free form in plan. This is very necessary working with historical building.

I attach some pictures showing the problems, and also post a bug for the IFC

VE-101231

allow importing IFC from Solibri file

Roberto Cipriani

If I do some modifications to a IFC file on Solibri and save it, the resulting file is no more recognised by VW and thus the import is prevented.

I ask to create a filter to be able to import any IFC file modified by Solibri (or, as second instance, to have in Solibri a "save as .ifc"

VE-100496

retrive 3D coordinates relative to the working plane - vectorscript

Roberto Cipriani

Using VectorScript to read the 3D coordinates, i.e. of a 3DLocus, to place the values in a spreadsheet, the coords are always referred to the "Active Layer Plane".

I need to refer the coord to a my Working Plane, as it is possible to see on the Object Info Palette clicking on the Pink or the Blue small icon near to the values.

Please!

VE-100488

Dialog "Units": don't change setting when changing units

Roberto Cipriani

As from object, when I need to switch from one units (i.e. Centimeters) to another (i.e. Meters) the box "Show unit mark" and "Show tows and separator in Dimension text" get reset.

Please, leave the two box in the state they are, checked or not checked, and don't change!

VE-100807

XForm channel list builder

Robert Janiak

Now: XForm has static channels map. (9ch)
My sugestiom is to add some parameters for custom channel map.

eg Delta X Channel, Delta Y Channel, Delta Z Channel, Scale X Channel. Scale Y Channel, Scale Z Channel, Rotation Channel

or other solution for custom channels map for XForm. Some lighting devices has build one movement dmx channel (eg. moving tubes, moving rgb sphere) It is dificult to patch it using constan XForm map.

VE-100506

Make Video LED Wall panels able to become ceilings or floors

Robert Books

Building Video LED floor panels, and discovered that the LED Screen Tool does not allow the panels to become a floor or ceiling. this is fast becoming a regular thing in the industry.

All we really need is like with the Truss, the ability to blow the 2D away so that it can be rotated to a horizontal surface.

VE-99722

Braceworks - Allow Custom Cross Sections to be transferred with symbol to new file(s)

Robert Books

We have had several users request that braceworks be updated to allow the transfer of truss symbols that have a custom cross section to new files. this will help their workflow as they only need to set up the cross section once.

Thanks.

VE-99521

Textures on Curved Parametric Objects

Robert Anderson

Currently when using walls and curved hardscapes the vertical edges of these objects do not render properly. The work around is time intensive and requires further training.

VE-103537

Connect / Combine tool behaves inconsistently

Robert Anderson

The CC tool should detect, connect and combine poly-based objects the same way it connects and / or combines polylines. This should work with all polyline-based objects that are mandated to be open (or at least often, or can be, based on unclosed polys). Such objects include:

•Site Modifier
•Roadway (Poly)
•Repetitive Unit
•Plant
•Piping Run
•Parking Along Path
•Linear Material
•Irrigation Pipe
•Irrigation Outlet Drip
•Fence (for VW_2024, TO2338)
•Foliage (in linear mode)
•Chain Extrude

In "Combine" mode, when the two objects have differing properties, the backmost object (the precedent object in the drawing list) controls. For objects of more complex property sets such as these (not just graphic attributes,) it might be a good idea (in Combine mode) to compare the property sets of the objects, and, if they differ, throw up an alert notifying the user that the objects have different pSets and to pick the object which they wish to control this.

VE-100965

Handrail PIO does not transfer properties with Eyedropper tool

Robert Anderson

See the bugfile. With the Eyedropper Tool set to use Plug-in Parameters (see screenshot), the configuration of the handrails cannot be transferred.

VE-104117

Better 3D scaling of symbol instances

Robert Anderson

We should be able to scale 3D symbols the same way we scale standard 3D geometry. See example file and screenshots.

VE-103864

Need a Worksheet function for Wall Type

Robert Anderson

There is no way to return the wall category "Standard Wall" vs. "Curtain Wall" (as can be found on the OI Palette.) We need a worksheet OBJECTDATA() function for this.

VE-103837

Wall data schema updates

Robert Anderson

Our existing wall data is not well aligned with Ifc4.x. The Wall Data dialog and the similar Data tab on the Wall Style settings dialog have some missing pSets and some missing options within existing pSets. Some (or perhaps all) of these can be handled with Data Manager, but it might be better to make them "first class" properties.

Missing wall properties:
* Status (new/existing/demolish);
* Surface Spread of Flame (IfcLabel);
* Thermal Transmittance (U-value—can this be coordinated with Energos?);
* Extends to Structure (IfcBoolean);

Missing in the Wall Function (IfcWallTypeEnum) options:
* Movable
* Parapet
* Partitioning
* Solidwall (identifies 'massive' construction, important to DACH classifications)
* Retainingwall (wall with soil-contact. might be important to DACH classifications for "below grade exterior" walls)

Also, we have two choices that are now deprecated because they are determined by the IFC entity (IfcWallStandardCase or IfcWallElementedCase). These might want to stay because of Ifc2x3 usage:
* Standard
* Elemented Wall

VE-103565

Classification Lookup Defaults

Robert Anderson

The hierarchical Classification dialog (now used exclusively in Materials, but expected to have wider usage) open in an "all categories completely expanded" state. This results in a very lloooonnnnnnggggg list of pick items. Ideally, the Classification Dialog (when there is no default value to look up) should open in a "first level categories" state to allow the user to quickly drill down to the desired value. Also, if there IS a default value, the hierarchical dialog should open in a minimally expanded state to allow the complete path for the chosen value only.

VE-101579

Better tagging of Space objects in Section VPs

Robert Anderson

In section viewports, it should be possible to use the Data Tag tool to label only Space objects that are touching the Section Plane.

The issue is, when cutting a section VP that includes 3D spaces, the spaces in front obscure the ones behind. The user cares about the Spaces cut by the section, but not the ones beyond, even if they are technically “visible” from that viewpoint. They are visible, but obscured (and therefore irrelevant to the SVP). The workaround of setting the depth of plane to a shallow one when there are 3D spaces in the view can be done by the user, but it also changes the look of the section. The user would like to have a full-depth section, but be able to tag only Space objects touching the plane.

VE-100148

Script Editor: Reduce the "sensitivity" of collapse border

Robert Anderson

The collapse border on the left is very easy to trigger inadvertently when trying to set the cursor at the beginning of a line. I would propose that we either:
(1) Do collapse / expand only on the +/- control; or
(2) Do collapse / expand only when clicking to the left of the "ownership" line;

VE-100656

Marionette: Need system for ordering parameters in Marionette objects

Robert Anderson

Need system for ordering parameters in Marionette objects.

VE-100655

Marionette: Need better system for hiding input ports

Robert Anderson

The current undocumented system for hiding ports using 2D loci is problematic, particularly if the Marionette developer is working in layers of different scales. The loci are world-scale, while the Marionette nodes are page-scale. This means they get mis-aligned and have to be updated. Too much maintenance!

VE-100351

Stairs: Would like to have proper US-style steel pan stairs

Robert Anderson

See the attachment. While these can sort of be done using external stringers, the stringers are rectangular in section; it would be nice to have them as proper steel channels. Note that steel stairs like this represent the vast majority of stairs in commercial construction in US.

VE-100147

Script Editor needs Find...

Robert Anderson

It would be great to have a simple Find (or find/replace) field at the top of the Script Editor.

VE-99708

Criteria: Would like to have criteria for "Unstyled"

Robert Anderson

See the screenshot. For Walls (but really for any object style), "<Unstyled>" should be one of the Style choices, otherwise I have to do ludicrous things as pictured.

VE-99603

Simple Wish for BIM modeling

Robert Anderson

I often have the need to move an object from Design Layer "A" (at say elevation 1) to Design Layer "B" (at elevation 2) in such a way that the absolute Z location of the object does not change.

The workflow places where this is most likely to happen is:
• Changing the "layer" property of the object on the OI palette; and
• Cut (or Copy) and Paste-in-Place;
..in fact, these may be the only way I can do this.

Right now, to accomplish this, I have to:
• Note the ∆Z between the layers;
• Change the layer property or cut and paste-in-place;
• With the objects still selected, I must move their Z values by -∆z (or ∆z, depending) and pray that something didn't get unselected, or that I got my math backwards.

You get an idea for what a pain this is when I'm trying to consolidate stuff between BIM layers of different elevations.

How do we make this, which should be easy, easy and transparent? This is needed for basic BIM workflows.

VE-99313

API wish: find the nearest intersection of a 3D vector and a body

Robert Anderson

[~charlene], this is what we discucussed yesterday. I would like something in VS / PY to allow me to return a 3D point resulting from the nearest intersection of a 3D vector and a body ("generic solid"). I will upload some images. [~vstanev], since this is an API request, I thought I'd flag you also. Don't know where this might fit, category-wise, in the API. I guess "Objects-3D", even though that has a lot of old stuff in it.

VE-104026

DataVis criteria to replace face textures

Matthew Panzer

DataVis can look at objects of a certain texture and override all of its faces but it can't look at textures that are only on faces.

VE-102099

System for excluding invisible geometry from plugin bounds

Rick Berge

See VB-180832. Speakers have coverage profiles. Lights have beams. When not visible, they still inflate the bounds of the PIO which can have side effects on other things, like data tag placement.

VE-101888

Remove class from geometry inside Tile and Complex Line Types

Rick Berge

Objects drawn inside tiles and lines have many possible bugged behaviors as soon as classes get involved.

I propose the tile/line editting environments should disallow class use and force a classid of 0 on the geometry. This should have no bearing on the user's ability to modify direct attributes (color, weight, opacity) where allowed. At draw time, the class of the individual tile/line sub-objects would be ignored. Visibility would be governed by the layer object and its class.

In cases of paste of by-class objects into the geometry, the attributes could be copied and baked into un-classed geometry. Translation could do the same.

Here's a smattering of randomly chosen bugs related to this topic. They span 16.0 to 27.0 and almost all are still open. These changes would resolve all of these issues and inconsistencies.
VB-178390
VB-168239
VB-167390
VB-164602
VB-158258
VB-152811
VB-128715
VB-106082
VB-104959
VB-104758
VB-103036
VB-101266
VB-94705
VB-93515
VB-89466

VE-100280

report quantities from a Data Visualisation in Legend

Mike Moore

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66350-how-can-we-report-quantities-from-a-data-visualisation/]

"On the attached subdivision potential map I would like to be able to include a table which shows how many lots are in each of the four categories.

Legend improvements:
* optional comment field for each element
* optional quantity field for each element
* be in the order of the criteria I created. It is annoying they are ordered numerically"

----
Quantity is presumably Value count when reporting By Range

"Criteria order" meaning the lexical (non-numeric) order is bad (shown in the legend, which bug was already fixed for SP2) and the dialog order is good. But this also (less obviously) implies the legend order should be the order the rows were created, rather than the numeric sort order we force on the user. (They happened to match in this case.) This particular dialog does not allow the user to change sort order. For that they have to enter Annotations and Edit the legend.

VE-100071

select similar, etc, based on datavis colors

Biplab Sarkar

bips 12:42 PM
Looking at the data Viz - when I create a viz using say fire rating of the walls - and color them differently - it would be nice - if I could select all the walls with a particular color - to change all their fire ratings in one shot from OIP - is there anything like that you guys thought about the selection by color?
rick 12:50 PM
Late in the cycle we realized "real" vs datavis Attributes in {Select Similar, eyedropper, attribute palette, etc} didn't get the design attention they could have. We should add some of these things in a followup.

VE-102010

Improve the Automatic Joins of SM

Reto Thomet

Hello Computerworksteam,

Error Structural Member Join Metalprofiles:
The Basic function of joining 2 Metalprofiles doesn’t work correctly in VW 19.
Unfortunately in Archicad 22 it works perfectly and correctly.

Best regards
Reto Thomet

VE-102008

Structural Member Error Top/Plan View

Reto Thomet

Structural Member Error Top/Plan View:

The display in the Top/Plan View is not correct. The 3D view Polygon Unshaded is correct and this view should be used in the Top/Plan View.

VE-101179

BUG Datavisualization Wall-Adjustement by CW-Windows

Reto Thomet

The wall addition in the CW-Window, does not take into account the data visualization of your own wall. The same happens also with CW-Doors.
Please coordinate this BUG with Stefan Bender.

VE-104352

References 3D-Sourcefiles Datavisualization by Class in Targetfile failed

Reto Thomet

References 3D-Sourcefiles Datavisualization by Class in Targetfile failed

VE-104321

Searchfunction in Datavisualization

Reto Thomet

Searchfunction in Datavisualization

VE-103236

Referenced recorded Objects exported in IFC Export

Reto Thomet

Architectural projects with Multiple-Buildings are often to be planned. The common 3D-Workflow from Vectorworks is here with several files (usually one per building -> Source-File) that are referenced in an environment File (Target-File). All Buildings are usually referenced in the environment file and an IFC-File is then generated from them. The attached databases from the Source-File (Buildings) are not exported as IFC-Databases in the Target-File, which many users regret very much. Conceptually, the workflow for 3D-Objects in Vectorworks should work in the same way as the attached information.(Database-Workflow)

This Enhancement-Request replaces BUG VB-186725. The movies are taken over by UG VB-186725

VE-104258

Correct Workflow for U-Stair with one Centerrise

Reto Thomet

If someone draws a U-stair and only wants to have one landing in the middle, then he will intuitively select the 'U-Stair double landings' in the pre-selection and then expect to be able to select the correct number of 'risers' under the 'Geometry' menu. Set it to '1' -> but it doesn't work at the moment (currently the minimum is 2 'risers') The wish is already done when the user can set a 'riser' here.

VE-104256

decimal places copy and paste precision

Reto Thomet

decimal places copy and paste precision

VE-104153

Wish User-Interface Toolbar

Reto Thomet

Customers want an improvement in the order of sub-tools in the toolbar.
The desired improvement is explained in the film.

VE-104083

Import IfcSpaces as Spaces in Vectorworks

Reto Thomet

only if its geometry is extrude

Hello, currently fcSpace will be converted to Space PIO only if its geometry is extrude in Vectorworks. If the geometry is 'BRep' or another, it will be imported as an Ifc-Object. However, there are many Cad-Programs that export the Ifc-Spaces with geometries other than extrude. It would be desirable for the customer here that the Ifc-Space import would be imported into Vectorworks as a Space in all cases (all geometries).
Here are a few test files for development
Kind regards, Reto

VE-104069

Railing/Fence Report Syntax

Reto Thomet

The optional parameters as a Worksheetfunction from the railing does not work. Because the development of the tool changes from ComputerWorks to Vectorworks is assigned as a Wish. Actually it would be a BUG.

VE-103671

title block border; position north point and stamp text

Reto Thomet

All Swiss architectural customers would like the north point and stamp text to move in sync with the one in the title block border when the paper format is changed and not simply remain in the same position. This is a great wish from all Swiss architects.

VE-103077

Attached Record on a Material Datavizualisation by this Recorcriteria failed

Reto Thomet

Attached Record on a Material Datavizualisation by this Recorcriteria failed

VE-103071

Attached Record on a Material Datavizualisation by this Recordcriteria

Reto Thomet

Starting position:
A customer attached database information on a material (material databases) and the material hangs on the drawn objects.
Customer request:
The customer would then like to be able to color the objects using the tool data visualization according to the material databases. (Please see also Bug-Report VB-187343). I attached the movies and files from the Bug-Report VB-187343

VE-100052

BUG Create Horizontal Sectionviewport with asking for Crop by Objects

Reto Thomet

BUG Create Horizontal Sectionviewport with asking for Crop by Objects:

If the user wishes to create a viewport with an activated rectangle, he has the option of defining this as a limit border in the next dialog box. This workflow is currently not possible if you want to create a horizontal SectienViewport.

VE-104198

Please add scripting support to open the Purge dialog

Raymond Mullin

Currently, DoMenuTextByName() does not support the "Purge..." menu.

Executing "DoMenuTextByName('Purge', 0);" generates the "Menu cannot be found" error.

Thank you.

VE-103847

Ability to LOCK a Worksheet to prevent unwanted recalculations

Raymond Mullin

Currently, when you recalculate a worksheet, you are presented with two options; Recalculate Active Worksheet, and Recalculate All Worksheets. In VW 2023, these two options appear inside the Worksheet Editor, in the Object Contextual Menu you are presented with Recalculate Selected Worksheet, and Recalculate All Worksheets, which are essentially the exact same choices.

In VW 2022 and older, the Object Contextual Menu only gives you Recalculate, which performs a Recalculate All Worksheets action.

Because worksheet criteria can hinge on the Selection State of objects, recalculating ALL worksheets can cause corruption of data when the Selection State changes. To prevent this, it would be a great feature to be able to LOCK a WS when all editing is done. This would prevent inadvertent updating when none is desired.

If a drawing has changed significantly, the user would have complete control to LOCK or UNLOCK Worksheets and force recalculations later. Menu items could also be added to LOCK ALL or UNLOCK ALL Worksheets as a convenience to worksheet maintenance.

I can think of a few more subtle issues, but they can be discussed at a later date.

VE-103960

[WISH] Add a Worksheet row menu item to select ALL items in a database row

Raymond Mullin

This may have been requested before, but if not, here's my wish.

When I have a worksheet with database rows, and the "Summarize Items" checkbox is selected in one of the database columns, there can be multiple items reported on one worksheet row. If I right-click on any of these rows I am presented with two menus 1) "Select Item", and 2) "Row Height...".

Choosing the "Select Item" menu only selects ONE item in the drawing. I would like the option to be able to select ALL items represented in that row.

Please add another right-click menu option "Select Items" (plural), such that all items represented in a summarized row get selected.

If you desire an example file to demonstrate the behavior, please ask and I will upload one. Thank you.

VE-103866

[wish] Add VS command capability to query and set the visibility of all standard VW palettes

Raymond Mullin

Currently, you cannot GET or SET the visibility of the following VW standard palettes:

Attributes
Navigation
Object Info
Resource Manager
Visualization
Working Planes

Using DoMenuTextByName('Standard Palettes Chunk', X); you can toggle the visibility of the Attributes (X=1), Working Planes (X=2), and Resource Manager (X=3) palettes, but that does not offer the control being requested.

I would like to be able to GET and SET the visibility of any palette through scripting control. The VS commands GetPaletteVisibility() and SetPaletteVisibility() perform the desired functionality, but only on User Defined palettes. If the input argument <paletteName :STRING> could be modified to also accept the Standard Palette names, all would be right in the world.

Thank you

VE-103846

VS command GetWSSubrowHeight() does not have a SET corollary

Raymond Mullin

Using the VS API, you can GET the subrow height of a single database row with GetWSSubrowHeight(), but you cannot SET the height of the same row. The expected command SetWSSubrowHeight() does not exist.

Individual database row heights can be adjusted manually, but it would be very helpful to have script control of their row heights to either, hide them by setting them to 0, or to accentuate them by increasing their height.

Please add one of the following to the VS API:

PROCEDURE SetWSSubrowHeight(worksheet :HANDLE;
databaserow :INTEGER;
subrow :INTEGER;
var height :INTEGER);

PROCEDURE SetWSSubrowHeight(worksheet :HANDLE;
databaserow :INTEGER;
fromSubrow :INTEGER;
toSubrow :INTEGER;
var height :INTEGER);

Thank you.

VE-102993

[Wish] VectorScript support for named Working Planes

Raymond Mullin

WISH – To be able to manipulate Working Planes (WP) by script the same way it can be done manually.

You can manually assign a name to the active WP. Once created, a WP name will be displayed in the Working Planes palette.

WP names do not appear in the NAMES list and WP names do not conflict with object names or layer names; so, WP names exist in a list of their own.

In VW 2022 and older, there are no VS commands to access WPs by name, and no way to tell if a WP name even exists (at least that I have found.)

*Proposed new VS commands to manage WPs by name:*

procedure *DeleteWP*(WPName :String);

function *GetNumWPs* :Integer;

function *GetWPByName*(WPName :String; var CenX, CenY, CenZ, RotX, RotY, RotZ :Real) :Boolean;

function *GetWPByNameN*(WPName :String; var CenX, CenY, CenZ, NormX, NormY, NormZ, UvecX, UvecY, UvecZ :Real) :Boolean;

function *RenameWP*(WPNameOld, WPNameNew :String) :Boolean;

procedure *RestoreWP*(WPName :String);

procedure *SaveActiveWP*(WPName :String);

procedure *SetWPByName*(WPName :String; CenX, CenY, CenZ, RotX, RotY, RotZ :Real);

procedure *SetWPByNameN*(WPName :String; CenX, CenY, CenZ, NormX, NormY, NormZ, UvecX, UvecY, UvecZ :Real);

function *WPNameExists*(WPName :String) :Boolean;

If I missed any obvious calls, please augment this list.

Thank you.

VE-102574

Add support for ALL import options under the File>Import menu

Raymond Mullin

When you look at the File>Import menu there 28 menu options, representing 25 formats (where I am considering DXF, DWG and DWF as one format since they can all be imported by one VS call.) Of the 25 menu items, only 12 can be imported using DoMenuTextByName(). The other 13 items raise an error when executed saying:

"Error on line 3: IMPORTTEST DOMENUTEXTBYNAME - Menu cannot be found. <bad menu name here>"

The supported menu items are:
Import DXFDWG; Import IFC; Import EPSF; Import Image File; Import PDF; Import PICT; Import PICT as Bitmap; Import Worksheet; Import Text Format; Import IGES (3D Only); Import SAT (3D only); and Import Rhino 3DM (3D Only).

The unsupported menu items are:
Import IFC; Import Revit; Import Cinema 4D Textures; Import Mosa Pattern; Import mtextur; Import Shapefile; Import 3DS (3D only); Import OBJ (3D only); Import STL (3D only); Import Parasolid X_T (3D only); Import Symbol (Batch); Import Sketchup; and Import Point Cloud.

Please add the unsupported menus to the DoMenuTextByName command. The Shapefile format is of particular interest to a user in this Python Forum Thread:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/90272-replace-objects-loci-with-symbols-based-on-records/&do=findComment&comment=413903

VE-102315

Add the legacy SmartCursor Settings dialogue back to the mix

Raymond Mullin

In VW 2022, the SmartCursor Settings are accessed through 7 popup windows at the bottom of the screen and connected to the Snapping buttons. To get to the window of interest the user must double click on the associated Snap button. The popup Help feedback employed to facilitate this choice is somewhat slow to use and only addresses one button at a time.

In prior versions of VW, the user could double click on any of the Snapping Buttons (or keyboard shortcuts) to open the SmartCursor Settings dialogue. On the left of the dialogue were the 7 categories listed by name. It was very easy to select the setting pane of interest to make changes, or view the current settings.

That ease of use no longer exists and if the user opens the wrong window he/she must click on another button until the proper window opens.

Desired behavior. Retain the SmartCursor Settings dialogue in the Legacy settings of the Workspace Editor. The default can be to have it disabled, as is currently the case, but for those that have spent decades using this program such as I have, being able to get to UI items such as this is a huge timesaver compared to having to relearn a less than desirable new system.

Thank you,

Raymond

VE-102317

Add ability to use the legacy Snapping Palette

Raymond Mullin

For several reasons I would like to see the legacy Snapping Palette added back as a UI option.

1) The position of the new snapping buttons is restrictive. I find the location undesirable. The buttons cannot be placed on a second monitor. It also conflicts with the Dock (mac only) when moving the cursor close to the bottom of the screen.

2) The icons are arranged in a awkward pattern compared to the way I was used to looking at the Snapping Palette from earlier versions of VW. I can no longer tell which snaps are set at a glance and must focus on the actual icon to figure it out. Much, much slower than before.

3) The icons are smaller than they were in earlier versions of VW, which makes them harder to see for people with aging eyes. See attached picture.

4) The icons are less distinct than they were in earlier versions of VW. The line art is thinner and there is no use of color as there was previously. See attached picture.

See Forum Thread [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/87229-jira-vb-182249-snapping-options-need-user-definable-location-accessibility-issue-joshua-benghiat/]

VE-100664

Request VectorScript support for Slider Widget in OIP

Raymond Mullin

I recently discovered I can place a Slider Widget in the OIP with:

*result := vsoInsertWidget(30, kWidgetSliderWithEdit, 1007, 'Beam Angle', thisDoesNothing); }* *{ add slider 1 }*

where *kWidgetSliderWithEdit = 104*.

It looks great, but currently there are no VS commands to read from or write to this widget.

Since there are two components to this widget, a text edit field that reports the slider's position, and the slider itself, it would be necessary to read from and write to both components independently so that changing one could be used to adjust the other.

Right now I use a WidgetButton in the OIP to open a dialog that has slider controls (see attached picture), but it would be much more intuitive to have slider widgets displayed directly in the OIP. The picture shows the OIP on the left with a slider widget, and a dialog box on the right with two sliders. WISH - I would like to implement the slider controls directly in the OIP.

Thank you,

Raymond

VE-101184

[WISH] SOD would stop coming back after being manually dismissed

Raymond Mullin

When the Smart Options Display (SOD) is set to use a timer delay in the VW Prefs, and the user dismisses the SOD with the ESC key, I would prefer the SOD's timer remain disabled until the user again moves the mouse.

As it currently runs, the SOD's timer will restart when it is manually dismissed and the SOD will reappear again when another xx seconds has elapsed, ad infinitum. I find this very distracting when I am staring at a drawing trying to figure something out. The shorter the timer delay, the more distracting the SOD becomes.

Desired behavior:
1) Mouse goes idle.
2) Timer starts and SOD appears after user defined xx seconds.
3) User dismisses SOD with the ESC key.
4) Timer does not restart until the user moves the mouse and the mouse goes idle again.

I know there are different ways to invoke the SOD, and yes, I typically use a keyboard shortcut to show the SOD, but this mode could be majorly improved.

I've attached a screenshot of my SOD preference settings.

VE-101157

[WISH] Add a new option to the Edit Symbol dialog's popup menu

Raymond Mullin

I would like to see an option added to the *Double Click* popup in the *Edit Symbol* dialog.

Currently the popup contains 5 options:

*Edits the 2D Components*

*Edits the 3D Components*

*Edits the 3D Wall Hole Component*

*Edits the Component based on current view*

*Displays this dialog*

I would like to see another option that directs a Double Click to enter the side of the symbol where the existing objects reside.

*Edits the Component based on symbol's contents*

If this option were selected, double clicking on a symbol placed in the drawing would:

a) enter the 2D side if only 2D objects made up the symbol;

b) enter the 3D side if only 3D objects made up the symbol;

c) enter the 2D or 3D side based on the current view (same as existing 4th option) if the symbol has both 2D and 3D objects (Hybrid Symbol).

The current 4th option "*Edits the Component based on current view*" usually does what I want, but more often than not I want to go where the symbol's objects are, regardless of the view. The new option would help me avoid the confusion of entering a symbol and seeing NO OBJECTS because I was not paying attention to the current view before I entered.

It just happened again to me 10 minutes ago as I entered a 2D Screen Plane Symbol from a FRONT view but thought I was in a PLAN view. For a good minute I was disoriented and thought I might be looking at a bug before I noticed the FRONT view and then realized I was in the "DUH" 3D side.

For people working with 2D/3D Symbols, the 4th option is the preferred option, but for people that mix 2D only and 3D only symbols, a new option would offer another mode of control that would always keep the proper object in the edit window.

See attached image.

VE-100921

[WISH] for a way to remove an icon assigned to a custom plug-in

Raymond Mullin

In the Plug-in Manager's "Edit Plug-in Definition" dialog, Properties tab, you can add a custom icon to the selected plug-in. However, after an icon is added, you cannot remove the custom icon.

I recently added an icon to the wrong plug-in, only to find I could not reverse the operation.

Please add an option to remove the existing icon so the default tool, menu command, or object icon is restored.

VE-100375

Add a "Duplicate..." button to the "Edit Plug-in Definition"

Raymond Mullin

It would be very useful if there were a "Duplicate..." button in the "Edit Plug-in Definition" dialog. To create a new parameter you must physically CLICK the "New" button for now of two reasons:

1) there is no "Cmd-N" hotkey for the "New..." button.

2) there is no "Duplicate" button.

A "Duplicate..." button would auto-increment the NAME field if the selected field had a numeric ending, in addition to creating the new parameter with the same TYPE and the same DEFAULT value as the selected field.

This would significantly facilitate the creation PIO Parameter fields where tens or hundreds of fields currently have to be created one at a time.

See attached picture.

VE-99978

[WISH] Add BREAK points to source code for DEBUG mode

Raymond Mullin

The Debugger would benefit immensely if the user could set BREAK points in the source code as compiler directives. This could be achieved by adding {$BREAK} comments in the source code immediately before a line where the user would want to pause. These would only be activated when the {$DEBUG} directive is active.

Once the script is executing in DEBUG mode, the user should be able to toggle these break points manually, but on the next execution of the code these BREAK points would be reactivated.

Please see: "(VE-95659) Request a {$BREAK} compiler directive for VS for use in {$DEBUG} mode"

VE-99977

The VS Debugger has three panes (Call Stack, Source Code, and Variables), and none of them are resizable

Raymond Mullin

It would be a wonderful improvement if the horizontal bars separating the three panes of the Debugger could be moved up and down. Often I need more room for the variables to display (Bottom Pane) and would gladly shrink the Call Stack (Top Pane) and possibly shrink the Source Code (Center Pane) to give me more room to see more variables simultaneously.

Every code debugger I have used in other applications has this feature to adjust the pane sizes to suit the user's needs. As an added nicety, it would be superb if the Debugger would remember the pane's positions when it reopened.

VE-99797

Suggestions for the layout of the NEW Align/Distribute Objects dialog

Raymond Mullin

The new layout of the Align/Distribute Objects dialog has lost a key visual aid with the placement of the new button icons. The icons relating to the Vertical Alignment and Vertical Distribution are arrayed horizontally. Not the layout of the older dialog. Those radio buttons were arrayed well. This is one of the features I'd like you to keep in the new dialog box.

Another feature that is missing from the old dialog are the HotKeys for each control item. This is a serious omission.

I am attaching a mockup that shows a preferred arrangement of dialog controls, and naming that supports HotKeys. This may not be the best layout, but it does include the two aspects that were present in the old dialog and are conspicuously missing in the new dialog.

Conveniently, there are 9 buttons in each group which allows the use of the number keys to support letters that cannot be used twice for the HotKeys. Again, this may not be the best naming, but it does allow nor non-confusing HotKeys for the whole dialog.

A discussion originally started on the Forum>Beta General Discussion. This is a formal request for the enhancement.

Thank you,
Raymond

VE-99555

Of the 36 Date-Time Formats for VectorScript and Worksheets, only one shows a 24 hour clock

Raymond Mullin

See VB-158617 "Script Reference Appendix has incorrect and missing Date and Time formats" for the full list of Date & Time formats currently implemented for use in VectorScript and in Worksheets.

Of the 36 formats, 19 include the time. Of those 19, only one shows the time with a 24 hour format (Format 32 – 20190307170103). Sadly this is 14 digits with no separators making it slightly difficult to read quickly.

Of the remaining 18 formats showing a time component, five of them do not show the AM/PM flag.

Index Date-Time Format
2 3/7/19 5:01
4 7/3/19 5:01
6 19/3/7 5:01
10 5:01
11 5:01:03

None of these formats uses a 24 hour clock, so all five of them are ambiguous and cannot be used in numerical calculations.

WISH – Please add some more formats that display a 24 hour clock (without the AM/PM flag), OR, change formats 2, 4, 6, 10, and 11 to use a 24 hour clock.

Thank you

VE-99490

Make UI consistent on MAC and WIN for Text objects

Raymond Mullin

With a text object selected, the OIP on Windows does not show checkboxes for the Outline or Shadow style attributes. Outline and Shadow are attributes that can be assigned on the Mac, but not on the PC.

A problem exists where a text object can have the Outline or Shadow attributes applied on the Mac and then saved. The same file opened on a Windows version of VW will not indicate in the OIP these attributes are assigned, even though they still are. Searches for Plain Text will not find these objects. The Windows platform will attempt to show outlined text, but the user will be confused how to clear this effect since the OIP is missing these two attributes.

Solution, the Outline and Shadow attributes should be added to the OIP on Windows. Even if they always remain gray they would indicate when these attributes are set so users can be informed and act accordingly. I assume the Text>Font Style menu on Windows is also missing these two attributes, but I cannot check now. If so, it too should be updated.

ADDITIONALLY, the "Plain Text" attribute that is present in the "TEXT>FONT STYLE" menu should be added to the OIP so users can clear all Font Style attributes with one click, including the inaccessible Outline and Shadow settings on Windows versions. This will benefit Windows users more than Mac users, but it will make the OIP consistent with the TEXT menu and across platforms.

Please see this recent thread on the Forum that initiated this VE:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/61390-text-is-in-outline/

VE-102098

Saved Views in edit mode

Pieter-Jan Vermeire

when you save a drawing zone, you also save whether you are in an editing mode or not. But you have no way to set whether this should be included or not.

VE-104930

Fence 2D Reshape has "Hide or Show Edges Mode"

Petko Georgiev

That mode shouldn't be there as it's not a functionality that's supported by the Fence object

VE-103569

Make the Depth worksheet function also work for wall components

Petko Georgiev

The function already returns the thickness of wall objects, so it makes sense to have it also work similarly for wall components. Though a more straightforwardly named =Thickness function could also be useful in the long run.

VE-102441

Linear Material - Thickness Variation parameter for Stucco

Petko Georgiev

I'm proposing a new dimensional parameter "Thickness Variation" being added to the Linear Material object. The parameter will only be visible and have effect when the "Type" of the material is "Plaster/Stucco" or "Plaster/Stucco (detail)".

As of VW2022, the variation of the stucco thickness hardcoded to be dependent on the layer scale. This means that the stucco thickness will vary by 0.0525 inches (~1.3mm) on a 1:1 layer and 2.52 inches (~64mm) on a 1:48 layer. Users currently have to way to change this variation. It was made this way for visualization purposes way back when VW didn't have sheet layers and users had to use design layers for presentation.

The new parameter will both allow users to set up the stucco to appear realistically on scaled layers and prevent issues where the stucco thickness variation will become larger than the stucco thickness itself (for example on 1:100 layers), causing user confusion.

See the attached screenshots for an example of such issues and the possible solution. Also see the discussion in VB-181153.

The LM objects can be forward-translated without the need of a reset, so that the new parameter will be initialized in accordance to the design layer scale. This will allow LM objects from current documents to not change in appearance when this parameter is eventually added.

VE-104713

ConnectCAD: Circuit link zoom range

Peter Zach

When clicking a link to the other side of a circuit, the screen zooms in on the link completely. This, in my opinion, breaks the workflow, since I always have to zoom out to see where it is actually connected.

One suggestion would be a zoom range that zooms in on the link and the device it is connected to, which in numbers lands at about 200-300%

VE-102840

Bilingual Program Structure

Peter Zach

Hi, I have raised this issue on several occations. My company is bilingual with german and english speaking employees. We are using mostly ConnectCAD and Spotlight. It is not easy to create and maintain a shared preset file and even share a workgroup folder for both language versions of Vectorworks. Folders and symbls in the ressourse browser are not recognized by the program of the other language. We have to handle them in different files and folder structures, although we want to work off the same platform.

We are living in a collaborative world, the program should support that.

VE-102754

Spotlight Numbering should have the ability of zero padding

Peter Zach

Very often I need to create numbers in the style 001, 002, ... 011, 012, .. 101, 102, for example when numbering DMX addresses. I always find myself having to push the zeros into the prefix. I think Spotlight Numbering should have the abilty of zero padding the numbers.

Either through a dropdown, or much simpler: by recognizing a startnumber "001" and creating the next number as "002" instead of "2".

VE-103231

Custom PIO "Create Objects from Shapes..." goes to layer plane.

Peter Vandewalle

When creating a custom object (polygon PIO) by the "Create Objects from Shapes..." command, the PIO gets created on the layer plane. The shape was in a 3D plane.

Converting to stipple from a shape is doing as it is expected.

Please try to convert the red surface in the attached Vectorworks file to "Wall Finishing". The PIO is attached.

VE-103000

Hidden line wall merge as option

Peter Vandewalle

When 2 walls (or a wall and a volume) lie in the exact same plane, in hidden line render mode Vectorworks will render them as one surface.

If the 2 objects (wall and volume or 2 walls) have a different texture or color fill, it would be nice to have the option to get the separating line between the walls.

VE-105067

Datavisualisation inside Revit objects

Peter Vandewalle

After importing a Revit file, we got a lot of native Vectorworks objects and also a lot of Revit Objects.

Windows become Revit Objects, which is perfect. But we can't change the textures inside the Revit object using data visualisation.

VE-103017

Floor... and Pillar... command update needed

Peter Vandewalle

Floors (created by the floor command) and pillars (by the pillar command) don't have the material option. It would be great to have that option in this user-friendly tools.

VE-103089

Import DXF/DWG - there should be an option to convert ONLY lines to black and white

Peter Vandewalle

An imported DWG can look quite messy because of all the colored lines. The option "convert colors to black and white" in the advanced import settings is supposed to mitigate this issue. But in most cases, this option makes the imported drawing even more unreadable, because the fills will be converted to either black or white as well. This usually results black surfaces covering the drawing.

Because of this, it would be helpful if there were separate options for importing fills and lines, so a user can choose to only import the lies in black, while the fills keep their original color.

VE-104986

Railing - extra types needed

Peter Vandewalle

One of the most commonly used modern railings can't be created with the railing tool.

The railing consist of a U-shaped aluminum profile at the bottom that holds a number of glass panels. In some cases a handrail profile is fixed on the top side, in other cases there isn't.

[!https://www.showerlagoon.com/storage/2019/02/Frameless-glass-railings_750x400.jpg!!https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT8t0wUPvxhXvS8UTedJOQgZuxDspj5e_8puA&usqp=CAU!|https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.showerlagoon.com%2Fimportant-factors-note-to-get-best-glass-balcony-railings%2F&psig=AOvVaw1sv-YJSat2WnRRSzgwklaS&ust=1694162231983000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CA4QjRxqFwoTCLijzqKMmIEDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAR]

VE-104985

Connect roof faces when roof face has 0° slope

Peter Vandewalle

Interior ceilings under a sloped roof are mostly created using a roof face object. Very often ceilings in one room are partially sloped and partially horizontal.

It is not possible to connect sloped roof faces to horizontal roof faces correctly. This should be possible.

!image-2023-09-07-10-06-52-816.png!

VE-104185

Autosave settings for vwxw files

Peter Vandewalle

We noticed that the best way to autosave vwxw files is different than the best way to use autosave on non project sharing files.

For vwxw files we'd like to have autosave overwrite the active vwxw file.

For vwx files we prefer to have autosave create backup copies.

It is currently impossible to have other autosave settings for vwx and vwxw files. This option would solve a lot of frustration for our customers.

VE-102790

Walls - It should be possible to change the angle of a wall without breaking the boundary

Peter Vandewalle

If you have a enclosed boundary of walls, it is not possible to change the angle of on of the walls without breaking the closed boundary. Two examples about how this can be implemented:

- When displacing a corner of a selected closed boundary of walls with the "reshape"-tool, the boundary should stay closed

- Implementing an "align"- tool, like it exists in Revit

VE-104706

Text Style color by class

Peter Vandewalle

Text Style colors are always just a selected color, we can't select 'by class'. This means text styles have to be duplicated for each class that holds text elements for that class.

VE-102996

Slabs and roofs: possibility to set line type at one side of a component

Peter Vandewalle

In Walls, it is possible to choose the line type for one side of a component. This is not possible for slabs or roofs. It would be useful and consistent if this was possible.

VE-103035

Object Styles - when replacing style option to also replace 'by instance' parameters

Peter Vandewalle

When a user replaces an object style, all 'By Style' parameters are modified to all instances, not the 'By Instance' parameters.

When replacing a wall, floor or roof style attached to a wall, floor or roof the user gets to choose wether he wants to replace heights, textures, classes, ...

It would be great to be able to choose to replace also the 'By Instance' parameters when switching an Object Style.

Imagine the bath/shower tool. Baths typically are sized around 70cmx160cm to 90cmx180cm while showers are sized around 70cmx70cm to 120cmx90cm.

If I want the possibility to edit the shower size manually I can't make the size parameters by style. So when I swap from a bath (80x180) to a shower I'll get a 80x180 shower... If I would check the "Replace 'By Instance' parameters" box, I'd get a shower sized like the default object style size, but I'd be able to change that size by instance.

VE-102793

3D solid objects - volume should be displayed in OIP

Peter Vandewalle

When you select a solid volume (extrusion, solid addition,...) , the volume should be displayed in the OIP.

Also, when you select multiple solid volumes, the volume should be summed in the OIP, just like it does for the surface area with 2D objects.

This can be a quicker way to get to know the volume of a conceptual design then by calculating it in a worksheet or getting the "volumetric properties" one by one via the menu command.

VE-103008

Materials need pen attributes

Peter Vandewalle

We're using materials now since a few Vectorworks versions. Our initial idea that materials also needed to be able to set the pen attributes hasn't changed.

As proposed by Vectorworks inc. we tried using classes to set the pen attributes. But it stil remains very hard to explain to users why they should have an extended class list on top of using materials. The end users really don't understand why materials don't set the pen attributes.

So that's why we insist on having pen attributes in materials.

VE-103085

Heliodon position according to GIS rotation

Peter Vandewalle

The Heliodon doesn't read the rotation of the available GIS data in the drawing (Geo image and others). This means the user has to set the data twice. When one changes, the other also has to be changed. This can lead to errors.

Heliodon Settings contains the option to copy or link the georeference from the layer. This should not only contain Latitude and Longitude but also the Angle To True North.

VE-103100

Hardscape - texture settings within the Preferences

Peter Vandewalle

A Hardscape style (and in defining the Hardscape preferences) it would be nice to have the option to choose to render the object:

- Texture defined by object

- Texture defined by the components

At the moment one can only change this in the OI-Render palet. If a Hardscape style was made already defined one can not edit this parameter in the Style definition as you can in the wall, slab and roof styles

VE-103108

Railing/Fence: Offset between Top Rail and Post

Peter Vandewalle

Often railings are made with a top rail that doesn't align with the posts.

!image-2022-06-07-13-23-17-364.png!

Please add on option to create an offset between the top rail and the posts in the tool.

VE-103852

Callout tool - centered text bubble

Peter Vandewalle

The callout bubble can't be centered on the leader line. Certainly when using leader lines without a shoulder combined with number indications, this would be really nice to have.

This indication can't be made with the callout tool:

!image-2022-12-22-14-02-47-400.png|width=60,height=197!

When I think about the reference marker tool, the drawing label tool, the section-elevation line tool, the elevation benchmark tool, ... They had an interface overhaul where the user can create object styles and the complete layout. Is an overhaul in that direction in the making for the callout tool?

VE-101430

detail level for design layers

Peter Vandewalle

The mode bar can hold a button to toggle the detail level by scale for design layers.

Although the by scale method is very useful to advanced users, more options are wanted.

Make the mode bar button open a dropdown list: "by layer scale", "high", "middle", "low".

that way the user can easily select the active detail level.

VE-102998

fbx file import/export

Peter Vandewalle

It would be nice to have an FBX import and export function.

VE-103501

Nomad Layer visibility

Peter Vandewalle

Settings for layer visibility (active only, gray others, ...) can't be modified in Nomad. The setting from the saved Vectorworks file are always used in Nomad.

If a user saves his Vectorworks file in gray others mode, there's no way to see the complete project in Nomad. The user will be forced to open the Vectorworks file again, change his working settings, save the file again, wait for the file to sync to Vectorworks Cloud Services and recreate the vgx file.

We think the layer settings in Nomad should override the layer settings from the Vectorworks file.

VE-103483

Return of the 'perimeter' mapping for textures

Peter Vandewalle

Users are having difficulties to map textures on a curved surface.

In Vectorworks 2021 we had the 'perimeter' texture mapping option. Since Vectorworks 2022 that option has been retired.

In certain cases that are very typical for set designers and exhibition stand designers it is important to get a correct mapping of textures on surfaces. In Vectorworks 2021 that was a dream. In 2022 it became a nightmare.

In 2021 they could just choose the texture mapped as perimeter. A 2 seconds action.

Now they have to adopt the texture to each nurbs component of the object using the texture tool. After that they have to adjust the mapping by entering the X-value in a field to position the partial texture. This is a multi-minute trial and error process.

VE-103475

<Alt> in object styles dropdowns on Windows

Peter Vandewalle

On a Mac it is possible to collapse all folders and files in 1 click by using the <OPTION> and <SHIFT> while clicking a triangle.

On a Windows machine, it's impossible to collapse all folders and files in one click. When the user pushes the <ALT> button, the dropdown closes.

By default all files and folders are expanded in all the object style dropdowns. Scrolling through the list of symbols i.e. for the symbol insertion tool is almost getting ridiculously long.

VE-103105

Push/Pull: Selecting and moving an edge

Peter Vandewalle

SketchUp parity - the ability to select a straight edge of a random volume and move it in 3D.

VE-102961

Resource Manager - Default preview view and render mode

Peter Vandewalle

The preview pane on the right of the resource manager has view and render settings stored per symbol.

We need a global setting for this preview so that every symbol would be shown in the same way.

Splitting the preview for 2D and 3D would also be needed. This way the user would get the 2D and 3D preview at the same time.

VE-103229

SVD Export

Peter Vandewalle

Customers wish to export to SVD:

"What is a Trimble SVD file?

SVD = Surface Design File - this is a TIN Model and provides the machine with elevation information when selected."

The production company requires an SVD file and the conversion via Solidworks requires an extra cost.

VE-103226

2D fill color for extrusions

Peter Vandewalle

If we want to draw with as high efficiency in Vectorworks as in Sketchup when it comes to modeling via push pull, then there will certainly have to be an option to give an extrusion a fill color.

For now, if you model a building with the push-pul tools, a plan in top view is completely obscure because all objects at whatever height they are just run through each other. See figure 1 of a simple model via push pull in 3d. looks good, but if we put it in a 2D it's totally unreadable. So please fill color possible with extrusions.

VE-103225

Better control for displacing objects in 3D

Peter Vandewalle

Sometimes it can be hard to move objects in 3D along a specific axis with the selection tool.

Adding arrows on your snapping point as in Cinema 4D, can be useful to be sure to not deviate from the axis, without the need to use your keyboard to lock anything. The subdivision tools also have this kind of 3D arrows.

VE-103237

Slab - edit modifiers

Peter Vandewalle

Once a volume or a surface has been turned into a slab modifier, you can't change it. Changes you would need to be able to make are:
* change the modifiers order
* change wether a modifier is clipping or adding
* change the components the modifier is acting on
* change wether a modifier is being cut by the slab boundaries

VE-103228

Bulk reference ressources

Peter Vandewalle

If you want to reference multiple resources, at this moment, you need to reference each resource manually one by one. It would be useful if there was a way to reference a whole resource folder or all resources of a specific file at once.

VE-103002

Publish - filter

Peter Vandewalle

Can we add the ability to filter/order the publish menu's left column the same way as the organisation palette?

VE-103199

Dimensions, areas and volumes in worksheets in a user-chosen unit

Peter Vandewalle

While working on worksheets for quantity take-offs, we noticed some flaws in worksheets. We use a workaround with a worksheet script, but that workaround is pretty slow on larger files. So there might be room for improvement.

Users are used to draw in cm or mm, but they want some results in worksheets in meters. The same is true for square and volume units: while most items are counted in cubic meters, some items are often counted in cubic decimeters.

I think we need the option to choose the units in which the worksheet shows it's results. Check the screenshots.

!https://asana-user-private-us-east-1.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/33436113560344/1202517734940946/1202517734940947.VCPkm3ViUAQhoXvkv0c7_height640.png?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEOj%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQDB4%2FI7iuNeP9XC2cd5n4Lc1iyJebhhLj9U1ZsigdyTNAIgB4nl2BA5bO%2Bbh1FG9hm1PgUCcPxUTbE8WRvA6JByjh0q0gQIEBAAGgw0MDM0ODM0NDY4NDAiDHScQpk8RETv8QXG9CqvBKqhEHFRn4F7XnVrVfWerYxg%2FtStOlklWbL4%2Bm4CxqE6JQckc8zvuY6Jg7DZFjVwuvC%2FY1ZWhY6OclwwOp2ym1EQ6meY3%2BDsAsLNZF8giBwIIp%2BDxRBb9gM4K5xENRim3bfGnZYRtKy09s%2FyCesx9eV2PRwOde01Tnjo0OYsFIIyxBYyTNMLgSeaiFtZfIxmgNJO%2B9R%2BtuI%2BfSzIyVApVSq9NluAQG%2F2HkillK00y6%2Fw%2BHDNIUgicTwyZB0P90JIFJRbskErhOtLOvjohhL6wT%2BYzSIxLOjdyUDgpeRa0ybE3HI%2B18tdr2A6IONIrdsy4N1SrjkrjH4%2BH9vc7K5jy%2BSa54QT0j6g9ntruNKsTfb6PXg7xozLM5Q0fVKHghugB1mfUaNnPDcmDAGX%2FgC%2BUMUd8f%2BAgUhE2X1AzqTXOlLWFB71uAjngA36A6mSn1vw%2FAqTlGxhMJkHq8MHbGZ3SnANEYiaHoufqYFjgZofZ5fBYipx%2F4Yvi6gk1IAxLO76jZEDztFBdk2LFm5QlyMFnhUMcIUn9YBvlcYbjpeXkaLxwDPvKIh8NT939Yyn3ZzvppnAnXLJDm64weveQrLc4%2BO3DRVuE7OcMBgR6mysLWLUvmXEjeAAP9v%2BNZc5PIQrNEbqJo5VUHdu%2FXhyj21pm9VD80KxjheAX8anygtYh%2Fb6lZGOvCd9D3GxzC3A0MTyI6KAkB6UPVhg04XLmPQ0l5%2FHn1%2Fb9%2Ft93y09vmXPBoIwr%2FjvlQY6qQFk2YJ0r3NxSY%2FlHBgT9iO4TRG%2B8sa8vtBPw1ej2zg7s15nyf8NLtf63H8hkxef77787wm%2FwsEbZHFaBQnwdSh7YZqckrzizR5cj3AB66VkHj%2FyBOnNonpE20WGxvyC4WzzUjYqUHlT%2BFnc81ZXdLFbvcA7Qw%2Fql5KXdqXg14o4WJ%2B8pJbltRM3UY%2FuxUO9q0ujfUoQfSSK%2BD0mOsPuJ3QCXIqVA0OEM4Lc&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20220629T085536Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=1800&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAV34L4ZY4HIH2RBNA%2F20220629%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=a26719617882159b336a2392591dbaafceb3d8e371972efb21389ffc1f8d2bdb#_=_!

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VE-103026

Color Palette - manage colors

Peter Vandewalle

In the color palette of the active file, the same color can be created/imported twice. After a while this can result in a cluttered color palette where the user looses all control.

We need:
* Naming colors in the active file.
* Sorting of colors by RGB, HSV, CMYK values or by name.
* Merging of similar colors. Similar colors have the exact same RGB or CMYK values and have the same name.

VE-103098

Multiple application windows

Peter Vandewalle

Vectorworks has the option to use an 'application window'. This is a very handy way of having a clean workspace. But we only get 1 application window. A lot of our users work on 2 files simultaneously and would like to be able to see those files on 2 screens. Therefore multiple application windows would be a nice thing to have.

VE-103102

Colors as resources

Peter Vandewalle

Imagine:

The user creates a custom color palette. He creates a class "1" and uses his custom color palette as a reference for the colors. He choses color "A".

He goes back to his custom color palette to edit it. He changes de RVB reference for the color "A".

He goes back to the class "1". The RVB doesn't match the new color "A" anymore. The RVB in the class matches the previous RVB of the color "A".

This is logic since colours aren't resources.

It would be logic thought to be able to create a color resource.

VE-103099

Point cloud to vectors

Peter Vandewalle

In the video underneath, you can see how it is possible in Autocad to generate lines from a section plane of a pointcloud. The result is far from perfect, but I can imagine it can be a great help. The video is especially interesting from on minute 5:15.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1ovDaWxhwI]

It would be great to have a similar (but better off course ;)) functionality in Vectorworks. Importing Point clouds is fun, but the workflow to get technical drawings starting from the pointcloud is usually unclear. This function can help to streamline this workflow.

VE-103121

Stair tool: 2 threaded winder at the end

Peter Vandewalle

It is not possible to create a 2- threaded winder at the end of a stair. The tool always forces you to keep one extra rise on the top.

VE-103122

Stair tool: start with a landing

Peter Vandewalle

Is is not possible to let a stair start with a landing. The tool always force you to have at least 1 thread in front of it.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by customers at support.

VE-103124

Deform Stair tool in 2D plan

Peter Vandewalle

We can now draw the stairs at an angle in 2D and 3D in VW2022. But we can't yet move a control point so that the staircase tapers or slopes.

You specify the width of the step, and this then applies to the entire length of the staircase. It would be nice if we could also set this and move it in 2D/3D.

VE-103123

Section viewports graphic attributes

Peter Vandewalle

Graphic attributes for objects beyond and before the cut plane are seen by our customers as problematic.

Users need a clean section drawing with:
* Background objects in attributes chosen by the user.
* Surface hatches in attributes chosen by the user.
* Selected hidden objects in line attributes chosen by the user. The class approach is OK.
* Selected objects before the cut plane in line attributes chosen by the user. The class approach is OK.

Unfortunately all these requests can't be answered in the same time in the current section viewport system.

Furthermore the options are unclear.

A part of the options is found in the Advanced Section Properties.

Another part is found in the 2 Hidden Object Display dialogs and the Object Display dialog. These dialogs offer the option for each class to be shown as: None, Hidden Line, Dashed, Hidden line. It is totally unclear when to use what setting.

The result is that since these options where introduced, we didn't see 1 user using these options.

Please provide a simpler workflow with clear settings.

VE-103120

Export revit with textures

Peter Vandewalle

Can we add the possibility to export textures when you export to Revit? Now, only the 3D-geometry is exported.

VE-102786

Worksheet function 'MaterialProperty' needs a properties dropdown list.

Peter Vandewalle

The worksheet function 'MaterialProperty' needs an extra argument like 'materialdescription', 'materialcost', ... Users can't find the correct property names easily.

A dropdown list with the available options would be a great addition.

VE-103109

Symbol Options & Plugin Object Style Options

Peter Vandewalle

The Symbol Options dialog and the Plugin Object Style Options dialog are only available in the Resource browser.

It would be way faster if this was an option in the right-click menu just like all other symbol and object style settings. Also, the user would at least know these options exist since users tend to forget about the resource browser editing options.

VE-103107

It should be possible to annotate correct dimensions on a non-frontal 3D viewport.

Peter Vandewalle

It should be possible to annotate correct dimensions on a non- frontal 3D viewport.

When you put dimensions in the annotations of a non-frontal 3D viewport, the dimension value shown is a screen projected interpretation. However this seems logical for us, for the avarage user this is very confusing, so it is an issue which generates quite some support. If you snap to two points in a perspective viewport, the resulting dimension should show the real distance between these points. Off course, for a frontal view, screen projected is still the best option.

VE-103069

Choose which 2D view of a symbol to use in 2D views

Peter Vandewalle

Symbols in Vectorworks can have up to 9 2D views.

The 2D views other than 'Top' are only used in section viewports.

It would be great if a user could choose which 2D view to show on top/plan view. Some users are still working in 2D, also for elevations, interior elevations and sections. They would like to choose a symbol and select which view to use for a particular drawing. If a user selects a 2D view other than the Top view, that symbol instance should no longer be considered hybrid.

VE-103104

Texture tool: act on walls, slabs, roofs

Peter Vandewalle

SketchUp parity - make it possible to use the texture tool on walls, slabs and roofs.

VE-103103

Option to save Render data in a separate file

Peter Vandewalle

It should be possible for the user to choose to save render data in a separate file (i.e. an option in the document settings?).

After you rendered a heavy render and Vectorworks just crashes afterwards, you loose the rendered image and you should start rendering again.

VE-103083

3D representation of symbols

Peter Vandewalle

Symbols in 3D view have a mediocre representation compared to other software. The representation should be improved.

VE-103084

better material representation

Peter Vandewalle

*Problem:*

The Vectorworks Resource browser shows a mediocre representation of Renderworks textures. Comparison:

(a) Vectorworks

(b) Cinema 4D

(c) Artlantis

*Solution:*

Use Cinema 4D's representation.

VE-103090

Roof eave, ridge and gable cuts

Peter Vandewalle

When I draw a roof face I have control over the eave cut and the hole cut. The way the roof reacts is quite unpredictable.

In this example, the eave cut is set to horizontal. Only the lowest eave is cut horizontally while the middle and highest eaves are cut vertically.

!image-2022-06-03-15-11-40-224.png|width=1500,height=735!

In the second example the eave cut is set to square. The lowest and middle eaves are cut square while the highest eave is still being cut vertically.

!image-2022-06-03-15-35-01-278.png|width=1499,height=734!

There's no way to control how the ridge(s) or the gables are cut.

We need a way to control the cuts for all sides of a roof face.

VE-103091

Web view with Lights

Peter Vandewalle

There should be an option to export light sources to a web view. Now a web view always has the default ambient lighting and doesn't take the light sources placed by the user into account.

VE-103088

It should be possible to create a section viewport on every frontal viewport

Peter Vandewalle

In the way you can create a section viewport from a front-, left-, right- or back view, it should be possible to create section viewports from other orthogonal views as well.

Vectorworks allows this scenario:
# create a 3D model

# go to a side view (front, left, right, back)

# create a viewport on a sheet layer

# deduct a section viewport from that first viewport

When the 3D model is in top view at an angle, you typically want the projection views to follow that angle.
# Creating viewports is perfectly possible. You simply change the work plane, and create a viewport.

# However, deducting a section viewport from that 'rotated model' viewport is no longer possible. Vectorworks informs the user that it should be one of the standard views for this to work.

Please, make it possible to deduct a section viewport from any side view(port) with orthogonal projection (and not only front, left, right, back).

VE-103087

Link multiple section viewports to a section line

Peter Vandewalle

It would be useful to be able to create multiple section viewports based on one section line. In this way, all section viewports will update if a section line is edited.

VE-103086

Document Preferences - Cropped Perspective

Peter Vandewalle

The 'cropped perspective' is only available when Legacy 2D is active. The user needs to activate the legacy 2D, quit the preferences dialog and re-open the document preferences to see the option. This is quite a hassle.

Please move the option to the Legacy 2D tab in the dialog.

VE-103018

Area criterium

Peter Vandewalle

Please add the criterium 'area' to the selection criteria. This would allow us to select (worksheet, custom selection, ...) all 2D objects that have a specified area, have an area larger than (or smaller than) a specified value.

In some cases objects with an area smaller than a specified value don't need to be taken into account for calculations.

VE-103016

2D fill mapping for objects with materials

Peter Vandewalle

2D objects with a material attached can have their fill mapped by the attribute mapping tool. But the attribute mapping popup in the attributes palette isn't available.

The attribute mapping popup is a more accurate wal of mapping the 2D fill, materials could benefit from this option.

VE-102794

Structural Member - enhancements

Peter Vandewalle

Some enhancements are needed for the structural member tool:
* If a user needs to change the material of multiple structural member objects with different profiles, the user is forced to open the dialog for each structural member object. If the user multi-selects structural member objects, the profiles will be reset to the same profile for every object.
This workflow is a regression compared to attributes by class, where you can change the class without entering the profile settings.
* Object styles would be a great addition for structural members.
* It should be possible to punch holes in structural member objects. In real life steel beams often show holes or have modeled cutouts.

VE-103024

Create all kinds of viewports from a right click in the navigation palette

Peter Vandewalle

The viewports navigation palette has a *new...* item in the right click menu. It's been there since the first viewport options surfaced in Vectorworks. Since that version several other types of viewports have occurred in Vectorworks. But they didn't make it to that right click menu. We think it's time to stand up for equal rights for all viewports :). So please give them their place in the dropdown menu.

It is hard to explain our users why some commands are there and others aren't.

VE-103023

<DIMENSION> Option to use different unit than drawing unit

Peter Vandewalle

Dimensions always use drawing units. It should be possible to choose a dimensioning unit per dimension. The dimension unit should also be a part of the dimensioning style.

In architectural projects:
* plans are often dimensioned in cm
* details are often dimensioned in mm
* site plans are often dimensioned in m

In the current version we're forced to create 3 files to do this.

When importing a dwg file from AutoCAD (where dimensions can have any unit), dimensions often get converted to groups because the dimension unit is different than the drawing unit.

Having dimension units per dimension object or style both problems could be solved.

VE-103022

Color text dimension should follow the text style settings

Peter Vandewalle

When you choose a text style for text on dimensions, you would expect the text to follow the color of the text style and not the pen style of the dimension.

A good comparison is the callout tool:
* The texts of dimensions always follow the dimension's pen color, no matter a text style is u. This is a limitation, because in this means that it is never possible to assign a different color to the text than the dimension's pen color
* For a call out tool the text follows the callout's pen color when no text style is assigned. When a text style is assigned, the color of that text style will be applied. This gives more graphical flexibility and seems more logical to me.

Also, if both tools function with a similar logic, consistency throughout tools will be better.

VE-103021

Export walls by component to IFC: translation from classes to layers is not ideal

Peter Vandewalle

When you export walls to IFC by components, this is how classes are translated to IFC layers:

For a multi-component wall:
* The whole IFC wall gets the main component's class as IFC layer (strange, isn't it?)
* The sub-parts get the component's class as IFC layer (correct)

For a single component wall:
* There's no sub-parts. The IFC wall's layer is the Vectorworks wall's class. This means that the class information given to the component is lost in IFC.

Ideally it would behave in the following way:

For a multi-component wall:
* The whole IFC wall's layer should be the Vectorworks wall's class.
* The assignment of layers to components is as desired at this moment.

For a single component wall
* It should be the same as for multi- component walls. The whole IFC wall's layer should be the Vectorworks wall's class and the (only) sub-part's layer should be the component's class. Therefore, the single component walls should be exported as a main object with a sub-part, just like multi-component walls.

VE-103020

<SLAB> update component edges from slab style

Peter Vandewalle

If a slab component edge definition is modified in the slab style, existing slabs don't update their edges. This means that the user has to manually update all slabs.

We need a 'Replace Edge Settings' option in the Slab replacement dialog.

VE-103019

Add more scaling options to Section Viewports

Peter Vandewalle

Viewports have options to scale hatches, text, markers and page symbols. Wee miss these options in section viewports.

VE-103009

Wall hole -

Peter Vandewalle

Only one 3D wall hole can be set, not listening to the detail levels.

Volumes in the 3D wall hole don't have *Display at detail level* options.

This makes it very hard to create correct models in multiple detail levels.

This option should be available in symbols and in PIO objects.

VE-103004

Windows - dark mode

Peter Vandewalle

Since Vectorworks allows dark mode on Mac OS and Windows also supports a dark mode option, let Vectorworks also use dark mode on Windows.

VE-103005

Class - "non plot" option

Peter Vandewalle

It would be useful if there was a "non plot"- option you could check on in the settings of a class. Checking on this class will mean that the objects in this class will never be printed or exported to PDF, even when it is visible by accident.

VE-102995

Add number/order to saved views

Peter Vandewalle

Could you add a numbering to the saved views just like the design layers? At the moment the saved views order is alphabetical and you have to use letters or numbers to alter the order.

VE-103003

Project sharing - save and commit upon closing a vwxw file

Peter Vandewalle

Can we add the options to "save and commit" or "cancel" when you close a workfile, i.e. when you forgot to commit to the projectfile?

VE-103001

Structural Member - connecting and disconnecting

Peter Vandewalle

There's no intuitive way to connect structural members to other structural members, walls, ... You'd have to drag the end of the member to another object to connect. Or you'd have to drag the end point away from the connected object.

Wall to wall (dis)connection is done by using tools from the building shell. Cant we have the same tools also work for structural members?

VE-103007

<TAPER FACE>: line on surface as 'hinge'

Peter Vandewalle

In V2021 we can use a line to create a new plane and then extrude it. It would be useful if we could use that line as the 'hinge' between to surfaces, and then apply the Taper Face tool to rotate one of the surfaces.

See the short video and attached screenshot.

VE-103006

Add <Class Text Style> to text tool and format text

Peter Vandewalle

In the OIP you can set the Text Style to <Class Text Style>.

Please add this option in the text tool itself and in "format text" (Text menu).

VE-102999

Grid line in Section In-Place/Elevation In-Place view mode

Peter Vandewalle

|In an intuitive BIM- workflow, you'd expect to be able to see the project's grid while editing objects in a section viewport, because they form the frame for the objects' positioning.

If you make a section viewport in a document containing grid lines, these grid line will appear in the "annotations" in the section viewport. Unfortunately, the annotations are not visible while editing the section in place.

Grid lines should appear in the section plane while editing a section in place, apart from the annotation, with the possibility to snap to and reposition this grid.|

VE-102997

Attributes palette: if no fillstyle/linestyle is available in the current file, use the last used resource

Peter Vandewalle

Let's take line types for the example, that makes it easier.

If you choose a line type via the attributes palette Vectorworks is going to select a line style by default. Currently it is going this way:
* Vectorworks always selects the oldest line style in the active document (the first imported or the first created one)
* If the document doesn't contain any line style, the line style "ISO-02 Dashed" is selected from the Vectorworks library by default.

The issue with this logic:

If you select a line type for he first time in an empty document, the line style "ISO-02 Dashed" is immediately imported. This is a line style you never wanted. And because this is and will ever be the first line style ever imported in this document (unless you delete it manually), it will always be the default line style selected by Vectorworks, even if you are never planning to use this one.

That's why I think Vectorworks should use another logic for the default selection. The resource which was chosen the latest tame by the user, would make a lot more sense.

This doesn't only count for Line styles, but as well for hatches, tiles and image fills.

VE-102956

3D poly perimeter

Peter Vandewalle

It isn't possible to get the perimeter of a 3D poly. Not in the IOP, not via a worksheet.

Users request to see the value in OIP and worksheet.

VE-102958

Stair with variable width

Peter Vandewalle

It should be possible to create stairs with different starting and ending width.

VE-102959

Datavisualisation key switch for viewports

Peter Vandewalle

When using a datavisualisation on a viewport, a key is always added to the annotations. The user can then edit the annotations to delete it if wanted.

There should be a checkbox to choose wether the key should be visible in viewports.

VE-102957

Find-replace text in symbols

Peter Vandewalle

'Find-replace text' doesn't replace texts in symbols.

Could that be added to the functionality?

VE-102889

Connect 4 converging walls

Peter Vandewalle

It is still impossible to connect 4 converging walls.

!image-2022-04-21-11-20-14-876.png!

VE-102832

Virtual Vectorworks installation

Peter Vandewalle

There's no real way to currently run Vectorworks in a virtualised way.

More and more larger companies are shifting IT towards virtual machines with virtual desktops.

Yet again a larger architectural firm (33 Vectorworks users) is asking us:

"Our company is based in Luxembourg, we are interested in subscribing to Vectorworks products but we use an AVD platform (Azure Virtual Desktop) and on your website your software does not seem yet compatible with this Microsoft solution, Can you confirm compatibility yet or in the next few months?"

Over the last months we have lost some sales deals because we couldn't prove Vectorworks being compatible with virtual desktops. Most of those lost deals where 20+ user deals.

Is there a way we can get Vectorworks running on virtual desktops in a secure way?

VE-102813

Resource Manager - preview size

Peter Vandewalle

The resource previews are often very small. Would it be possible to add a choice for the resource preview sizes? Something like 'small', 'medium' or 'large' would do I suppose. The current size being small...

VE-102809

file color palette management

Peter Vandewalle

A color palette in a Vectorworks file contains all colors used in the drawing. The user can purge the unused colors in the Color Palette Manager.

I see some issues that bother us and our users about the color list and color grid:
* They are sorted as they are imported. There's no way to re-sort them. An automated way of sorting them by name, or RGB values would be great.
* Colors in the active file can't be named.
* The exact same color (i.e. black) can appear twice in the same color grid or list. There should be a way to merge the same colors.
* Colors can't be deleted from the grid. It would be useful to be able to delete a color and get a request to select another color for the existing objects using that color.

VE-102797

Viewport - all line attributes by selected class

Peter Vandewalle

In regular viewports in a 3D view, there's no easy way to get rid of different line thicknesses and colors. These line attributes are usually created to make objects look good in 2D plan view, while they don't really have a purpose in 3D views.

For section viewports, this problem can be easily solved by choosing 1 class for the graphics behind the cut plane. A similar option should exist for regular viewports in hidden line render.

VE-102796

clip cube - show components

Peter Vandewalle

Users expect the sectioned surface of the clip cube to show the wall, slab & roof components with their 2D graphic attributes.

VE-102795

Rhino import - textures

Peter Vandewalle

Currently the Rhino import doesn't import textures...

VE-102792

Image import - choose the jpg compression

Peter Vandewalle

When you export an image, you can choose to lower the resolution to save disk space for your file. Unfortunately, you can't change the jpg compression quality while importing (see the "quality" option at the export). Lowering the compression quality can be an efficient way to lower the file size while still maintaining the same resolution.

VE-102791

Message before installation Vectorworks if the operating system is not compatible

Peter Vandewalle

When customers want to instal Vectorworks they are allowed to instal it on every operating system, even those which are not compatible anymore with the version of Vectorworks.

We have customers who instal Vectorworks for example on a mac with El Capitan. After the installation is successful they get error message if they start up Vectorworks.

It would be friendly to check the system prior to installation. If the computer isn't compatible, the user could be warned about why the system isn't compatible.

VE-102787

Symbols - Change insertion point without moving the symbol instances

Peter Vandewalle

The only way to move a symbol's insertion point is by moving the symbol contents in the symbol definition. This action will also move the symbol contents in all existing symbol instances.

Moving a symbol's content means moving all 3D, 2D, wall opening and wall closure content.

There should be a way to move the insertion point for all symbol parts at once.

An option to not move the symbol instances after moving the insertion point is also needed.

VE-102789

Show two documents at the same time on two screens

Peter Vandewalle

It would be nice to have the possibility to see two Vectorworks documents at the same time, for example on two different screens by undocking the tabs (like you can do with multiple views).

Method and view bar should be visible for all documents. If palettes are docked, these should also be available on all documents.

VE-102788

Patterns - to 2D legacy / greyscale view instead of black and white only view

Peter Vandewalle

The "pattern" fill/pen type is very confusing for new customers. It is not linked to a resource and it has a very defiant behaviour when zooming, printing and/or exporting.

Customers who accidentally explore this fill/pen type are usually thinking they are using a hatch and are confused by its behaviour. In the best case, they will contact support so we can advice them to use other fill types. In the worst case, they are just dissatisfied by its functionality.

Patterns do cause a lot of issues while printing to large scale plotters. Plans get cut off after 10cm because of a plotter memory overload.

The only reason patterns are still used is to get 'grey' fills in 'black and white only' viewing and printing.

If the black and white only would be replaced or completed by a greyscale view, patterns could be sent to the legacy.

This is why I think "patterns" should be hidden by default in the attributes palette. To ensure backwards compatibility and keep the option for users who really want to use it, the user can have the option to enable it under "legacy 2D", just like "screen plane" options and "unified view" options.

VE-102465

Publish to pdf in Fundamentals

Peter Vandewalle

Now that 'export to pdf' exists in Fundamentals, wouldn't it be logic to also have the pdf option in the publish command in Fundamentals?

VE-102408

Select similar also inside groups

Peter Vandewalle

We've gotten the question why the "select similar" tool can't get to objects in groups.

It might be useful to have this option included in the tool.

Of course when the user would create a selection of objects in the top level of the drawing and also in some groups, some actions like setting a layer, creating a symbol, ... should be grayed out.

VE-102235

GDTF import from the OIP dropdown list

Peter Vandewalle

The workflow to add GDTF data to a lighting device is pretty complex:
* Download a GDTF file from the GDTF share website.
* Import the GDTF to your Vectorworks file. This becomes a 2D symbol. It's not very clear what the user needs to do with this.
* Select your Lighting Device(s) and in the OIP dropdown list select the desired GDTF fixture mode.

Why not add the import command to the dropdown? The dropdown could then hold a 3d option besides 'None' and 'Other...'. 'Import...' should open a web browser to the GDTF share website. The user can select the desired GDTF file and the download button should link the data to the selected Lighting Device(s) and also create the 2D symbol in the active file.

!image-2021-08-10-10-04-19-258.png!

VE-102094

Missing calls in the vs.py file

Peter Vandewalle

The vs.py file misses these calls:
* vs.Message()
* vs.Handle()

This results in errors in the Vectorscript and Python programming interface.

VE-101957

Textures of PIO parts in the Render tab of the Object Info Palette

Peter Vandewalle

The Object Info Palette Render tab has a dropdown list that holds the object's parts. This functionality is used in extrusions, floors, slabs, roofs, ...

Unfortunately it isn't used in a lot of PIO's like cabinets, doors, windows, stairs, ... Our customers have often tried to apply a texture to i.e. a door leaf but couldn't find that part in the list, so they can't apply a texture that way. We know that elements can be added to parts that can be added to this list. This is possible for SDK, Python and Vectorscript.

So please add the texturable parts to the PIO's. We're thinking about:
* Windows
* Doors
* Cabinets
* Table & chairs
* Columns
* Elevator
* Escalator
* Structural member
* ...

VE-101915

Indicate guides as nonplot.

Peter Vandewalle

Guides in Vectorworks are objects attributed to a 'Guides' class. If that class is visible, the Guides will also be visible in printing.

It would be useful to have (optionally) non-plotting guides.

VE-101746

Resource Manager - 'all resources' always on top of dropdown

Peter Vandewalle

In the Resource Manager, the dropdown for the resource types is sorted alphabetically. This is OK in English, since 'All Resources' will be the first item.

In translated versions that's not the case:
* 'Toutes les ressources' (French) will be somewhere near the bottom of the list.
* 'Alle Hulpbronnen' (Dutch) will be the second item in the list after 'Afbeeldingen' (Images).

Please have 'All Resources' be the first item in the list, independent of the translation.

VE-101733

Marionette Materials dropdown list node

Peter Vandewalle

Marionette doesn't have any material nodes yet. An attach material to object node is pretty easy to create, but a material dropdown list as an input node can't be created directly.

It would be a great addition to have a materials dropdown node just like the class dropdown node.

VE-101603

Solve solid fill vs hatch, gradient, image, ... fill for 3D objects

Peter Vandewalle

The user can attribute a pattern, hatch, gradient, tile or image fill to a 3D object. When that object is rendered, the solid fill color will be used to fill the object. The hatch, gradient, ... fill will only be used for that object if it is embedded in an autohybrid object and the 2D/Plan view is active.

The same workflow can be used for hybrid objects. In this case the hatch, gradient, ... fill will be used for the 2D part of the object while the 3D part will still use the solid fill color.

Often users can't find the way how to change the 3D fill color once a hatch, gradient, ... fill has been applied to the object.

The problem is that it is very cumbersome to change the 3D fill color since that color is not visible in the attributes palette anymore.

If the user wants to change the 3D fill color, he needs to remove the hatch, gradient, ... fill and move back to the solid fill color. Then the fill color can be changed. But after that action, the user needs to choose the hatch, gradient, ... fill all over again. The previous settings aren't remembered.

Wouldn't it be a good idea to still show the fill color in the attributes palette (and in the class options dialog, the materials dialog, ...) when a hatch, gradient, ... fill has been selected? When the object is a simple 2D object it could be hidden or greyed, but for 3D or hybrid objects it should be reachable and modifiable.

We're sure this would make Vectorworks more intuitive.

VE-101508

Option to Save Workspaces to Workgroup Folders

Peter Vandewalle

Templates, libraries, ... have the option rto be saved to a workgroup folder.

It would be nice if we could save Workspaces to a workgroup folder also.

VE-101320

Section viewport & graphics - visible objects beyond cut plane & surface hatches

Peter Vandewalle

Our users usually set section viewport objects beyond cut plane in 2 ways:

For section drawings:

The objects beyond cut plane will have their line style by a selected class via the 'advanced properties' dialog. Mostly that class gets a thin grey line attribute (by the viewports class overrides).

This result is satisfying.

For elevation drawings:

The objects beyond cut plane will have their line style by a selected class via the 'advanced properties' dialog. In this case the class will hold its thin black line.

Unfortunately the surface hatches will also inherit the line settings from that same class.

The 'advanced properties' dialog holds a setting for the 'fill' and the 'line style' for objects beyond the cut plane. These 'fill' settings son't seem to so anything at all to the section viewport. I would imagine the 'fill' settings to work on the surface hatch attributes.

The way surface hatches are reacting to these settings makes them much less useful to most users.

VE-100927

Data Visualisation - scriptability

Peter Vandewalle

It is currently impossible to create a data visualisation set or activate data visualisation by Vectorscript or Python. We would be strongly interested in creating and activating sets by a menu command in order to create different phasing visibilities.

VE-100925

Data Visualisation - hiding objects

Peter Vandewalle

Data Visualisation makes it possible to make objects invisible by selecting no fill and no line. The objects made invisible by this method still remain selectable however.

It would be a great addition to be able to simply _hide_ objects based on data visualisation.

The reason why we want this functionality is to solve an old pain to deal with project phasing. Phasing is necessary in a typical renovation workflow (existing objects, objects to be demolished, projected objects) but also in a real time-phasing workflow (objects to be build in phase 1, phase 2, ...). In these cases visualising the different phases of the project is extremely important.

VE-100737

Hide objects by Data Visualisation

Peter Vandewalle

A user can use Data Visualisation to make objects invisible by applying no fill and no pen. But after that the user can still select the 'hidden' objects. That makes the drawing very messy.

Would it be possible to add the option to actually hide and unhide objects by data visualisation?

This would be very handy when phasing a project (existing, demolition, projected, ...).

VE-100381

Add mode bar to Touchbar on MacBook

Peter Vandewalle

I think the most useful use of the touchbar on the MacBook would be to see the mode bar for the selected tool.

VE-99699

Extra worksheet functions needed

Peter Vandewalle

In order to create correct and complete Bills of Quantities, we need some extra worksheet functions. Also when we want to be able to export our project data to external BoQ software, we need to be able to export extra data. Revit and ArchiCAD can do this...

We need these functions in worksheets:
- CompLengthByName & CompLengthByClass
- CompHeightByName & CompHeightByClass
- CompGrossVolumeByName & CompGrossVolumeByClass
- CompCountByName & CompCountByClass

VE-99733

New DMX patch

Peter Pihlblad

Two major problems with the new DMX patch command.
Issue nr1
It assigns the DMX# to the cirucitnr field that is the chnr within a socapex or simmilar cabel eg. 1-6.
It totaly messes up old drafting with a power hookup.
Issue nr2
The GrandMA2 system requiers the DmxPatch in a singel collum with a . as the seperator between Universe and Dmx channel
eg. 1.124. This new system does not support exporting patch to the MA2 system. That is a major drawback when it comes to workflow.

VE-105191

Help: That there is some information about 'manifold objects' so that users can understand when this error comes up (or the error message re-worded?).

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This post on the beta general forum:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/111597-what-is-a-manifold-feature/

When the user was doing an operation on walls he received the message:

*"No valid feature object is selected
Please select a manifold feature object'. *

I was trying to help but had no idea. When searching the Help nothing comes up for 'Manifold'.

[~mpanzer2] Very kindly saw this and posted the following:

_"I believe the alert is saying that the wall feature cannot be created because the object you’re trying to make it from is non-manifold - meaning the 3D object is not airtight. E.g.: an extrude made from a polygon with no fill maybe render without a top and bottom. That is non-manifold. But, if you give the polygon in the extrude a solid fill, the extrude will have a top and bottom making it sealed tight (manifold). So, the short answer is: There is no “manifold” feature in Vectorworks."_

This VE is to ask that there is some information added to the help that explains this issue. I now understand that it is a mathematical definition and Matt has explained how to fix it.

Maybe it is more about the error message itself needing to be in more layman's terms rather than fixing the help?! It had us stumped in the office.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifold

Thanks,
Peter

VE-105198

UI: Spotlight DMX Patch dialogue - the font size for the Universes is too small to read can it please be increased?

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
We have had a complaint from the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (20 licences) that the font size for the right hand side of the DMX Patch dialogue is too small to read especially on their 4K screen.
I enclose a screenshot from my MBP and write this VW with the wish that the font size can be increased to at least match the channel fonts on the left.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-105044

Nomad app: To make access to Room Plan/LIDAR/Photos to 3D more obvious

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The request is that the ability to access Room Plan/LIDAR/Photos to 3D is placed at the bottom of the app and not the '+' sign at the top right.
It is not obvious to users that this is where to access these great features. As one said to me in support "it's not very intuitive". Even if there was a plus at the bottom it would be better. Currently there's the Measure/Files/Account at the bottom. Maybe it could say "apps or services" or something more obvious?
Cheers,
Peter

VE-104973

Seating Section: 'Seating Boundary Changed' dialogue always comes up when editing the boundary. Please add an 'Always do' to stop this dialogue coming up every time a single vertex is edited

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When editing the boundary of a Seating Section with the Reshape tool, each time a vertex has been moved the 'Seating Boundary Changed' dialogue comes up.
When working intensely as I have been doing, this comes up every few seconds! The wish is that there's an 'Always Do' option so that this doesn't distract from the work.
In fact, what is even more annoying is that the option 2 in the dialogue 'Apply the changes...don't refill the section' is very obscure. Why would someone want to do this anyway?!
Cheers,
Peter

VE-104945

New Equipment Summary Key to have same double border functionality as the old Instrument Summary

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This was VB:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-198904
As graphic functionality with the instrument Summary has changed. The wish is that this is restored so that users can have a coloured border as they used to in v2023. I realise this is a minor wish but important for some.

In previous versions if you place an instrument Summary (IS) on the page and have the Bounding Border Style set to Double, then if you change the colour fill only the border changes colour. This is the current functionality and is useful for those using the double border.
In v2024 if you try the same then the entire Instrument Summary's fill changes. This is not desired. Please see attached screenshots of the same IS in both v2023 and v2024.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104941

Ability to control palettes so they don't undock.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I often inadvertently pull the Attribute palette away from the tools sets that sit above. Like how we can lock individual tabs from being pulled away in the OIP and Nav palettes, it would be handy to enable that for the overall palette layout configuration. Maybe as a Quick Preference.

Usually once a person has everything as they want, they would prefer to avoid the occasional undocking.

This would also be good for organisations so that everyone is using the same workspace. It would also avoid the problem I see in support of people 'losing' their palettes (usually the Resource Manager especially on Windows) even though ticked in the Window>Palettes command. Somehow it gets squashed up very thinly between other palettes. I tell the users to Control-R to switch on and off very quickly in order to find where it is.

All up a 'Lock Palette Position' would be very handy.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104940

Spotlight and Design Suite workspace to have the 'Convert to Hanging Position' placed in the Rigging/Braceworks sub menu and not lighting.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Up until v2024 the 'Convert to Hanging Position' has been in the 'Convert' submenu in Spotlight. This is logical and easy to find.

In v2024 this command is in the 'Lighting' sub menu. This is illogical and does not make sense.

Audio, masking, rigging, visual and set departments might all want to be using Hanging Positions (HPs). HPs are not the exclusive domain of the electrics department. Even myself drawing something up, as an ex LD, went straight to the Rigging/Braceworks sub menu to convert some truss as that seemed logically the place to go.
Thus the wish is that the 'Convert to Hanging Position' command be moved to the Rigging /Braceworks sub menu.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104855

An easy way to renumber Existing Tree objects Full ID Number that are already on the page - have something like the Spotlight Numbering command in all modules!!

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
We have had a few complaints through frustrated Landmark users not easily being able to change the Full ID number of Existing Trees (ET) already drawn.

This must be because of common workflows where they might have missed one or added and changed a few things around for whatever reason.

The only way to change the Full ID Number is to select each ET individually and in the OIP click the Tag and Number options.

You then have to turn off 'Auto Number for this Tree' whereby you can then change the Full ID Number. This might be bearable for a residential design but we have landscape architects dealing with acreages and large areas sometimes containing hundreds of trees.

The request is that the Spotlight Numbering command that can change anything with a record and any chosen field be adapted and incorporated into the Landmark module (and Architect actually). The best thing is that it can number manually or by direction and so on. This would really help with this tedious work when editing this type of thing.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104719

Viewport Styles to automatically be placed into their own resource folder

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I filed a bug originally with this observation but it came back as WAD hence this VE.

It seems very odd that Viewport Styles when created are placed at the root level of the Resource Manager (RM) and not automatically placed into their own Resource folder.

Other items are placed into their own folders: Date Tags; Title Block Borders; Section-Elevation Lines; Hardscape Styles; Hatches (if from objects like hardscapes); Textures (if from objects like hardscapes) etc etc.

In a file I have been working on it was difficult to find the Viewport Styles until I filtered them in the pull down menu at the top of the RM. It seems inconsistent that they are not automatically organised into their own resource folder hence the VE.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104576

Vectorworks Cloud Services: When creating Animations using the VCS that the name in the desktop app use the name given to the animation

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently I have 4 animations being processed by the VCS. When saved I gave each one a specific name as I had different settings etc.

However when checking the desktop app there is no indication of which animation is making progress because only the file name is identified. So while I have been diligent naming the animations, I can not follow what is going on because as you can see in the screen shot each job has the same name because it comes from the same file.

The wish is that the job name is the one that the animation was saved as.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104522

Spotlight: Focus Lighting Devices command to show live beams

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Undoubtedly this might already be on the radar but in the enclosed movie and file you can see that when using the Focus Lighting Devices command it is very difficult to judge where exactly the red indicators that move in real time are pointing to.

The wish is that if any Lighting Devices are turned on that the actual light emitting from them would then replace the red indicators so users can see precisely what the beams are doing. If the Lighting Devices are turned off then the red indicators should come on.

BTW in this build you might have to manually edit the workspace to add the command as I think it was missed if you are using the Design Suite one.

VB-196962
New Design Suite workspace is missing 'Focus Lighting Devices' command in Entertainment.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104520

DTM - Validate 3D data command: produced loci with overlapping 3D polys to be more easily distinguished.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When running the Validate 3D Data command, if there are any overlapping 3D polygons you get the opportunity to create a group where loci will be placed at those points.

With a busy plan full of contours these are hard to see. If the pen colour is changed to say red they are better seen but when when zooming in they get harder and harder to see.
Each time you edit, then delete the group and re-run the command hopefully there are fewer and fewer overlaps, but as there are fewer loci as well they are even harder to see.
In the enclosed Vectorworks file it took me an hour to clean it up and I must have made a dozen passes at tidying it up. A lot of the battle was finding the loci.

The VE is to wish that something more visible could be produced, maybe something like a Stake object for example? I realise this is low priority but it certainly struck me as something that would be great to improve when working in real world conditions.

I have included the Vectorworks file and a movie.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104440

vgx file does not remember Home position

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The two enclosed Vectorworks files are saved in a view of the front of the stage layout. When uploaded to the Vectorworks Cloud Services and when both selected to make the 3D model, this last saved position should be the Homer position that the vgx file opens on.
Alas the file opens outside the stadium which makes it very difficult to navigate for users not used to Nomad or a VCS presentation. They were generated in the cloud v12.4.2541

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104409

Help: For the difference between the main menu command 'Align/Distribute" and the contextual menu command "Align/Distribute" to be noted in the Help.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
There are two very notable differences between the main menu and contextual menu "Align/Distribute" command.

In the contextual menu, Loci are treated as normal objects, and whatever is right clicked on becomes the 'reference' object for the operation.

Unless I am mistaken, this information appears to be missing and without it users might get confused and/or be missing out on a useful workflow.

This came up by a user on the Forum (go to page 2):
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103539-update-smart-option-display-to-be-more-process-inclusive/page/2/#comment-470226

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104332

Plug in Manager to have the ability to search.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Using the Plug in Manager, trying to find a particular parameter can be very tedious. In the enclosed screenshot for the Video Screen tool for example there are 217 different ones!
This is a tool that users customise frequently to add their lens types and other things and is a good example of why a search field would be very useful.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104331

Vectorworks Cloud Services Presentation: to have the ability to add background colour for text blocks

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently when inserting text into a board for a Vectorworks Cloud Services Presentation users are unable to add a background colour for the text.
In certain instances especially if the background is of a varied nature, it would be very very useful to be able to have a colour fill so the text reads more easily. Please see example screenshot.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-104093

Script errors to be able to be copied for AI like ChatGTP in order to more speedily correct code

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

When using ChatGTP to generate Python or Vectorscript mistakes occur. If you click the 'View Error output' button you can see which lines have problems.

However none of this is able to be copied, and so it is laborious to re write this back into ChatGTP in order to correct the script.

The wish is that the error text is able to be copied in order to be used in another application such as Chat GTP.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-104092

Import OBJ file dialogue be more clear that the 'Units in File' refer to the OBJ file and not the current Vectorworks file

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

It is my wish that the import OBJ dialogue be more explicit as to what it means by the 'Units in File' at the bottom. Unless a user reads the Help text when hovering, there is no way to know that this refers to the OBJ file's units. Rather it seems to imply the Vectorworks file that the OBJ is being imported into. It certainly fooled me.

Anything to make it more intuitive rather than most likely letting the object come in at the wrong size and having to be re-scaled. Mock up enclosed.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-104103

Rooves and Roof Faces to automatically show graphically the direction of fall

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

Currently users have to manually annotate the fall direction for rooves and roof faces. This request is that there's a classable option so that the fall can be automatically added to these objects. A bit like how the water flow is able to be added for the DTM.

I believe (but I'm not 100% certain) that Revit can do this and so we are at a competitive disadvantage. In any case I think it would be a good idea!

Cheers,

Peter

VE-104091

Photogrammetry: photos when created via Nomad to be placed in a folder

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

The new photogrammetry within Nomad is amazing! I just used it and uploaded 18 photos but over 60 files then were added to my VCS folder. These files are alien to users with suffixes such as : gravity.txt/HEIC/depth.tif

As you can see from the snapshot it is a mess and all users will have to organise or delete the files apart from the two 'Result' OBJ and USDZ files. It makes finding the USDZ file very difficult as there are so many files loose in the VCS folder.

The wish is that when adding photos users were prompted to place them in a folder, or to make a folder in order for them all to go into. I realise if there's an existing one users can choose that.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-103606

Spotlight>Visualisation>Set Spotlight Rendering Options should look at current state of lighting devices or have a filter to control certain ones eg by channel or position or selection state

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

The Spotlight>Visualisation>Set Spotlight Rendering Options dialogue globally affects all lighting devices in a drawing. Yet even if all Lighting Devices in a drawing are all using lit fog for example and the design layer is already rendered, when you open the dialogue the lit fog option is unchecked. Yet the Renderworks background is correctly indicated in the dialogue. It seems unintuitive so much so that I thought it was a bug (it turned off the lit fog which was already on). This made me report:

[Vectorworks BugsVB-191399|VB-191399]
Spotlight>Visualisation>Set Spotlight Rendering Options... dialogue kills lit fog. However this is WAD hence this VE.

The VE is that the dialogue has some different options/selection criteria.
* That it reflects all of the current rendering state of the current render eg lit fog, Renderworks background etc.
* If there is a mixture of some lighting devices using lit fog, some not, fall off with a mixture of none/realistic/smooth then the lit fog and fall off should be greyed out. This is in keeping with current conventions.
* That there are options to select and therefore affect Lighting Devices by other criteria eg lit fog, position, purpose, fall off, on or off and so on. This makes the dialogue much more powerful and versatile. At the moment it is all or nothing.

I realise this is low priority but it would be very useful with it being more adaptable.

Cheers,

Peter

h1.

VE-103334

Braceworks: For the export of the Braceworks Structure to be able to be imported into Space Gass and other programs

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

I have a Braceworks user in Melbourne who uses 4 different structural engineers. All use an engineering program called ‘[Space Gass|https://www.spacegass.com/index.htm]’ (no one uses SCIA here). He is questioning the value of Braceworks because the export format that includes all the Braceworks intelligence is unable to be [imported into Space Gass|https://www.spacegass.com/manual/Getting_Started/Input_methods.htm] as far as we can tell.

The request is that other export formats be developed for the export of the Braceworks structure into civil engineering programs especially this one. This is one of the main selling points of Braceworks after all - saving time so the structural engineers don’t have to re-input everything, or is there another way? Does IFC contain Braceworks data like loads?

Thanks Peter.

VE-102803

Partner Services Website: Licences>Evaluation Licences - more pertinent data be shown

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

When making sales calls to potential customers, looking at the usage section for Evaluation Licences there is useful information. In particular the 'Days Used' column.

In conversation with [~swood] I believe that this only indicates how many times the program has been opened. So for example, a really keen potential customer might be trialling the software everyday for 30 days, but if they have only opened it once then the column would read 1/30. Thus, this isn't showing the actual usage.

If possible, what would be really informative would be the following:
# How long it has been +actively+ used and over how many hours/days.
# How many times it has been opened and closed.
# If it has crashed.
# Information on the computer it is installed on. At least the operating system.

I realise some of this might be something similar to what the Tableau Desktop can do except it doesn't look at EVALS and isn't updated daily.

If I can see that a potential customer has only opened it once and for 10 minutes over the 30 days I can conclude that it was probably only to open a file. They would still be followed up but not as a priority compared to those whose activity is more strikingly obvious.

Thanks for any consideration.

Peter

VE-101214

Site Model to show Contour units differently to the rest of the document

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In Australia and elsewhere it is usual to work in millimetres.

Often and understandably users want to use real datums in particular if they are collaborating with others. In Australia this is based on the [Australian Height Datum|http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/positioning-navigation/geodesy/datums-projections/australian-height-datum-ahd].

If a user has a Site model with it's lowest point, at say, at 600m then the contours show 600,000 on the Site model. The request is that users be allowed to show alternate unit values for Site Model contours.

Currently the only approach is to create the site model in a file whose units are metres and to then reference it into the file that has units in millimetres. This is obviously not best practise especially for site modifications etc.

I have enclosed some snapshots FYI and I think this would be a welcome improvement for users.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103341

Site Model: Making 2D contour Labels invisible via class, leaves gaps in the contours

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you have a Site Model and place the 2D Contour Labels into their own class via the Settings>Graphics, users are able to make them visible or invisible.

If they are made invisible then the contours have unsightly gaps where the labels once were. This is a cosmetic bug. Surely the labels once made invisible should not make the contours discontinuous?

As the labels are placed by the program the gaps can be cosmetically very unappealing.

Please see the enclosed screenshots.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-103332

New Class Creation set to be Visible for existing Saved Views and Viewports, does not apply for 'new' classes introduced into the document from objects, PIOs or symbols.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
By default, newly created classes in a document are set to be 'Invisible' for existing Saved Views and existing Viewports. This can be changed if you create a new class and change the pull down to 'Visible'. The Help at the bottom states:

"Select a visibility to be assigned, for the new classes, in all existing saved views/viewports. This does not apply to classes that are already in the document"

Logic assumes that from now on any new classes are preset to be visible and they are. Logic also assumes that this setting applies to all new classes introduced into the document.

The bug is that this is not true. If any new classes are introduced into the drawing by bringing in a symbol or an object or a PIO that has new classes attached, then these classes are invisible in existing Saved Views and existing Viewports! There is no way to change this behaviour although users think that having set it up before in the New Class dialogue they should be visible. This defies logic.

The only solution is to tediously change the visibilities of existing Saved Views and existing Viewports in a drawing. Few users know that in the Organisation dialogue the Visibilities button top right allows them to do this editing quickly. Mostly they do it on individual viewports and Saved Views and this can happen many times in a design as new things are introduced. This is a regular complaint about the program being complicated and in this case illogical. Movie enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100371

Vision Help: Have some information about starting the program in "Safe Mode"

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If there's a crash in Vision when you relaunch an option comes up asking whether to resume in the previous settings or in "Safe Mode".

Safe Mode is relaunching as a factory reset that is all the settings go back to the original defaults. However if you do a search in the Vision Help for "Safe Mode" nothing comes up.

This request is that there is some information about this in the Vision Help.

This came up due to a thread in the Vision beta forum:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/67722-reset-vision-preferences/&tab=comments#comment-335604

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103379

Graphic Legend: Please can we have a Preview button in the 'Cell Visibility and Sorting' dialogue and can the Summary Value not be an incomprehensible list of letters and numbers?

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Being able to sort cells is great in the Cell Visibility and Sorting dialogue. However as the naming (or "Summary Value") is an incomprehensible list of letters and numbers it is impossible to know what cell is what.

The wish is that this Summary Value could relate to something for users, and also that there was a preview button. This preview button would be like the one available in viewports for class and layer visibilities.

At least then users can have an idea about what is what but in the Cell Visibility and Sorting dialogue they are blind. A preview button would be an immense help as one has to go back and forth and it is very tedious.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100308

Spotlight + Renderworks: Lighting Pipe and Lighting Ladder unable to be textured via the Render tab of the OIP.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Place a Lighting Pipe and a Lighting Ladder on the page and render in OpenGL on the page. Select, and in the Render tab of the OIP choose Texture and apply a texture.

The texture is not applied. The only way is to go to the Shape tab, at the bottom and go into the parts and apply a class to the pipe, then edit the class in the Organisation palette and set the texture by default. Then in the render tab of the OIP set it to class texture.

All other PIO's (that I am aware of) can be [XXXclassedXXX] textured (I meant to say) via the render tab of the OIP without having to be in a class. I have been back to each version back to 2016 and it doesn't texture via the render tab, so it either WAD or as I see it, a bug as it has inconsistent behaviour.

File enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103184

Worksheet Pagination... PLEASE

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Vectorworks is 35 years old and was the first CAD program to have built in reports. Yet in 2022 it is staggering that there is no way to paginate them. Presenting them nicely is crude and very manual and time consuming.

For example I just had a new user create a report of plants with nice images along with other information ready for their client, and the list is long (this is a big project with many species). There is no easy way to do this. They were dumbstruck by this.

It is staggering that they have to crudely and very time consumingly create many cropped viewports in order to do so. It is not the same when printing directly from a worksheet as users want to present them branded with their title blocks etc on a sheet. The discontinued add on 'Worksheet on Drawing' could do this 20 years ago along with different colours for rows etc etc!

It is virtually impossible for Spotlight users to present a worksheet with any finesse as they might have hundreds of rows to deal with (and don't want to buy Lightwright to do it for them).

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102367

Speaker Array and Braceworks to work together more realistically

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
You can not attach a hoist to a Speaker Array unless you first attach a rigging object eg a short Lighting Pipe to the bumper, which wouldn't be there in real life. It is not easy using the Manage Loads tool to have the pipe attach to the bumper either.

Once you succeed, you can then use the Insert Connection tool>Insert Drop mode to have a motor attached to the pipe and beam. This only seems to work in 3D as the stacking order affects what can be snapped to (even using X Ray mode).

However the structure is deemed unsupported if connected by only one hoist so you have to have two even if this isn't the real world situation.

The wish is that the Hoist can attach directly to the bumper without the need for another rigging object and that Braceworks understand that some objects, like Speaker Arrays, sometimes only need one hoist.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100418

Landmark "Not a Plant" error message needs better explanation.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If a plant that has already been imported, is active with the Plant tool having used the Resource Locator, then users can click on the Plant preferences button and change something such as width and height for example before placement.

However, if a user selects a plant that has not already been imported eg default or favourites file (but still via the Resource Locator with the Plant tool) and then chooses to change the preferences before placement a rather unclear message comes up:

*"Not a Plant"*
_You must select a plant object from the pop up before you can proceed or click cancel to exit this dialogue. This may be caused by having non plant objects in the Plant default content file(s)._

This is highly confusing for users. The problem is that the plant, although active and already ghosting with the cursor on the page has not been imported into the file.

The Plant tool will only see plant objects, there is no way it can see a chair a "non plant object" for example as it doesn't have the Plant record. Saying it is "Not a Plant" is wrong and misleading when clearly it is.

Perhaps the message could say:
*"The Plant needs importing first!"*
_Please import the Plant first by selecting a plant object from the pop up before you can proceed or click cancel to exit this dialogue._

Saying it's not a plant when it is, or that there's something wrong about the default file (which is also confusing as users often have plants in their Favourites etc) is confusing and doesn't progress the workflow.

Movie etc enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102389

Landmark Plant Library Symbol organisation suggestion: Merge 'Concept Plants BIM' into 'Concept Plants 3D' folder

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I realise that each jurisdiction has local requirements and will have different plant libraries. However some libraries are shared and this VE is a suggestion to merge the 'BIM Plants (UK Metric)' file - which is the only file in the folder called 'Concept Plants BIM' - into the folder called 'Concept Plants 3D'.

The 'BIM Plants (UK Metric)' file needs to be 'Saved as' and renamed 'Trees' and placed into that folder.

All Plant objects appear to have the 'IfcBuildingElementProxy' record with the Name, Object Type and Tag already attached as well as the 'Material' record with Component 1 filled out as Plant Material.

The symbols in the 'Concept 3D folder' and 'Concept Plants BIM' are no different in this matter. This move would get rid of the unnecessary 'Concept Plants BIM' folder that adds one more level of confusion for the average user. As there already is a 'Concept Plants 2D' folder it is more logical to keep the 'Concept Plants 3D' as opposed to the 'Concept Plants BIM' one.

This would tidy up unnecessary duplication and confusion for users.

Snapshot enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102584

Saved Light Sets: The ability to add combinations of lighting set ups as part of a Saved View.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As per [this thread in the Distributor Forum|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/90469-t02271-shaded-rendering-improvements/#comment-414254] in the new improvements for Shaded rendering in v2023.

If these improvements eventuate for Shaded renders, users will want to quickly explore different types of lighting on the model immediately. Currently the only way to save lighting set ups and combinations for a scene is via the Visualisation Palette for individual viewports.

The wish is the ability for users to be able to save lighting set ups via Saved Views. That would allow all types of designers across all industries immediate display of lighting ideas as they navigate the model in the design layer environment.

This task will open up a world of discovery to designers as they communicate their designs to clients. Interior designers and architects, exhibition and set designers in particular will want to quickly go from one combination of lighting to another.

It is important for designers to stay in Vectorworks and not have to use another program to show lighting effects and combinations. Vectorworks would remain as the main communication tool. For example, in film production Rhino has been eating into the Vectorworks market for production design with external renderers and to have this ability built into Vectorworks would add to our bow.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99394

Landmark: to make the creation and therefore use of custom Plant Catalogues user friendly

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

As the Filemaker Database has been deprecated the use of plant source data using the new 'Plant Catalogues' format is essential for users to access.

My request is that there is an import method that automates the process for users to easily import and match the fields in the somewhat complex xml format required and which is found in the CatalogFileConfig.xml file located in:

/Users/username/Library/Application Support/Vectorworks/2019/Plant Database/_CatalogFileConfig.xml

Unlike the USA, Australia does not have just one or two large nurseries that have the time, resources and expertise to supply a plant catalogue in the new required format. Australia will have 15+ smaller nurseries as a starter. However many users and suppliers will already have their own database in Excel for example.

The Existing Tree Tool can import external databases and the request is that a similar method and type of command be available for users to add to as well as create their own in the new plant catalogue format.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99507

Landmark: Fix regression in UI of Plant Data List for Windows users

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This has come up as an ongoing issue for our Windows users of Landmark in 2019 compared to 2018.

When the Plant Data List is up in 2019, with the list of names in focus, Mac users can type in an entire word and the list will filter accordingly to that species. For example typing in 'w a t e r' will filter to 'waterhousia' immediately.

On Windows, this doesn't work maybe due to the OS, as it only works one letter at a time so 'w' goes to all the species beginning with 'w' and 'a' goes to those beginning with 'a'.

In 2018 there is a search field for users to type into. This allowed users to type in 'water' and it would show 'waterhousia'.

This has now been replaced by a Filter button that needs to be checked and a dialogue comes up where users can then apply a filter. This takes more time, more clicks and far less immediate than the user experience for Windows users in 2018.

Please could it be considered to add back a plain search field for Windows users as this is a regression in the interface for the workflow that users need and requires more clicks and time than 2018.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100237

Help text in Plant Preference dialogue regarding "Image Size"

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Click on the Plant tool, then the settings button in the mode bar to open the Plant Preferences dialogue.
Rest the mouse over the 'Image Size' field and read the help text at the bottom left. All it says is 'enter the image size'. For what?!

What it might say is what is found in the manual which is: "Sets the size of any images included in a custom plant tag".

Otherwise there is no explanation, and it took me quite a while of digging around to find what the image referred to. This would also lead users to discover this capability.

Snapshot enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103329

Graphic Legends: Default Title Frame in Graphic Legend needs to be distinguished so it is not mistaken as a regular rectangle

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I was making a Graphic Legend in an empty file. I edited the Title Layout as I wanted to colour the title background.

As per the screen shot it looks like a regular rectangle (although described in the OIP as a 'Title Frame in Graphic Legend').

It is counter-intuitive as I thought that I could simply treat it as a rectangle and change the fill colour etc but nothing changed. So I filed a bug:

VB-189409
Graphic Legends: Virgin GL unable to colour the background rectangle of the Title

Obviously rejected as it WAD. So this requesat is that this default display *should not look* like a regular rectangle, but one say with dashed lines as per my mock up screenshot. This is more in common with this type of object and makes it more intuitive for users. It fooled me, a beta tester of 26 years!

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103308

Graphic Legend - Scale factor, like Title Block Borders, to allow fit on a page

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

Please can we have the ability like Title Block Borders to scale a Graphic Legend so it can fit on the page?

In the enclosed screenshot you can see a Graphic Legend that has been formatted to one's liking. However, it is slightly too big to fit on the page. Changing anything about the Graphic Legend will most likely change the cell layouts which is not desirable.

The wish is that there is a scale option in the OIP so users can put in a multiplication factor in order to scale it. In this example it might be '0.9' for example. Just like title blocks etc.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-102579

Graphic Legends: Preview button for 'Legend Image Class Properties' like there is for 'Viewport Class Properties'

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The ability to preview class visibility settings for viewports when in the Viewport Class Properties dialogue is extremely useful.

The wish is that there was a similar preview button and functionality for Graphic Legends when in the Legend Image Class Properties dialogue as well. This is so users can quickly see if they have changed the correct classes.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102316

Braceworks Data tags to have Z force formatted so it doesn't go to 8 decimal places

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
According to :
VB-182022
Spotlight Braceworks: Data tags for House Rigging Points go to 7 decimal places and there is no document formatting for the forces.
(*should be 8)

This has come back as WAD.
"Only dimension, area, volume, and angle fields can have custom formatting in the Data Tag. Those forces fields are just plain real fields."

This is also related to:
VB-180868
Spotlight Rigging Object record show length to 6 decimal places and ignores document Unit settings

This VE is for there to be a formatted option when creating Data Tags so that the forces can be rounded off. Looking at the enclosed snapshot showing 8 decimal places it looks somewhat ridiculous.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101153

Spotlight new Multi Cells: reinstate the 'Covert to Multi Circuit/Cell' command and please better help

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As the 'Create Multi Circuit' command has gone, users need to know how to make a new Multi Cell. A lot of library items are not ready made. Wanting to learn about the new Multi Cell Lighting Device I went to the Help>New Features:

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FLandingPage%2FNew_features.htm%23XREF_57745_New_Features

It says: "Multi-cells: Now you can insert multi-cell lighting devices from the default content and edit each cell’s data on the Object Info palette."

What default content? Is this the first file in the Resource Locator 'Lighting Instrument' with the USITT library, or is it any lighting symbol? It implies ready made devices.

Back on the New Features page click the 'Inserting multi-cell lighting devices' link.

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FLightingDesign1%2FInserting_multi-cell_lighting_devices.htm%23XREF_87320_Inserting_multi

None of the links explain how to find, insert or make a Multi Cell. The first link: Inserting Lighting Devices:

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FLightingDesign1%2FInserting_lighting_devices.htm%23XREF_16213_Inserting_lighting

Doesn't even mention Multi Cells. Go back a page to 'Inserting multi-cell lighting devices'. The next links listed in the article:

* DMX patching.
* Numbering light plot objects
* Creating symbol definitions

...do not address the issue of how to insert/make or find Multi Cells.

If I click the 'Multi-cell lighting device specifications':

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FLightingDesign2%2FMulti-cell_lighting_device_specifications.htm%23XREF_32008_Multi_cell

The first paragraph says "...A lighting device that is at the end of the multi-cell strip should look different from the lighting devices that are in the center."

So if users use the same symbol for each cell it won't work?! This needs clarification or dropped if not true.

Then we get:
"Attach the Light Info record to the individual lighting devices within the multi-cell unit by the same method as for an individual lighting device; see Attaching the Light Info record and Light Info M record. Then attach a Light Info record to the container multi-cell symbol, but with no data specified in the record."

'Container' multi cell symbol'?! This is the only place I found in all of the Help about the mechanism of creating a Mulit Cell.

I can readily create individual Lighting Devices but I tried doing as described but still couldn't successfully create a multi cell device.

Also, how do users recognise that certain multi cell looking symbols in the library are correctly made as Multi Cells (eg USITT library), but not others eg the Selecon library widely used here in Oceania. Yet they all look the same.

The request is to have some movies or an explanation about the new multi cell, and, as it appears very difficult for users to make their own (as I found out having failed after an hour of trying to work it out) that the departed previous command (Convert to Multi Circuit) be returned in a new iteration for users to easily make new multi cell lighting devices.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102181

Help: To have 'Previous' and 'Next' buttons moved to the top to be more noticeable.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I'm enjoying the new Help and it's new layout, it's terrific!.
However even for an experienced user like me I was looking for ways to navigate forwards and back and it took me some time to find the buttons languishing at the bottom right of the browser.

The wish is that these are moved to the top in the grey bar, next to the 'Expand Tables' and 'Favourites'. The users will see and be able to explore the Help more easily. Also, the 'Back to Top' button also at the bottom right the icon is too small to be understood. I had to wait for a tool tip to understand what it was supposed to do.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99716

That the public bug submit page reflect the new maxcOS and Vision and Braceworks

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
i just checked out the public bug submit page at:

https://www.vectorworks.net/support/bugsubmit

and noticed there was no love for ordinary users of the current macOS 10.14+ Mojave in the list of OS's and also nothing for Braceworks users.

I realise Braceworks is specialised but Vision is listed there as well so Braceworks should be too. However since Mojave was released there have been SO many problems with Vectorworks and the latest Apple OS it should at least be listed there.

The fact it's not listed gives the impression that Vectorworks, Inc. aren't up to date at least to an ordinary user trying to submit a bug on that platform and/or module.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101257

Custom Selection: That the 'Field Value' be searchable and made more manageable

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Tools>Custom Selections are very useful. If, as you can see in the enclosed movie, you do a Custom Selection and want to find a particular Field Value there can be thousands of fields to deal with in a drawing.

The records they belong to aren't listed alphabetically and the scrolling through the list can take ages. In the this average file, at *full speed* it takes 23 seconds to scroll from the top of the list to the bottom! Record Field values can be easily missed and it is very tedious and frustrating to find what you want.

The wish is that the parent records are searchable so if for example I want to find the Field Value for a Truss object I can type in 'Truss' and it will show only that record. Currently it shows every record and every field for all objects in a file.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100042

Vision app should be named like Vectorworks with the version year.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Vectorworks is named after each version eg Vectorworks 2018, Vectorworks 2019, Vectorworks 2020 etc.

Each Vision release is simply called Vision. If the Vision app is renamed (on the Mac at least) the program fails to open! (VB-164396).

The request is that the Vision app be named with the release year like Vectorworks app to avoid the bug and help users easily distinguish the version.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101215

Customer Portal to have a link to the Vectorworks Cloud Services

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When users go to the new Customer Portal: https://customers.vectorworks.net/dashboard

They are not to know that they can use (and possibly have full access if they are VSS members) the Vectorworks Cloud Services (VCS).

The wish is that there was a link somehow to inform all users of the VCS on the Customer Portal. The VCS is a great part of selling the benefits of belonging to VSS.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101803

Connect/Combine tool to be able to work with Solids

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently the Connect/Combine tool only works with polylines, polygons, lines, Roof Faces and NURBS.

Often architects need to model rafters and other solid objects and NURBS aren't the best objects for this. The wish is that this tool's functions be updated to include 3D Solids like extrudes.

Otherwise to miter rafters joining to others is tricky, using the Project tool, or extending the solids through and using the split tool etc. These options feel like workarounds whereas the Connect/Combine tool promises so much yet it's functionality is limited to those few 3D objects. It would make all 3D modelling much easier if this was possible for it to work with other 3D objects like extrudes.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100516

Spotlight Instrument Summary: Please add Fixture mode so that it can be displayed on the legend.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It would be very useful if the Instrument Summary object could have a field that showed the Fixture Mode just like it can now with 'Lamp Type' for example. Many instruments have multiple fixture modes.

It would save the designer having to manually add this for each mover on the plan.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99942

Spotlight Seating Section to have the options for 'Right Reading' for the numbering

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It would be very useful at times to be able to rotate a Seating Section but have the numbering remain right reading (like Label Legends).

Currently the numbering rotates with the angle of the Seating Section and is a limitation in some design situations.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99720

Add 'Cropped Perspective' as a Quick Preference or as a check button in the OIP for the camera tools

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It is great the the Document Preference 'Cropped Perspective' is now off by default in new 2019 documents.

When using the Renderworks and Video cameras this option needs to be on in order to see what the lens is seeing. It would be very useful to have a button in the OIP for both camera tools to toggle this on or off so users don't have to open the document preferences or maybe have it as a Quick Preference.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102046

Vectorworks 2022 BETA README Document

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Sorry to butt in not minding my own business and this is obviously a work in progress but I have some wishes about this document.

I have included a small text file with some comments (I know no one has asked me but I have done it anyway). Here's a summary:

+Internet Activation:+
Serial numbers dialog location is not explicit and users need to know it's in the Vectorworks Prefs.

+Installation Instructions+
The software (implying Vectorworks) is not downloaded. It is the Vectorworks installer. So many users say they 'downloaded' the program when they mean they installed it and getting it right here would help correct that.

+Installation Q & A+
It is called the macOS and macOS 11 needs to be added.

+Will my existing Vectorworks be overwritten?+
It should be emphatic and 'that is' (i.e) rather than 'for example (eg).

+Vectorworks 2022 System Requirements+
Surely macOS 11 (Big Sur) should be added?

+Hardware Requirements for Project Sharing Server +
Surely macOS 11 (Big Sur) should be added?

+Network Requirements for Project Sharing and Cloud Sharing +
The Vectorworks Cloud Services can now use delta synching for files over 200mb and is also recommended?

As I mentioned I realise this is a work in progress and I don't wish to teach anyone how to suck eggs (is that an expression used in the USA?!) but I felt I had to make a comment on these things so it is really clear to users. I have noticed some omissions regarding Big Sur in the 2021 read me.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100528

Freehand Tool: to be able to use snaps with this tool

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently as soon as the Freehand tool is selected all the snaps in the snapping palette go off. This looks like it is designed this way as the video in the Help which is from v2015 also does this.

However this gives the user absolutely no choice and they are unable to accurately draw. Seeing that snaps can be temporarily disabled anyway with the tilde key, the wish is to be able to use snaps with the freehand tool.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100812

Clip Cube: That if the Clip Cube has been rotated, users are able to right click the top face and create a horizontal section viewport

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

Users can create a Clip Cube and right click on the top face and get the contextual menu about creating a section viewport. However if the Clip Cube is rotated which can be a common workflow for a complex and/or detailed models then this functionality is not available.

The wish is that it remains available as an option for users. This relates to a bug which as I now know and understand is not a bug rather WAD hence this VE.

Vectorworks BugsVB-167595
Contextual menu "Create Section Viewport' not available on some horizontal faces of Clip Cubes when accessed in Saved Views.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-101369

Set Working Plane tool to be able to snap to faces of rotated Clip Cube to make a working plane

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As more users explore their models using the Clip Cube the more complex the model the more likely they will rotate the Clip Cube. There is a need to be able to set the working plane to that angle.

Currently they are unable to make the face of a rotated Clip Cube the working plane. The only way is to go to Top Plan, draw a line at the angle and then use the Rotated Plan tool/command to temporarily rotate the plan. Only then can the standard views use that as the new orientation.

The wish is that the Set Working Plane tool be able to snap to the face of a rotated Clip Cube.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99688

Resource Selector to show same root level that the Resource Manager shows

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Choose any tool that has a drop down in the mode bar, such as the symbol insertion tool.

In the Resource Selector (RS) that shows, if you click the file's name you will be shown everything in the file - irrespective of the symbol folders in the file.

In the Resource Manager (RM) if you select the document's name and it has symbol folders then you are taken one level 'higher' and see all the symbol folders and any symbols that are not in any folders.

The wish is that the RS go one level 'up' and show the same root level as the RM. Currently this difference makes using the RS in files with lots of symbols quite inefficient.

In my case I was using the Dead Hang tool in a file that has a dwg folder with 600+ symbols in and a few symbols that were imported and not in the folder. When using the Resource Selector you are shown all 600+ symbols and have to wade through them all to find the ones required.

The bug VB-157017 I filed was listed as a 'System Limitation' as the problem is at core level hence this VE.

Snapshots enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100654

Spotlight Truss libraries have to have rendered thumbs and previews without simplified box obscuring

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
All Spotlight truss libraries symbols can be previewed in the Resource Manager (RM) in various 3D views. This is both in the thumbnail views and the preview pane in the RM.

However when rendered either in OpenGL or HLR the image rendered shows the 'Boxed' simplified object. This part of the symbol is in the 'Rigging-Truss-Simplified' class. Even if this is invisible in the file the thumbnail and preview windows show as if visible.

This means that the symbol is entirely obscured in preview. The only way to check the geometry to see if you've chosen the right part is in wireframe. This is especially important when choosing corners and so on.

The wish is that the objects can be previewed and rendered in OpenGL or HLR and be able to see the actual part without being obscured by the simplified box geometry.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100494

Spotlight Straight Truss tool when Rolled have the 2D conform to the 3D orientation

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Using the Straight Truss tool place some on the page as FLAT truss. In the OIP in the 'Roll' field change the Roll to 90º. This is a common if not the only way flat truss can be hung.

Go to Top Plan and note that the truss looks as if it's horizontal to the ground. This is misleading and confusing on the plans.

The wish is that the 2D hybrid follow with the Roll of the truss much like how it does for the hanging angle. Please look at the two enclosed images.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102106

Default Marker Types to have meaningful metric measurements

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It's been like this forever, but now with the new Attributes palette the hardwired imperial measurements for the default marker types for length and width really are unacceptable when viewed in the metric world.

The default lengths might make sense at 1/8th of an inch bit when viewed in the metric world, 3.175mm makes no sense at all.

In my opinion as 3.175 is invariably always too small I would suggest all lengths default to 5mm. I've been meaning to do a VE on this since 1996 when I first used Minicad 6!

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102022

Spotlight: Find & Modify command to restore feedback on number of lighting devices affected.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The New Find & Modify command new iteration is great. However in v2021 there was always an indication of the number of Lighting Devices that will be affected within the dialogue. This was really useful to feel that what you were doing was correct.

In v2022 this feedback is gone and users are flying blind. There is no indication that clicking 'Apply' will do anything.

The wish is that this feedback of objects being affected is restored for v2022.

Please see comparison screenshots.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101380

Resource Selector: That Option and Option + Shift expands or closes all open resource folders like it does for Classes.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As per the enclosed screen shot when users click on the class disclosure arrow to expand or hide a class grouping a message comes up saying:

1. Expand and collapse sub classes with Option + click
2. Expand and collapse sub classes with Shift + Option + click

The wish is that in the Resource Selector Option + Click would expand or collapse all resource folders within a file. With Lighting Device manufacturers being so numerous having to scroll to navigate all the way is tedious and it always seems to open with all the files expanded.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103115

Vectorworks Cloud Services to detect the country the user is in and automatically change the storage region accordingly.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Users can now change their Vectorworks Cloud Services (VCS) preferences to set where they want their storage to be located geographically. This VE is to suggest that it would be great if their geographic location could be detected and their storage automatically changed to the nearest storage server.

I suspect that many users will not know about this new preference and as the VCS is increasingly being used for Project Sharing anything that expedites it's efficiencies, if done by us first, would give a better user experience.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99512

Spotlight: Insert Drop dialogue to remember last used symbol, and not return to root location.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Whenever you use the 'Insert Drop' command or when it appears when you 'replace a downleg of a bridle with a hoist' the Insert Drop dialogue comes up.
Users then navigate until they find the particular symbol they want. However if this action is repeated, each and every time it returns to the highest level of the symbols (root level I think). The wish is that it remembers the last location.
A common workflow would add the same symbol as the drop each time.

Movie enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101277

Braceworks: please can we have an option that includes the total weight of a hoist and it's chain for Data Tags?

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you select a Hoist object in Spotlight there is a field in the OIP that reports the weight of the hoist plus the weight of the chain. This is the combined - and real weight - as it is lifted out of the roadcase.

Please can we have an option for Data Tags that enables this to be reported on the page using Data Tags?

None of the Hoist Weight options when creating Data Tags adds this useful information.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100462

Vectorworks Architect be able to Import geo-referenced Image files like Landmark

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Both Architect and Landmark have full geo-referencing capabilities.

However only Landmark is able to import geo-referenced Image files, ie those image files with an associated 'world' file.

The wish is that Architect be able to also import geo-referenced Image files and take full advantage of this capability. This is especially true when high resolution images are required and are not provided for by the Geo Image feature.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99368

Allow Data Exchange for Lightwright to work with project sharing

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently users with Lightwright can not use project sharing as the xml file can become corrupt and/or overwritten. There is a lengthy discussion on the Lightwright forum about this and also a work around.

http://lightwright.boards.net/thread/106/data-exchange-project-management

A prominent lighting designer has asked if Vectorworks, Inc. could consider a method whereby this could be enabled hence this request.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-101209

Vectorworks Cloud Services to have updated introduction movies

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As the Vectorworks Cloud Services are becoming more known, they are also a *very important* part of letting users understand the value of Vectorworks Service Select.

Increasingly we need to educate users on how the whole ecosystem works. There are a series of movies I can direct users to on the Vectorworks, Inc. Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiLCoe7DU1HZ4HBqhnlFXkB8qJXm3Eelt

The request is that these are updated as they are quite old and ultimately confusing to users. Apart from the interface changing completely, there are other areas of confusion.
For example movie 2 says users don't have to install Vectorworks but can download it etc. (see screenshots). This isn't true anymore.

The Vectorworks Cloud Services are a wonderful and important part of using Vectorworks. In spite of what the movie says about that the main point of VCS is accessing files from anywhere I don't think that is as important as the external processing it offers. It is a big selling point and it would be great to be backed up with current introductory movies.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101261

Help: Editing Saved Views: please add the easiest way which is to 'Redefine' via the Navigation palette

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The page about editing saved views is this:

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FStructure%2FEditing_saved_views.htm%23XREF_84615_Editing_Saved_Views

It lists in a somewhat overburdened way the 'classic' method of editing/updating a saved view. The *majority* of Vectorworks users have a design series module. For them by far the easiest, quickest way to edit/update a Saved View is to set the visibilities one wants and right click the Saved View in the Navigation palette and choose 'Redefine'.

This is the method that should be encouraged as it is so simple, fast and efficient. My request is that this is the *first option* to be listed in the Help.

At the moment a hint of it is only mentioned in the very last line on the page:
_If Vectorworks Design Series is installed, you can also edit saved views from The Navigation palette._

Users are then taken to the general page about the Navigation Palette:
https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FStructure%2FThe_Navigation_palette.htm%23XREF_38683_The_Navigation

Which is now off topic as it's no longer about Saved Views. If they're very lucky, patient and persistent by scrolling a long way not knowing what to look for, they might stumble across this:

*Redefine*
Select a saved view and then select Redefine to open the Redefine Saved Views dialog box. See Redefining saved views.

'See Redefining saved views' takes you to this page:

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/VW2021_Guide/Structure/Redefining_saved_views.htm#XREF_13982_Redefining_Saved

Which is what should be on the first page about 'Editing Saved Views'!

So the wish is that this page is included and is the first paragraph on the Editing Saved Views page in the Help!

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101322

Assigning existing Focus Points to Lighting Devices

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As per the thread on the beta forum:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/76992-assigning-existing-focus-points-to-lighting-devices/&tab=comments#comment-370935

The new focus command is terrific in v2021. However we have lost some basic functionality from v2020 as far as I can tell. That is, if you have some Focus Points already laid out on the scene, or even have the new command create some for you, the only way to assign them to any other Lighting Devices is, as the help says:

To assign a focus point to lighting devices:
1. Select one or more lighting devices.
2. On the Object Info palette, enter the name of the focus point object in the Focus field.

So users now have to manually type in the exact name for each and every focus point for each and every selected Lighting device(s)?!

Or tediously select each Focus Point one at a time which of course has to be made visible (as they work when invisible) and copy the name of the Focus Point in the OIP, then select the Lighting Device(s) and paste into the correct field? This is highly inefficient and nowhere as fast as it has always been since Focus Points came to Spotlight.

In v2020 and since day 1 there was a contextual menu allowing fast and easy allocation from a list. It is an efficiency regression IMO not have immediate access to a list of available FPs.

Why can't we have the option to right click a lighting device and choose to see both the list of current Focus Points in the drawing and/or open the new 'Focus Lighting Devices' command?

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101392

Plant Tag Bubbles to be controlled by text styles.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

Plant Tags are able to be universally controlled via Text Styles. However if a bubble is used instead of a user defined one, then the text can not be controlled by a text style even if it is in the Plant-Component-Tags class.

This is inconsistent and confusing to users who aren't able to manage their drawing as they expected. So the wish is that plant tag bubbles are able to be controlled by text styles. I realise though that the graphic, rectangle, circle etc might make this not straightforward.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-100923

That Spotlight and Braceworks PIO's to have a unified approach when using 'Standard Classes'.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The wish is that for all Spotlight and Braceworks objects that there is a consistent approach throughout the module when using the "Use Standard Classes" option.

Currently it's inconsistent, confusing and unhelpful for some of the objects.

When a PIO is selected and the 'Classes" button in the OIP is clicked, a classes dialogue opens and you can see the parts of the PIO are in the <Object Class>. If the button "Use Standard Classes" is pressed all the parts get populated by standard preset classes. This is expected behaviour.

This works for: Soft Goods; Rope & Stanchions; Stage Deck; Stage Plug; Stage Steps; Stage Ramp; Television; Video Screen; Blended Screen; Speaker Array; Speaker; Video Camera; Seating Section (not just all Landru's originating PIO's but some new ones too).

The following when the 'Use Standard Classes" button is checked - nothing happens at all: Hoist; Rigging Load; House Rigging Point; Distributor Objects.

This only leaves users to tediously manually find the class each time and add it to the part.

Also, Bridles are the only PIO's with pre-populated classes, so there's no point in even clicking the 'Use Standard Classes" button! The classes are:
Rigging-Bridle-Geometry
Rigging-Bridle-Label
Rigging-Bridle-Connection.

Mysteriously as soon as a bridle is added to a drawing two other classes turn up to confuse the issue. They are:

33_truss accessoires-Shackles (sic)
69_extra_insertpoint
(Already reported VB-168839 Braceworks: Insert Bridle and two odd classes appear.)

Lighting Pipe and Lighting Pipe Ladder:
The OIP button is not called 'Classes" like all the other PIO's in the module rather this time it's called 'Use Standard Classes". When clicked, the dialogue is totally different to all the other PIO's. There is no option to then use standard classes, only to add a prefix which IMO does not work how a user might think. No standard classes apply.
[VB-139989 Spotlight: Lighting Pipe classing does not add class prefix = WAD]

Please can all PIO's be like the first group listed in this enhancement request? When creating a comprehensive template using Spotlight standard classes these objects need to then all easily populate with the standard classes.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99378

VSS Portal>Support>MAC OS> 10.14 Mojave NOT listed - please add!

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
We just had a user go to the VSS portal>Support and make out a form.

When I asked her that she stated she was on Mojave but the form said she was on 10.13 she replied that was because 10.14 is not listed. As you can see from the snap shot she is correct!

Most of our users go direct to us but if some use this method please can you add the latest Mac OS 10.14?

Thanks,
Peter

VE-101354

Symbols and Point Loads versus Distributed loads

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you want to attach a symbol to a rigging object you have to place a Point Load first, then in the OIP choose 'Show Symbol' then select the symbol. This is fine. Yet why isn't this possible for Distributed Loads?
This doesn't make sense as a lot of scenic elements will have to be attached by more than one point - that is distributed along the rigging. So what do users do who have something like a screen or flat etc to hang, which isn't able to be hung on one point?

Thanks,
Peter

VE-102295

We need a dedicated structural member tool for Spotlight and Braceworks

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The wish is that there is a dedicated structural member tool for Spotlight and Braceworks. Currently the structural member tool borrowed from Architect allows bridles and hoists to be attached but that’s all and is not part of any calculation. In fact there is +nothing structural+ about the Structural Member tool!

Spotlight users do not need all the various architectural features of the Structural Member tool, but they need a more processor efficient and dedicated one. This is because they need the ability to perform Braceworks calculations on the rigging beams themselves. The beams need to be considered Braceworks trusses for this to occur. The reason for this VE is that the current process of customising trusses is extremely difficult and not properly supported.

This tool could be similar to the Architect Framing Member tool that at least allows users to draw all kinds of styles and shapes of beams found in new and old venues. These other types of customised beams should then allow the user to add customised cross section data more easily than now. Or, just to be included in a file for visual accuracy even if not included in the calculations (see enclosed screenshot with webbed beam drawn by the Framing Member tool).

With the current Structural Member tool, when choosing the Steel Section option, users can select the 'Structural Shape' which accesses the libraries used by the individual steel section tools in the Detailer toolset - such as the I-Beam, Wide Flange, Channel, Tubing, Tee etc. All these plugged in steel sections are drawn from externally available lists including AISC, BSI, JIS, ANZ, DIN and others.

In real life these sections would have to comply to a list dictating their minimum strength values. The wish also is that these values of force limitations for each type of section are also carried into the new PIO for each structural shape. Plugging in this readily available information would then allow Braceworks calculations to be immediately carried out for every type of 'Structural Shape' in the tool... and avoid custom trusses.

The current workaround for custom trusses is:
* Place the 3D object on the page
* Turn it into a Symbol
* Use Convert (symbol) to Truss command
* Right click>Customise Truss Symbol Data
* Edit the Truss Properties (enter data)
* Change Cross Section (enter data)

It is in this last dialogue ‘Change Cross Section’ that users really have to contend with. They have to make a ‘Custom’ set and enter the force limitation data if available. However there are many unknowns with little - if any - documentation. For example if users want the graphic Workload to be shown they have to specify in the ‘Design’ field a choice between Generic, Pipe, 4/3/2 Tubes. Pipe seems to be the only one that shows the workload graphic. This is very obscure and might also depend (although not tested) on whether in the Braceworks Preferences the workload shown is either:

* Absolute Workload
* Relative Workload
* Threshold,
* And the other 6 force influences.

Users are flying blind here. Once a custom truss is set up, alarmingly there is no way to transfer this to another file. Even if the Custom Truss object is saved as a Red Symbol, whether imported or copied into another file, the custom Cross Section information does not come across and has to be re-inputted again which is highly tedious. It shows that custom trusses are not really supported as a workflow which they need to be if rigging beams are to be included in Braceworks calculations.

This request was sparked by working with a user who is one of the main authors of the authoritative _“International Code of Practise for Entertainment Rigging”._ His company has won the contract for a new venue in Melbourne that is still being built but he is finding that it is very difficult to get Braceworks to work as he would wish.

A dedicated Structural Member tool is needed by users, maybe similar to the Framing Member tool - one that has the cross section data for all structural shape libraries already plugged in, and one that easily and more intuitively allows users to customise and share custom trusses if need be.

It is almost universal for separate beams to share the same node which is rated by a structural engineer. Getting this to work in Braceworks means splitting the node using House Rigging Points into two and halving the allowable Z force for each. This workaround isn't what really happens for that single node. I am hoping this could be addressed with a new tool.

File and screen shot enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102706

When Cineware by Maxon Crashes users get an error message asking them to relaunch the program.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I had just rebooted my machine and opened Vectorworks 2022 SP3B2.

With an extremely simple test model with one Renderworks Spotlight pointing to a chair in a room, I noticed that all Renderworks options (Artistic, Fast, Final Quality, Custom, Styled etc) only showed the Shaded render. Even the 'B' key X-Ray mode wasn't working correctly.

I then realised that Cineware by Maxon had crashed and/or failed to launch which I confirmed with Activity Monitor.

The wish is that if this happens an error message could come up saying something like: "there has been a problem with the rendering engine please quit and re-launch the program".

Otherwise, how else would the user know? In this situation it is just a bad user experience with users being unable to fathom why they aren't getting the results they expected. This was in spite of there being a tick appearing to show that those rendering modes were being used at the time

Movie and file enclosed. I don't know if Cineware by Maxon creates any crash logs?

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100155

Users be allowed to control colour of text for 'heads up data' in Interactive Appearance Settings

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In 2020 the blue colour in the Heads Up Data box when drafting is now aqua blue. This has changed from the darker blue in 2019, and in some circumstances is harder to see on the screen.

It would be very handy for users to be able to control this colour with the Interactive Appearance Settings dialogue in the Vectorworks Preferences.

The text colour for 'Blue Symbols' in the Resource Manager is also now aqua blue.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101147

Spotlight Data Tags to be able to be seen (or not) in a 3D view like Label Legends

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In v2020 all types of information relating to the Hoist tool was displayed as a hybrid object. In a 3D view it would disappear.

In v2021 we have to use Data Tags. Unfortunately, when in a 3D view the Data Tags remain in a view 'stuck' on the ground as layer plane objects. This is a confusing look as rigging objects are often high in the air.

Using Data Tags forces users to place them in a class so they can be hidden when going to 3D.

The wish is that there are two options:
1. Not to see them when going to 3D.
2. The ability to be displayed in 3D like Label Legends, and automatically classed accordingly.

It would be great to communicate the relevant hoist information and forces in a 3D view and not just in plan. At the moment there is a burden on the user to manually hide the data tags when in 3D.

Example file enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100752

That the US Door + Window tools have a prefix for any classes they add to the drawing

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As soon as a US Door or Window is placed on the page some classes are automatically added. They are:

* Glazing-Clear
* Non Plot
* Sills

The wish is that they come in with a prefix so the user can understand what they refer to. Such as:

* Door/Window-Glazing-Clear
* Door/Window-Non Plot
* Door/Window-Sills

In a file using the well organised Spotlight default classes for example, they languish scattered in the list. It would be much better to know +what+ they are a part of. The Sills class comes in no matter whether a window has one or not so this adds to the confusion.

At least having them organised hierarchically would be consistent with other PIO's.

It is also complicated by the fact that other default PIO's also bring in classes with similar names (eg Non Plot). Please see enclosed snapshot.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102460

Import Shape file dialogue to have an 'Always Do' option at least for that import or session.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It is common not to import one Shape file at a time but rather dozens at once. In the enclosed movie you can see a typical dataset with 16 Shape files. As you can see I have selected them all at once and dragged onto the page.

Some take seconds to import, some 30mins or much more depending on the data (at least in my case with the City of Sydney dataset).

As each Shape file imports, the Import Shape file dialogue appears and asks if you want to use the Documents Georerencing set up or the Shapefiles' co-ordinate system among other things. It is almost certain that it will be one or the other that is suitable for the entire process.

The wish is that there is an "Always Do this action for all imports during this operation" button, but just for that particular operation so next session or file you get the dialogue back. Actually it would be good to have that when importing images...

Otherwise, users have to wait for each and every Shape file to import, and it can take several hours. Each time a file is imported the user has to be there and watch in order to dismiss the dialogue which is very tedious as it should be a continual process.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101253

Spotlight Hoist Report to be intelligent database worksheet and not just dumb spreadsheets

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you use the new Spotlight>Reports> Create Hoist Report you get a dumb one-off spreadsheet called 'Hoist Report'. Users most likely will have this displayed on the drawing. These Hoist reports can be organised in the following ways which is great:

Reference Point
Sorting Method
Hoist ID
Y position
Ant system path
Straight path

As the design evolves users will most likely re-generate these reports.

However a new worksheet is created each time called 'Hoist Report-2' etc leading to multiple 'Hoist Reports-x' in the Resource Manager(RM). This can get messy very quickly.

In fact, the one(s) on the drawing remains forever stuck as it was when first generated. Users have to understand this and replace it with the new worksheet from the RM.

The request is that it be considered that the worksheets are database worksheets instead of dumb spreadsheets so that if placed on the drawing they will simply update on the page and not have to be replaced. As users might want to show more than one type of Hoist report on the page it would be useful to have the sorting method as the name in the title of the worksheet.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102228

Spotlight Align and Distribute tool should perform it's duty in any direction

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Please look at the 46 second silent movie enclosed. The blue numbers are channels.

I did a VB about this:

VB-180611
Spotlight: Dangerous bug with the Align and Distribute tool changing and reversing the order of instruments depending on which direction the alignment line is drawn.

The order must never change! Just Align and Distribute or whatever option chosen, but the order as said by [Mark on the beta forum|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/85536-a-question-for-spotlight-users-about-the-align-and-distribute-tool/&tab=comments#comment-401182] is 'sacred'.

This VE is to ask that the tool behaves the same way when used left to right and right to left, that when used vertically up the page from top to bottom and bottom to top the order doesn't change.

Currently it only seems to work when used left to right. The VE is for any direction the Align and Distribute tool is used that the order is *preserved*.

I have had complaints about this and if not noticed by the user then this could be disastrous and affect the reputation of the program.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101942

New Shaded Rendering mode should have shadows on by default

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Now that the OpenGL rendering mode is renamed 'Shaded' because OpenGL is on it's way out, users will expect to see shadows. Currently shadows is off by default as it has been for many versions. The wish is to have shadows enabled by default.

The vast majority of users would wish to render seeing shadows especially not least because it is called 'Shaded'. It will disappoint many new users when they use it for the first time.

It is probably off for performance reasons but these days most users have decent GPUs to handle this. If users don't, then they can turn off the shadows option.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101065

Help: Vectorworks Preferences>3D>3D Conversion Resolution to be more clear about this preference

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

In the Vectorworks Forum there is a thread about file size:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/54111-large-file-size/&tab=comments#comment-359194]

My post explaining what the 3D Conversion Resolution does quotes the help from this page:

[http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2020/eng/index.htm#t=VW2020_Guide%2FPreferences%2FPreferences.htm%23CSH_1]

|3D conversion resolution|Sets the segmentation resolution used to display curved 3D objects; affects extruded and swept polylines, circles, and arcs|

This is my post:

"My understanding is that it is particularly important at the 'moment of creation' of 3D objects.. Such as in the screenshot of converting a Sphere into a Mesh. From the Help: _"Sets the segmentation resolution used to display curved 3D objects; affects extruded and swept polylines, circles, and arcs"._

In my example once the objects have been converted +no matter what the 3D conversion resolution is set to afterwards,+ the segmentation for each object stays as it was at the time of conversion."

This VE is that it is not so much about the display, but rather the *creation* of the objects and their segmentation. Also the fact that file sizes increase roughly doubly each time from Low, Medium, High and Very High.

As file size becomes an ever important topic, the more information about this important preference might be useful as it is not clear to users at the moment. The file size mention might stop some users from upping this setting without knowing what it actually does and it's consequences.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-100892

Braceworks to have a floating point load tool.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Sometimes it would be useful for users to be able to know the point load precisely along a truss or pipe at any location or at defined distances.

Currently the only way is to have a dummy hoist showing the 'total point load' and performing a calculation.

This would be useful in some hotel ballroom venues with extensive pipes in the roof. Please see enclosed file and snapshot that shows the loading every meter along a 3m pipe with the 'dummy' hoists.

Even better if, after a calculation, it was an object a bit like the Stake tool in Architect and Landmark when moved over a site model will read out the height, an object that as you move over a truss/pipe system will read out the point load at that point.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100507

Title Block Border to be able to add time to Revisions

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
A convention centre is asking that it would be great if the time of day could be incorporated into a revision automatically when using the Title Block Manager. Apparently it is an important part of their workflow.
Hence this request that it might be considered.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101152

Help: Please can Multi Circuit be used as a search term for Multi Cell lighting devices

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The Spotlight 'Multi Circuit' instruments are now called 'Multi Cells'. It took a while to find the new tool as nothing was reported when 'Multi Circuit' was entered as a search term.

Please can the term Multi Circuit' direct users to the new 'Multi Cell' device.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-101138

Vectorworks Single Sign On allow enabling of password apps like 1Password to be used when logging in

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Most webforms allow by right clicking in the user name or password fields the enabling of 3rd party apps like 1Password that gives the user immediate access to their log ins.

Currently the SSO form doesn't allow this, although lots of other forms elsewhere do.

The request is the this be allowed for users when in the SSO can access these password repositories like most other web forms.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102783

Customer Portal>Support>Submit Request Form: That Operating System field is NOT already pre populated by macOS 12 as this can be missed by users. It should be blank and a required field

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Users going to the Customer Portal>Support>Submit Request Form go to:

https://customers.vectorworks.net/support

The request is that the Operating System field in not already pre-populated by 'macOS 12'. It should be blank and also a 'Required field'.

Some users miss this, and it causes delays in support because it is assumed therefore that their OS is macOS 12 when it could be windows. Speaking of which Windows 11 needs to be added in the list.

I added this to another issue with another support form on the Vectorworks website in VB-185629.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102838

All Spotlight tools to have pull down menu in mode bar enabled in order to access custom content and have uniformity in workflow.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The following tools by Andy Dunning currently do not have a pull down menu in the mode bar.

Rope and Stanchion
Stage Deck
Stage Plug (perhaps understandable with this but even so custom content might be made)
Stage Ramp
Televison
Video Screen
Blended Screen
LED Screen
Speaker Array (yet the Speaker tool does have a pull down).

A lot of venues and users customise their most common configurations of tools. Today I had a customer with 8 licences who wanted to create some Red Symbols for some Softgoods as well as Video screens.

The softgoods has a pull down so they could click on that and access the Resource Selector and immediately find a favourite file with those drapes. However if doing the same for any of the above it is not possible. The only way is via the Resource Manager.
This is inconsistent and a mixed workflow, hence the wish that the pull down be available for all tools.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101650

When publishing using the Vectorworks Cloud Services that the export dialogue allow users to name the published document

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you use the Publish command and use the Vectorworks Cloud Services to process and store the documents the dialogue that comes up does not allow the user to change the document's name. Instead users get the confusing notice that they are about to over write some files (even if they are looking at an empty folder). This is a bad user experience and still makes me feel uneasy.

The wish is that a normal Save dialogue come up instead which users would be familiar with and then able to manage and importantly name the published document(s) what they want rather than the Publish command use the name of the Vectorworks file that it seems to do automatically.

There is no way for a user to have different versions without going into the folder first and renaming the previously published document something else otherwise it will be over written. It is common to keep different versions and to manage at the point of creation rather than having to go backwards and rename. It doesn't seem logical nor user friendly without a normal save dialogue.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100645

Spotlight Stage Plugs: To be able to use Clip/Add Surface commands and/or Create Objects from Shapes for more accurate and easier creation

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently the only way to edit the shape of a Stage Plug is via the Reshape tool. By their nature Stage Plugs can consist of all kinds of curves and be complex shapes.

For example around a revolving stage inset into another stage which is very common, each segment (see enclosed snapshot) can be quite tricky to be accurately drawn for construction. In fact the accuracy is only as good as the number of vertices added.

The wish is that they could be more like Floor objects and that the Add/Clip Surface commands be available and also that they could be made from the Create Objects from Shapes command.

Having this ability would mean their creation would be so much faster and efficient than it is currently and less prone to inaccuracies.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100441

Create Animation 4 x Types - to be able to render clip cubes

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently the Model>Create Animations types render the entire model irrespective if the Clip Cube is enabled.

The wish is to animate and render a model correctly showing the Clip Cube part of a model.

This would be extremely useful for users for example when details need to be shown which are best and clearly shown via the Clip Cube.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103113

Vision: Device Type = Light; for the colour field in the OIP to populate 'Colour wheel 1 slot 1' to go straight into Vision

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

As more users get access to Vision in the future, more lighting rigs with conventional instruments will be exported to it.

Lighting Designers (LD) use the colour field in the OIP to colour the rig.

Currently if it is exported to Vision this colour (gel) information does not come across. This means that LDs would have to tediously re-enter the gel colour in Vision for every conventional instrument. It seems very strange that such a fundamental part of the design process and central to plotting cues for a show, has to be doubled up with such an effort in order to use Vision.

This VE is that the colour field in the OIP gets pushed out to the 'Colour wheel 1 slot 1' part of the Lighting Device Edit dialogue so that it can immediately be used in Vision.

Cheers,

Peter

VE-102449

Spotlight Braceworks: Truss roll - rotation should be centred on the truss itself, not the insertion point

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Place some truss objects on the page. Go to a side view and select. Note that if you change the roll angle in the OIP the truss changes position and moves whereas it should stay where placed and only roll. This rotation should be at the centre of the truss.

Currently it is the Insertion point that the truss rotates and this is incorrect. Users would only want it to rotate about it's centre and not from a technical part of the symbol.

Movie and file enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100212

Spotlight + Vision: Please add a Cancel button to the Export MVR message

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Sometimes as I just found you want to cancel an export to MVR. However as there's no cancel button in the progress box, the only way is to crash out of Vectorworks.

The wish is to add a cancel button like a lot of other export windows.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102884

Braceworks: House Rigging Point Symbols to have the correct allowable kilonewtons force applied when placed on the page

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
As per this forum post I put up ages ago and got little traction until recently:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74778-why-do-the-house-rigging-points-all-have-the-same-allowable-force-z/#comment-427446

This VE is to ask that each symbol has the appropriate kilonewton force applied. Currently no matter what the capacity is of the symbol via it's name, they are all set to 5kN. This is tedious to have to manually change each one after placement and is something that could produce errors.
Also, it would be good to be able to have an auto numbering option like the Hoist tool has in order for easy identification for users. These small tweaks would make using the tool much more efficient.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101015

Spotlight Additions to cable list for Australia from PRG

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
There are a load of commonly used cable types and so on that are not in the list in the current beta. I had a contact at PRG Australia who has signed the NDA and I only showed him a PDF of the current list. He has carefully gone through it and the following listings is his reply.

Please can the following be added for our users in Australia otherwise the new cable tools won't be much use.

Additions to cable list – Robert Cuddon

3 Pin XLR 0.5m
3 Pin XLR 2m
4 Pin XLR 0.5m
4 Pin XLR 2m
5 Pin XLR 0.5m
5 Pin XLR 2m
RJ45 0.5m(Patch Cable)
RJ45 100m
Ethercon
Powercon Jumper 0.5m
Trucon Jumper 0.5m
Wieland 4 way lengths 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m, 70m, 80m, 100m
Wieland 6 way lengths 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m, 70m, 80m, 100m
Powelock 400 Amp 50m
BNC – SDI
Multi-mode Fibre
Opticon Duo and Quad
LC Connector
Single-mode Fibre
Opticon Duo and Quad
LC Connector
HDMI
DVI
Display Port
Wilco 32A – all common lengths
Wilco 40A – all common lengths
Wilco 50A – all common lengths

Thank you for your consideration for our Australian users (and probably NZ and elsewhere). I've marked it critical as it is for us.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100340

Select Similar tool - when saving Settings have the words 'Select Similar' return unlike now which says 'Saved Settings"

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In 2019 when using the Select Similar tool users when they saved a criteria would choose the Save option next to the manage button at the top of the dialogue. The text field would be very helpfully filled out saying 'Select Similar -1". All the user had to do was to write the name of the criteria used and the 'Select Similar' was already written.
In 2020 it now says "Saved Settings -1" which doesn't relate to the tool at all and the entire lot has to be deleted. The request is that the default text be changed back to 'Select Similar:.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101087

Spotlight Hoist: Object Info palette reorder symbol choices to be together

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When a Hoist is selected near the top of the OIP there is as button to select the 'Pick up symbol'. Yet at the bottom of the OIP there is a button to 'Select Hoist Symbol'.

The suggestion is to move these two similar buttons together and place them near their respective scaling options. This keeps the same functions for what is displayed together and makes their discovery more obvious.

Also that the 'Select Symbol' button be renamed 'Select Hoist Symbol' to be consistent with the 'Hoist Symbol Scale' button.

Mock up enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99921

Spotlight Seating Section + the Spotlight Numbering command

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

The request is that users are able to use the Spotlight Numbering command easily and intuitively for Seating Sections and that this is the only way to number them and be intelligent enough to know the difference between chairs and tables.

This avoids the hidden, complex and unintuitive options for the Seating Section with the Spotlight Numbering command as it currently stands (which might be accidental please see VB-162850 ) and will give users all the options the Spotlight Numbering command and Event Planning Record record fields promise but don't deliver.

The Spotlight Numbering command should recognise a Seating Section and be able to offer and expand upon the specific options that the Seating Section already has such as restarting lettering on each row, and incorporate such requests as VE-97916 Spotlight Seating Section numbering: option to exclude 'o' and 'i' (Sydney Opera House).

The wish would also be that the Event Planning record fields recognise what a table is and what a chair is and number accordingly. Currently if a Seating Section contains just tables you have to use the 'Chairs' field to number the tables. If there is a mixture of chairs and then some tables the only field that numbers is the chair field. There is no differentiation and it is not possible to number table and chairs differently.

As users enjoy the flexibility of the Seating Section and Aisle tools and understand the universal power of the Spotlight Numbering command it would be great to get them to work together.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101275

Data Tags: When editing the layout there is a fixed snap point at 0,0 like when editing 2D components for symbols so users know where the leader line will start.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you add a leader line to a Data Tag it comes from 0,0 in the layout part of the the editing group.
The wish is that like when editing the 2D component of symbols there are the x and y lines plus the fixed snap point at 0,0 (says locus) so that users have a location for the layout and so they know where to line it all up to.
Currently you have to place a 2D locus at 0,0 to draw accurately. Snapshots and movie enc.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101982

Spotlight Braceworks Lighting Pipe: Help to be more informative about Construction Material

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When using the Spotlight Lighting Pipe tool the Construction Materials are pre-loaded in a pull down menu:

S900
EN-AW-6060-T66
EN-AW-6061-T6
S235
EN-AW-6082-T6
S_6X19_1770_F
EN-AW-6061-T6
S700

From the Help:
"Construction Material Select the material (aluminum, steel, and so on) of the pipe"

The wish is that there is a reference immediately available in the Help for users to understand what these options mean - even just a brief listing of what these refer to. Some of the above do not even get a result when doing an internet search.

Perhaps the Construction Material should not default to steel S235, rather there should be no default and that the user should nominate the Construction Material when first placing one on the page, so the onus is on them to know which one is correct.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101792

Spotlight Aisle tool in Split mode: for Heads up display to show width not just length and angle

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If you have Seating Section (SS) and want to place an aisle using the Split method, you draw a line across the SS and move the cursor by it's width to make a rectangular shape. Most aisles would be a fixed width but the length would vary according to the size of the SS.
However in the Heads Up Display users only see Length and Angle. The wish is that it should be Length and Width.
Cycling through with the tab key isn't as intuitive and user friendly as being able to do it immediately and not working out x's and y's etc.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101665

Vectorworks installer to have a custom icon like Vision does

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When the Vectorworks installer mounts on the desktop the image is a default apple icon.
If you mount the Vision installer it is branded with a customised image of a big 'V'.

As the Vectorworks installer process is so good and smart in so many ways it seems a bit let down by the desktop icon, so this VE is to have customised image for the installer when it mounts. Enc is a snapshot of them both side by side.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100900

Data Tag name to be displayed in the Obj Info

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When working on files and adding Data Tags their management is important as users customise and make their own. Sometimes Data Tags look quite similar and if needing to continue adding some on the drawing users have to choose the correct one.

Currently when selecting a Data Tag there is nowhere to easily know it's name. Users have to click the Edit Tag/Label button in the OIP then if the name is truncated in the edit dialogue have to enter the Resource Selector and locate it. They may then have to change the view to Icons and name or list if the name is long.

It would be much easier if the name was simply displayed directly in the OIP. Screenshot & movie enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101034

Add Data Tags to the list of Resources available to be created in the Resource Manager

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Data Tags are resources. Yet in the Resource Manager when users click the 'New Resource' button the list of resources to be chosen opens but Data Tags are not listed.

From the Help:

_"● From the Resource Manager, select an existing data tag resource in the active file to use as a starting point. Right-click on the resource and select Edit from the context menu.
● Select an existing data tag in the drawing to use as a starting point. From the Object Info palette, select Convert to Unstyled from the Style list. Select the Create Plug-in Style command, or right-click on the tag and select New Plug-in Style from Unstyled Plug-in from the context menu. From the Create Symbol dialog box, select the destination folder for the data tag style._

This is a clumsy and difficult-to-discover method to create Data Tags. The wish is that Data Tags are listed in the Resource Manager in the list of resources after clicking the 'Create Resource' button.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-103114

Vision export to MVR so that changes in Vision be pushed back into Vectorworks

Peter Neufeld

Hello,

The MVR format promises great things including two-way updating of geometry and lighting device changes between the two programs. However this is not possible at the moment.

Often it is only when plotting a show that a lighting designer realises they have to physically adjust a lighting instrument's position, or colour perhaps, or if designing a set maybe move parts of the set for example.

To be able to make those adjustments in Vision and export via MVR so that those changes can be imported back into Vectorworks is the reason for this VE.

Thanks,

Peter

VE-101693

Vectorworks Cloud Services: Status Dialogue Box - 'Info' to display name of file being processed so it can be identified

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In the new Status Dialogue Box if you click the 'Info' icon displays useful information on the processing. Unfortunately it does not list the name of the file being processed. If you have multiple operations being processed then it is impossible to know which is what.

This renders the Status Dialogue Box somewhat unimportant because users can not identify what file is being processed.

The request is that the name of the file being processed is listed in the 'Info' part.

Screen shot enclosed.

VE-101407

Worksheets: to be able to be paginated...please!

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This must be a recurrent request. That is for worksheets to be able to be paginated.
The enclosed movie shows a file from 2006 (that's nearly *15 years ago*!) that shows the use of an OzCAD add on called 'Worksheet on Drawing'.

You can still see it on an archived page: https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20070830163430/http://www.ozcad.com.au/otherproducts/vwaddonsWSOD.html

I am using this as an example of functionality (albeit a 3rd party add on) that users could use 15 years ago (and more) and one that users can't today. This workflow has gone backwards. Users have to clumsily crop viewports, duplicate then re-crop in order to just fit on a sheet layer. This is especially true for lighting as you can see it's a long list and this is not a particularly big show.

The request is to have this basic ability built into worksheets. This basic functionality would motivate users to this powerful part of the program much more than they are able to now, especially in presenting. The worksheets need to be 'smart' themselves.

Movie and screen shot enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101713

Vectorworks Cloud Services: presentations to have some form of analytics

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When creating a presentation for clients or fellow collaborators with the Vectorworks Cloud Services it would be useful information to see who accessed and ran the presentation and how long they used it for. Also what files were downloaded and so on.

Currently users have no indication that a presentation has been accessed or viewed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100644

Help: add the ability to directly access the Help from within the Obj Info palette for selected objects.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If an object is selected, the idea is that any Help article relating to the selected object can be accessed directly via a button in the Obj Info palette itself.

For example, users encountering an Animation Path for the first time could just click a button 'More about this object' in the Object Info palette itself and the Help would open up straight away just like the 'What's this' does when clicking on a tool or command.

This would give a logical and efficient access to the Help and add another level to the meaning of "Info" for the palette!

Cheers,
Peter

Mock up enclosed.

VE-101122

Braceworks: Hoist Pick up Symbols able to be classed by the user

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
For Hoists the Pick Up symbols are hard coded to be in the 'Rigging-Truss-Accessories' class. This is not made known to users, nor is it in the Help.

It would be much better if the class was called 'Rigging-Truss-Pick up symbols'. At least then users have a fighting chance of knowing about it. I only found out via Justin on the beta forum.

As well, In the OIP>Classes button users can only change the classes of the ID Label and Measurement Label. My suggestion is that Pick Up Symbols be included here.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101951

That the new snapping group be able to be dragged across the bottom of bottom strip by users and not locked to the right.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This is originated from [a post on the beta forum|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83894-new-snapping-ex-palette-forcing-users-to-work-in-a-restricted-environment/&tab=comments#comment-394410] that is gaining traction so I have done this VE.

The wish is to enable the new Snapping group be able to be dragged along the bottom strip that they reside in. Currently they are locked to the right. If users are to be denied the previous floating palette which is fine, then they need at least have the flexibility to drag the group to the left or centre along the bottom strip.

Also, on the macOS (not using dark mode) it is difficult if nigh impossible to know if a snap is on or off. The indication needs to be more obvious. I had to draw a rectangle and see if Snap to Object was on because I couldn't tell looking at the icons so I wish this indication was more obvious.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101304

Spotlight - adding new Parameter to Lighting Device fails to show in the Label Legend Manager if one already exists with the same name

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It's a bit of a bug but more a VE.

Users are prohibited from editing or deleting hard coded existing record fields for Lighting Devices.

So if, for whatever reason a user wants to change for example 'Voltage' from a number field to a text field they have to go to the Spotlight Preferences>Parameters and create a 'New' field called Voltage. Then they can edit the field accordingly.

Once formatted it can be saved as a new parameter. The user can now see two 'Voltage' fields in the parameter list and both can be displayed in the OIP (see enc screenshot).

However if the user then wants to add this new field to the Label Legend Manager (LLM) so it can be displayed next to the Lighting Device on the page, this new field is not shown in the 'Edit Fields' part of the LLM. There is no explanation of where it has gone.

The bug/VE is that users should either be allowed to have a field with the same field show in the LLM or if it's not allowed, there should be a warning in the creation of new fields in the Spotlight Prefs, that one with the same name exists and to please choose a different name.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101201

Title Block Border: Custom Date settings

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
If possible please can it be considered to add the following formats for the plot date in the TBB>Choose Date Format settings. This is a request from users.

1.10.20

and 1:10:20

Thank you,
Peter

VE-101433

Project Sharing for the Event industry needs one new level of permissions

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Project Sharing stems from the architectural world but is a feature that is has been readily taken up by those in the event industry.

Typically a lot of freelancers will be contracted to a particular show. Whether that be a stage play, stage musical, corporate event, outdoor festival, dance party, film, exhibition and so on.

Typically these are the people/companies involved:
* Venue
* Set Designer
* Staging supplier
* Visual/Projection designer and supplier (may be separate entities)
* Audio designer and supplier (may be separate entities)
* Rigging designer and supplier
* Lighting designer
* Lighting supplier
* Possibly other suppliers eg effects, pyrotechnics, specialist performers and so on .

Very often the technical management will send out a file via Project Sharing to these people and companies. This will have the venue and set design usually already done and/or evolving depending on the circumstances and input from others.

The files typically have a design layer structure such as the Australian Spotlight template:

# Reports & Schematics
# Cabling & Control
# Lighting: Flown
# Lighting: Vertical
# Lighting: Floor
# Rigging: Show
# Rigging: House
# Masking
# Audio
# Video
# Scenic
# Staging
# Audience
# Venue

As you can see from the enclosed graphic this structure easily allows the separate entities to work on their own department's design layers. This is why the file is structured this way because that is how the work is documented via those departments, quite different to architecture, which is more repeating floor/walls/ceiling layers etc.

However the permission level needed is always 'Project' because each contributor has to be able to import symbols and add classes and so on. For example the lighting designer might have to import a dozen or more different lighting instruments and peripheral Spotlight symbol based PIO's to their layers. The rigging suppliers the same etc.

The problem is that there is no way to stop those with 'Project' level permissions to not be able to affect the other layers. There needs to be a way to be able to 'lock' users with project permissions to only particular layers.

The only clumsy workaround is for the administrator to Modify>Lock objects on all layers hoping that their team members will only unlock what is pertinent to them. There is no guarantee to this and is certainly not foolproof nor immune from maliciousness however unlikely that may be.

This puts enormous pressure on those in charge to not only trust that the separate users with different Vectorworks capabilities do the right thing but that they haven't inadvertently done something they weren't aware of.

The request is that there is another level of permissions between 'Layers and Resources' and 'Project'. Something like ' Layer Specific and Resources' which allows them to do mostly anything, *but only on their designated layers*.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100576

Subdivision tool: to be able to select points/edges/faces with lasso and polygonal modes not just rectangular.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When trying to select parts of a Subdivision for use with the 3D grabber, often the object gets very crowded. Currently the only was to select points/edges/faces is via a rectangular marquee mode. Often that is limiting and so you have to add to the selection by using the shift key.

The wish is that, like the Selection tool there are another two modes offered, Lasso and Polygonal. This would give users more flexibility and tie in with uniformity with the rest of the program.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100077

Export to Panorama: That if processed locally that there is an indication that Vectorworks is processing

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Open a file that you wish to export as a panorama such as the one I enclose.
Leave it in wireframe.
Go File>Export to Panorama.

The file will process and basically the program locked but there's no indication of any processing at all.
The wish is that at the bottom right of the Vectorworks window there might be a bar saying 'Processing exporting to panorama'. Otherwise the user doesn't know if the program has crashed or that anything is happening.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100213

Vectorworks + Vision: Export to MVR dialogue to be re-sizable

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In the enclosed screenshot you can see that there is more information to be seen. Please can the dialogue be made re-sizeable so it can reveal everything without having to use the scroll bar.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99497

Spotlight: 'Create Objects from Shapes" to create Stage Plug.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Any polyline based tool can be tricky to draw accurately around curves.
This is true when using the Spotlight Stage Plug tool.

The wish is to be able to draw a shape and use the 'Create Objects from Shapes" command to create a Stage Plug from that shape. It would be very efficient and accurate.

In the series of snapshots enclosed you can see some stage plugs need to be drawn against a revolving stage. Using the Inner Boundary mode of the Polygon tool the shapes are created instantaneously and accurately and then using the Split tool realistic sections can be made. If the command existed, then this would be incredibly easy to make the Stage Plugs. It would take seconds.

As it is, drawing with the Stage Plug tool is tedious and not as accurate as the Inner boundary mode. It forces the user to use the Floor command with the shapes, meaning that the benefits of the Stage Plug can't be enjoyed.

Snapshots enclosed.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100816

Quick Preferences: to behave like a palette to be able to be torn off and also added as an 'On Demand' menu item

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Quick Preferences speed up the workflow and the list seems to grow each version.

However more often than not if one is using a tool you have to exit the tool because the mode bar truncates the Quick Preference icons, then choose the Quick Preference and then go back to the tool.

The wish is that the Quick Preferences behave like a palette in that they can be torn off and placed by the user elsewhere so they are always accessible as well as being able to be docked. It would also be very handy to have them available as an option for the new On Demand menu.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101601

"Check for Updates" be more explicit and be called "Check for updates for this Version"

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I have come across several users who seem to think that they are on the latest version of Vectorworks because they have run the 'Check for Updates' either in the menu command or from the splash screen. When they reach the last service pack it will always tell them that they are up to date.

The suggestion is to make it more explicit so that those less technically aware or those who ignore emails about new versions being released, that the wording be changed to perhaps:
"Check for updates for this Version"

I realise this is quite trivial but mention it as I have come across some confused users.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100211

Help: Vectorworks & Vision that the 'Read Me' and EULA be included in the Help

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
It would be useful for users to easily access the 'Read Me' file and the 'End User Licence Agreement' from the Help menu for both Vectorworks and Vision.

I had check something from the Vision 'Read Me' file about graphics cards and I had to partially run the installer and then download the Read Me from there.

In the Vectorworks 2019 folder there is an obscure folder called 'ReleaseNotes' with the Read Me and EULA but nothing in Vision. At the very least there should be one in Vision but it would be much better to centralise it in the Help. Especially for users to check on 'Known Issues' when troubleshooting etc.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102433

Resource Manager: Please rename symbol dialogue resizable as it's too narrow and can't see all the text

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
A lot of symbols have long names especially Spotlight ones. When right clicking a symbol in the RM choose 'Rename'. Note that the box can't be resized. This makes it difficult to read or select words or text. The wish is that it be resizable.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101381

Spotlight Help: Cable tools - movie should say it is about the original cable suite not preview as it is unclear

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
I don't mean to be pedantic but for new users especially when trying to learn about the cable tools it is confusing enough that there are the 'original' and 'preview' two different types. Really this means either they have to learn both methods in order to make a choice - or watch a movie?!

On the Cable tools page:

https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FCables%2FCable_tools.htm%23XREF_79161_Cable_Tools

There are two paragraphs describing the two types then at the bottom: "Click here for a video tip about this topic (internet access required)."

The wish is that this should be described as a movie about the original cable suite otherwise how are users to know? I knew Jim's voice, knew the movie and looked at the date of 2016, but this would be frustrating for users wanting to use the preview for the new cable tools.

Of course the real wish therefore would be for a movie about the new suite - otherwise how are users going to know why it is better than the original?!

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101750

Spotlight: Video Screen Tool to have a 'Draw 3D only' option

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
In theatre it is common to project onto the floor. This is usually done in the theatre with the projector rigged normally and the images diverted by a mirror 90º.

If you want to draw this in Vectorworks using the Video Screen tool you tilt the projector 90º so that in 3D the projector is now parallel to the screen which is how it actually is.

However because the tool is hybrid users are unable to go to a side view and rotate the whole unit 90º so that the screen is on the floor. Either you ungroup it and lose all the intelligence or you place the tool on it's own layer and create a design layer viewport of it so that it can be rotated in the model.

The wish is that like some other objects and tools, notably the Curved Truss and Truss objects, that there is an option for the Video Screen tool to 'Draw 3D only' so that users can just get on with it and set up the projector and screen in the way they want and then be able to freely orientate within the design.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101258

Braceworks Cosmic-Global Truss: F44 corners to do Braceworks calculations to work with the F45 trusses as they do in reality.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Cosmic-Global F45 truss is essentially the same as the F44 range except that it has a 5th rail specifically for LED screens - central application of force.

Global do not manufacture and specific F45 corners as the F44 are suitable as they're the right size and it is unnecessary to have a 5th rail for the corner.

However although they snap in Braceworks and a 'Select System objects' selects the F45 truss and the F44 corners, when doing a Braceworks calculations an error comes up saying they are not the same cross section.

If you right click and edit the symbol data to edit the cross section of the F44 corner there is no F45 option to use. If you add it manually by adding a comma and 'F45' that doesn't work.

The wish is that the F44 corners works with the F45 trusses as they do in reality. For the Convention Centre that pointed this out to us and that has Braceworks this is very important for them.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100775

Vectorworks Cloud Services: That Saved Views that include the Clip Cube are not enabled when viewed in Nomad

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Currently users can Save Views and have the Clip Cube as part of the Saved View.

It is expected that when viewing the Saved Views in Nomad either via the .vgx or .vwx file that when a Saved View is invoked that the Clip Cube also be created. Currently it is ignored and the whole model is seen. This makes using Clip Cubes as part of Saved Views useless for collaboration in the Cloud.

I am adding this as a bug and not an enhancement request as I can not find anywhere in the documentation of this limitation and thus call it a bug.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102910

Help: Working Plane explanation to be made more clear

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
We just had a long term user give us a blast about some of the Help. I tried not being too defensive as I know the Help is wonderful and greatly appreciate the efforts put in by the publishing team and I appreciate how difficult it is to explain certain concepts clearly. It is also a great selling point to potential customers, and can appease existing ones!

However this page:
https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2022/eng/VW2022_Guide/Basic2/Using_working_planes.htm

Has an excellent 1st paragraph (that I show in my own notes for 3D modelling courses) but this VE is for the 2nd paragraph to be possibly reconsidered. It says:

"When modeling in 3D, the "working" plane is the 3D plane where geometry is placed, and where the cursor snaps to when no other 3D snap is active (the cursor is not snapping to 3D geometry). The working plane can be on the layer plane, or in any other orientation required. When the working plane is not on the layer plane, it becomes visible."

The part I think is not clear and which is confusing is: "...and where the cursor snaps to when no other 3D snap is active (the cursor is not snapping to 3D geometry)."

Maybe I get the idea and sort of know what you're getting at but it adds a veneer of gobbledegook (sorry) that confuses users.

Might it be considered to drop this or reword if really really necessary?!

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100368

Braceworks: To have the ability to calculate a system with different Cross Sections

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Increasingly as more people use Braceworks they will use the common practise of combining two different truss types and making it one system. Currently Braceworks can not calculate systems of mixed cross sections.

An example is included in the correspondence below from a Braceworks user:

_I’m trying to solve an interesting problem. Global have two sleeve blocks for their ground support towers, one for F34 and one for F44. However the F34 will accept both F34 and F44 truss (“universal”) and this is the one we own.

I successfully built a custom symbol/truss for the F34 Sleeve and have it attached to the the truss and the Braceworks calcs all work fine if I only use F34 for the grid. The grid is supported by 4 hoists. Awesome!

However the problem becomes when I want to connect both F34 and F44. For our events it’s common to have the front row of truss in F44 as that’s where we hang the line array, however for the part with the tent on it we just use F34.

What I did is set the Truss Properties for the sleeve to be connectable with F34 and F44 (noting you can only choose one cross section).

This allows you to successfully connect the pieces.

However there are two problems.

First, as the symbol was designed for F34 to be connected to it, then the F34 visually doesn’t get inserted in the correct location.

Second, there seems to be a problem because it doesn’t think those pieces are connected.

I thought that maybe I’d just create two symbols, each one with the same geometry, but one define for F34 to be connected and the other for F44. The problem with this is it doesn’t allow for our common scenario where we have the two different types connected.

As per your earlier instructions, the truss should be at zero X and “sitting on the ground” zero Z rather than centred on the origin. However because the sleeve block is 400mm and F34 is 290mm to get it to show at the correct location I had to offset the Z by 55mm so it would be centred when you connect F34 to it. This of course is the reason why the F44 doesn’t show in the correct location, as for F44 the sleeve block should be at zero Z rather than where I have it (the sleeve is 400mm high).

What I was wondering is, is:

a) it possible to use a 3D locus or something like that to define the insertion point, or
b) set up a custom cross section so both F34 and F44 connect in the correct location_

_It occurred to me that if Truss symbols could be defined with an insertion point (e.g. a 3D locus) and that the connection point was defined by the the insertion point rather than the “on-the-ground-left” setup when defining symbols at the moment, then the insertion point for both the sleeve, F34 and F44 would be in the “middle” instead of bottom left, which would be a much more flexible arrangement. _

Cheers,
Peter

VE-101252

That users can add 'separators' to design layers

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Enclosed is a screenshot of a typical design layer list from a user. The request is that it be considered that users can add 'separators' to the list of design layers easily. Currently they have to make individual empty design layers each with a unique number of dashes and this is cumbersome and time consuming.
As projects become more complex this would visually aid users in organising their file.

Cheers,
Peter

PS I am sure this must be an old wish for many.

VE-102004

Spotlight/Braceworks: House Rigging Points to be styled for universal and easy editing

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The wish is that House Rigging Points are styled. This is so that once some have been placed on a drawing, users can easily edit the layout via Style settings. In the enclosed file with 455 House Rigging Points, there is no easy way to move the labels into position so that they are all readable.

It is not possible moving the labels all at once using the Selection tool - even in 'Unrestricted Interactive Scaling mode'. It would also be handy to be able to rescale the symbol, as unlike Hoist symbols which can be rescaled in the OIP, House Rigging Points are more crude and so the symbol instance has to be scaled.

If styled, then they could all be edited at once so that the plan was instantly readable once placed. If any needed separate editing then they could be done as individual ones.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102412

Reliability and quality are the backbone of Vectorworks’ reputation so why this weakness?

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Reliability and quality are the backbone of Vectorworks’ reputation. However a continuing weakness is when Vectorworks files that have been converted over many versions often display sometimes unrepeatable and unexplained problems.

For example today a file that has a DTM and has been converted over time from v12.5 disappears when surface sculpting and an erroneous message comes up about needing to have the legacy Unified View turned on.

However if the DTM was imported using the Layer Import option into a blank 2022 file then it works perfectly. Since 2021 SP3, users can now also copy and paste sheet layer viewports between files. However Design layer viewports do not carry across.

The wish is that Vectorworks sees what version the file originated in, and that at a certain threshold (pre Parasolid 2011 perhaps?) it uses a form of Layer Import that copies everything across into a virgin blank 2022 file. Referenced Design Layer viewports would have to delete the reference but keep the geometry in the file.

This option might come up only after a file has already been converted the usual way (say using the Batch Convert command) but when the user opens the file. “Do you want to open as is, or convert again into a brand new file for more reliable results?”

As we see some users with templates that originated many versions ago, maybe if templates are migrated they could also just be converted this layer import way. This is just a thought to lessen the cause for users to blame Vectorworks for erratic behaviour.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-102404

Smart Options Display - to include un-docked palettes due to the macOS on laptops.

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
This wish is to address a macOS problem. The wish is that there is an option to include any un-docked palettes within one of the Smart Options' four compass points.

Un-docked Palettes, in particular ones like the Resource Manager and Visualisation palette spring to mind.

Unlike Windows where the Resource Manager (RM) can be placed (scrolled up) right high up at the very top of the computer window, on the macOS it has to reside within the Vectorworks drawing environment. It gets very annoying as it often get's in the way in particular when on a laptop.

Hitting the space bar to access the Smart Option Display, the palettes would be more efficient than CMD-R because the focus on the keyboard at the time might be on doing something else such as when editing.

Also while I'm here, I understand why for discoverability reasons the Smart Option Display preference 'Show after Mouse Idles' after 10 seconds is set. However the appearance of the Smart Options Display constantly popping up often gets in the way and I am sure adds a level of confusion and complexity to a lot of users. Maybe for discoverability the timing might be extended to 20 seconds?

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100908

Spotlight Preference: To add 'Automatically Rotate 2D to Focus Point" to also have an option to "Automatically Rotate 2D to Pan Position".

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
The pan and tilt fields (and the new default being that the lights are on in the Vis palette) are really great new features (plus all the other great focus things). This means that designers can point the Lighting Devices without having to add endless Focus Points.

However if some Focus Points are added and the Spotlight preference to 'Automatically Rotate 2D to Focus Point" is turned on (which is my personal pref) it means that some Lighting Devices are rotated in plan to where they're pointing to, but others are not.

This means that in order for the plan to look consistent designers will be forced to either turn that preference off, or use Focus Points for everything.

The wish is that there's an option to include the 2D rotation via the pan angle for any lighting devices that do not have a Focus Point.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-99617

Help text for Renderworks Glow Shader has bad grammar and is unclear

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
When creating a Renderworks Texture>Reflectivity>Glow users can then click the 'Edit' button.

This allows users to move the cursor over the 'Emit Light' option that is checked by default. The Help text says:

"Click this item to have the texture emit light when Indirect Lighting is not set to None. Indirect Lighting must be active for this option to have any effect in the rendering".

This double negative is very confusing for users as I witness in Renderworks classes that I teach. The wish is that the Help for 'Emit Light' is that the first sentence is unnecessary and confusing and should be deleted. It should just have the second sentence:

"Indirect Lighting must be active for this option to have any effect in the rendering".

Short, clear and to the point.

Cheers,
Peter

VE-100665

Importing DXF and DWG - Basics - 2018 movie be updated so as NOT to recommend drawing at 1:1

Peter Neufeld

Hello,
Searching the Vectorworks, Inc. Youtube channel for Importing dwg will give you this movie:

*"Importing DXF and DWG - Basics - 2018"*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAfbo4Quv-s

At 3min 18sec you are advised that using a design layer scale of 1:1 is fine. And so it might be if you had an Autocad mentality and lack of desire to draw using one of the best fundamental functions that Vectorworks provides by drawing at the scale you are most likely to be printing at.

This basic (yet alien to Autocad) functionality of 'what you see is what you get' is one of the tenets of using Vectorworks. Indeed it is a selling point.

I have come across several users and I have now discovered why, who are drawing in Vectorworks at 1:1 and it is through watching this movie. The request is that this movie when it gets redone teaches users to draw at a scale other than 1:1, or that this bit is edited and corrected.

It is often new users who would watch this and this bad advice will remain with them and set them up to literally work in the (graphic) dark.

I know there are other more important things to worry about but it would be great to fix up this very disappointing point in the movie.

Thanks,
Peter

VE-100856

Parking Area & Parking Along Path Need HC Space Option

Peter Cipes

Neither of the above PIO's has the option to add HC spaces. Because HC spaces are required for nearly every parking area, lot, structure, etc, this is pretty big deal killer for use of these (otherwise quite useful) tools.

VE-100492

Need Ability for RAILING FENCE to follow terrain (like in real life)

Peter Cipes

If this is already possible please tell me how. If not please create a railing/fence tool that can actually follow the terrain.

VE-99461

Please report AREA for Floors

Peter Cipes

I use the Create Floor command to create floors. These are very useful for a number of reasons, however, because they do not report AREA in the OIP it requires many extra mouse clicks to drill down into the floor, get the AREA from the underlying polygon, then exit. It would be huge time saver if the Floor Object retained the AREA reporting from the original 2d object and showed the AREA in the OIP. Thanks for considering this. P

VE-101085

premium library file icons do not display cache state like Vectorworks library icons

Paul Pharr

premium library content files and vectorworks library content files both use a cloud icon with a down arrow to indicate downloadable content

when vectorworks library files are downloaded and cached locally, their icon changes to remove the cloud as an indicator of this state

premium library files always keep the cloud icon so you cannot tell if they are cached

VE-101029

premium content refresh UI should be more aggressive and visible

Paul Pharr

When you sign into Vectorworks, you may be offered the option to decline downloading the premium content catalog, leaving the functionality seemingly disabled.

I propose a few options to make this less likely and easier for the user to recover from.

If the user signs in from the Sign In link under premium content - see screenshot - the catalog update will begin immediately after sign in rather than offering them the option to decline. There will still be a progress dialog displayed where they can cancel if it takes too long.

If the user is signed in through any means and there is no local catalog, but the API indicates one is available, we should add a "Refresh" link where the "Sign In" link was displayed. Clicking the "Refresh" link will immediately start a catalog refresh where the user will see progress and still be able to cancel if it is too slow. This will provide the clearest user experience for all cases.

If a "Refresh" link is not possible, I believe we should consider a double-click on the Premium Content section title to indicate interest in the content & immediately start a catalog refresh where the user will see progress and still be able to cancel if it is too slow.

VE-101030

premium content download behavior is different from vectorworks content

Paul Pharr

If you right click anywhere in the vectorworks content folder hierarchy, you are offered the option to 'Download and Install' - which will recursively download the content files into the local content cache managed by vectorworks so they are available offline. this is useful functionality for people who may travel or work where there is no internet

If you right click anywhere in the premium content folder hierarchy, you are offered the option to 'Download...'

'Download...' first prompts you for a local destination folder and will recursively download all requested content files & then create a zip file named with some kind of uuid (eg T9431b2b1-b04a-473b-aa35-92a6348cd930.zip) containing a compressed version of all content.

There is no way to do the equivalent of 'Download and Install' for premium content

What is the use case for 'Download...' for premium content? the only think I can come up with is that it allows people who pay for only a single VSS seat to conveniently package up all of the premium content they paid for only once and share it with their colleagues, friends, and family, who did not pay for it.

I believe we should remove the 'Download...' for premium content and replace it with the same 'Download and Install' behavior we have for vectorworks content

In addition, I think 'Download and Install' should be renamed 'Make available for offline use' or 'Make available offline' or 'Download for offline use'

VE-101317

Address clang-analyzer lints.

Paul May

Xcode provides an excellent front end for the clang-analyzer static analyzer. If we are not already addressing lints provided by clang analyzer we should potentially look at the ones related to memory corruption and statically detectable leaks.

the analyzer can be run from the command line, or in Xcode under Product > Analyze. On a code base of our size it takes multiple hours to run and currently produces several thousand lints - configuring it not to lint third party code could be possible.

VE-103378

WS Can't Paste into multiple columns of a database

Patrick Stanford

Open the attached file.

Open the worksheet for editing.

Select and Copy the values in cells B1:C3

Select cells B6.1:C6.3.

Paste

Nothing is pasted. Expected result is the values will be pasted.

All of the cells in the database are Record.Field.

If you do the paste one column at a time it works fine.

Results are the same in VW2022 where the test file started.

Multiple adjacent columns should be pasteable in a single step.

VE-105231

Rearrange Order of Quick Prefs

Patrick Stanford

I needed to turn on the Quick Pref to Pause Autosave today. It was placed at the left end of the list, the most prominent location.

I rarely need this and would prefer that my pref order did not change. The only way I can see to accomplish this is to turn off all the Quick Prefs and then turn them back on in reverse order of my preference.

I wish that I could drag the Quck Pref Icons to sort them into the order I prefer.

VE-105070

Boomerang Mode requires mouse move to get cursor to change

Patrick Stanford

Filed as VB-199647 returned as WAD.

At least on Mac, when the space bar is held down to activate Boomerang mode, the cursor does not change shape until the mouse is moved. This has confused multiple users thinking that boomerang mode is not active.

When the space bar is held down, the Pan tool is temporarily activated. Historically (certainly before Smart Options Display, not certain about more recently), when the active tool changed, the cursor also changed to the Hand tool to provide the user visual feedback that the tool had changed.

That visual feedback is not currently being provided until the mouse position is moved.

If you watch on the Mac, when the space bar is help down, the Pan tool is activated in the Basic Tools palette, but the cursor does not change. After the mouse is moved the cursor changes.

Desired Behavior is that the cursor will change at the same time the tool is activated to provide the user with visual feedback that the desired Boomerang Mode is active.

VE-104574

Improve ability to clear Record.Field data from Database Subrow Cell

Patrick Stanford

With a Cell in a Database Subrow containing a Record.Field formula it is possible to Copy the data directly from the cell.

It is not possible to Cut the data from the cell and leave the cell blank.

Nor is it possible to hit the delete key to remove the data from the cell.

To perform either the Cut or delete actions you need to mouse into the formula bar, select all of the data and then perform the action.

The expected action is the a Cut will place the data from the cell onto the clipboard and delete the data from the Record.Field.

The expected action is a delete will delete the data from the Record.Field.

If I have accidentally entered data into the wrong cell I should not have to mouse to the formula bar to correct that mistake.

VE-104565

Copy/Paste Multiple Columns in Database Subrows.

Patrick Stanford

In database subrows, you can select multiple columns of data and copy them. You can then paste them into multiple selected spreadsheet cells.

But if you try to paste them into another database subrow, the paste does not occur.

You can select a single cell can copy the data and then paste into a range of database subrows in a single column, but not multiple columns at once.

Tested and behavior is the same in VW2023 and VW2024

The desired behavior is for a copied selection of cells to paste into multiple columns and rows with a single paste operation.

This is a very important function as I have many objects that share similar values and I want to be able to fill in one and then paste into the others. It is very time consuming to have to do it one column at a time.

VE-104575

Worksheet Fill Down Capability

Patrick Stanford

Excel has the ability to perform a Fill Down function. Effectively this copies the cell value in the top row of the selection and pastes it into all of the other selected rows.

Please add similar ability to worksheets including database subrows with Record.Field formulas.

Excel also has similar functions for Fill Up, Fill Left, and Fill Right.

All would be welcome additions and make editing schedules that have many rows of similar items much easier.

VE-104567

Worksheet Paste Range Into Single Cell in Database

Patrick Stanford

In a spreadsheet row if you select a range and copy and then select a single cell and paste, the destination range expands to accept all of the pasted data.

If you try the same in a database subrow your get an error message

!image-2023-06-28-17-38-43-780.png!

Please allow the paste range in database subrows to expand to match the copied range.

VE-104566

Worksheet Selection with Shift Arrow Keys

Patrick Stanford

In a worksheet you can use the arrow keys to move between selected cells.

In Excel (and Numbers, and VisiCalc, etc.) you can move between cells with the arrow keys but you can also select a range of cells by holding the shift key while using the arrow keys. The selected area runs from the first selected cell to the currently selected cell.

Please implement the ability to select a range with Shift-Arrow Keys.

VE-104537

Add version added to the Worksheet Function list

Patrick Stanford

The worksheet function reference on the developer web site is good. But now there appear to be additional new specialized worksheet functions being added with each version. In particular I know that there have been volume functions for Door and Window parts added in VW2024.

It would be extremely useful to have the version where these functions were added included when the Function Reference is updated for VW2024.

For Vectorscript functions, the version when a specific function was added and/or deprecated is included in the Versions section of the Vectorscript Function Reference. Something similar is needed for worksheets.

][https://developer.vectorworks.net/index.php?title=Worksheet_Functions#Specialized_for_Plant]

VE-104447

Expanded Use of Equipment List

Patrick Stanford

While not exactly like entertainment lighting, there are other uses of VW that could benefit from enhance equipment listings. The uses I am thinking of don't necessarily need the multiple inventories (used in entertainment to allow for rental equipment), or even any inventories at all, the concept of "virtual" parts and the ability to pull together multiple equipment lists at once would be very useful.

My use for this would be equipment lists for complex factory build plumbing systems. Just like lighting uses instruments and accessories, plumbing has valves, fittings, pipe and often adapters to change the size prior to the next piece of pipe or other connections.

Similar would be landscape irrigation where a "complete" list of different sizes and types of fittings and valves would be useful to be able to prepare equipment lists easily.

I have attached a PDF with examples of the types of piping systems I design.

VE-104427

Improve Worksheet Select Item

Patrick Stanford

The Worksheet Contextual Menu (right click) for a Database Header Row has an option named Select Data Items that selects all of the items in the database.

The Worksheet Contextual Menu for a Database Subrow has an option named Select Item.

When used on a database subrow containing a single item, it selects that item.

When used on a database subrow that has been SUMmarized to contain multiple items, it only selects a single item. It appears that it chooses the first item in the database subrow regardless of any sorting options on other columns.

Please expand the functionality of Select Item to be closer to Select Data Items and allow it to select all of the items SUMmarized in a database subrow.

VE-104380

"Reverse" Move Command

Patrick Stanford

I often need to move things symmetrically from a point using the Move command. So I am often tabbing into either X or Y field and adding or removing a minus sign from in front of the number to get the objects to move the correct direction.

It would be nice to be able to hold down a modifier key when hitting return and have the command use the opposite sign. So if the field in the Move dialog box showed 3 mm if I hold down the shift key when I hit return the object would actually move 3 mm to the left instead of to the right. Similarly with the Y field.

Other possible enhancements: Different modifiers for X and Y. So if Shift is for X and Ctrl is for Y then holding down both Shift and Ctrl would move reverse in both directions.

And if the Alt/Option key is help down, then the movement in the other axis is zero. So Shift and Alt would move only in the X direction. Ctrl and Alt would move only in the Y direction.

VE-104379

Vectorscript Functions to work with Referenced Objects

Patrick Stanford

Via the Resource Manager a user is able to Reference resources such as symbols, line styles, record formats, etc. into a file and later to break these references to allow the file to ignore any future changes to the Referenced file.

There does not appear to be any way to Reference or manipulate Referenced objects via Vectorscript or Python.

The Resource List functions allow you to import resources but not to Reference them.

Please implement VS functions to allow Referencing of resources and the manipulation and identification of Referenced objects.

Functions should include:
{quote}Reference and object from a Resource List

Break an individual reference.

Break all references to a file

Identify objects that are referenced

Convert a Referenced object into a local resource and replace the instance
{quote}

VE-104377

Worksheet Function for Referenced Objects

Patrick Stanford

I am trying to create a set of consistent drawings so I am using Referenced Symbols for most items between every drawing.

It would be nice to have a way in a worksheet database of Symbols if the symbol is Referenced or not.

Please add a WS function to show the Referenced status of a symbol or any other referenced resource.

VE-104369

Multiple Resource Browser Windows

Patrick Stanford

Referencing Symbols through the Resource Manager and using them requires frequent clicking between the library file and the active file to Reference and then select and use those symbols.

It would be useful to be able to have multiple Resource Manager windows that could be set to different files and/or different Resource Folders in the same file. Then you could leave one RM set to the Library file and the other set to the Active file and avoid clicking between the files.

Or you could have two different RMs open (say one open to Truss, another to Lighting Devices) and avoid a lot of clicking.

This could also be useful for comparing the resources in different files.

VE-104368

Symbol Reference and Make Active

Patrick Stanford

In my current workflow I am trying to use Referenced Symbols to ensure consistency between multiple files.

If you are importing the symbols you have options to Import or to Activate the symbol which makes it the selected symbol in the Symbol Insertion tool and makes the tool active. This makes for a one step process to select and be ready to import the symbol.

But if you Reference the symbol, it does not make it the selected symbol in the Symbol Insertion tool nor does the tool become active. So you have to Reference the symbol and then switch to the current file, location and select the symbol and either Make Active or double click to make it selected in the Symbol Insertion tool. Many more clicks than the Import option.

I would like an additional option to Reference and Make Active. It would Reference the symbol and then make the referenced symbol selected for the Symbol Insertion tool and activate the tool.

VE-104191

Better Support for #WS_ functions in Drawing Labels

Patrick Stanford

In Data Tags, you can use Dynamic Text formulas using Worksheet Formulas using the #WS_ leader to wrap the worksheet functions. The Data Tag acts similar to a database subrow in a worksheet and provides a handle to the worksheet functions so you can do something like:

#WS_Concat('MyRecord'.'MyField',' Yeah!!')#

#WS_ functions work in the Dynamic Text of Drawing Labels also, but the handle to the Drawing Label itself does not seem to be passed to the worksheet functions.

If you put

#WS_Concat('Drawing Label2'.'Scale',' Yeah!!')# into a drawing label the value returned is an empty string.

In my specific case, I want to be able to extract and manipulate the text from the Scale string for a different display.

Please enhance the Drawing Label Object to allow the Drawing Label parameter fields to be accessed by the #WS_ functions.

VE-104251

Display Localized Name in Plug-in Manager

Patrick Stanford

I just spent an extended period of time trying to find the correct Universal Name for the 'Stake Object from 3D Locus…' command.

The Universal name is "ConvertToStake".

But the Universal name is not visible in the Workspace editor and the localized name is not visible in the Plug-in Manager.

It would be good if the Plug-in Manager had an extra column for the localized name (or whatever name it is that is not the Universal name usable by the DoMenuTextByName command.

It would also be useful to have both names in the Plug-in Manager be searchable/filterable. If I had been able to type in Stake into the PIM, I could have limited the number of option that I had to apply trial and error on to find the correct command.

VE-104183

Worksheet - Better handling of formulas around inserted Rows.

Patrick Stanford

In the attached file I am using an IF statement and a cell value in the Row 9 Database Criteria formula. The formula for Row 9 is referencing Cell B1.

If I add rows between rows 1 and 9, the cell reference in the Database formula changes to use the original number of rows. So if I add 1 row, then the formula in the criteria will use B2 instead of B1. If I add 4 rows, it will use B5 instead of B1.

Formulas in worksheet cells automatically adjust to reference the same original cells when rows are added.

Please add the ability for Database Criteria that use cell values to remain connected to the original cells instead of a relative spacing.

VE-104015

Wall Data and Energos Data should be useable as Criteria

Patrick Stanford

It would be useful to use Wall Data and Energos information as Criteria as well as functions/reported data in worksheets.

In the referenced thread the original poster is trying to identify some walls to exclude from a schedule. The best recommendation to date is to attach a record and use that as the identifier.

But Walls already have Wall Data and Energos information attached, but that data can not be used as a criteria.

VE-104014

Worksheet Recalc Start & End Scripts

Patrick Stanford

I have some worksheet scripts that do extensive calculations on hundreds of database row items. But there are also things that will be the same for every run of the script.

It would be nice to be able to have a "startup" script that could run once and provide the setup necessary for the worksheet script in the database row. Similarly, If I need to store some temporary information while the script runs that does not need to be permanent, it would be nice to be able to has set "shutdown" script that would run after all the other database row script executions.

I can sort of simulate this now by using scripts in other cells, but that makes it very difficult on the end user.

If the script could determine which database subrow it is in (in calculation order) then it could run that part of the code when it is executing on line 1 and then run another section of code when it is running on the last database row. This would require a Boolean function (or an Object Variable) letting the script check if it is the first or last cell in the database to be calculated.

Alternately, a version of RunScript that would allow you to name three scripts, main, startup, shutdown, with startup running once, then main for every cell in the database, then shutdown after the last cell has calculated.

The current use case is comparing objects to Space objects to determine if they are located in the boundaries of the Space or not. The time to run the script is linear regarding the number of objects, but logarithmic regarding the number of spaces. If I could pre-process the spaces to exclude items where there is no chance of a match, I could greatly reduce the run time of the script. But trying to do that pre-processing on each iteration of the script takes almost as long as just running the comparison of every object.

VE-103986

Add Coincident Selection to Data Tag

Patrick Stanford

It would be good to add Coincident Selection to the Data Tag tool.

Currently to tag coincident objects you need to have the "back" object selected to be able to tag it.

One way to do this is to switch to the Selection tool and then back to the Data Tag tool.

Alternatively you can use the Boomerang mode, but this is a lot of steps:

Space to activate Boomerang with the Pan tool

X to switch to the Selection Tool

J to activate Coincident Object Selection.

Click to select the object

Choose from the Coincident Selection dialog box

Tag the object.

It would be better to add a coincident mode directly into the Data Tag (and probably other tools as well) where is the J key is held down while associating the Data Tag the Coincident Selection dialog box would open and allow the selection of the object to tag.

VE-103985

Improve Coincident Selection Mode

Patrick Stanford

Two issues with the Coincident Selection tool.
# The dialog box that comes up appears very crowded. There is lots of space for the frame and buttons, but the text box area is very small and the text "feels" crowded. There should not be a vertical scroll bar until there are at least 4-6 items. The dialog box is small enough that it does not need them. !image-2023-02-06-08-49-28-820.png!
# If you use the J key shortcut to allow left click coincident selection, the dialog box trys to take that key press as data entry and finds it "illegal" and starts beeping until you release the J key. I almost always end up with at least 3-4 beeps every time I use the J key to active coincident selection. This is very annoying. The dialog box needs to ignore the J key (and the space bar if used from boomerang mode) and not look for Key Down, but rather wait for a new Key Press.

VE-103987

Improve Coincident Selection Dialog Box

Patrick Stanford

Currently the Coincident Selection dialog box only give the type of object. If the objects are truly coincident (ie they are the same size and in the same location) then they are probably also the same type.

It would be useful to have more information in the dialog box. Certainly Layer and Class would be helpful. Possibly even the object Name and Line and Fill Attributes.

VE-103988

Allow Coincident Association in Viewport Annotations

Patrick Stanford

If you need to tag coinident objects in Viewport Annotations, the Coincident Selection mode does not work on objects in the viewport.

I understand that you can't "select" objects in the viewport, only in the annotations group, but you can associate things like Data Tags and Dimensions to them.

The ability to pick which coincident object is being associated to would be useful.

See VB 103986 for a similar request

VE-103901

Worksheet Function to access Database Header Row Value

Patrick Stanford

The database header row typically displays the SUM of the values in that column, but there is not way to access that value to use it in further calculations directly. Any use of that cell value in the database is assumed to reference the value in the subrow. Due to a bug (VB-191196), you can not just use a non-database cell as a placeholder, you need to use a spreadsheet cell function with the full criteria to return the same value as is shown in the database header row.

It would be good to have a worksheet function that would return the value of a database header row rather than the subrow value. This could be a repurposing of the SUM function.

Example: You have a database in Row 3 and you want to display the Area of each object and the percentage of the total area.

The formulas then look something like the:

A3. =Area()

B3. =A3/HeaderRowValue(A3)

If VB-191196 is fixed the work around would be:

A3. =Area()

A1. =B3

B3. =A3/B1

The current work around is:

A3. =Area()

A1. =Area(((Same criteria as database row))

B3=A3/A1

You can not use a formula like:

B3. A3/Area(((Same criteria as database row))

because it returns a #OPCODE error from trying to use criteria in a function in a database header row that is already using the database criteria.

Being able to directly reference the SUMmed value in the database header row will make some calculations much easier

VE-103878

Data Tag Define Tag Field dialog box confusing

Patrick Stanford

The Define Tag Field dialog box is confusing in that you have to remember to hit the Add to Definition or Replace Current Definition button.

But those buttons are sort of hidden in the middle of the screen and I often (75% of the time) forget to hit them the first time I edit a data tag.

I think the box layout could be improved by moving the Add and Replace buttons to somewhere more noticeable. Possibly to the bottom either between the Cancel and OK buttons on on a row just above them. In either location you eye would be drawn to them when you are looking for the OK button to exit the dialog box.

!image-2023-01-09-22-04-25-693.png!

VE-103577

More PIO Configuration Records in the WS Formula Builder

Patrick Stanford

This request is specifically about the Door object and the 'Door'.'Config' Record.Field, but I think this actually applies more broadly to many PIO objects.

In the Worksheet Formula Builder, 'Config' is not an option in the pull down field menu. 'Configuration' is, but that is the "type" of door (Swing, Slide, Etc) while the 'Config' field is the detail of the operation (Single swing, double swing, X0X, etc.). There are individual fields for the operation of each type of door ('Door'.'SwingOperation', 'Door'.'SliderOperation'), but 'Config' appears to be the Operation of the currently selected door type. 'Config' is a very useful function for Door Schedules and should be included in the drop down menu.

For the bigger picture, while 'Door'.'Config' appears to be hidden in the OIP and the individual Operation fields are displayed depending on which type of door is selected. This makes me think that 'Config' is hidden in the OIP. This is confirmed by the field having a display name of "__NNA_DO_NOT_CHANGE" (as shown by my handy dandy script that makes a worksheet showing all of the PIO Record fields).

There needs to be an additional way to mark PIO fields that will let them be hidden from showing in the OIP, but still allow them to be displayed in worksheets. Even a read only version would be useful to Report information that is contained in the record.

See also

VE-103538

Worksheet Function to allow a passed string to be processed as part of a formula

Patrick Stanford

There are many cases where a record or field name can easily be generated by string functions such as Concat. One prime example is Title Block Border Revisions data. Each time a revision is added, a new Record format with the same base name and an appended number is created.

So when you have three revisions added to a TBB your have three records.

Title Block Revision Data-1

Title Block Revision Data-2

Title Block Revision Data-3

It is easy to use a concat function to generate the overall record name, but currently as of VW2023 there is no way to use the generated string as the record name in a formula. So if you concatenate the overall name into cell B1, you can not use a formula like

=B1.'Date'

You have to use the full written version of

='Title Block Revision Data-3'.'Date'

We would like to have function added that will take a string and cause that string to be used in place of literal text as part of or as a complete function.

This would be something like the Eval function in Vectorscript.

So a worksheet formula of

=Eval(B1.'Date') would take the string from B1 and use that as the Record name.

Alternately, Eval could require a string of the complete function, similar to how Vectorscript Criteria can be generated by making a string containing the entire criteria, but won't work using just a portion.

VarName:='This Layer Name';

((L=VarName)) does not work.

VarName:='L='''ThisLayerName'''';

((VarName)). does work as a criteria.

Store 'Title Block Revision Data-1' into B1

Store 'Date' into B2

=Eval(B1.B2) would ideally be expanded to 'Title Block Revision Data-1'.'Date' and function properly.

It would be acceptable to

Store 'Title Block Revision Data-1'.'Date' into B1 and then

=Eval(B1) and have the string evaluated as a function.

This may require a better way to "escape" the single quote marks required for the strings.

VE-103514

Marionette Menu Commands from Workgroup Folder

Patrick Stanford

As of VW2023 (and I don't know how much earlier), Marionette menu commands are stored in /Users/UserName/Library/Application Support/Vectorworks/2023/Libraries/Defaults/Marionette/Marionette Command Library.vwx

Unlike most other defaults that can be stored in any file at the correct location in the Defaults folder in the User, Workgroup, or Application folder, it appears that ONLY this one specific file is read and only read when VW launches.

I have not tested the Application folder, but I have not been able to make a file with a different name in the User folder or ANY file in the Workgroup folder work as a storage location for Marionette Commands.

I have also not been able to update the list of Marionette except for creating a new Marionette Menu Command, restarting VW, or editing the workspace.

When Marionette Menu commands are removed from the Marionette Command Library.vwx file, they remain in the menu until one of the methods above to reload the commands is executed.

Please update the Marionette Menu Commands so that they can be stored in any file stored in the correct location in Defaults in Users, Workgroup or Applications and add a way to force VW to "read" the available commands to populate the menu without restarting VW. Adding this functionality to the Refresh Libraries function in the Resource Manger seems like a reasonable way to do this.

This will make the use of Marionette Menu Commands in larger firms using Workgroup folders much easier.

VE-103493

WSScript function to return the Worksheet a script is running in

Patrick Stanford

A Vectorscript function needs to be added that will return a handle to the worksheet that a WSScript is running in.

The majority of the Vectorscript Worksheet functions require a handle to the worksheet. There is currently no direct way to get this handle.

The best current work around is to pass the name of the worksheet as a parameter to the script, but if the worksheet is renamed this will break the script until the RunScript cell formula is updated.

Please add a WSScript_WSHand function that will return the handle to the worksheet the script it running in.

VE-103277

Worksheet Function for Length of Dimension Objects

Patrick Stanford

It would be nice to be able to get the length of a dimension object in a worksheet. The value is already present in the OIP, but it is not available in a worksheet. For Horizontal and Vertical dimensions you can use Width and Height, but if a Dimension Standard the runs past the witness lines is used it will return the entire length. For angles dimension you would have to resort to trigonometry. These formulas are too complicated to be easily done in a worksheet cell.

The attached script takes the Dimension Text and converts it to a number, but gets complicated due to Units and the dash included in Feet & Inches dimensions. This is not a good way to accomplish the task.

Actually it would be good to have a function that returns the actual length of any linear object (lines and probably others) rather than the X/Y values available with Width/Height.

VE-103274

Layer and Class Filters for Active

Patrick Stanford

It is useful to be able to edit the properties of the Active Layer or the Active Class. If you have a long list it can be difficult to find the check mark to see which is Active.

Please add an additional Filter option for both Layers and Classes in the Navigation palette and the Organization dialog box for Active along with the current defaults of All, Visible, Invisible, Greyed, etc.

In files with hundreds of layers and classes this can save a lot of scrolling and looking for small check marks.

VE-103278

Vectorscript Funciton to return Length of Dimension

Patrick Stanford

The only way to currently get the length of a linear dimension object is to grab the Dimension Text and convert it to a number. See the attached script.

There should be a VS way to return the length of a Dimension that is already shown in the OIP.

I don't care if this is a Function, Procedure, or an ObjectVariableReal, but we need a way to get this number as a number without having to convert from text.

VE-103275

Edit Class Properties to Object Context Menu

Patrick Stanford

It would be useful to be able to edit the Class properties of the Class an object is in without having to find that class in the Navigation Palette or the Organization Dialog box.

Please add an Object Context menu item to Edit Class of Object that will open the Class Edit dialog box with the class of the object.

If objects with multiple classes are selected, then the menu item should be greyed.

VE-102986

Data Visualization Deserves Its Own Palette

Patrick Stanford

There are so many options happening in the Data Visualization menu in the Tools bar that it would be good to be able to have that open in its own palette similar to the Visualization palette for Lights and cameras.

On my machine I have so many items turned on in the Tools bar the icon for the data visualization is very small. If you are switching between different data visualizations or repeatedly editing a visualization to get it set up properly, having to hit that small target before every action is difficult and annoying.

To have a floating or dockable palette showing the current menu options for data visualization would make visualizations more discoverable and easier to use.

VE-101071

In Container option for Data Tags

Patrick Stanford

Data Tags are very useful, but they can not currently see into a container object (for my purposed mostly groups or symbols, but PIOS and Viewports could be useful also).

I would like an option to force a Data Tag to look not only at the object immediate under the cursor on insertion, but if the object under the cursor is a container object to also look inside that object to get the data for the tag.

Primary example is a Door or Window PIO that has been converted to a Symbol (not a Red Symbol that will convert back to a PIO on insertion, but an honest to goodness symbol that will let you make changes to a bunch of instances from a single place). I would like to be able to tag these doors or windows with having to change them into something other than the symbol that I want them to be.

Another example would be a door or window PIO inside of a group. The current data tags can't be used because the group isolates the Tag from the object.

Multiple levels of containers would be even better, but I would settle for a single level as a starting point.

I have been unable to make either VW2020 or VW2021 accomplish this. I would love to find out that this ability already exists.

VE-103028

Zoom Worksheet Formula Bar

Patrick Stanford

Worksheets have a Zoom function to make the data easier to read when editing a worksheet.

It would be good to have the Formula Bar also zoom to the same scale as the rest of the worksheet.

I often have the worksheet zoomed in 200% or more to make it easier to read. But the formula bar stays at "100%" zoom and is a substantially smaller font size making it much harder to read and use.

And the formulas are usually the most complicated piece of data in a worksheet. The results are usually fairly simple.

Making the Formula Bar respond to the Zoom command would make editing formulas much easier.

VE-102987

Saved Sets for Multiple Data Visualizations

Patrick Stanford

To make using multiple data visualizations when working on design layers the current Select Multiple Data Visualizations option should be expanded to allow the saving and recall different Sets of visualizations.

These sets should also be Exportable and Importable between different VW files.

VE-102988

Data Visualizations Should Be First Class Resources

Patrick Stanford

The Import and Export functions of the Manage Data Visualization menu and the dialog boxes refers to them as resources, but does not treat them as such.

The only Export option is to a VW File (DataVisualizationsInfo.vwx) in the User Folder:Libraries:Defaults:Data Visualizations folder. I could not find a way to export a visualization directly to a different file, but only to export to the user folder and then import from there.

They are not accessible through the Resource Manger.

Data Visualizations should be first class resources with their own subfolder in the Resource Manager and full ability to export/import to any file like all other resources.

VE-102989

Data Visualization Vectorscript/Pythonscript Access

Patrick Stanford

Data Visualizations can not currently be accessed by Vectorscript or Python.

The ability to turn on and off visualizations and multiple visualizations as part of a script should be the bare minimum.

The ability to create or edit visualizations via script could also be beneficial.

VE-102895

Single Click Line Marker Setting

Patrick Stanford

Please change the operation of the Attributes Palette to allow a single click to set the default marker to the end of a line.

While the pull down works great for attaching different types of markers, 90%+ of the time I want the standard default arrow marker.

If I could just click and have it applied I would be much happier. A long press or a click on the disclosure triangle would give the pull down options to choose a different marker style.

The default marker should be settable on a per document basis.

VE-102883

Custom Marker Shows as Arrow in Edit Classes Dialog Box

Patrick Stanford

If you create a custom marker style either by script or from the Edit Classes dialog box, the Markers pull downs show the first option in the Marker list.

It would be better to display Custom or C or Custom or something to indicate that it is a custom. If you quickly check the settings for the class it could appear that the standard arrow marker is set when it is not.

VE-102677

Match Marionette Node Name

Patrick Stanford

There is a Marionette Node in the Default Content that returns a handle to the Marionette object generated by the network.

The Node is named "PIO Handle" in the Object Information folder of the Default Content.

When the node is inserted into a drawing it displays a name of "Parent PIO"

Either Name is acceptable (I prefer PIO Handle), But the name should be the same in both places.

I have not checked all the other nodes, but they should be checked and similarly corrected to have only a single name.

VE-102878

Worksheet Paste Value option

Patrick Stanford

Worksheets in VW need a Paste Value option in addition to the traditional paste.

If you need to modify values in a range of cells in a worksheet it is often convenient to use a formula to modify the values. In Excel you can then copy the results of the formula and put it back into the original cells using Paste Special:Values so that the result is pasted instead of the formula.

VW should have the same ability to paste the result of a formula instead of the formula when desired.

VE-102847

Add SetLVis command

Patrick Stanford

Vectorscript has a GetLVis command that returns the visibility of a layer, but there is no equivalent for setting layer visibility.

ObjectVariable 153 does allow you to set the Layer Visibility but as of VW2022SP3, this does not properly update the visibility marker in the Navigation Palette.

Please add a SetLVis command to set layer visibilities and properly set the Nav Palette visibility markers.

VE-102850

Sortable Worksheet DatabaseByScript

Patrick Stanford

DatabaseByScript offers huge power in generating databases in a worksheet that can not be achieved other ways. The original implementation appears to be to allow category headers for different types of objects. The ability to store items and specify the order in the script is very useful.

But there are also times where it is useful to use a script to specify objects but the user would still like to be able to manually decide what columns to sort the data on.

Please add an additional version of DatabaseByScript that allows the user to manually sort the data.

VE-102822

Worksheet Alternate Sort Order

Patrick Stanford

Worksheets currently sort by number followed by letters. This is not always the desired sort option.

Consider three cells with the following values:

3203L

2404L

55UH

Under the current worksheet sorting order, the 55UH sorts to the top since 55 is less than 2402 and 3203.

But a user might prefer a character based sort where the results are based on the shortest string instead of the longest. That would sort to 2404L, 3203L, 55UH.

It would be good to have the option to select the sort order on a per column basis just as you currently select to sort or not sort.

A check box to determine "character" or "string" sort would be a usable interface. If additional sort options are included, then radio buttons would be a good interface.

VE-102821

Worksheet Sort Radio Buttons instead of pulldown

Patrick Stanford

Currently to change the sort order of a Worksheet Database, you have to use a pull down menu

!image-2022-03-18-14-48-59-529.png!

A better interface for this would be a set of three radio buttons. The choices are mutually exclusive. A vertical arrangement so that the buttons are all stacked over one another would be best from a usability standpoint

VE-102479

Tool Specific Default Attributes

Patrick Stanford

I would like to see an option for individual tools to have "default attributes" separate from the document default attributes. Similar to the way some tools/commands (Red Line, Guides) use specific attributes.

There should be an option in the tool settings to set the tool default attributes and a checkbox/button in the Mode bar to use the document attributes or Tool Attributes.

This could be useful when annotating drawings at the same time as working on them if you are not using class attributes. You could set the Dimension tools to have a different line color and line weight and have that used as a Tool Attribute while not effecting the attributes you have set for other objects. This could be useful for other types of annotating of drawings also.

See this thread about defaults changing as inspiration for this request.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/89447-default-attributes/

VE-102234

Default Sheet Layer Resolution should be Higher

Patrick Stanford

Currently the default Sheet Layer Resolution is 72 DPI. While this was fine in Mac OS 7 when the Imagewriter was the primary output device, it is far too low for todays high resolution printers and displays.

Please change the default Sheet Layer Resolution to something more current, probably in the range of 150 to 300 DPI.

While having it at 72DPI ensures that most users eventually learn that the resolution can be changed, it is a pain to have to fix this for every new sheet layer in a file.

VE-102309

Attributes By Parent

Patrick Stanford

See the thread on the Forum included below.

A user wanted to be able to set the fill of a part of a Custom Line Style from the attributes palette. But the fill can only be set by editing the Custom Line Style and editing the objects. He only wants a single line style and fill color in all Custom Line Styles.

But I am sure there are other people who rely on the fact that they can set different parts of Custom Line Styles to different colors/fills.

I believe there should be an additional Attribute Type, similar to By Class, called something like By Parent. If this attribute type was selected for an object, then that object would use the same attributes as its parent object. If the attributes of the parent were changed in the Attributes Palette, then the By Parent object would change as well.

This would allow for the best of both worlds. The person who started the thread could have a Custom Line Style where all parts would respond to changes in the Attributes Palette, while others, could give parts individual attributes or By Class attributes.

This change should apply to all objects in "Container"/"Parent" objects such as PIOs, Symbols, Groups, etc.

VE-102071

Long Task Complete Notification.

Patrick Stanford

There are numerous tasks that effectively block user interaction with VW. Items like STEP file import (or any 3D file import if the model is complicated), Convert Copy to Group is you choose the Hidden Line Render mode.

During these times I often switch programs, and usually screens to work on other things. I end up having to switch back to VW relatively often to see if the prices has completed.

It would be useful for VW to provide user notifications that a long process has completed.

Options should include bouncing the icon in the Dock and a user selectable alert sounds.

The time a task takes before these alerts occur should be user selectable.

Why is this important? My top priority for today is to import some very large STEP models and convert a copy to polygons to make a 2D file for a preliminary layout. The STEP import took about 20 minutes. The Convert Copy to Polygons is taking about 30 minutes. I keep checking back because I need to get this done, but a watched pot never boils. If VW would just tell me that it is available after being locked out of user interaction for more than 1 or 2 minutes I could focus more on my other tasks without constantly checking back on VW.

VE-102072

Convert Copy to Polygons - Shaded Render Option

Patrick Stanford

Currently the Convert to Polygons and Convert Copy to Polygons offer options for wireframe or hidden line renders.

I would like another option to do a Shaded (OpenGL) type render and have that image converted to polygons.

Wireframe and Hidden line only make sense for Convert to Lines, but an extra option for Convert to Polygons makes sense.

This would provide color options to make my preliminary layouts look better.

VE-101995

Export to Clipboard

Patrick Stanford

I often need an image file (JPG/PNG/TIFF/PDF) exported out of VW for use in another application, usually Powerpoint or Word. Currently I have to export to a file and then find that file to be able to import it.

It would be much simpler if one of the Export options was to Export to Clipboard. The export would do exactly what it does now, but rather than making me choose a location to save the file, it would store the data on the clipboard for use in other applications.

If I need to make changes I have to go back to VW. Having the file on disk just clutters my disk.

VE-101844

Spaces and Visualization need more Options

Patrick Stanford

The way Zones in Spaces works is currently unintuitive and difficult to use.

Spaces have Zone Types and then the user can pick one option for each zone type. But the user is not required to pick an option for any zone type.

In Visualizations the option for accessing Zones is Assigned Zone 1 to Assigned Zone 5. But this means that the same Zone Type could be a different Assigned Zone depending on the number of Zones assigned to an object.

So if you have three Zone types, HVAC, Security, and Signage and you want to use visualization to identify all spaces that require signage, you could need to use Assigned Zone 3 (for Spaces that have both HVAC and Security), Assigned Zone 2 (for Spaces that don't have either HVAC or Security), or Assigned Zone 1 (for Spaces that that have neither HVAC or Security).

It would be more useful to be able to specify a Zone Name (including wildcards and Contains/Begins/End With) which could be used to more directly specify the Zone (including subsets of a Zone Type) rather than having to assign "dummy" Zones to get the Assigned Zone into the correct location.

Assigning "dummy" Zones is likely to cause other reporting problems or extra work arounds to generate fully correct data and reports.

VE-101375

Attach Worksheet Script to Worksheets

Patrick Stanford

Worksheet scripts are a wonderful extension that provides a huge amount of power to worksheets, but they are difficult to move between users.

Currently, a worksheet script can either reside in a Script Palette in the active drawing, or as a text file stored in one of the Default folders (User/Workgroup/Application). The Default folder version is best if you are reusing the script between multiple users. If you make a change to the script all users are instantly updated.

The script palette version works OK for a single user, but for a single users it is often not worth the trouble of creating the text file version of the script and storing in the default folder, so the script sits in a script palette in multiple files.

If you move a worksheet that uses worksheet scripts to a new file (either one you are creating, or sharing a worksheet with another user), you have to remember to also transfer the script palette or to get the text file stored in the correct place.

It would be nice to be able to attach individual scripts (or script palettes) to worksheets. Then if you move/copy the worksheet to the new file, the script(s) associated with that worksheet automatically move to the new file.

It may be best to only attach scripts that are run from script palettes, not ones run from Resource Folders so you don't end up making multiple versions.

VE-101217

Worksheet Function Tool Tips don't show you can use a range.

Patrick Stanford

A user on the Forum asked why you are not able to use a range of cells for the SUM function and was answered that your can using an A1..B4 terminology. (S)he then pointed out that the tool tip in the Select Function dialog box does not show that, but only a list of numbers. A1, A2, A3.

Please edit the tool tip for SUM, MIN, MAX, AVERAGE and any other functions that can take a range of cells to indicate that is an option.

!image-2020-10-07-06-28-24-211.png!

VE-101190

Ruler Bar Interactive Appearance Settings Enhancement

Patrick Stanford

VW 2021 has added the ability to set a custom text/tick color for ruler bars in Interactive Appearance Settings as well as change the background color of the ruler bar.

Unfortunately, these selected text color only applies to Top/Plan and Sheet Layers. For 3D views and Rotated Plan views, the color changes to the original grey (3D) or blue (Rotated Plan). Depending on the background color selected for the grey/blue options can be very difficult to see.

Additional Interactive Appearance Settings for Ruler Bar Text/Tick color for 3D and Rotated Plan view must be added to make the user settable background color usable.

My understanding was that the Ruler background color was added so that the rulers could be dark when working with a Dark Mode background. Defaulting to a grey tick when the background could already be set to grey makes it very hard to use.

See the attached screen shots showing a grey background in Top/Plan, Rotated Plan, and a 3D view. To me the 3D view is extremely hard to read.

VE-101086

Additional Option for Always Do dialog box options

Patrick Stanford

It would be good if the Always Do options in dialog boxes had an additional option to "Don't remind me for XXX Time." That could be a week, or a month. No need to have it be individually settable for each one, just a flag that says after the beginning of the next month (or week) turn off the Always Do.

This would allow the user to get the dialog our of the way for now, but if it is something that is not in their usual workflow would at least bring it back to their attention at some point in the future.

To many user are hiding option by using the Always Do options and not having an easy way to get them back or forgetting that there IS and option and then complaining about VW being hard to use.

This goes along with my VE-97502 for "Individual Access to "Always Do Selection Action" Enhancement Request of February 14, 2017.

VE-101004

Add Concat and Substring to Database Header Row Function List

Patrick Stanford

Concat and Substring are included in the list of worksheet functions accessible from the Insert worksheet menu. They are not included in the list of functions accessible from the database row header Function list.

Please add Concat and Substring (and any other missing functions) to the database row function list.

They are not in either VW2020 or VW2021.

VE-101012

Faster/Adjustable On-Demand Menu Fade and options

Patrick Stanford

To me, the fade speed of the On-Demand menus is too slow. I would like it to be faster, preferably a user settable preference so everyone can set to their own liking.

Or maybe what I dislike is that it does not fade but rather wipes. Perhaps a user setting to allow a fade or a wipe at a user settable speed.

VE-100916

Worksheet Script Database Subrow Access

Patrick Stanford

Currently in a worksheet script there is no way to access the data in other columns for the specific subrow the script is accessing.

In my current use case, a customer wants to create a formula in a worksheet based on object parameters and do a calculation. They then want that value stored in a Record.Field.

I do not have a way to access the data in other cells in the subrow, so the calculation has to be done (or redone) in the worksheet script. If I could just access say "Column C" then the user could change the formula and the worksheet script would only have to store that value into the field.

There are many other cases where the ability to access the other columns of data in the worksheet would be useful in a script instead of having to go an recollect that data directly from the subrow referenced object.

VE-100868

Snapping and Attributes Palettes Fixes Size when Docked

Patrick Stanford

Currently I spend to much time resizing docked palettes, especially the Snapping and Attributes palettes. The Snapping and Attributes palettes have no need to resize vertically when docked. All vertical resizing does is create extra blank space.

I have the Basic, Snapping, Attributes and Tool Sets all docked to the left side of the Application Window. When I resize the application window, all of the docked palettes resize proportionally to the size they take up.

It is not too bad when the window is reduced in size, but when the window is enlarged, all of the palettes grow. This results in unnecessary blank space at the bottom of the Snapping palette and extra space in the middle of the Attributes palette and I end up having to resize them down to their minimal size (which is completely adequate for them) to provide more space for the Basic and Tools Sets palettes which need more room.

I would like to have at least the Snapping and Attributes palettes to not resize automatically. Even better would be the option to indicate that ANY palette should not resize automatically.

As part of this wish, the Snapping and Attributes palettes should also not resize when the palette docked about them is reduced in size. Currently when you shrink the Basic palette, the Snapping palette grows. When I then shrink it back to minimum size, then the Attributes Palette grows. Then when I finally shrink the Attributes Palette back to minimum the Tool Sets grows which is what I wanted originally.

Please see the attached movie. Movie done in VW2020, but issue remains in VW2021.

Please create a way to set a fixed size or ability to grow/shrink on a per palette basis.

VE-100413

Join Co-linear Lines

Patrick Stanford

I would like the Join command to replace two or more co-linear lines that do not have coincident end points into a single line.

The end points of the new lines should be the end point of the line farthest distance from the gap between the two lines.

The Join command will current replace two collinear lines with coincident end points into a single line. This should be extended to not require the end points to be coincident.

VE-99870

Worksheet Cell Numeric Format for Secondary Dimensions

Patrick Stanford

Please add additional worksheet cell formatting options to allow cells to be formatted to use the Secondary Dimension options for Linear, Area, and Volume Dimensions.

Currently there is no easy way to display dimensions in worksheets in anything other than the Primary Dimensions. This is especially challenging when converting to fractional feet & inches.

VE-102731

Ability to select a specific sheet layer when running "Create Multiple Viewports"

Patrick Immel

When running the "Create Multiple Viewports Command", it always creates a new sheet layer. Having the ability to select a sheet layer prior to completion of the command would be a huge time saver.

VE-102014

Ability to select target sheet layer on "Create Multiple Views"

Patrick Immel

When running the "Create Multiple Views" command, it would be *really* helpful to be able to select the target sheet layer. It has always seemed odd to me that this has not existed.

VE-104589

An extra option to draw a slab by rectangle.

Pascal Vandermeulen

Many users ask to be able to draw a floor slab using the rectangle method. The methods available now are only through the walls, bucket and polyline. Being able to draw a floor slab through a rectangle would be a good extension.

VE-104590

Add the tool soft goods to the Architect version.

Pascal Vandermeulen

The softgoods tool is only available for the Vectorworks Design suite, Spotlight and braceworks. the interior designer usually does not buy one of these versions, but the Architecture version. It would be a nice extension if this already existing tool were also available in the architectural version for interior designers. It's a question we get constantly at customer training courses.

VE-104974

Callout tool Leader line Horizontal Position: Center

Paolo Bruno

This is a feature request placed on the Vectorworks forum by one of our users which also contacted Technical Support with that request.

Basically they are suggesting an option for the Horizontal Position of the Leader Line to be set to the center of the text.

I am attaching two screenshots of examples the user provided us with.

VE-104174

Creating and Editing a Working File (Vectorworks Help Article)

Paolo Bruno

Hello team,

I would like to suggest an improvement for the "Creating and Editing a Working File" article on the Vectorworks Help.

[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/ProjectSharing/Creating_and%20editing%20a_working_file.htm]

In the following article, it is said:

_"The working file is named after the project file, with your *user name* appended to it, as in ProjectX_jsmith.vwxw."_

The suggestion is to clearly mention where the user name is taken from.

Some users contacting Technical Support are not sure if the user name for the Working File is taken from the OS user name, the account used to log in to Vectorworks or somewhere else. (please see attached screenshot as example)

Thanks in advance.

VE-103968

"Roof" Closure at Inserts > Wrappings

Paolo Bruno

For Windows on the wall objects, we have the "Wall Closure at Inserts > Wrappings" function to wrap the components. The suggestion is to have the same option for roof objects when using Skylights.

The suggestion came from a customer on the Technical Support case number 00286832.

VE-104350

Quick Search all improvements

Pablo Blanco

I will list here all improvements that we could do to Quick Search. This includes my ideas and suggestions from others.
* Add other categories of results:
** files in library catalog and their symbols (Resource Manager)
** tutorials (Vectorwoks University)
** help
** Youtube videos
** classes/layers
** objects in the document (this might need to be more intelligent to find objects with specific characteristics)
** actions (simple actions, turn preferences on or off, edit values, change options in pulldown, etc.). Create API for plug-in developers to add their options.
* Allow search when there are no documents open (tools are not available but some menus are, e.g Open File menu)
* Open tool palette where tool is so that the user learns its location
* Instead of looking for exact matches, do fuzzy search (this allows to find results even if a user misspells a word, or if the words are in reverse order). An expansion to this would be to find results using synonyms.
* Add API so that plug-ins can add their own search results (e.g. settings) (see actions bullet point above)
* Separate search from displaying the results (this is an implementation detail and it will allow doing the search in a separate thread)
* Do search in separate threads (in parallel for each category) and then update the results in the main thread
* Search only when search string changes (results do not change when changing categories, so the search process doesn't need to be run again)
* Change category buttons to toggle buttons to filter results
* Put question mark buttons in the results that open the "What’s This" help page for the item
* VE-104154: better results should appear at the top

VE-105015

Add preview to tooltips of document tabs

Pablo Blanco

Similar to tabs in Chrome, when hovering over the tab of a document, the tooltip could include a preview of the document. This would be a snapshot of the document view from the last time that document was open.

See the attached sample mockup image.

VE-104365

Add edit field to Serial Numbers dialog to avoid extra dialog

Pablo Blanco

The dialog Serial Numbers and Add New Serial Number could be combined into just one dialog, having the edit field on the Serial Numbers dialog. The edit field would be at the top of the dialog (after the first static text), with the Add button to its right.

I think this would provide a better user experience. Opening too many dialogs can get annoying. It would also reduce the number of clicks.

VE-101607

Improvement to all the MEP tools

Pablo Francisco Prieto Mendoza

A subject that is gaining a lot of attention in the Spanish Beta Testers community is the MEP tools. We consider that this toolset should be updated because currently we have to use other programs to do this type of work on our projects.

Also other softwares have better MEP tools like Archicad or Revit. I think development of the MEP toolset is crucial on all BIM workflows.

VE-102282

Geolocate Tool - Search Mode: could the search be moved to a separate thread to keep the UI responsive?

Pablo Blanco

Steps:
* GIS > Geolocate Tool - Search Mode
* Write a location in the edit field and click search
* Notice this takes a few seconds and blocks the UI

Since the search seems like an independent task, I was wondering if it could be performed in parallel.

VE-102103

List browser in Wall Preferences dialog uses Yes/No dropdown instead of checkmark

Pablo Blanco

# Select the Wall tool
# Open the Wall Preferences dialog
# Choose a Wall Style

In the list browser, the Join Capped column uses a combo item with Yes & No answers. If there are only two answers, it would be better to use a checkbox or a multi-state item (like the Core column) (notice the multi-state item could have more than two answers)

This would make it more intuitive and reduce the number of clicks.

VE-102030

Some information dialogs could be non-blocking

Pablo Blanco

There are some dialogs that are only for information purposes and the program doesn't need an answer from the user (like when clicking OK or inserting a value). There could be a way to run these dialogs as modeless (non-blocking), so that the program can continue its normal execution and finish its operations earlier without waiting.

VE-102031

Some View bar dropdowns should provide feedback on hover (Mac only)

Pablo Blanco

The clickable elements of these dropdowns on the View bar should get highlighted when hovering the mouse over them.

Some other dropdowns on the View bar already provide this kind of feedback to the user.

VE-101658

Add visual feedback when hovering over settings and help buttons of Smart Options Display

Pablo Blanco

We are giving some visual feedback when hovering over buttons in other parts of the application (even on the buttons of sections of the Smart Options DIsplay). It would be a good idea to apply it to the settings and help buttons of these sections too.

These are some options:
* change alpha channel (like title bar buttons)
* change background (like tools buttons)
* highlight borders (like the controls in the new Attributes palette)

The first option would make more sense to be consistent with similar buttons

VE-100312

Adding a button to close the application when it is initialing

Pablo Blanco

It would be useful to have a close button while Vectorworks application is starting. Since it takes some time to open, if you select the wrong VW version you need to wait for it to completely initialize, then close it and open the right one. The close button would allow to immediately close the application.

As an example, the Outlook app for Windows has that.

VE-100251

Edit Image Color dialog and Edit Image Background dialog need some layout improvements

Pablo Blanco

I think the appearance of these dialogs could be improved aligning the buttons.

+Steps to reproduce+

For Edit Image Color dialog:

-in Resource Manager, right click, New Resource > Renderworks Texture...

-Shaders > Color > Image, select any image

-Edit Image Color dialog appears

For Edit Image Background dialog:

-in Resource Manager, right click, New Resource > Renderworks Background...

-Background > Image, select any image

-Edit Image Background dialog appears

VE-101286

Resource properties filter does not allow to distinguish between 2D and 3D symbols.

Oliver Daus

The resource properties filter (1) of the resource manager interface (2) does not contain any information to filter for a specific symbol type. (2D/3D/etc.) It's therefore not possible for example, to list only 2D symbols in the library content. The relevant code section, where this filter is called and its data is constructed, reveals this information actually is available, but not exposed to the SDK function mentioned above.

{{(1) {color:#00875a}*CResourceContent*{color}::*SetResourcePropertiesFilter*(*{color:#00875a}TPropertiesFilterCallback{color}*)}}

{{(2) *{color:#00875a}IResourceManagerContentPtr{color}*}}

*Request:*

{color:#505f79}Extend the struct (3) to include any information stored in the "flags" (4) property of the resource data (5) class{color}

{{(3) }}{{{color:#505f79}VectorWorks::Extension::{color}{color:#00875a}*SResourceProperties* {color}}}

{{(4) *{color:#00875a}int64_t{color}* fFlags}}

{{(5) *{color:#0747a6}class{color}* }}{color:#00875a}{{*ResourceData*}}{color}

VE-101568

Multiple export of MVR files based on layer

Ola Braaten

It would be awesome to be able to hit the "Export MVR" and get a dialog box that let you choose the layers to export, and the end result would be multiple MVR files with the different layer names.

example:

You chose, in the dialog box, layer 1, layer 2 and layer 3.

Outcome:

layer 1.MVR

Layer 2.MVR

Layer 3.MVR

VE-99772

Making custom color palette following the file, so other users can access it.

Ola Braaten

I got a request from a Company that wanted all their custom brand colors in the color palette to follow the file, so all the users can access it.

VE-104843

Data tags are not moving when objects are reshaped

Nuno Mendoza

When moving the objects, the data tag move as with them as well, but if the objects are reshaped the data tags will remain in the same place which often is out of the object.

Please see attached file.

VE-105014

Ability to customise the position of tools/items in the View Bar

Nuno Mendoza

Hi!

The location of few items have changed now on the view bar compared with VW2023 and previous versions.

For example, users got use to have the zoom and scale in the center of the bar, current projection and current view on the right hand side. Now in VW2024 their position has changed and there is no way to adjust it apart from pin them in or out from the View Bar causing some constrains in the user's experience getting used to the new version.

Perhaps adding the ability to change the position of the tools/items in the view bar setting could be a solution so everyone would be able to customise it as they wish. Maybe just adding the ability to grab and drag them up and down on the View Bar Setting menu in order to customise their position in the view bar? Adding the View Bar to the Workspace editor and adjusting the position of items in there?

Thanks

VE-105183

Change color of numbers in ruler when rotation is set

Noémie Kölliker

If a plan rotation is set, the numbers in the ruler are displayed in blue. With a black background, the ruler is then also filled with black and blue on black is just not so legible.
Desire would be to adapt this color of the numbers with rotated plan also even over the settings to the drawing assistance. (is already possible with the "normal" numbers).

VE-104280

ConnectCAD numbering

Noémie Kölliker

Wish: ConnectCAD - numbering in the rack (2D/ruler/etc.) so that also from top to bottom in ascending order the units are displayable.

VE-104227

Color Graphic of Lighting Devices in Graphic Legend

Noémie Kölliker

Wish: Being able to show the Lee color for example.

In Graphic Legends there isn't an option to select the color of Lighting Devices.

I filter by database entry "Farbnummer" but the legend is only able to show the attributes of the lighting device itself.

greetings, Noémie

VE-104230

IFC Import - create native Vectorworks objects

Nina Ivanova

A wish from Jorge Matos:

_Hi Nina,

I’ve got a question:

As far as I know the best way to export a BIM model from Archicad to VW is by an ifc export.

But when we import that ifc into VW the re is no option to walls, doors and windows as VW walls, doors and windows, only as ifc entities. Am I correct ?

Is there a better way ?
With Revit import, the same thing happens right ?

As far as I remember only Sketchup import has the option to transform skechup vertical solids into walls and horizontal elements into slabs.

Is there any way of doing this ?

Doesn’t archicad have the option to convert ifc entities into it’s own walls, doors and windows ?
When can we have this feature ?

_

_If you can make it a wish it would be perfect._

_Thanks,

Jorge_

VE-103862

DWG Export: Material/RWTexture support

Nina Ivanova

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64484-export-to-dwg-from-vw/#comment-454448

VE-105158

ConnectCAD: User categories in the CCAD Database

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would like to place user created signals, connectors and cable types in custom categories:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68432-did-you-know/&do=findComment&comment=486082]

VE-105226

ConnectCAD: Edit socket - add more fields

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users wish to be able to edit the user fields in the edit socket dialog. Next thing might be to wish for attached record fields in there too.

VE-104578

ConnectCAD: Customizable record in Edit Cabling

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would want to be able to add more fields to the Edit Cabling record that populate automatically.

VE-105003

ConnectCAD: Fill for arrow pill

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would want to have fill for the arrow pill, which is currently hardcoded to No Fill.

VE-105020

General PIO Style folder improvements

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users seem to be not happy with the way Data tags and other annotation plugins create special folder for the styles their tools import. They seem to like it more when the newly imported styles end up in the top level of the RM, similarly to Doors/Windows.

Some users would like this to be configurable in a way.

We have to think about a general solution to apply that is consistent through all PIOs.

More info in the source forum thread. Read from the link downwards.

VE-105007

Title Block - Create new Issue/Revision buttons in OIP

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would like to also have buttons to create new issue/revision data in the OIP.

VE-105002

Improve data tag tagging in crowded section viewports

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users in the forum complain that it is hard to use data tags in viewports in real world projects. I think that we can provide another mode for the data tag tool that lists all eligible objects with some relevant data and lets the user select which of them to tag?

The example file for this is more than 1GB so I will attach a link to it in the comments,

VE-104952

Data tag sequence settings improvements

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Wish from the forum - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/110354-data-tag-sequence-renumber-patterns/]

VE-104882

Hoist drag&drop over bridle to work like replace downleg OIP button in the bridle

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

This is related to VB-198501

It would be nice if the drag&drop of the hoist works similarly to the replace downleg functionality

VE-104802

Title Block greater grid control

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

A user in the forum wants to be able to show/hide grids not only from the settings dialog. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/109574-title-block-grids/]

VE-103402

Data tag resizing with control points

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users in the forum would like the data tag to be able to be resized with control points, similarly to callouts - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/89144-request-for-a-%E2%80%9Ccomponentmaterialpropertypropertyname%C2%A0worksheet-function%C2%A0/&do=findComment&comment=441977]

VE-104328

Data tag connection with Notes Database

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Request in the forum:

If you have a Data Tag that has a user-entered text field please make it so that the Notes Database is accessible from the Edit Tag Data dialog. I don’t want to use a combination of Data Tags + Callouts when annotating viewports, I'd rather just use Data Tags.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/107600-data-tag-enhancements/]

VE-104329

Publish: Apply naming scheme to single file PDFs

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would like TBB naming schemes applied to single file PDF publishes too.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/107551-naming-schemes-for-exported-files/#comment-468265]

VE-104278

TB Manager reports - issues in reverse order

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would want their issues reported in reverse order in the standard TBB issue reports - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/57344-drawing-registers/page/3/#comment-467147]

VE-104186

TBManager not to update referenced TBBs

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would want TBManager to not update referenced TBBs

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106686-title-block-manager-option-to-supress-reference-update-while-loading-sheets/]

VE-104151

Purge to be able to delete hidden record formats

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Currently Purge is not deleting unused hidden record formats, such as Title Block Sheet Data.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106459-rogue-record-format/&do=findComment&comment=463577]

VE-102976

Publish: List sheets with active title blocks only

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

When using the Publish command. Be good if there was an option to only list sheets that have an 'Active' title block.

Request in the forum - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/95640-list-sheets-with-active-title-blocks-only/]

VE-103819

Publish custom naming improvements

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users wish for some improvements in the publish custom naming. - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103669-custom-naming-schemes-for-publish/]

VE-103522

Graphic legends to report scale and number of image

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

A user in the forum has requested this. More info here - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101918-graphic-legend-feature-request/]

VE-103373

ConnectCAD: Sort user folder contents

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

A user in the forum request for the user folder contents to be sorted - [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/100235-feature-request-sort-user-folder/] .

VE-101324

Data Tag - IFC Area and Volume in user defined units

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Currently only the dimension IFC parameters are available for custom units in the Data Tag. Users seem to want area and volume too.

VE-102291

ConnectCAD: Custom oip popups to work correctly in worksheets and data tags

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Currently we have some custom OIP popups defined as text fields, such as Circuit Cable Length. For these parameters we do not have the popup editing in worksheets and data tags. We should analyze which are these parameters and change their type from text to popup. That way they should work correctly in worksheets and data tags too.

Note: Searchable popups are still not supported for worksheets and data tags as of VW 2022.

VE-102037

Issue/Revision data reverse order

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

A user in the forum is requesting for Issue/Revision data to be displayed in reverse order in the layout of the Title Block Border, but still have it go from top to bottom.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/84927-revisionissue-data-stacking-order/]

VE-103014

Title Block sheet data scale - allow viewport selection

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Users would like to be able to select from which viewport the TBB gets the scale when Update Scale is clicked in sheet data.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/67797-scale-unit/#comment-429715]

VE-102824

Data Tag - Multiple Selection Edit Tag Data

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

It would be nice if Edit Tag Data would work for multiple selected data tags of the same data tag style.

VE-102402

Data tag and worksheet bidirectional edit

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

From a user in the forum:

"Hello,

Do we have possibility to have bidirectional workflow when using data tags with worksheets? I want to edit data tag text field from within worksheet and

I thought that we can do it using DATATAGFIELD('fieldname')...but content of the text field is locked in worksheet..."

VE-100893

List Browser Direct Edit color and line weight

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

For the task T02162_ImproveSignalTypeEditing, we will need direct editing of color and line weight cells in a direct edit list browser. Attached is an image of what the LB will look like.

VE-101241

Data Tag - have real params with units

Nikolay Zhelyazkov

Currently only dimensions, area and volume params could be defined with units. Users seem to want regular real params to have units in the Define Tag Field too.

VE-104238

Cloud Presentation - Editing Improvement (properties window covers the slide.)

Nicole Cave

Please see attached screen recording for detailed summary/explanation for this improvement.

VE-102257

Continuous slab with the ability to change surface material.

Nicole Cave

The ability to place one single slab style that can have individual “extent” control for the top and bottom components. Example: Have the top component be able to change material depending on the floor finishes type rather than creating multiple slabs to achieve this.

Currently the only way to do this is to create multiple slabs for each different floor type there is. This also effects the transition of the ceiling of the floor below since there are multiple slabs that show a seem. If this was continuous it would be more accurate for construction drawings as well as in renderings.

Example: I have one floor with three different finishes. (tile, hardwood and carpet.) the request would be to just have the top or bottom component change rather than placing multiple different slabs which would not be realistic in a real project.

This is a critical component for an interior designer & architect to be able to create realistic technical drawings while also achieving the correct visual representation while rendering.

I have attached two images below. One of a space plan indicating which rooms would have a different floor finish and why it would be important that this is one slab. The other showing the placement of two slabs showing different materials when this really should be one with the top component changing depending on the extents of the room.

VE-102073

2D components for base cabinet & wall cabinet

Nicole Cave

Currently the base cabinet and upper cabinets can not have 2D components made for them. There is a work around which involves putting the base or upper cabinet into a symbol but this adds a number of steps when it should be a right click option. The right click option is available but it is greyed out.

It would be great to simply be able to add 2D components the same way we can do it for any other 3D symbol.

VE-101629

ConnectCAD Rotate Device and other wishes

Nicholas Peacock

User want to be able to rotate a New Device with a socket in it 180 degrees and have the socket still function normally.

User followed up in his survey with other issues, as he describes ConnectCAD as having "a lack of features." Here are his suggestions:

In no particular order
#1 - I have to quit Vectorworks to update socket signal & signal lists
#2 - moving a socket location inside a device breaks the connector alignment
#3 - Cannot rotate or mirror a device and still use connections
#4 - editing a device required zooming to the origin of the page. If that’s the case, do it automatically
#5 - object-based pulldown selection for “cable type”
#6 - allow building connections from output to input
#7 - the “number of circuits” option in a socket seems totally broken if it’s more than one
#8 - There doesn’t seem to be the usual method to create a symbol from a device
#9 - I’ve had text scaling issues with creating new devices
#10 - No way to move a connection from one socket to another without deleting.
#11 - attribute tool does not work with connections (see #5)
#12 - no way to put user-defined terminals or signals in VW-defined categories (network, audio, power, radio, etc.)
#13 - conductor-free connections are challenging to sort out. Example: (A) SFP network interface module into a switch. (B) A “Y” splitter
#14 - the difficulty in overlaying a connectCAD workspace on an existing designer workspace drawing.
#15 - a tool to clearly distinguish a “trunk” from a “connection” other than the convention of curved vs straight corners.

VE-101699

Door ID Tag Rotation

Nicholas Peacock

User wants door ID tags that have the "Keep ID Horizontal" option checked to remain horizontal in rotated viewports. She has multiple viewports, and not all of them are rotated, so she can't just check and uncheck the options on the doors.

VE-101513

User Wants Silent Uninstall Feature

Nicholas Peacock

User has to uninstall his old version of Vectorworks (2019) on 20 macs, and doesn't want to have to run the uninstaller 20 times. He requests a way to do a silent uninstall via the command prompt.

VE-101510

Request For New Door Configurations In Door Tool

Nicholas Peacock

Here is the user request:

"in the door tool, could there be a few door configurations added?
we have started to specify a lot of the multi-slide doors, offset pivot doors, stacking doors, and i would love to see them in vectorworks. also, thank you for adding barn door to the configurations!

i have linked websites to the doors i am referencing.

[https://www.lacantinadoors.com|https://www.lacantinadoors.com/]
[https://www.andersenwindows.com/windows-and-doors/doors/big-doors/] "

VE-103614

Better controls for 3D reshape

Nicholas Dunand

For a long time editing 3D objects with the 3D Reshape tool has allowed vertices to be manipulated either constrained to a single axis, or constrained to the working plane.

Constraining all but one axis can be useful especially when working in a non orthogonal view.

I want to manipulate vertices in two directions without the 3rd being changed.

For example:

Say you are setting a camera path for a flythrough. You draw the path as a curve and allocate heights for the cameras.

Having previewed the animation you want to edit the path. The desired action would be to go to a top view and just drag a vertex to a new location.

Currently you have to juggle backwards and forwards between the X and Y constraints individually, or, with the working plane restraint, drag it to where you want it to be, whereupon it will immediately lose it's z value and snap to the working plane, and you have to re-enter it's correct value.

The same is true for the other orthogonal views.

I can't imagine a situation where I would want the program to behave in this way.

Refer to the recent enhancements posted for reshaping the Structural Member tool.

VE-103689

clip cube orientation control

Nicholas Dunand

The Clip Cube was an excellent enhancement, but it is stuck orientated to standard orthogonal views.

I would like to be able to orientate the Clip cube to whatever view/ object/ surface/ plane I want.

Being able to make it orthogonal to the active Working Plane would be a good start.

VE-104773

Text improvements to Notes Manager tool

Niall Mullan

Would it be possible to have some text improvements within the Notes Manager tool?

The following would be desirable -
* Ability to add tabs within 'Note Text'
* Ability to add Bold or Underline etc within 'Note Text' independent of the main body of the text.
* Ability to have a 'dash or none' as an option in the drop down menu, under 'General Notes Display' in the Object Info. Palette.
* Ability to have a drop down option for the 'Title' of the general note, options being 'User Defined' or 'Note Description'
* Ability for the Notes Manager to remember the last 'txt' file used. Adding a note involves accessing the drop down menu of the Database and selecting the file everytime. This should only be accessed when the user wants to change to another txt file?

I've included a VW 2024 file with 2 examples of our general notes, upper text using the General Notes tool and the lower text using the standard text tool.

Many thanks

Niall

VE-101848

VSS Support Request from Valtteri Mastola [ID = mmyllys, VSSID = FNZ 8288 2026 862] on 2021-04-23 03:37:25 US/Eastern

Nemetschek Release Engineering

VSS ID: FNZ 8288 2026 862

Name: Valtteri Mastola
Email: valtteri.mastola@granlund.fi
Phone: 0405380794
Version: 2021
Service Pack: SP3
OS: Windows 10
Remote Assistance:

Did Vectorworks Crash: No
Restarted Vectorworks: N/A
Restarted Computer: N/A

Test File: [Download|https://upload.vectorworks.net/api/link?key=user-data/7cb0d2e5-47cf-46e2-a227-64cebee7e970/.form-files/HH202665_AV2000+-+Copy_1619163158.091303.vwx]

Message:
Blended screen työkalulla ei saa tehtyä yli 180 asteen kaarevaa projisointia.
Eikä pientä projisointia.
Liitetiedostossa haluttu kuva-ala on esitetty kaarella.

VE-100772

Edit Data Visualization dialog, I would like a third option to show other hidden

Nemetschek Release Engineering

VSS ID: USZ 7723 8047 168
Name: David Hamer
Email: david@vermilionarchitects.com
Telephone: 3372241449
Version: 2020
Service Pack: SP3
OS: Windows 10
Remote Assistance: No
Serial: EFXUSZ-9ZWK95-ZQZ3Z7-G00ALH
Provided Vectorworks file: Wish List for Data Visualization.zip
Did Vectorworks Crash: N/A
Provided Crash Log file: None
Restarted Vectorworks: N/A
Restarted Computer: N/A

Message:
In the Edit Data Visualization dialog, I would like a third option to show other "hidden". This would give me the option to hide items that are not edited by the visualization and create better viewports for construction phases. See the attached image and drawing for more info. I did add this to the forums but I didn't know if that was the best way to get it to the engineers.

VE-105047

Structural Member - joint representation

Nele De Moor

Reported by Jakub:

In my opinion, when two the same kind of profiles, being at the same height, are joined, there should be no separation line between them. That line suggest elevation of both profiles is different or there's a step (downcast or upcast) between its top surfaces (different profile heights). At least, there should be possibility of decision if that line should or shlould not be visible.

VE-105031

List browser direct editing - not clearly prompted in UI

Nele De Moor

Reported by Vicky:

In the data tab of the cabinet it is not clear that values can be entered in the second column

VE-105023

Railing on the ramp

Nele De Moor

Reported by Jakub:

Shouldn't there be a possibility to add railings to the ramp made using the Ramp tool?
In my case it seems to be impossible.

VE-103513

Structural Member: Object styles of structural elements

Nele De Moor

Reported by Julie:

In the object styles settings of the structure elements, the "choose profile" option is not locked. As a result, the structure element adapts to the dimensions of the object style, but not to its shape.

See video

Video is made in the Dutch Vectorworks but we are using the same structure element objecstyle. We just translated the symbol names. So the same bug appears in the English version.

VE-103532

Terrain model: the width of the path cannot be edited after it has been drawn

Nele De Moor

Reported by Agniezska:

the width of the path cannot be edited after it has been drawn at the terrain model

VE-103970

Alpha channel in image

Nele De Moor

Reported by Vicky:

When you make a resource - image, the alpha channel can not be checked and is not displayed in 2D.

Please see attached video

VE-101512

Worksheet: hidden data enhancement

Nele De Moor

We are implementing a Bill of Quantity command. We are using worksheets in this command.

We like to add hidden data in the worksheets. This data should be available in the worksheets, but not in the export to excel.

Can you add this functionality? This would be a great enhancement!

VE-105021

Cabinet - door orientation

Nele De Moor

Reported by Jakub:

I'm not sure if this may be treated as a bug, but when I try to operate with settings of previously created cabinet and try to change door type, its orientation sometimes changes.

In attached sample, I have a cabinet with doors as a front ('Drzwi') with hinges localized on the right side (see the object on the left side of the screen). When I change the front type to any other - let's say 'Drzwi ukł. piętrowy', the orientation of the doors (localization of hinges) autmoaticaly changes to opposite and instead of the right doors I get mirrored version with doors opening to the left side (see the highlighted object on the right side of the screen).

What is interesting, any further change in this area doesn't change door orientation - for instance, if I decide to bring back the front doors type set to 'Drzwi', they will stay as the left one.

I believe it's not a propper functionality.

VE-103949

Name of class

Nele De Moor

Reported by Vicky:

Can we change the limit of characters in the name of the class?
Now, it is limited to 63.

This is a question of a customer to organize his drawing.

VE-105165

Download project sharing server from the website

Nele De Moor

Is it possible to have a download link for the project sharing server on the website

Users can now choose the site protection server ([https://release.vectorworks.net/latest/Vectorworks/2024-NNA-eng-sps)]

But is there also a direct link to the project sharing server?

Kind regards,

Nele

VE-105034

missing buttom in Benchmark Elevation

Nele De Moor

Reported by Pascal:

If I want to change the label of the Benchmark, then the only option I have is to add the definition, to the current definition
If I want to change the label of the datalabel I have 2 options. Add a definition, or replace the current definition.
Suggestion adding the button to replace the current definition
( see image)

It could also seen as a wish, but I see it more as a bug.

VE-105027

Railing - OIP settings

Nele De Moor

Reported by Jakub:

It's probably more a wish than a bug, but I suppose that user should have quick access (from OIP) to a little bit more options, than he/she has now. For example, it would be good to control post settings in such a rapid way, without the need for opening the settings pane. It's obvious that OIP can't keep all settings as it would be too much, but just major types of option from each element category would be nice, I believe.

I rolled the categories up to show that there are only a few categories avaliable. There are not many setting types avaliable in from the OIP.

VE-104881

Hedgerow

Nele De Moor

This is an enhancement request of a customer:

It's not possible to save a Hedgerow. It would be nice if you could save it, just like a Plant or a Landscape Area.
The location for the name could be at the top of the info palette as far as I am concerned ( is now at the very bottom)

VE-104796

Stairs should keep the line widths

Nele De Moor

Based on problem: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-197169

Comment Stefan Bender:

The plug-in stores the indices unless you specify a custom thickness. This is WAD. You can argue about if it makes sense, but that workflow was decided in the very beginning many years ago when we started supporting graphical attributes for our objects. Changing this behaviour would affect a lot of our other PIOs and objects. While data conversion would hopefully not cause the actual line thicknesses to change, the behaviour when copying objects to other documents would change. We would also need to change some internal data structures and the behavior of some dialog controls thus risking regression bugs. A VE definitely makes sense so our architects and others could discuss the pros and cons. Such a major change can not be done for VW 2024 as it is too late in the project cycle.

VE-104793

Use MassEditPlantStyle('') script for a certain selection

Nele De Moor

The script MassEditPlantStyle('') replaces all the plant styles in the document.

But we want the same functionality for a selectable plant styles (not all of them). For instance if you want to change a plant property for a certain number of plant styles, but not all of them.

Is it possible to change the script?

VE-104382

Plant Objectstyles - Highres image

Nele De Moor

Hi,

The user should be able to make a choice which image props he can use in the drawing. A lowres or highres image. I understand that for performance reasons the lowres image is used, but if the user wants a fully detailed image, he should be able to download the highres.
We have a customer that complains about it: [https://forum.designexpress.eu/topic/1045-les-plantes-en-3d/]

This can solved on 2 ways:
* option: use lowres or highres image
* give somewhere a notification where he can download or buy the highres image. In the tags, or ....

VE-103488

There is no possibility to fast change setting form Laubwerk plant in info palette

Nele De Moor

Reported by Agnieszka:

When using Laubwerk plants as 3D geometry in the plant tool - you cannot quickly change Laubwerk's 3D settings in the info palette. It is very inconvenient, because you have to enter its settings separately for each style of plant through the resource manager and select the Laubwerk plant there again.

VE-104286

Sdk function to create customized folders in the workgroup folders

Nele De Moor

Is it possible to add a sdk call/function to create customized folders when a workgroup folder is created? We want this functionality for our own plugins.

In the user folder we create them ourselves, at startup (if they don't already exist), but in the workgroup folders it is different, since those can also be created while using Vectorworks and we have no control on that to create them there as well.

We need this for scripts and c++.

We talked this through with Hugues.

VE-104175

Data tags connected to a reference disconnects when updaitng referenced file

Nele De Moor

Reported by Grzegorz:

*It is more like a workflow issue than a bug.
Case: file consists of an architectural model and referenced IFC construction model, combined together. In the e.g. section viewport it is desired to be able to describe both architectural elements and construction parts. It is possible by using Data Tags after unlocking referenced IFC model. Unfortunately every update of the referenced file ends up in disconnection of all Data Tags connected to it. So a workflow of using external models as reference fails.

Change in that behaviour should be taken into consideration, since in a BIM workflow, user should be able to describe all the elements inside the file, not only the native one.

I've talked with VW.INC about this during the "Ask the expert" session and this should be reported.

VE-103462

Foliage Tool Preferences: Defaults for Height/width/depth should be 'fool proof'

Nele De Moor

Linear

Height: 2000mm = 200cm = 2m

Profile - Front
Depth: 2000mm = 200cm = 2m

Area - Hedge/Round edge
Height: 2000mm = 200cm = 2m

Area - Grid
Grid Spacing: 500000mm

VE-103771

Packaging localized installers

Nele De Moor

Can the localized installer be packaged automatically?

To include the project sharing server and network license server in the zip together with the localized installer for win and mac?

VE-103647

Localized Stories and levels

Nele De Moor

Question 1:

We would like to prep our BIM templates (with Stories and wall styles) in the English version of Vectorworks. Right now we need to do this in the localized version, otherwise our own story levels don’t appear in the .sta files. This is a change that needs to be facilitated by VW, inc.

Question 2:

We translate the templates automatically via the sdk, for all our localized languages. But for the templates we cannot translate them in the English Vectorworks, because the stories are default imported in a localized Vectorworks version. We always need to translate the templates in the corresponding localized Vectorworks version. Quite annoying and time consuming.

Can this be changed? Via sdk?

This is related to question 1:

The stories and levels are to much fixed in Vectorworks. They should be more flexible.

VE-103045

Logfile for updated Service Select Libraries

Nele De Moor

When there is a new update of the service select libraries in Vectorworks, a customer doesn't know which library is updated or new. He can see it on other communication channels, but not in Vectorworks.

It would be nice if the customer can have a kind of log file where he can see the updated and new libraries.

Vectorworks must be able to make this list automatically based on the previous installed libraries of the customer.

A lot of Spotlight customers are asking for this feature.

VE-102575

Focus on video links as pop-ups in Vectorworks

Nele De Moor

Hi,

Is it possible to make feature videos more accessible?
Right now, they are available in the Manual. To get access to them, you have to first open the right page in the User Manual and click the video link (2-step-procedure). As of Vectorworks 2022, video links are embedded in the Manual, which is a great UX improvement (see: [https://help2022.designexpress.eu/vwhelp/2022/PL/VW2022_Guid]

But it would be nice to go even further, namely: to place a(n) button/icon next to "What's this" button in the title balk of dialog boxes with a direct link to such an video. The video should open as an pop-up in Vectorworks.

Is it possible to add an extra link in the dialogs for those plug-ins which have a video link available? See screenshot

VE-102658

Worksheet functions in data tag should also return dimensions

Nele De Moor

Worksheet functions in data tag always return a string value.

It should be possible that they return a dimension (an actual double value, using the units of the document)

Is it possible to add this in VW 2023 version?

Source: Slack conversation between Maarten Vandickelen and Niko Zhelyazkov

VE-102521

Compatibility with ZEE drive

Nele De Moor

There is a new way of setting up a server, ZEE drive / SharePoint. A customer of ours has already started using his server. And with this type of server, the subscription will be terminated the moment Vectorworks shuts down. When the file is opened again, Vectorworks gives a message that the subscription has been canceled and needs to be restored. This message appears several times in a row.

The wish is that Vectorworks will be made compatible with this type of server.

Reactoin fron Tech support:
Casper,

Since the files work and keep their reference when they are moved to the local hard drive, the issue must be with the way their new server is set up.

We never recommend working directly off of a server as many different issues can happen.

This does not seem to be a Vectorworks issue.

Regards,

Rob Nykolaishen
Technical Support Specialist

Response from ICT client after reading TechSupport's response:

This is not a wrong setting of the server. Zeedrive makes a connection with sharepoint in Vectorworks thinking it's a network drive but it isn't. It's an active link to Sharepoint with for example to the drive letter P. Vectorworks should follow the drive P and not //kabaz//.

Can you look into this and make Vectorworks compatible with ZEE drive and sharepoint?

VE-102485

Add windows help text for menu commands

Nele De Moor

Menu commands on mac have a help text when hoovering over it.

The help text never worked on Windows. It would be nice to have this functionality on windows too.

VE-102152

Bigdata wishes/questions

Nele De Moor

The big data information is really handy to find out which tools are used the most by our customers. But we need some extra information

First we have some questions:
* Are the serialnumbers of Design Express included in the numbers?
* The customers who are using the wall tool, are they also using the Design Express Windoor tool? Are those the same customers?
* Can we have more detailled information about how a tool is used? What's the workflow of a tool? Does the user uses the object styles or does he click on the Settings button? Where does he click next, ...

It would be nice to have a system where we can control ourself what the bigdata is tracking or not? For instance, we can call a function in the sdk or vectorscript code which data should be logged, ... This way we can better figure out the needs of the customers and to which functionality we should focus us.

And it's not only handy for Design Express only, :) I suppose it would be an added value for every Vectorworks release.

VE-101202

Spaces that consider niches show too much niche volume

Neil Barman

As seen in the attached video and Vectorworks file, when a Space object has its "Consider niches" option on, it is not only the window or door niche that is being calculated and shown but a niche that runs bottom to top of the _entire_ Space object. This is not only not expected but more importantly this results in _very_ incorrect space volumes. This has considerable impacts on Energos results in Vectorworks and air handling calculations (done by others in other software).

The expected result would be that the niche would only be created at the horizontal AND vertical locations of the windows and doors.

VE-100328

Direct list editing of colors and line thicknesses from Organization dialog

Neil Barman

Now that we have Direct List Browser editing (which is awesome) for Class names, it would be great to be able to directly edit a few other simple options via the Organization dialog list browser too, such as the Fill Color, Pen Color, Line Thickness. (Being able to edit the Line Style would be very useful too, but would require adding a column to the Organization dialog to accommodate Pattern & Line Type options, so it's a bit more of an involved change that I am hoping for.)

Being able to edit these directly in the list browser would be so handy and speed up workflows because the list browser allows for quick, easy visual comparison with the colors & lines of other classes. Being able to edit these directly in the Organization list browser would also save MANY clicks vs traditional editing of these items.

I've included a couple of screen mockups of how I imagine the direct editing working.

Thanks!

VE-100811

Commands to insert rows left or right and columns above or below in Worksheets

Neil Barman

It would great to improve our Worksheet's existing "insert rows" and "insert columns" commands by adding the option to specify the location of the rows or columns to be added. This specificity is common in most other spreadsheet creation applications and we find that users are used to having those targeting options at hand. Adding these commands will help improve the usability of worksheets and further drive their use.

In order to implement this improvement, the existing "insert rows" command, which currently adds rows above only would be replaced by "insert rows above" and "insert rows below" which would behave as named. "Insert Columns" would be similarly replaced by "insert columns before" and "insert columns after".

As is currently possible, if the user has multiple rows/columns selected, that is the number of rows/columns that will be added in the specified location.

Thanks!

VE-105170

Stairs: Allow multiple components to be selected simultaneously in Graphic Attributes pane

Neil Barman

A request from customer Thomas Debicki (Salesforce BPID CA1835):

Please allow for multiple components to be selected simultaneously in Graphic Attributes pane of the Stair object.

This is currently possible in the Materials and Classes pane for doors and windows and the customer find it a tremendous time saver with those objects. Multiple sequential components can be selected using shift-click and multiple non-sequential components can be selected using CMD-Click (Mac). The inability to do this with stairs is not only an inconvenience but is also noted as an inconsistency by the customer.

VE-103202

Smart Options Display: Change a default pref in order to boost adoption

Neil Barman

During my time training customers since Smart Options Display arrived, I have found that the vast majority of people are puzzled by "these _things_ that appear around my cursor when I stop moving it for a while... and how do I make them not appear?"

_sigh_

My read of their reaction is that in a typical working situation, the default contextual hint "icons only" are too vague or mysterious for users to quickly digest and understand if the user is unfamiliar with the feature (which many users still are.)

Once I tell people what those "things" are, how to use them, and how to invoke them, they have typically appreciated the Smart Options Display. However, I can't be there to tell everyone what they are. I have no doubt that many others are still puzzled or annoyed by them because they don't know what they are.

But I have thought of a way that I believe will help boost their adoption and use...

Changing the default "Show initial Options as:" from "icons only" to "icons and text" should, I believe, provide the visual cue to let users know what they are seeing and to them either use the S.O.D. or investigate further themselves. By adding the text to the S.O.D pop-up, users will have another cue (their native language) to engage with the feature, try it, and incorporate it into their workflows.

!image-2022-06-29-10-08-29-638.png|width=641,height=459!

!image-2022-06-29-10-09-18-170.png|width=640,height=393!

It would be great –if it's not too complex to do– for this enhancement to be implemented in either 28.0.0 or perhaps in a SP update. The sooner we can get customers using our great Smart Options Display, the better.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-105079

Walls: Ability to remove/replace a single wall component during renovations for design reasons or energy performance upgrades to a building

Neil Barman

As part of wall re-engineering efforts and as part of creating a project phasing feature, it would be very useful to be able to remove/demolish *just a component* of a wall style, either for an entire length of a wall object or a portion of a wall object and replace it with another component.

The use case for this is: During a renovation/refurbishment a building's exterior or interior cladding will be removed and replaced with a newer cladding as part of a new design or as part of building envelope performance upgrades to the building. The architect will need to indicate that a particular wall is existing and will remain, but (either a portion or all of) the cladding of that wall will be replaced.

(Tagging [~mpanzer2] so it is on his radar)

VE-105048

Bring live search results to the Navigation palette and Organization dialog

Neil Barman

The searchable popovers in the new View bar have search fields that deliver live results, where the results of the search continually update as the user types their search string.

In contrast, in the Navigation palette and Organization dialog, the user must press the return key to trigger the search string.

See attached video.

The inconsistency between the two search behaviours is something that we should eliminate. The expected (and more "modern") behaviour would be that all searches would be live and continuous, like the searches in the Viewbar popovers.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104944

Allow for horizontal resizing of center area of Attributes or Material and Class panes of PIOs

Neil Barman

A number of the PIOs now have dialogs with many columns of settings in theirAttributes/Materials & Classes panes. Currently the only way to access all the columns is to scroll right-left in the center area because this area cannot be resized horizontally. Having to do this is not only annoying, but once you scroll to the right enough, it isn't clear anymore which part or setting is associated with each row because that column is the left-most one, now out of sight.

This occurs for (at least, but perhaps not limited to) Doors, Windows, Railings, and Fences

!image-2023-08-28-11-38-07-583.png|width=1089,height=625!

!image-2023-08-28-11-38-39-708.png|width=1191,height=786!

!image-2023-08-28-11-40-36-382.png|width=1425,height=915!

Since the entire dialogs of these PIOs can be made wider (which currently only makes the 3D preview "column" of the dialog wider), it would be great if the center-most column of the dialog could be dragged wider to resize it as needed.

Thank you!

VE-104907

Railing: Reshaping a single segment of the path resets the post locations along the entire path

Neil Barman

In the attached video and file, there is a railing whose posts are in the locations where the designer would like them to be. A change in the upper floor design has added a landing at the top of the stair, so the designer would like to merely move the post that is at the (top) end of the path to be at the wall on the other side of the upper landing (which is a slab).

The designer's expectation would be that they should simply be able to edit the railing's path and extend it to the wall in 2D, which would put a post at the wall and likely another post along that landing (as per the style's settings).

However, what happens is that the *entire* railing's posts reset and now the previously correct positions are lost. While the designer could do the work to re-place all the posts in the previous positions, this would not be a welcome solution and would cause frustration. This reset of posts would likely also install doubts in the designer that any railing they had previous created anywhere in the design would maintain its "fidelity" if it had been accidentally adjust by themselves or another team member at their firm.

I realize there is currently no option to "lock" posts but if there is an option to stop the reset of posts when a segment of path is edited, please let me know. If this is not technically a "bug" but should instead become an enhancement requisition for Railings 2.0, then it would be great to turn it into a VE. Designers will likely expect that once created, railings in segments that have not been adjusted will not move or reset.

VE-104831

Railings: The ability to reset the post placement for an entire railing or a single segment of a railing

Neil Barman

Stemming from the conversation here: [https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/C041B05BZHN/p1690928338692339]

It would be great to have the ability to rest the guardrail post placement for either an entire railing or for a single segment of a multi-segment railing.

It is very conceivable as part of a design workflow that a user would try to move guardrail posts to custom positions, but then realize that they had made a bit of a mess of the positions and needed to start fresh with that entire railing (or segment).

Currently, it is possible to "rest" post portions to their style's defaults by either flipping the railing's offset twice or replacing the style twice (once to a different style and once again to get back to the original style) but this is neither obvious nor ideal. Also, it resets the post positions for the *entire* railing, when only reseting a segment may be desired.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104816

Multiple View Panes – Remove standard view name from view pane title when the view is a sheet

Neil Barman

I just noticed this while reviewing a video made by a colleague: The UI looks a bit strange (and potentially confusing for a new user) when MVP is active, a sheet layer is being shown in a pane, and the standard view name "top/plan" appears for anything other than an actual plan. See the image below displaying four sheets of elevations.

!image-2023-07-31-16-52-25-326.png|width=1550,height=1050!

Since a sheet can show a huge variety of views via viewports, it would be preferable when viewing a sheet in a multi-view pane to only display the name of the sheet (as is shown in the image above, to the right of the words "top/plan" in each pane's title).

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104730

Locate tools' object style (Resource Selector) dropdown in the mode bar in the same place for all tools

Neil Barman

In order to improve our UI consistency and make Vectorworks that much easier to learn and use, I propose that the object style (aka Resource Selector) dropdown menu be located in the same place in the mode bar for all tools that employ it.

Currently a sampling of the location of this menu for various tools revels the following...

Hardscape: dropdown menu is at the *left* of the insertion modes

Wall Style: dropdown menu is at the *right* of the insertion modes

Fence Style: dropdown menu is at the *left* of the insertion modes

Door style: dropdown menu is at the *right* of the insertion modes

!image-2023-07-20-09-06-32-879.png|width=724,height=1407!

Logic (for western readers at least who read left to right) would dictate that the object's style should be chosen (or visually confirmed when reading the mode bar line) _before_ the object is inserted. Therefore, I propose that the object style dropdown menu be located to the *left* of the insertion modes.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104497

Fundamentals workspace - Navigation palette off by default

Neil Barman

Currently when free trial users (who all receive a Design Suite serial number) see the navigation palette present in the lower right when they switch from the Design Suite workspace to the Fundamentals workspace. This creates the false expectation that the nav palette will be available if they subscribe to Fundamentals.

Ideally, in the Fundamentals workspace that ships with Vectorworks the nav palette would be switched off by default. This would better represent the actual features of Fundamentals (especially one as prominent as the nav palette.)

VE-104240

Add Description field for Storeys

Neil Barman

Similar to the description fields available for Classes and Design Layers, it would be useful to have a description field for Storeys.

Use case: When setting out the storeys on a project, description and notes can be added to indicate information that should remain with a storey as the project develops. Not only would this information be helpful as other team members become involved in a project but it would help when projects go dormant and then re-awaken. For example, I am currently reviving a file that I began four years ago and storeys have been set to very particular heights and it took me a while to determine why I had used those exact heights. In another case, when working on larger projects, floor-to-floor design heights may be set different than local zoning allows, and having notes included with a storey as to why this was done would be helpful. There are a multitude of instances where it would be great to have a description included with each storey.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104330

Door threshold graphics to match window sill graphics

Neil Barman

Currently the window's (3D) sill graphics, highlighted in green in the attached screenshot of the window settings dialog, make it relatively easy to set the dimensions for sill parts. Each part has a callout and it keyed to the dimensions below the graphic.

In contrast, the door's (2D) threshold graphics, highlighted in red, are overly simplistic and therefore make it more difficult to set and visualize the dims of the threshold's parts. In addition to this, some parts/options, highlighted in yellow, are not even shown in the 2D graphic because it is a side view of the threshold – a 3D view similar to the window sill's graphics would be needed to portray these parts.

It would be *great* if the door threshold's graphics could be updated to be a 3D representation of this door element and the missing parts/dims added to the new 3D threshold graphic.

Thank you for considering this.

!image-2023-05-02-10-26-50-821.png|width=3044,height=1537!

VE-104304

Make plug-in objects' R or U value easily available for Data Visualization, especially for use in Energos projects

Neil Barman

When creating a BIM that will have its energy use assessed with Energos, having complete thermal coefficient data (R or U value, among other criteria) is {*}crucial{*}. Without this data embedded into objects, projects can fail Energos checks and leave users confused as to why the failure occurred. And given the potentially vast number of building envelope objects (walls, windows, doors, slabs, roofs) that must have energy-use data included, there is a high potential for any object to accidentally omit the data. This data can currently only be seen in the OIP/style dialog/settings dialog for any given object, or perhaps by reporting to worksheet - In any case, the data cannot be seen "on" the object. Therefore, being able to see which objects do or don't have thermal coefficient data (and other criteria) embedded would help increase accuracy, design workflow speed, and support our story of Vectorworks as an energy analysis tools for designers.

This is where data visualization could be used to aid in the process of double-checking or "auditing" a BIM...

With data visualization, users could see if any given object in a BIM:
* Had R or U value assigned or not
* Had R or U value calculated or assigned manually via the object's "override" option
* Had the "Energos > Include in calculations" option checked on or not
* Was within a series of user-set R or U value ranges
* Was set to a specific frame and/or glazing status, in the case of windows and doors.
* Was set to a specific shading status, in the case of windows and doors

By showing any of the above using data visualization, users would be able to quickly see if/how a BIM was complying with parameters needed for energy analysis.

The only problem is... {*}The object parameters for the above-listed data are not available "natively" to the data visualization mechanism{*}. (There is a rather involved workaround to use the data manager and record formats to accomplish what is needed, but that process is too demanding to propose it as viable solution to designers. R/U value is a basic object property in real construction scenarios so that data should be readily available in data visualization without workarounds.)

The solution would be to {*}make the R and U values (and other Energos-related criteria) for walls (regular and curtain), doors, windows, slabs, and roofs (both individual objects and object styles) accessible with data visualization{*}.

_Thank you for considering this request._

VE-102297

Plant Style root zone sections - Show Root ball and Planting Excavation settings on single pane

Neil Barman

On the new Root Zones pane of the plant style, there are two "tabs"; one for Root Ball and one for Planting Excavation. Other panes of the plant style have a similar amounts of settings and information but they simply have "sections" on a single pane.

Ideally the two tabs of the Root Zones pane would be merged on one pane for consistency (similar to the Species & Data pane and the Size & Spacing pane) and for better ease of use by the end user.

It does appear that all the settings for those two tabs would fit...

!image-2021-08-25-15-46-53-103.png!

Thanks!

VE-104109

Finder contextual menu commands for VCS-hosted files

Neil Barman

As I use VCS more and more as part of my regular, daily workflow I find that I would like to have some of the convenient VCS app contextual menu commands right in the Finder.

The commands that would be especially great to have right in the Finder would be: Share link and Show in web portal. "View" is optional, because it is most likely that users are already accustomed to double-clicking to open a file or right-clicking and choosing "Open with..." if they are already able to select the Vectorworks file in the Finder. (And it doesn't make sense to have "Show in Finder" available in the Finder itself).

"Share Link" and "Show in web portal" commands in the Finder would trigger the same actions that they currently do when activated from with the VCS app, but one would not have to open the VCS window to reach the commands.

With these commands available for VCS-hosted files, it would be even faster to share VCS-hosted files and go from the Finder (one's "usual" storage environment) to the the VCS portal (which they may be less accustomed to using so far). Ideally users would also then discover the further benefits of file processing that VCS can do.

!image-2023-03-03-15-27-54-578.png|width=874,height=353!

Not only would having these commands available in the Finder be very useful, but they are likely expected by computer users who have become familiar with similar commands provided by other cloud storage solutions such as Dropbox and OneDrive:

!image-2023-03-03-15-14-34-624.png|width=845,height=353!

!image-2023-03-03-15-14-59-725.png|width=932,height=352!

Thank you for considering this.

VE-104161

Wish list provided during firm visit - Low Hammond Rowe Architects

Neil Barman

The wish list below was provided by Low Hammond Rowe Architects during a firm visit with them on March 14, 2023. The full record of the firm visit including meeting recording can be found here in Wrike:

[https://www.wrike.com/open.htm?id=1068128041]

And the firm visit report is here in Salesforce:

[https://vectorworks.lightning.force.com/lightning/r/Firm_Visit__c/a1z6T000004gIgJQAU/view]
# Provide better *dimensioning, inference, and locking to axes* when 3D freeform modeling, similar to SketchUp (Chris).
# Allow for the *selection and moving of edges and vertices* of 3D objects, similar to Sketchup (Chris)
# *Control points for slab drainage* need to be more clear. (Chris)
# Ability to enter a “{*}project height{*}” which would be connected to storeys, elevation benchmarks, etc. This would also be able to accommodate old survey heights on record and should be able to be easily updated to new standards without the risk of damaging the BIM. (Greg, Simon)
# A way to see the different types of stake objects when the project architect does QA on a file (Simon). This may be accomplished using data viz – TBD in follow-up conversation with customer.
# Explanation or *clarification of render settings* directly in the application without having to source the information elsewhere. (Paul)
# More obvious *rendering and PDF presets* to create “lite” or faster results. (Paul, Greg)
# Ability to {*}calculate average grade{*}. Ability to show average grade as a separate entity that was not affected by storeys (Simon, Paul)
# {*}Generative AI for schematic design / massing{*}. (Paul)
# *Checkouts of objects during project sharing* was not so “sensitive” and did not have so many inter-relationships (Ryan)
# More stability when {*}symbols are within symbols{*}, which is being done to achieve “{*}unit symbols{*}”. A purpose-built {*}Unit Plan resource{*}. (Paul)
# A “{*}scene graph{*}” type view for symbols within symbols. i.e Unit plans. (Chris)
# The ability to *compare two sheets/set of sheets/models* and have the differences highlighted, similar to Bluebeam Revu’s “Compare Documents” feature”. (Simon)
# *Redline tool* to have a tag or category that allows for indicating what stage/phase it was added to a design. This is needed because quite often the Authority having Jurisdiction wants to see ALL changes bubbled but consultants only want to see changes since the last issued set. Using classes for this is a way to do this but it results in MANY classes in a file. It was also implied that having the redline and revision cloud objects have a 3D presence or state would be useful for BIM work. (Simon)
# Add a “{*}recent selections{*}” history list to the Custom Selection dialog. (Paul)
# Ability to *check the quality or integrity of a VWX file* for corrupted or unnecessarily complex objects. (Paul, Chris)
# {*}IFC exports{*}: More clarity (in-application) on the best export settings to send to Revit to reduce the “experimentation” time. (Chris)
# Better ability to *evaluate carbon* in a project, especially when it comes to concrete. A user friendly tool. An “Energos” for Carbon would be great. (Simon)
# An equivalent to {*}designPH but for Vectorworks{*}. The ability to export from Vectorworks to PHPP (Chris, Paul)
# The ability to compare different energos project setups or embodied carbon material options *and their costs* to each other within Vectorworks (Simon, Chris)
# *Massing models* objects to have the ability to set individual floor to floor heights for each story. (Chris)
# *Massing models* objects to be able to have windows and doors. (Chris, Paul)

VE-100821

Add "Use Plant Style" to Plant Tool Preferences' spacing options

Neil Barman

I may have found a bit of an inconsistency in how the Plant Tool and its preferences behave...

Currently, a Plant Style can have its spacing set as part of its base definition as seen below:

!image-2020-06-04-16-34-28-553.png!

But the Plant Tool's Preferences don't currently don't provide the options to choose "Use Plant Style". Only "Custom Spacing" and "Distribution by Coverage" are available as options:

!image-2020-06-04-16-47-05-703.png!

_However_... *After* placing a plant, the user *_can_* enter the Advanced Plant Settings and choose "Use Plant Style" (in addition to the other two options available in the tool's preferences):

!image-2020-06-04-16-49-18-928.png!

Unless I'm mistaken, I believe that it would be ideal and most consistent for the Plant tool preferences to include the "Use Plant Style" option for spacing. That way, as a user builds their own plant library and edits the spacing to their liking, they can also rely on the plant tool to insert plants according to the Plant Style's spacing.

VE-100497

Add Hardscape's Aligned Slab superpower to Slab objects

Neil Barman

The new Align Slab ability that Hardscapes have is great. It would be very useful to have this same ability added to Slab objects.

Thank you!

VE-101782

Railing/Fence objects need the ability to add gates

Neil Barman

As I am working more with the railing/fence tools it is becoming quite clear that the object need an option to add a gate or gates between any two posts. Currently there is no way to do this and the workarounds are awkward or quite time consuming.

Gates would need to have panel settings that allow their appearance to match other regular panels or the gate could have unique settings. Gates would also have adjustable height and swing settings. in 3D views they could appear as open and a percentage could be set, lust like regular doors. Custom symbols could be used for gates, also like regular doors.

Thanks!

VE-102029

New site modifier path: The terms Longitudinal Profile and Transverse Profile

Neil Barman

Within the new site modifier path object, the terms Longitudinal Profile and Transverse Profile are _technically_ accurate, but they not particularly "user friendly".

In practice and in dealing with paths and roads, my experience has been that _most_ designers and consultants refer to the Longitudinal Profile as "Center Line" and the Transverse Profile simply as "Profile" or perhaps "Cross Profile". Only the most mathematically- or scientifically-minded professionals use the terms Longitudinal Profile and Transverse Profile.

In an effort to be more user friendly, I would just ask that it be considered to rename the two current terms to "Centerline" and "Profile".

Thank you.

VE-103908

Home Screen: Right-click on recent file to show Reveal in Finder/Explorer and Remove from list commands

Neil Barman

Now that we have the Home Screen showing a grid/list of recent files opened, it would be great to add would be right/ctrl-clicking on an item in the grid or list view to show a contextual menu. In this contextual menu would be these two very useful commands:
* Reveal in Finder/Explorer
* Remove from recents

These are common commands in other applications that have such a recent files view/list and it would be great to add this functionality to our Home Screen.

Adding these two commands will improve the user's experience of working with their files in conjunction with Vectorworks. Often it is necessary to go to _other_ files that are near a Vectorworks file and the Reveal command would facilitate this action. Also, sometimes it is necessary to open a Vectorworks file to briefly check something within it. Currently when a user does this, the file appears in the recent list when it may not need to be accessed again soon – the "Remove" command would help keep the user's recent file list most useful to them.

An added bonus, though less essential than the functions listed above, would be the following:
* Pin to start of grid/list (along with an associated icon that would appear with the file to indicate its pinned status)

Thank you!

VE-103894

Change the name "3D Power Pack" to "NURBS Operations" to increase functional recognition of its sub-commands

Neil Barman

As I write material about our 3D capabilities it has become increasingly clear that the existing menu name "3D Power Pack" unfortunately does not indicate what its sub-items are for. In fact, it is only the last two commands in the "3D Power pack" sub-menu that mention NURBS at all.

!image-2023-01-12-10-28-53-787.png|width=674,height=437!

The result is that these (extremely cool and useful) NURBS capabilities are so hidden that most people don't find them or if they do see them, it takes too much reading of command names to even know they relate to NURBS (And do they all relate to NURBS? Even that isn't clear to the uninitiated.) In training and demos that I have done for people, users and prospects have found the term "3D Power Pack" unhelpful or ambiguous.

In order to increase our credibility in the NURBS modeling arena and to help users find our NURBS commands, I propose that we change the name from "3D Power Pack to "NURBS Operations". Changing the name will bring NURBS greater visibility in all of our default workspaces and in turn more use.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-103883

Smoother camera movement (or a steadicam effect) between keyframes of animation

Neil Barman

I have been making a number of animations for the video team lately. I have been finding that while it is easy to create a path, modify a path, and aim keyframes of that animation path, the resulting video aways seems to have a "robotic jerkiness" to it no matter how I try to keep my path smooth and my key framing aiming consistent and smooth.

I realize that the animation is simply doing what I have instructed it to do, but it would be great if the transitions could be smoother when the keyframe angle, tilt, etc changes. The best way I can think of describing this is to implement the kind of optical stabilization that a steadicam achieves.

One of the customer files I've been using is attached to show what I'm referring to (though this request is not specific to this particular file.) I recommend viewing the animation of path 3. (Note that I've placed each animation's path on its own class to keep things sorted.) I've also attached the video created from animation path 3.

As you will see, when you play animation path 3 via its OIP's Play button, the keyframe aiming is (I'd say) pretty good. It seems fairly smooth. Certainly smoother than the resulting video created from it. I tried several times to make the smoothest keyframe view changes and this was as close as I could get, but the resulting video still looks too "robotic" by cinematic standards.

My hope and enhancement request is to add smoother camera movement or a steadicam-like effect to animations to reduce or eliminate the "robotic" feeling movement of the view.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-103795

Wall tool interactive insertion mode to set length AND thickness of a wall

Neil Barman

Now that doors and windows have their interactive insertion modes in v2023, drawing/model these objects while tracing/snapping over an imported 2D drawing is a piece of cake. As part of workflows where an existing building must be modelled, it would be amazing to have a similar interactive insertion ability for walls...

Requirement:
* To be able to drawing the length AND thickness of a wall by clicking with the mouse only.
* To be able to work with unstyled walls (at very least) and styled walls (ideally, or perhaps after future wall re-engineering.)

How it would work:
# Activate the wall tool
# Activate the interactive insertion mode of the wall tool. (This would by default draw an unstyled wall. As part of wall re-engineering, wall styles may be able to set one component to "expand/contract" to accommodate this interactive insertion mode. This would facilitate the inner- and outer-most components remaining constant thickness while the "flexible" component within the wall could accommodate the differences in thickness.)
# The first click on the design layer starts drawing the wall's length (as it does now.)
# The second click on the design layer end's drawing the wall's length (as it does now.)
# The third click establishes the wall's thickness, from outside face to inside face. (If you {*}double{*}-click at this stage to set the wall's thickness, the wall drawing action is complete. On the other hand, if you {*}single-{*}click at this stage then the wall's thickness is set AND the cursor relocates its position to the click point from step 4 – in order to draw the next segment of the wall using the three-click method{*}.{*})
# (Optional bonus... Perhaps an additional click would allow you to set the height of the wall! That may be getting a bit carried away ;) )

For a frame a reference, this interactive insertion mode for walls would behave similar to the current "three points rotated" modes of the rectangle tool and stair tool.

VE-103479

Ability to rename any kind of Story levels and have that change pushed to objects already using the level's name

Neil Barman

Now that the new Elevation Benchmark object allows the EB to generate the name of its level from story information, it would be great to be able to rename an existing *layerless* story level.

The user who has requested this was using our default story level naming and therefore has some levels with the term "layerless" in the name. Previously these names would not be seen beyond the Story dialog but now those names are appearing on the user's drawings.

edit: I have updated the VE title to encompass the original request and Sarah's amended request in the first comment.

VE-99930

Multiple View Pane preset and saveable configurations

Neil Barman

A great enhancement to Multiple View Panes would be to provide a few more options when engaging the feature:

- A dropdown menu in the View Bar to access some MVP "presets" configurations (i.e. 1x1 Vertical split, 1x1 Horizontal split, 1 vertical pane on left + two regular panes on right, 1 vertical pane on right + two regular panes on left, etc). These preset configurations could be represented by small graphical icons (similar to the current MVP button icon) to clearly indicate the configuration that the user will get when engaging each choice.

- The ability to save and user-creatable configuration as a preset (which would be choose-able in the dropdown menu based on a user-settable name, unless a small graphical representation could be generated from the configuration in order to represent it in the dropdown menu.)

- The option to save any configuration as the default MVP state whenever the M key is pressed.

(Ideally, these options would be saved per-user as application-wide prefs and not just with each document.)

I have been asked by a number of people who now use MVP if pane arrangements can be saved for use later in a file or in new files, so I get a strong impression that it would be a welcome enhancement. People have found that they particularly like some pane arrangements vs others for various tasks, so this would allow users to configure their working area more to their liking and more quickly work in Multiple View panes each time they engage it. (Personally, I would love this ability too.)

Thanks!

VE-103270

Saved View options to include multiple view pane state and individual pane views

Neil Barman

Working more and more with Multiple View Panes, it's easy to fall I love with the feature. It really transforms how one works and interacts with their drawing/model. It's very useful to go from a single view of, say, a plan, to a multiple view showing the plan, a front elevation and custom or preset 3D view.

However, to actually make this UI and view change complete, currently one must activate one saved view, then turn on MVP, then click activate each individual pane and activate a saved view for each of those panes. This requires many clicks and looking across the UI to complete, unfortunately taking the designer out of their design flow.

For your consideration...

It would be great if Saved Views could remember the multiple view panes state (enabled/disables) as well as (for the enabled state) how many panes are open and what each one's respective saved view options are. This way, if a saved view was created with MVP on and each pane set to the desired view, the designer could simply activate that saved view to quickly keep working in their design while seeing the already-decided views they need of the design.

There are obvious benefits for using Saved Views for presentation purposes as well.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-103255

Associated dimensions for 3D freeform modelled objects

Neil Barman

Currently we cannot associate dimensions with 3D freeform modelled objects, either on a design layer or in a viewport's annotation space.

The more we encourage customers and prospects to use Vectorworks for their freeform modelling however, and the more people come from using SketchUp, the more we get the request to be able to associate dimensions to such objects. SketchUp does associate dims to its massed "objects" so it is quite noticeable when Vectorworks can't.

Even without the comparison to SketchUp, it is a reasonable expectation for our customers to have that dims that are placed at a point of a 3D form would remain attached to that 3D form as that form is modified.

Attached is simple movie of associated dims in SketchUp, just to show what SU users are used to. Being able to do the same within Vectorworks would be great.

Ideally of course the associated dims would not only be possible on the design layer but also within the viewport annotation space. I do realize that our dimension lines and values would remain on their working plane when added on a design layer. This would likely be the same desire when they are added in the viewport annotation space, though I suspect it may be a bigger challenge to accomplish this (since there really isn't a working plane there.) Perhaps a solution is that:
* Dims added on the Design Layer would be on the working plane
* Dims added in the VP annotation space would be on the Flt to the screen (screen plane) and still associated with the 3D object.

Thank you for considering this. I would be happy to help test this when the time comes.

VE-103112

Wish list provided during firm visit - Checkwitch Poiron Architects

Neil Barman

The wish list below was provided by Checkwith Poiron Architects during a firm visit with them on May 25, 2022. The full record of the firm visit including meeting recording can be found here in Salesforce:

[https://vectorworks.my.salesforce.com/a1z2M000007Fbci]

+Wish list:+

(the wish list is discussed during the meeting from 1:04:00 onward)
* An ability to create repeatable *Unit plans* please.
* In the publish dialog dog, *view the sheets by the sheet stacking order* as seen in the organization dialog.
* *Consistency* in the software, they UI and between different tools - i.e. there are wall style settings but no roof style settings?
* Make data more accessible, easier to use, more consistent throughout the application.
* All tools that can show dims should be able to have *units independent from the file’s unit settings*. This would allow users who need to work from one unit system to another to be able to show the needed dim units more easily and without workaround.
* A single *stake object that can have an existing and proposed state.*
* Direction from Vectorworks on the *best* *way* to do a particular workflow. David recognizes that Vectorworks is flexible and versatile and _can_ get to an end result in many ways, but he wishes that we would state the best practice method for any given workflow.
* The ability to *share/export a VWX file including only certain layers*, like one can do when exporting DWGs.
* *Snapping and measuring in 3D* as easily and intuitively as SketchUp does it.
* When *printing, a setting to make all lines be black and all else remain colour*, or grayscale, etc. Colour fill and black lines… easily. (CPA is aware of viewport class and layer overrides but this method is onerous.)
* A “*drawing set preview*” feature that would show thumbnails of all (or selected) sheet together in a grid.
* The ability to *add information to VWX symbols from an external database* (see pain point above for meeting video time where this is discussed.)
* Options to easily & quickly *change colours of particular parts of objects or symbols* (i.e exterior panels or the fabric colour of a sofa) in a design to test colour options. Currently they find they must do this using different symbols for the external panels, one symbol per colour option. A system of “symbol styles” may be the kind of thing that would facilitate this.
* *Sloped slabs* that allow for a trough and more than 2 drains in a row. Such slabs would allow for drainage off one edge of the slab. (Currently roof faces are being used to simulate this.)
* *Spell checking* “on the fly”
* *Gimbal or “3D Dragger” control* (as seen in subD modelling) for ALL 3D objects.
* Smoother/faster symbols selection
* *Site and roadway improvements* (These may be address to an extent with the improvements coming in v2023)
* Some Landmark features in Architect (This may be substantially addressed with a v2023 task.)
* Roof and slab *fascias*
* *Gutter and downspouts*
* *Real time rendering* right in Vectorworks
* Import/Export viewport settings between files (i.e *Viewport Styles*)
* Designating / showing structure / making room for *structure within walls*
* Films and thin membranes in wall styles (A workaround to show them in wall schedules is currently being but this will not work for energy analysis with Energos.)
* Lockable record format fields to stop the changing of data
* *Data visualization persistence in section viewports* (i.e fire ratings) without having to update every time something changes
* *Auto-update setting for specific viewports* (They would usually use this for Section viewports)
* Cabinet improvements
* Finishes and worksheet integration and an easier to change finish “keys” for multiple spaces.
* A *world-based size setting for text* so scaling of viewports that contain text in the design layer (I.e for the detailing previously described) is no longer an issue.
* *Deprecate old things*. Give fair warning, for example 2 versions, then remove the old stuff (i.e. patterns). Continuing to add new things without removing enough old things is making Vectorworks look more complicated than it truly is. This is a barrier to learning and becoming successful with Vectorworks.

* Better (smaller) PDF sizes when exporting PDFs
* (Roof) Slabs drainage that allows for more than 2 drains in a row, as is commonly built in real life.
* Ability to easily connect data in external databases to symbols in Vectorworks, to allow for product specifications to flow from one to the other (without having to use a solution as involved as NBS Chorus).

VE-103076

Select Similar tool: Add preference to select objects using the same plug-in style

Neil Barman

Currently the Select Similar (magic wand) tool does not have a preference to select styled objects that use the same plug-in style. To accomplish this, it must be done using the Custom Selection command and the correct criteria, but this process requires several steps and takes the designer out of their workflow when iterating a design.

It would be great if the Select Similar tool could have a preference added to its tool prefs to enable selecting by the same plug-in style.

Thanks!

!image-2022-06-01-11-13-11-956.png!

VE-102983

Add the ability to select a default database to the general notes tool

Neil Barman

Currently the *callout* tool has an option to specify which database to pull notes from by default, but there doesn't seem to be a way to specify the default database (that is located in a custom user folder location) for the *general notes* tool. (There is a way to select the database in the notes manager once a general notes object has been created, but doing so is not as smooth as and inconsistent with the method used for the callout tool.)

At the request of a number of users who have recently discovered the general notes tool (and are loving it) it would be great to add the ability to specify one's default database.

Thanks!

!image-2022-05-12-11-07-49-566.png!!image-2022-05-12-11-08-16-105.png!

!image-2022-05-12-11-08-25-318.png!

VE-102933

List wall style components from exterior to interior in a worksheet, the same as how they are shown in the wall style dialog

Neil Barman

In the attached file that uses mostly stock wall style and worksheet resources (plus one custom made wall style just for testing), the "Wall Schedule with Components" worksheet is not listing the components in the correct order.

In the upper worksheet where no no sorting is done, the wall components are listed from interior to exterior. This is the opposite of the industry standard exterior to interior and the opposite of what is shown in the wall style's dialog.

In the lower worksheet, the wall make column was used to sort the walls by wall mark (ascending) and the resulting components order is again incorrect. It too should be listed as exterior to interior.

If there is another user-friendly way to list the component in order from exterior to interior please do let me know as I am unaware of it.

Thanks!

VE-102660

Stair tool: Option to turn off handrail and/or guardrail at landings

Neil Barman

Currently there does not seem to be a setting that is part of the stair tool to turn off handrails and/or guardrails at stair landings. In reality though, projects will often be built with handrails/guardrails stopping just for the landing portion of what would be a single stair object in Vectorworks.

This means that, at present, users wanting to model such stair designs either need to create an stair+railing combination that is close enough and then ungroup it to modify the railing, or they need to use the stair and railing/fence tool to model each separately. While I have been advising users to do the latter, the feedback is this seems like an unnecessarily complicated way to solve something that could simply be solved by adding a setting to the Stair tool (which, in users' opinions, seems more than capable enough to handle adding this one option.)

It would be great if, for the Stair's railing setting, both the handrail and guardrail could have the option to not be shown at landings. In conjunction with this, there would also be settings to extend the lower railing N distance past the top of the lower set of steps and start the upper railing N distance before the upper set of steps, as this is often required by local building codes.

Thank you!

VE-101525

Please make tolerances available for dual unit dim standards

Neil Barman

As seen in the attached sample file, the options to show tolerances is unavailable for dim standards where dual unit dims are used. This is true both in cases where both the primary and secondary units are displayed AND in cases where only one or the other are displayed.

From a client I was training today, the ability to show tolerance in *both* of the above cases is needed as part of their highly precise, machine design oriented work. At very least, the ability to show tolerances should be available when the user chooses to show _either_ the primary or secondary units of a dual unit standard, as is possible when a single unit dim standard is used.

Thank you.

VE-101952

Snapping button set in utility bar: Allow user to relocate set to left or middle

Neil Barman

Based on the way I have seen most users dock their palettes, the existing snapping palette is often on the left side at or near the bottom. Typically this has related to their drawing/modelling schema... Objects and general controls on the left side of the screen, Object info and navigation on the right side. Our current default workspaces also start with this arrangement.

Given this, would it be possible to add an option to allow users to have the new snap buttons appear at the left side of the new utility bar?

Only permitting the snap buttons to be in one location seems like it may be needlessly tempting complaints from users. While I have sen quite a wide variety of customized workspaces, I have never seen our existing snapping palette placed in the lower right. Either locating the snapping button set at the left side by default, or at least providing the choice of side or middle, would be more in line with the rest of our ideology of enabling users to arrange their workspace as they would like.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-102351

Attribute Mapping of a textured face, right on that face

Neil Barman

Since per-face texturing is new, I may be missing something in how the Attribute Mapping tool works with individually textured faces, but...

It would be great if the Attribute Mapping tool allowed the user to more intuitively map a face's texture _right on_ the textured face. Currently when the AM tool is activated for a face, the interface is fairly unpredictable and seems to provide an "offset" or "remote" AM "resizing box" with which to work. This is confusing to deal with.

I've recorded my attempts with the AM tool along with some commentary and questions. (I'm using 2022 Release candidate 2, build 614272)

If I am missing the way to get the AM tool to work more intuitively on an individually textured face, please just let me know. Thanks!

VE-102044

Direct link to Excel: Use case for Habit Studio

Neil Barman

With regards to the Direct Link to Excel enhancement that is on our roadmap, the firm Habit Studio in Halifax has provided me with information about their need for such a feature. See below. (Currently they are hoping to achieve the workflow using ODBC, but would MUCH prefer to not have that amount of overhead to make such data management possible)

_Hi Neil,_

_I’ve attached a PDF of a recent project where we had done interior elevations and finish plans. In the drawings I’ve referenced finish material specs on a worksheet. This worksheets were imported directly from Excel (Excel example also attached), which is what our interior decorator uses to source materials, and also to help the client keep track of budget and what to order. As our clients, decorator, and builder do not have vectorworks, we rely on Excel spreadsheets for material tracking, which I then update on the drawings. This involves me having the excel and the drawing file open, and simultaneously updating both._

_Here are a few things I’m hoping to achieve using OBDC workflow:_
* _Automated excel spreadsheets and VW worksheets_
* _To attach record formats to objects and hatches for data fields that will populate the worksheets_
* _For example, hatches are used to indicate tile and flooring styles in the finish plans. Each hatch would have data fields that include, style, colour, manufacturer, qty amts, etc._
* _Ideally we would be able to attach the record format to a hatch style, or at the least, to be able to attach to rectangles and polygons that have a hatch_

* _The use of a data tag, or material image to reference the materials styles from the drawing to the worksheet._
* _In the drawing example, I used and detail marker with a number, but it is not automated._

_I hope that is clear. If I can get this feature functioning for us, I’m sure I would a lot more uses for it._

VE-102258

Ability to grab selected vertices of a 3D object and drag them to resize part of the object

Neil Barman

Similar to how users can grab certain vertices of a 2D polygon and reshape the object by dragging ONLY those vertices in a direction with precision, I have an advanced 3D modeller who wishes Vectorworks allowed the same modification method with 3D objects.

Reshaping by dragging a marquee around certain vertices of a 2D polygon:

!image-2021-08-13-14-40-24-461.png!

The desire is to be able to edit objects such as solid additions/subtractions and do the same:

!image-2021-08-13-14-41-23-748.png!

Currently, the only ways that the user has found to get the desired results are cumbersome and time consuming. Either he:

1) uses the split tool to "chop up" the object he would like to adjust, moves certain parts of it, then creates new solids and add them to the modified original

or

2) digs down into the history of the object until he finally reaches the added/subtracted solids and then move them the distance he needs. THEN he must also dig down further to the original object, modify that so it is the right size to receive the subsequent modifications, and then emerge from the object's history.

Neither of these methods is very graceful. It sounds like, effectively, he would like to be able to do "direct modelling".

And just to get a sense of the nature of this request, this user is not seeking a "shortcut" because he doesn't want to put in the work. He will do what is needed to get his model made (see image below), he would simply like to be able to adjust a single 3D modelled object like he can with a 2D polygon.

!image-2021-08-13-14-49-37-496.png!

Thank you for considering this request.

VE-102225

Allow multiple notes to be added to General Notes object in one pass

Neil Barman

Currently when a user has a notes database wants to add multiple notes to their General Notes objects, they must add each note one at a time. This is proving to take a *significant* amount of time and far more clicks than is desired.

Instead, it would be ideal if the user could select multiple notes (perhaps by shift-clicking) from a notes database section and add them to the general notes object in one pass.

VE-102231

Re-work attribute palette's dropdown menus to be the new fly-out style to improve UI and UX consistency

Neil Barman

In the new v2022 attributes palette there are a number of new "fly-out" style windows that appear *to the right* when clicking on the three vertical dots for certain aspects of an object (i.e. hatch, opacity, drop shadow settings.) These new fly-out windows are not only a refreshing update to the UI but they also do not partially vanish off-screen when the attributes palette is located near the lower edge of the user's screen (which is a common place to put it.)

In contrast, other attribute aspects are still accesses via the older style drop*down* menu. (i.e fill type, pen type, line thickness, markers). These menus not only obscure the attributes palette itself but more importantly partially vanish off-screen when the attributes palette is near the lower edge of the screen.

In order to improve UI and UX consistency it would be preferable to have the older dropdown menus reworked to be the new fly-out windows.

Thank you!

VE-101641

NBS Chorus integration: VW Compound Materials cannot connect to NBS spec sections

Neil Barman

Currently when using the NBS Chorus integration, our "Compound Materials" cannot be connected with NBS Chorus spec sections. The compound material is "read" by NBS as a _single_ material and as such, only *one* NBS spec section can be associated with a compound material.

The result of this is that any of our wall components that use a Compound Material, such as framing + insulation, cannot be properly connected to NBS info. Unfortunately this affects *most* walls constructed in Canada. As such, the NBS Chorus integration cannot be properly demo'd to a design firm wanting to use the NBS Chorus.

If our team needs assistance with making this correction, I have David Watson of NBS Canada available to assist. Please let me know if this is needed.

If it helps to know for reference, in Revit (I am told by the NBS Canada team), walls with multiple materials in one plane are still reported out to NBS as individual materials and are therefore able to be properly connected to NBS.

We are very much hoping that this can be corrected/improved as soon as possible because presently neither the NBS Canada team nor Vectorworks Canada can fully speak to the integration feature.

VE-101981

Consistency of smart marker dialog windows

Neil Barman

Upon reviewing the dialog windows for current smart markers (drawing label, reference marker, section-elevation line, detail marker, interior elevation marker) and teaching them to trainees, there are some inconsistencies that would be great to get adjusted. They can be seen in the attached Vectorworks file but I will summarize below too:
* The grouping of object type, style name, plug-in style/instance settings, and edit drawing label layout at the top of the drawing label dialog is good and should be the same for all smart markers.
* In some cases, "edit marker 'layout" should be moved up to appear after "plug-in style/instance settings".
* Drawing title, drawing number, and sheet number are a sensible, consistent grouping (expect for the interior elevation marker where it makes sense to list the sheet number after the 4 available drawing numbers.)
* Marker scale factor makes sense to have towards the bottom and three of the five smart markers dialogs already have this setting at the bottom

These adjustments will help improve tool consistency and adoption by users.

Thank you!

VE-101973

Preserve/enable alpha channel for pasted PNGs

Neil Barman

When _pasting_ into Vectorworks a PNG that contains an alpha channel, the alpha channel is not being enabled/recognized. Therefore PNGs with transparency lose that transparency. It would be preferred to have the alpha channel preserved/enabled when _pasting_ a PNG into Vectorworks.

In contrast, dragging & dropping or importing a PNG provides the option to "import alpha channel" and does preserve transparency of a PNG.

This will help expedite workflows where individual images are prepared in external apps and then the page layout is done within Vectorworks. Currently user would need to export a PNG from the external app and then drag & drop or import the PNG into Vectorworks. This may be fine for a small number of images, but as the number of images increases, this becomes quite a chore.

I've attached a video showing a captured PNG that contains an alpha channel and what happens when pasting it into Vectorworks and another graphics application (Affinity Photo). It shows that the copy & pasted PNG contains the alpha channel but we don't seem to be enabling it when pasted into Vectorworks.

VE-101843

Make Unique command to create unique duplicate of an existing symbol right on the layer

Neil Barman

Requested by a number of our users who are also SketchUp users...

A command to make a unique duplicate of an existing symbol, that can be used while working on a design layer or sheet layer. That is, the user would not have to open the Resource Manager and duplicate a symbol as this takes them out of of their design flow.

The way it would work is like this:

1) Select an existing symbol that has been used on a design layer or sheet layer.

2) Right-click on the symbol and choose "Make unique symbol"

3) A pop-up would appear prompting the user to adjust the name of the new symbol. "-2" would be appended as a suffix by default.

4) After clicking <ok> for the pop-up above, the duplicated symbol would be the one in place on the layer.

Thanks!

VE-101832

Preview ability for the Advanced Properties > Attributes pane of Section viewports and Interior Elevation Viewports

Neil Barman

Requested by a user during the Vectorworks Open House:

Adding a Preview ability (and the associated "preview" button) to the attributes pane of the Advanced Properties dialog for Section Viewports and Interior Elevation Viewports. This ability would function in a similar way as class and layer overrides currently work for Viewports: Adjust settings, use Preview button to confirm that the desired look is achieved which keeping the Adv Prop dialog open, confirm settings and close the Adv Prop dialog using the Ok button.

!image-2021-04-22-12-11-16-044.png!

This would help greatly with adjusting those attributes and seeing the results without having to "ok" the Adv Prop dialog and then having to *re-open* the Adv Prop dialog to make changes.

Thank you!

VE-101822

Space object: Display of room dimensions in the order the user chooses, not longest x narrowest

Neil Barman

As seen in these screenshots and reproducible in a new blank file, the space object's label currently displays the calculated room dimensions as Length x Width. However, the "length" is actually just always the longest dimension.

!image-2021-04-20-16-23-42-501.png!

!image-2021-04-20-16-23-28-396.png!

Therefore, if you have two spaces that have dimensions such as in the screenshot below, users (and their clients) are having to switch their 'reading' of the space label back and forth.

!image-2021-04-20-16-33-59-933.png!

The standard here, in contrast, is to _always_ have room dimensions displayed either as "width x length" or "length x width" _regardless_ of which dimension is longer. This would result in the Deck above being shown as it currently is and "Reception's" dims being displayed as 7'8" x 17' 9"

Ideally, an option would be added to the space object so that the dims could be calculated and displayed in the order the user wishes, both for the built-in space labels and for data tags.

Thank you!

VE-101718

Access to entire 3D modelled object history via one command

Neil Barman

I am training a machine designer at the moment and he has modelled a number of objects though multiple steps of fillet, solid addition, fillet, chamfer, solid subtraction, etc all the way down to an extrude and inside of that the initial polyline he started with.

When needing to edit the initial polyline he started with, it takes *many* double-clicks to dive deep down into the object's history to reach the polyline.

It would be great if we had a way to expose and access (perhaps via a contextual menu command) all levels of history for a 3D modelled object so that the user could reach it easily, just as easily as it currently is to travel all the way back up through the history to the top-level object. This would greatly speed up 3D modelling work for those who have objects will deep histories.

Thanks!

VE-101700

Cloud Services - Provide option to limit access to read-only for shared files of resources

Neil Barman

Now that users can sync & edit Vectorworks files that are hosted at Vectorworks Cloud Services, I would like to suggest that we provide an option for the original host of the Vectorworks file to limit access to read-only.

Use case: One person manages the template and resource favourites file for a small firm. They create a shared folder of resources and host it at VCS. They point their own workgroup folder prefs at that folder and do the same for all other users in the firm. That primary user wants all other users to simply be able to _open_ the template for new projects and _pull_ resources from the favourites file but *not* to be able to overwrite the template or add to the favourites file (because they know their co-workers will ignore the warnings we have in place.)

Providing an option for the original host of the files to limit access to read-only would ensure that the sacred template and favourites file could not be disturbed. With us controlling Vectorworks and the location where these files are shared, providing read-only access like this would be a tangible benefit for users to host files at VCS. It would also be a differentiating feature for using VCS to share files vs other cloud syncing services (which don't easily, if at all, provide read-only access) or an office-based server (that is often finicky to set for read-only access for specific files).

Thank you for considering this.

VE-101712

Enable option to turn off snapping to surface hatch lines in hidden line SLVPs

Neil Barman

Currently in sheet layer viewports set to hidden line, where a Renderworks texture has a surface hatch, it is possible to snap to the individual lines of the hatch. For some this is handy, but for others it creates far too many snap points. In contrast, on the design layer viewed in Hidden Line the surface hatch lines are not swappable.

As requested by a very skilled up & coming user, and seconded by me, it would be great if a sheet layer viewports set to Hidden Line had an option to disable snapping to surface hatch lines.

I've attached a sample file in case you need something quick to test with.

Thank you!

VE-101663

Enable Data visualization to read from wall, roof, slab style's data pane

Neil Barman

Currently it seems that Data Visualization cannot read the data that a user will enter on the "Data" pan of a wall style (or a roof style or slab style)

It would be great, and quite expected by users, if all of the data (except for the "Description" field) could be read by data visualization. Data visualization itself is fairly easy, and the wall (and roof and slab) style data pane has data that users already enter and would want to visualize, so we really should have a direct connection between the two.

Thanks!

!image-2021-03-08-07-20-34-287.png!

VE-101690

Consolidate Partner Product menu locations within Vectorworks.

Neil Barman

With our evolution to integrate with partner products, consolidating the menu locations for partner product would help with customers' perception of our software quality and development consistency.

For example, currently we have the AutoTurn Online integration under the AEC menu. After adding Solibri Direct, it appears under the Tools menu. When adding NBS Chorus, it is a script palette. This assortment of locations is confusing to customers and, at face value, makes it looks like we are not considering the placement of these menu items.

In practice, all of these products are Tools and they are part os AEC workflows, so we should decide the one location where they belong and we should put them there. If there is a technical limitation to fully moving the NBS Chorus palette to a different menu location, then we should at least create a menu "alias" that links to the script palette so that we can host NBS Chorus next to AutoTurn and Solibri Direct.

Thank you!

VE-101664

Provide "first side, second side" options for 3D Chamfer tool, similar to those available in 2D

Neil Barman

Currently our 2D Chamfer tool has options to set the first line length and the second line length:

!image-2021-03-08-10-07-45-366.png!

but our 3D chamfer tool only has an setback amount:

!image-2021-03-08-10-08-40-428.png!

It has been requested by some clients that we add "first side, second set" options for the 3D chamfer tool, as well as a way to determine the first and second side via clicks. This would be a great addition to our freeform modelling tools and would (based on user feedback) bring us on par with other applications that have this ability.

Thanks!

VE-101552

Railing/fence frame configuration results in coincident faces - Please providing additional size settings

Neil Barman

Currently setting some of the Railing/Fence tool's settings in a particular way will result in coincident faces (and the associated visual "blurring" at the intersections of the faces). At present this is unfortunately limiting how the user can visualize there fence design.) See the example below:

!image-2021-01-31-13-00-04-862.png!

In this case, the Frame/Panel settings have a 4" high frame. (See attached example Vectorworks file.)

This may be bug-like, but this enhancement request could help solve it and allow for more design options...

To remedy this *_and_* to allow for more flexibility for the frame design, it would be ideal to provide the user with separate frame bar width & height settings for the top, bottom, and left/right. That way, the Top frame bar could have a width of 2.1", for example, and the coincident faces would not be seen.

In conjunction with this, it would be best to correct how the top, bottom and left/right frame bars "interacted" with each other so that when sizes changed, no overlapping faces are created. (If it helps for reference the relationship of the Top Rail vs Post already works this way – As the height of the top rail changes, the top face of the post increases/decreases accordingly.)

Thank you!

VE-101550

Railing/Fence "symbols" to conform to "object style" concept and behaviours

Neil Barman

Having now had a chance to work with the railing/fence tool a bit more, I am liking it more and more but it has become clear that its "symbols" behave a bit too differently from other similar tools. That is to say, while the railing/fence tool does work and can have saved parameters in symbols, the tool and its symbols break from the "object style" PIO paradigm enough that it is causing users (and to be honest, me a bit too) some confusion. The confusion is occurring because so many of our tools now use objects styles but the R/F tool does not. It would be great to have the R/F tool conform to the other standards object style-capable tools.

Some examples of the inconsistencies I have noted so far that would be best folded into the established object style methodology:

- After editing the settings for the R/F tool, the user is able to "save symbol". This creates a red Symbol/PIO in the Resource Manager, however this differs from other similar tools (wall, door, window, etc) that allow the user to save a "style".

!image-2021-01-30-18-09-45-174.png!

- The R/F tool's red symbol/PIO that appears in the Resource Manager cannot have its configuration edited by right-clicking on it and choosing "Edit". Instead, (unless I am mistaken) the user must load the "symbol selection" in the R/F tool's mode bar, then that symbol's configuration can be edited. It appears that the user is unable to then save over the existing symbol (for example if the R/F symbol simply needed a minor adjustment) and must instead save a new symbol with a slightly different name. (If I am missing how to simply edit an existing R/F symbol, please let me know.) In contrast, to edit a wall style, a door style, etc, a user may simply right-click on the red symbol/PIO in the RM for that object style and choose edit. Changes would be saved right back into that exact red symbol/PIO.

As I work with the R/F tool I will add more examples of how the object style methodology could be incorporated.

Thank you for considering these enhancements. Having the R/F tool behave like of object style-capable tools would help build adoption of it and show that we are maintaining a consistency within the application.

VE-101528

Worksheet option to automatically fit column width to its text content

Neil Barman

Currently when text is entered into a worksheet cell and that text is longer than the existing width of the column, the text will either extend into the neighbouring cell to the right or be truncated by the width of the column. In order to resize the column to accommodate the text on one line in a cell, the user must either click&drag the column wider or go to Format > Column width command and adjust it. (Using "wrap text" would allow the long text to fit within the existing column, but it increases the row height which is not desirable in some cases.)

To make this process much smoother and to maintain the established row height, it would be great to have an option available to automatically (or at least very easily) resize the column width to fit the entered text. There are two possible ways to implement that I am thinking of at the moment but this is open for UX consideration. The second may be best, but I'll describe both:
# When the user ctrl-clicks a column header, the menu would have an option to "match column width to content". This option could be checked on/off. As cell contents increases or decrease, the column width would increased or decreased respectively.
# When the user ctrl-clicks a column header, the menu would have a command to "fit column width to content". When that command is selected, that column will resize to fit to the widest content in any of that columns cells. If the user changes the content, the command would need to invoked again manually. If this way of invoking the command is best, then it should also be activated by double-clicking on the divider between the header cells, which is possible with MS Excel, Apple Numbers, Google Sheets, etc.

Thank you for considering this enhancement. I believe it would increase user satisfaction with using worksheets.

VE-101527

Worksheet anchor point

Neil Barman

Currently when an existing worksheet has rows or columns added, the worksheet resizes down and to the right respectively. This means that when rows are added or removed, as they often are when scheduled items are added or removed, the user must reposition the worksheet manually if they wanted it to be "anchored" to any location other than the upper left corner.

As requested by a user, it would ideal to have an "anchor point" for worksheets so that the point from which they expanded could be set by the user. (The default anchor point could remain as the upper left to match existing behaviour.) That way, if a worksheet was located at the bottom of a sheet (as seen in the attached screenshot mock-up) the worksheet could expand up when rows are added/expanded (or to the left if column were added/expanded.

In the attached mock-up screenshot I have added anchor point options to the worksheet's OIP. The user would set the anchor point in the OIP after placing it on a design layer or sheet layer.

VE-101384

Multi-fold doors

Neil Barman

Our existing door tools needs a configuration that allows for multi-fold doors that "accordion" to one side. This is a real world condition found in schools, offices, community centres, event spaces, etc. Being able to support this would help further our BIM story. (While I have had many requests for this over time, right now I am getting this request from a 10 seat firm who we have convinced to not switch to Revit and to move to BIM in Vectorworks instead.)

For example, currently our door can do this:

!image-2020-12-04-12-46-00-975.png!

but customers are actually *designing,* presenting, and *having built* this (in red):

!image-2020-12-04-12-54-58-557.png!

or this:

!image-2020-12-04-12-57-29-516.png!

Thank you for considering this rather important enhancement to doors.

VE-101339

The ability to lock docked palettes (or at least make them much more difficult to undock)

Neil Barman

One common user error that I face with trainees all the time is that between training sessions they accidentally drag palettes out of their docked position on the Application Window. They do this by mis-clicking on the palettes title bar and dragging _just enough_ to pull it out of place. Usually they don't realize they have done this, especially if they are a new users or a user who may not click as carefully as they should. And even though they may have used the "Save Palette Positions" command after they had initially docked their palettes where they wanted them, the SPP command doesn't help restore palettes to those saved positions after the user has accidentally dragged them out of place. (Switching to a different workspace and back to the workspace with the SPP doesn't work either.)

In order to help remove this user created situation (where they perceive that Vectorworks has actually ejected the palette all on its own) it would be great if there was a way to "lock" a palette in its docked position. Alternatively, if locking is too difficult to enable (or if the OS doesn't permit it) perhaps making docked palettes quite a bit harder to undock (that is, requiring the user to drag the palette much further out of its docked position) would work.

I believe that adding this ability would help both new users and experienced users feel that the Vectorworks interface is "obeying" them that extra bit more.

Thank you for considering this.

VE-101267

Remove default keyboard shortcuts for the snap options

Neil Barman

When I am training both new and experienced users, one of the "gotchas" that I run into with almost _every_ trainee is that their snapping options are not as they expect them to be from one session to the next. This, of course, results in Vectorworks "acting weird" for them during the course of their work days. We don't want Vectorworks to be perceived as "active weird" and anything we can do to prevent this will help, especially when the adjustments are easy to accomplish.

With a bit of observation and discussion, I find that the "weird behaviour" experienced by users is actually too much/little snapping that is occurring because the user is occasionally or regularly hitting the keyboard shortcuts for one of more of the snap options, thereby turning off/on snaps inadvertently.

Once I show them where & how to delete the keyboard shortcuts for snaps, the feedback is *overwhelming* relief (both immediately and going forward) that "Vectorworks now keeps the snapping behaviour that I want it to".

To help solve this issue (which I would imagine happens far more than we hear about), I propose that we remove the default keys set for our shipping workspaces. Not only will this remove the opportunity for all users to accidentally change their desired snaps, but it will free up 7 more keys for other tools that could benefit from them.

Since we have the ability to temporarily disable all snaps using the ~ key, there is much less need, by default and for more users, to toggle individual snaps off/on while working. Users unanimously *LOVE* using the ~ key to disable snaps temporarily. (It's a bonus that the ~ key typically doesn't get hit accidentally because it's out of the way and it's only active when the key is held down.)

Thank you for considering this enhancement.

VE-101306

Layout/Graphics updates for Railing/Fence object's Attributes dialogs

Neil Barman

[~fdefelix2] Just a few layout/graphics updates to polish the Railing/Fence object's 2D and 3D attributes dialog boxes. See attached image.

Thanks!

VE-101302

Please add "Use Material" option to 2D parts of a Railing/Fence

Neil Barman

(Unless I am not thinking of a good reason to not do so) Please consider adding the "use Material" to the Attributes dialog of the 2D parts of a Railing/Fence. Currently only the 3D parts have the "Use Material" option available to them. This way, Materials (which have 2D attributes) can be used in the same manner that they are for the 3D parts.

!image-2020-11-05-12-19-48-280.png!

Thank you!

VE-101137

When in Multiple View Pane mode, keep source pane's view when creating a viewport

Neil Barman

Currently, when a user is using Multiple View Panes and they create a sheet layer viewport from one of the panes, that source pane switches its view to the targeted sheet layer. This means that the user would have to re-set the source pane's view manually (or perhaps using a saved view, IF they had created one for that view, though this may be superfluous.) Unfortunately the "back view" button does return the user to the DL view prior to creating the viewport.

See attached movie to view the current process.

Instead, it would be great if (when MVP is on and the target sheet is active in of the other panes – or even if ANY sheet is in one of the panes perhaps), the source pane for the viewport _did not_ switch to a view of the targeted sheet layer. This would mean that the user could create a sheet layer viewport and keep their original, "working" view in the source pane. Alternatively, the user could be provided with an option in the Create Viewport dialog to specify which pane of the MVP the target sheet layer should appear.

See mock-up below of how the alternative option could be presented to the user.

!image-2020-09-11-10-39-16-573.png!

Thank you!

VE-101103

Show the file size of an imported PDF in the OIP

Neil Barman

Once a PDF has been imported into a Vectorworks file, its size cannot be easily shown or determined. In order to help users create healthier files, and diagnose when files get very large, it would be great if a PDF's size could be shown in the OIP, similar to how an import image can show its file size.

!image-2020-08-26-14-16-24-328.png!

This would also help tremendously when our support team and trainers are diagnosing files that users are having trouble with, where many PDFs have been imported.

Thanks!

VE-100523

Wall tool - Provide control points in the OIP for resizing unstyled walls

Neil Barman

Currently when resizing an unstyled wall, the thickness changes based on the center line of the wall. This means that when changing the thickness of an unstyled wall during early design stages, the user must often also spend time repositioning a wall very slightly once it has had its thickness changed. This is because, even at an early design stage, walls have often been drawn based on an actual site setback or by an room’s minimum inner dimension. Therefore, it is most common to need to change the thickness of a wall with the inner or outer face “locked” in place.

It would be very handy (and I am often being asked for this by clients who use both 2D and 3D workflows) if there could be a control point setting above or below the thickness field in the OIP of an unstyled wall. That way, the user could set the wall’s control point to be left, center or right and that side of the wall would be locked in place while the thickness change would only affect the other side of the wall.

Thanks!

VE-100993

Quick Search: Option to filter out fonts from search results

Neil Barman

Currently when using Quick Search, when the user begins typing the letters for a tool or command, the names of installed fonts are displayed. This tends to make the search results cluttered or too long in the ALL tab.

For example, here I am typing "ta" to hopefully bring up the Tape Measure tool. However, I get several fonts right away.

!image-2020-07-15-12-11-38-524.png!

And while a user can use the search results to change fonts (see attached video), I have my doubts that this would be done often as the process is a bit onerous. It's more likely that the user would change fonts via the OIP or Text menu.

Therefore, if there could be a VW Preference for Quick Search that search results would not display fonts, the user could choose whether or not to see the fonts. (Alternatively, fonts could simply be filtered out for search results without an option to show them, or fonts could only be shown in a dedicated Fonts tab in the search.)

Thanks!

VE-100919

Data Fields: Consistency between Doors, Windows and Spaces

Neil Barman

As of v2021 the inconsistency between the Settings' "Data" fields for Spaces, Doors and Windows has reached a point where it should be addressed. Correcting the inconsistency will improve the UI and UX quality of the software, especially with our renewed focus and messaging on deriving and using more data from our models.

As seen in the three attached screenshots, door and windows settings for Data now allow for in-place editing by clicking in the Field Value column and typing. However, the Space object does not allow for this, but the user _is_ able to rename a Space Object's "Additional Data" fields.

In order to correct these inconsistencies, in the respective objects' Data/Additional Data settings we should:
# Allow for renaming the "User Fields" of Door and Window objects.
# Show the "Universal name / IFC name" column for Door and Windows, as is done for Space objects.
# Enable Space objects to have in-place editing of their "Data" column (aka Field Value) to be like the Doors and Windows.
# Move the Space object's "Additional Data" left sidebar item to the end of the list, or at least after "Energos" in the list, and possibly rename it to be simply "Data".

VE-100563

what3words integration

Neil Barman

what3words is a simple way to convey a location anywhere on Earth. Location information from what3words is easy to read and easy to relay to others for their use. Watch this video for an overview:

[https://youtu.be/vYVHzAGtJ9k]

what3words has many fascinating and important uses and is already incorporated into a number of industries and businesses:

[https://what3words.com/business/]

I propose that we integrate what3words into Vectorworks to provide an easy-to-read, universal way to indicate a specific 3m x 3m location on a site. By providing our users with an ability to gather and present the what3words location directly within our drawings, anyone in the field who later interacts with such a drawing can use their smartphone to quickly and simply find that location using the what3words app or service.

I foresee that integrating the what3words grid and its unique location data into georeferenced Vectorworks file would allow our users to:
* Use a data tag to call out the unique what3words data to indicate a specific location on an architectural construction site plan, a large event venue, or an urban landscape design.
* Report into a spreadsheet the what3words location of our symbols or plug-in objects in order to have them delivered on-site to the correct location. (Idea courtesy of Tom White, Vectorworks UK.)
* Indicating a specific what3words location on a large key plan of an area, to help orient and direct key plan users.
* Use the what3words data as part of wayfinding and placemaking presentation material.

These are just a few of the very useful possibilities. If this seems like an integration we can move forward with, I would be happy to discuss it further.

VE-100653

Intersecting solids shown in Clip Cube result in voids rather than solids

Neil Barman

As seen in the attached VW file, intersecting solids that are viewed using the Clip Cube (either the "live" Clip Cube in a design layer or within a Clip Cube viewport) are appearing as voids. These voids appear to viewers an odd distraction that causes the viewer (often a client who is being shown a Clip Cube view) to feel the model (and hence the project itself) is "incomplete" or poorly built by the designer, or that the software being used isn't capable of what they assume to be a simple task.

It would be preferable and has been requested many users over time, that the intersections of solids be shown as solids. Showing the intersections of the solid objects as solids in the Clip Cube would serve multiple purposes, including:
* Removing the client distraction/concern that the voids cause.
* Allowing users to present more smoothly their 3D models while using the Clip Cube live on a design layer.
* Reducing the perception by many Vectorworks users who also use SketchUp that Vectorworks' 3D modeling is difficult/finicky and requires much more "fiddling" than SketchUp. (Allowing users to overlap solids and not "penalize" them with a void would help Vectorworks 3D adoption.)

I am hoping that the technical challenges of achieving solid intersections are not so great that we can make this improvement sooner rather than later.

Thanks!

VE-100532

Stair Tool: Ability to Show Headroom Clearance in section/3D

Neil Barman

We have a client (a large firm that is in the process of switching from Revit to Vectorworks) asking for a way to show the headroom clearance in Section/3D for a Stair object.

Currently, the only option I am aware of to do this is in the Stair settings > 2D Graphics > Show Headroom Outline, but this of course only displays in Top/Plan view. Being and to show the headroom clearance in 3D/Section would be very useful, especially for 3D/BIM savvy firms.

Thanks!

VE-100527

Architect (Metric) template should have its Dual Dimensions set to Imperial

Neil Barman

In our current "Architect (Metric)" template, it appears that the Dual Dimension units are also set to Metric (Millimeters). These should be set to Imperial (Feet & Inches) so that Dual Dimensions can be ready to go upon opening file opening.

Thank you for making this minor but important adjustment.

VE-100455

Vision Request: Ability to simulate projector light according to projector specifications and provide photometric value/info regarding the projected surface (UV Map)

Neil Barman

This is a request from a client. (Please forgive any unexpected use of English as French is the client's first language.)

Original query:
“I was wondering if you are aware of a Vectorscript/Python coding in development OR a piece of stand-alone software (Vision/Braceworks kind of) that would provide the ability to simulate a projector light according to projector specification (lumens output raster ratio, etc., etc.) and provide photometric value/info regarding the projected surface (UV Map).
What I’m looking for in particular is a luminance value in the form of a photometric heatmap value (Ft-L or Cd/m2).

Obviously , all objects would be treated as diffuse Lambertian surfaces (no shininess, light reflections, etc., etc.) therefore not rendering photo-realistic previews is needed.

We used a couple of in-house projection study software, Disguise, X Agoras also a stand-alone called Mapping Matter, but I certainly think there is a niche for that product within Spotlight or kind of Vision export/import workflow.”
(I have included the original client-supplied image as well: Cave PechTree _Luminance A.pdf)

The client has just provided detailed information in order to assist us in developing this feature:

"Regarding the use of projection photometric tool/software, we do usually use Disguise, Mapping Matter and other in-house pj study software.

I sincerely think that if it's done properly, it would fit perfectly Vision.

*Projector beam and light path.*
In a projection design process that involves projection mapping mostly (architectural buildings, theme parks, just to name those two fields), the first step is to simulate the light path (the beam wrapping around the objects) of the projector with an equivalent brightness value (lumens) of the chosen projector.
Where the light hits is what we are looking for, but just as important is where the light does not hit the surface.

This work is obviously necessary to accurately finalize projector placement and get a precise lens throw ratio, but also sometimes to help set designers to modify the set itself.
Like in the recent theme park "boat ride" project (Universal), where we realized that the Genie would be better positioned closer to the scrim based on user POV vs projector lightpath.
Of course we did a scaled mockups of that scene in order to finalize, but the projection study helped to pop up problems.

An important capacity of the tool needed is the ability to move very easily the projector and plane or light path, using an x,y,z arrow/gizmo.
Also to provide the capability to incline projector and light path using the arrow key by increments of 1 deg (and less) as an example.

+Projector properties needed: +
position x,y,z value
rotation x,y,z value,
the raster of the projector ratio and/or resolution
the lens and/or throw ratio.
lens shift value
illumination (lumens)
projector stack
creating projector definitions or properties including 3D symbols of the projector for getting exact overall dimensions surface gain (uniform to all surfaces)

*Rendering illuminance and/or luminance value*
I do use luminance or illuminance heatmap rendering to visualize AND interpret the photometric data of a specific set up.

If it's luminance, it is necessary to be isotropic meaning the calculation of light spread over an entire surface would be uniform in all directions, so as the reflected light.
All objects are rendered as diffuse Lambertian surfaces (no shininess, light reflections, etc., etc.) so not rendering photo-realistic previews is usually be needed.
This exercise (photometric heat map visualization) is not the beginning of the end.
Illuminance heatmap results need interpretation based on previous projects and onsite measurement (if possible).

Render photometric heat maps will give me the possibility to visualize if the projectors have too much offset. Resulting in a visible inconsistency of brightness from left to right ...let's say.
When I do have the chance during the integration/programming phase, I do make some illuminance measurements and some spot meter (luminance) measurements.
Usually, I use a Sekonic L-758 for both illuminance and luminance measurements. I did use in the past a Minolta LS-100, but rarely.
Most of the software we use are making a target point which is usually the center point of the beam, but something I found very useful is the ability to pick a point (like the eyedropper tool) on the projected surface and get a light value (luminance or illuminance) AND a resolution value (DPI)

*Necessity*
Projector view (cameras)
Easy export to pdf for reports.
Playing UV map images and video and why not external NDI source is very winner for client review.
Having the ability to "exchange" x,y,z positioning from Vectorworks to Vision and vice versa, cause at the very end the design documentation that will be broadcast is still Vectorworks design layer sheet.

Hope that makes sense and it is not too confusing;o)

André"
File included: 99-Master 2020_Photometric study_annexe A&B_V14JAN2020.pdf

Thank you!

VE-100452

Preformatted Report of Storeys, Layers, Levels

Neil Barman

It would be +very+ helpful to have a Preformatted Report that generates a list of the existing Storeys in a file, along with each storey's elevation, each storey's contained Design Layer and levels plus their in-storey heights.

This request comes from a client who is starting to plan a large, multi-storey project and would like to create and report the anticipated Storeys, _without actually drawings any objects on those Storeys yet_. They would like to create a "Storey Report" so that they can discuss the proposed storeys (and their layers & levels) with their team before generating any geometry. Then, they can make adjustments to the VW file to reflect the results of their discussion, then regenerate the report.

(I do realize that this could conceivably be done "analog" before even beginning the project and a VW file, but since we have the Storey system in place, and reporting is possible, they would find such a report to be a great tool to explore iterations of a project's storeys at the earliest stages.)

Thank you!

VE-100348

Rename “Final Quality Renderworks” to remove perception that it produces the best rendering possible from Vectorworks

Neil Barman

Currently, MANY novice and intermediate users have the perception that the Final Quality Renderworks style delivers the best possible rendering available from Vectorworks. We know this is not true, however the style’s name implies otherwise.

I would suggest that we rename the rendering style “Final Quality Renderworks” to something that less “ultimate” and ”absolute”.

One possible new name would be “High Quality Renderworks”, which more accurately describes what the result will be. Another option would be to change to a a new, slightly more descriptive name for this style while also introducing one or two more preset RW styles, also with descriptive names.

All in all, a name change for this preset style will go a long way towards helping users understand and use Vectorworks better for renderings. It will also increase the perceived rendering quality possible from Vectorworks by not presenting that we are providing the best rendering style right out of the box.

VE-100377

Vision request: Heat Mapping of light from a projector

Neil Barman

A request from a client:

“I was wondering if you are aware of a Vectorscript/Python coding in development OR a piece of stand-alone software (Vision/Braceworks kind of) that would provide the ability to simulate a projector light according to projector specification (lumens output raster ratio, etc., etc.) and provide photometric value/info regarding the projected surface (UV Map).
What I’m looking for in particular is a luminance value in the form of a photometric heatmap value (Ft-L or Cd/m2).

Obviously , all objects would be treated as diffuse Lambertian surfaces (no shininess, light reflections, etc., etc.) therefore not rendering photo-realistic previews is needed.
We used a couple of in-house projection study software, Disguise, X Agoras also a stand-alone called Mapping Matter, but I certainly think there is a niche for that product within Spotlight or kind of Vision export/import workflow.”

In conversation with [~bbudzon] on Slack, he mentioned that this ability should be possible once projectors can cast light in the same way that light fixtures do. (Currently, projectors in Vision are simply TVs.)

The client also supplied an example image, which I have attached.

VE-100222

"Extract Images" option for existing, JPEG-based HDRI Renderworks Backgrounds

Neil Barman

In recent versions of Vectorworks, it seems that previously-working HDRI backgrounds made from JPEGs no longer work properly due to newer "Maxon requirements". Instead, users are receiving a bright yellow background. This can be seen in this Forum thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/65878-adjusting-panoramas-2/]

According to reports, HDRI backgrounds made from PNGs will still work properly, however, in many cases the original PNGs are not available. Therefore, effectively due to our advancements, we have, unfortunately, "dead-ended" renderings made with JPEG-based HDRI backgrounds.

Given this, it would be *great* if we could (sooner rather than later ideally) add an "Extract Images..." option for HDRI backgrounds that would extract its original "wrapped" image. This would allow the original source images to be extracted from HDRI backgrounds that are already in Vectorworks files, then the user could convert those to PNGs outside of VW, then re-make new HDRIs in VW using the PNGs.

VE-99975

Provide the option to change the class of a Styled plug-in-object after it has been created

Neil Barman

Currently, "raw" plug-in objects that are turned into Styled Objects are assigned to the class upon initial styling. If they are accidentally classed wrong, or if they need to have their class (as styled objects) changed later, there is no way to do this (without inserting the styled object, converting it to unstyled, then re-styling it. Needless to say, this is not an ideal workflow.) All styled plug-in-objects should have an option to re-assign their initial insertion class at a later time.

In contrast, regular symbols have an option that allows them to be assigned to a class upon insertion, and that class can be changed later by simply accessing the "Edit Symbol Options" dialog box for any symbol.

It would be great if Styled Objects could have the same option as symbols to re-assign their class.

Thanks!

VE-99940

MacBook Pro Touch Bar: Add New and Open buttons when no doc is open

Neil Barman

Currently, when no document is open, the MBP's Touch Bar displays no VW-related tools or commands. Also, if one tries to Customize the Touch Bar with no document open, the Touch Bar editing screen shows no VW-related items. (Many users I know have switched off the "Create New Document at Startup" option.)

This lack of Touch Bar "presence" with no document open does make sense (since you can't really do much with VW if there no document open), however, it is still a bit disconcerting to have no representation at all on the Touch Bar when VW is the active application.

If possible, it would be great to have buttons added to the Touch Bar for the "File > New..." and "File > Open..." commands when there is no document currently open (as a number of other apps I have sampled seem to do.) This would provide the user with two relevant VW commands when VW is in that state, and alleviate any confusion that may occur from not seeing any VW Touch bar presence at all.

Thanks!

VE-99784

Any face of a 3D object > Any Texture

Neil Barman

Now (more than ever) that we are making a concerted effort to appeal to the Interior Design profession, a request that I have heard many times is for Vectorworks to have the ability to select any face of a 3D free-form modeled object and assign that one face any texture, WITHOUT having to extract that face. (Extracting a face to texture it does work, but the process of extracting that face from its source object and offsetting it disrupts the users' workflow in non-intuitive ways, and subsequently complicates users' work if/when the original 3D object is modified.) Adding the ability to apply a texture to a single face (or multiple selected faces) of a 3D free-form modeled object will not only add great flexibility to our 3D modeling capabilities, but it will also help increase the adoption of VW by Sketchup users.

Of course, this single face with its unique texture (from the rest of the 3D object) would need to adjust accurately as the overall object was modified, push/pulled, filleted, chamfered, etc. The uniquely-texture face would also need to be reportable so as to be able to list the area of that texture in a worksheet.

I have recently discussed the need for this feature with Steve Johnson, so he is aware of it. I am simply adding it to JIRA so as to have the request actionable and trackable.

If you have any questions or need any clarifications, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for this one.

VE-99723

Aisle Tool - When editing the aisle, show context of the Seating Section around the aisle

Neil Barman

It would be GREAT if, when editing the size/shape of the aisle, the actual Seating Section around the Aisle could be displayed.

Alternatively, if the path of the aisle could be edit-able without having to enter an Edit Mode, the context of the Seating Section would be shown. Also, this should allow the Seating Section itself to adjust as the Aisle is resized, like it currently can as the aisle is moved in relation to its Seating Section.

However it is accomplished, being able to adjust the aisle while seeing the Seating Section would help with the usability of the Aisle object.

Thank you for considering this!

VE-99683

Ability for users to customize arrangement of OIP Widget Groups

Neil Barman

Having just seen the demo for the new OIP Widget Groups coming with v2020 (Yay!), the next logical and highly useful evolution of this "modularization" will be to allow users to custom the order/arrangement of WGs.

Being able to adjust the sequence of Widget Groups to their liking, users will be able to rearrange them according to their workflows and design sensibilities. For example, in the case of a Door object, if a user would like to have in sequence the build-able properties of a door, they could rearrange the Widget Groups so that WG's such as ID Tag and Visualization were below WG's like Jamb, Leaf, Trim, Lights, etc. This would allow users to be able to adjust users to adjust the properties of an object in the order in which that user thinks about them when designing.

I can imagine the settings for customizing WG order could be a button at the bottom of the OIP for the object selected. This button would open a dialog box that would provide the facility to rearrange WG's. (Allowing a user to drag and drop WGs into a different order, right in the OIP itself, sounds risky to me, but perhaps it is worth considering if there is a way to lock/unlock the WGs.)

Thank you for considering this enhancement request and let me know if you have any questions.

VE-99668

Provide the option for a Stage Deck to have a custom length of railing along any edge

Neil Barman

This request comes from Stageline (whose products we have as resources.)

As seen in the attached VW file, stage decks are routinely placed on either side of Stageline's mobile stages. In order to prevent people on the deck from falling into the space next to the stage mechanism, railings are needed along certain edges of the 4' x 8' stage deck but not running the full edge of the 8' stage deck. (You may be thinking... "Why don't they just use two 4' x 4' stage decks in a case like that... Stageline themselves only has and uses 4' x 8' decks, and they say that this is fairly common. They do not have 4' x 4' decks. Inserting two 4' x 4' decks would invariably cause cofusion when a design was being equipped and implemented based on a drawing/model. Also, Stageline tells me that all of their railings are 4' long, as seen in their PDF attached.)

Since our current Stage Decks only have the option for railing along the ENTIRE stage deck edge, this request is to add options to the Stage Deck so that railings can be of a custom length (but no more than the stage deck itself) and that these railings can be positioned a custom distance from one corner or the other.

Thanks!

VE-99612

Please make What's This command open associated Help pages for View Bar and Mode Bar items

Neil Barman

Currently, the What's This command, found in the Help menu, doesn't open the associated Help documentation in a web browser when the command is used on those items.

For example, when I use the What's This command on the "Rotate Plan" button in the View bar, I am taken to the main Help page, when I should really be taken to:
http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2019/eng/index.htm#t=VW2019_Guide%2FViews%2FRotating_the_Plan.htm
So far all of the other buttons/fields/menus I have tried in the View and Mode bar do the same thing.

The expected behavior would be that using the What's This command on any item in the View or Mode bar (that has an associated Help page) would redirect the user to that Help page.

This is very important for both new users learning the software and existing users exploring the interface and expanding their skills.

Thanks!

VE-99573

Allow Snapping Palette to dock to other palettes in Windows as it can on the Mac

Neil Barman

Originally reported in VB-158675 as I thought I was seeing a bug, in Windows the Snapping palette isn't able to dock to other palettes as it can on the Mac.

It would be great if the snapping palette could dock to other palettes the same way it can for the Mac version of Vectorworks.

Having recently done training with some users who need to go back and forth between platforms, parity of this function would be most welcome for making their workspaces as similar as possible on either platform.

Thanks!

VE-99325

A "layer-aware" Story Symbol

Neil Barman

In order to facilitate the ability to create things like typical Unit Plans and typical floor plans, but on different floors of a building, it would be great to have a new kind of symbol – a Story Symbol.

A Story Symbol is quite simply a symbol that recognizes which Story is it placed on and can respond/connect with Layers and Levels of that Story. A Story symbol can contain Walls/Walls Styles that can see and obey its own Bounds in relation to the particular Story its containing Story Symbol is placed on.

When a Story Symbol is used for a single Unit Plan, for example, and walls within that Story Symbol have a Top Bound is set relative to a Story's Layers and Levels, the walls can be 12ft high on the second floor of the building but only 10ft high on the 3rd and 4th floor of the building.

This would help alleviate (and possibly remove) the very common user question about how to create unit plans that have a regular wall layout but are on various floors of a building that have different Layer Wall Heights. Currently, unless I'm mistaken, each unit type would has to have a version of itself made per wall height and then referenced into place on the floor where it is located. Doing this also adds the complication of not really have one single "source of truth" for that Unit Plan but rather one source per floor height.

(It would be quite fine too if a Story Symbol didn't strictly require the creation of a Story per se, despite the name of the symbol type... the walls within a Story Symbol could also simply be "Layer Wall Height" aware too.)

VE-104631

A problem with the name of the plant catalog

Nawal Benhamza

When you create a plant catalog (via Filemaker or manually on Vectorworks) you can link them with the plant styles, and you can update them with the commands "Update plant data" or "Update Vectorworks Plantes style".

However, if you change the name of the catalog, it's impossible to launch the two commands " " Update plant data" or "Update Vectorworks Plantes style", the message indicates that "*_there were 0 updated in the Vectorworks Plant Database and (..) were not found by searching their Latin names_*". But if you edit the plant style in the preferences, and choose the catalog, the plant automatically recognizes the latin name.

Many of our customers have a huge library of plant styles, and unfortunately they have this problem of the catalog name being changed and not remembering the old name (or just they have created a catalog based on a filemaker file). They can't link the plant styles one by one, because it would be a lot of work. The question is :

"_Is it possible to force a plant style to recognize the new catalog, in order to update the plant styles automatically_ by latin name ?"

Because I tried to use the data manager "Sourceplantlist" to get the link, or with ODBC, but it doesn't work, ans it's very limiting for the customers.

Here are the files I got from a customer
- His filemaker file (.usr)
-His Vectorworks file with plant styles ( _Plantes_listes champs (Design express).vwx)_
-His catalog (.txt) (EDJ 2022)
- A video explaining the description of the ticket

VE-103892

GIS: "Update layer from feature services". the booster of our performance.

Nawal Benhamza

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the command "Update layer from feature services" does not work as desired. The same goes for the one you propose in "Arcgis " box.

By the way, I made a ticket about 1 year ago concerning this problem. ( Jira ticket " https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-186193 ") I didn't get a satisfactory feedback, although this ticket was classified by you as "solved".

This is not the case since customers are facing the same problem in the 2023 version and I am sorry that I cannot offer them a quick and satisfactory help.

Indeed, you had underlined that this problem is the consequence of the impossibility to download "{_}certain and more accurate data.{_}".

Whether it is at my level or that of my colleagues ( Jira Ticket " https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-190139 " , Request " https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-103516 ") and, above all, of the customers, it is difficult for us to understand this problem from this angle, since it does not occur on "Qgis" or " Global mapper" ; this is all the more true since in the presentation of "GIS" 2022, it was underlined that one can download data such as sidewalks, for example, even if it was necessary to go through "Arcgis" box.

It would then be more efficient, in my opinion, to have the same results through the WFS URLs, since the data finally exists.

I will insist on the resolution of this request, because it must be emphasized that it is a "Must" for a software that we propose to landscape and urban planner customers.
Otherwise, we encounter difficulties in prospecting the landscape market, nor that of the large national agencies, since it is their first concern raised during the demonstrations.

I understand perfectly the stakes in the development of this command. But, this request comes from a desire to be able to demonstrate to customers that Vectorworks is the "Must" that a Landscape and Urbanism professional should look for to improve his performance. Also, if we want Vectorworks to be a tool apart from the other software "QGIS, Global mapper" etc.... It must have basic functionalities such as unlimited downloading of data or raster images via the the functionalities startindex and the Bbox, and also to be able to download the desired details according to the scale that the user works.

VE-103656

View "Image by Data visualization" on graphic legends

Nawal Benhamza

Many of our customers ( entertainment) are surprised that there is no view "image by data visualization" on graphic legends. This exists in the worksheet.It is a really important part of their daily workflow.

VE-100904

Support Split Tool with kParametricSubType_3DPath PIOs like Cables

Moritz Staffel

The new Cable Tool so not work with the Split tool, even if they have set the kObjXIs2DSurfaceEligable.

VE-101523

Debug List View: Remember last position

Moritz Staffel

When I want to check a param value in a record that is attached to a sym def, it takes these steps every time:
# "Find Object..."
# Enter the name off the sym and click "Ok"
# Open the syms tree and find the record

Instead it would be better if the List View window remembers the last position. (or having a nonmodal dialog )

So when the list with the record selected (see screenshot) is closed and opened again it is on the same position.

This could be optional enabled by an checkbox in case some developers prefer that the state is not remembered.

VE-101522

Debug List View: Searchable lists

Moritz Staffel

It would save a lot off scrolling if the parameter Dilaog off DebugListView would have a searchfield.

See attached screenshot.

VE-100029

ListBroswer Sort Image Column should sort by image Name

Moritz Staffel

Sorting a image column does not work as you can see on the attached screenshot.

It would be better if it sorts the lines by the image names.

VE-102693

List Browser direct editing a cell does not allow Tab to be used to skip to next cell

Miroslav Stratiev

1. Open a dialog with a list browser which supports direct edit. For example, Spotlight Preferences->Lighting Device-> Parameters.
2. Edit the default value of a parameter.
3. While editing, press tab - the edit ends. Instead users would expect it to finish editing the current cell and start editing the next cell.

This is a standard across almost every OS and application. For example - Microsoft Excel.

VE-102691

Editing cells with List Browser Direct Edit should have a way to highlight all the data on begin edit

Miroslav Stratiev

1. Open a dialog with a list browser which supports direct edit. For example, Spotlight Preferences->Lighting Device-> Parameters.
2. Edit the default value of a parameter and enter something.
3. Edit it again - when the edit begins, the text/number is not highlighted. This means the user has to select manually all of the contents.

It would be better if we can somehow set it so that editing the contents will begin with everything highlight. By doing this, the user can instantly type the new value and not waste time selecting things. This is a standard in many modern applications. For example, clicking on the URL of any browser will instantly highlight it and you can start typing the new URL right away.

VE-102692

List Browser direct editing a cell does not allow double click to instantly select the text

Miroslav Stratiev

1. Open a dialog with a list browser which supports direct edit. For example, Spotlight Preferences->Lighting Device-> Parameters.
2. Edit the default value of a parameter and enter something.
3. Edit it again. Now double click the text - the edit ends. Instead it should highlight all the text.

This is a standard across almost every OS and application.

VE-101270

Coincident PIOs don't always purge due to differences in record fields

Miriam Lieblein

In a way this is WAD, but we probably need some way of determining what fields matter for a PIO in determining whether they are coincident. So far, I've seen 2 types of PIOs that have this problem - spaces and lighting devices. When we cut/paste in place a space, its number (field 3) increments and thus the two otherwise identical spaces look different to Purge. For lighting devices, it's their UUID field (field 128).

VE-101146

Export to Older Versions of Revit

Mike Nelson

We need to provide a Revit export capability to older versions of Revit.

Currently, if a Vectorworks user wants to export a VW2021 file to share with a Revit user, the Revit user must be using the most recent version of Revit 2021 in oder to open the file. Similar to Vectorworks users, not all Revit users have the most current version of Revit.

Revit does not have backward file compatibility and attempting to coordinate a Vectorworks file with a Revit user will be a frustrating experience for Architects and Landscape Architects if they don't have the ability to meet the file needs of their consultant's software.

VE-101091

File Health Dashboard

Mike Nelson

Set performance thresholds and develop a UI dashboard that visually reports file issues that can help a user resolve file performance issues on their own before reaching out for support.

As an example, it's surprising how many Vectorworks users that are either unaware of or have forgotten about the Purge command. Something like a File Health Dashboard that's more prominent in the UI that clearly displays and explains something like Coincident Duplicate Objects, can save the user a significant amount of time troubleshooting problems and potentially lessen the burden on our support team.

I'm aware that some of these items are already reported in different dialog boxes (Purge) and palettes (References), but the idea would be to centralize them on to visually compelling dashboard. Reportable items might include:
* Coincident Duplicate Objects
** An oft overlooked performance hit
* Objects that are an extreme distance from origin
** A frequent issue that we need to remind users about
* Out of date viewports.
** Why didn't my rendering show up when I printed?
* Objects outside the sheet boundary on SLVPs
** Why is my viewport missing from that sheet?
* Viewport DPI
** Sometimes overlooked by users when printing sheet layers that include rasterized viewports.
* Non-native Vectorworks objects
** This might help the user replace an imported object with a native VW object if possible. For instance, a Sketchup chair import might already be something we have in our resources. Replacing it with a VW native object could reduce the amount of 3d polys.
* Simplify Mesh
* Out-of-date and/or broken references
* Compress Images

Visually reporting different categories could look something similar to what we use for Energos reporting (see attached). Along with each category, solutions could be written and/or linked to Help documentation.

VE-101099

Message Center Preview on Launch

Mike Nelson

Each time Vectorworks launches, display Message Center notifications showing only pertinent SP updates and OS compatibility issues. Force the user to click 'OK' to tacitly acknowledge the messaging and prompt them to act by either updating or confirming their OS compatibility.

More notably with MacOS users, support requests increase when users unknowingly update their OS when using older version of VW or update VW when using an older OS.

Moving some Message Centre notifications could improve our communication about SP updates and OS compatibility for users that have unsubscribed from either email or their current Message Center notifications. Additionally, this has the potential to decrease the number of users that encounter instability with Vectorworks due to bugs and/or OS version incompatibility.

VE-101059

Provide Materials for Component Finishes for Columns

Mike Nelson

Currently, Component Finishes for the Shaft, Base and Capital of Column objects are controlled only by class. This is inconsistent with Architectural and Structural Components of Columns where we have the ability to apply a Material.

Please provide the ability to add a Material to the Shaft, Base and Capital of Column objects.

Attached is a screen capture video that might provide context.

VE-100091

Tree Root Ball Indicator

Mike Nelson

The following comes from our client ETA Landscape Architecture. It comes out of their own internal meetings and suggestions for process improvements in their drawings.

Planting plans and plant installation could be improved if root balls were indicated on trees. Underplanting cannot occur inside the area of a tree’s root ball, since the rootball is at or near the surface of the soil. But if drawings indicate the planting of shrubs or ground cover right up to the trunk of a tree, and if plant counts are taken from such drawings, too much plant material may be ordered and installation may not be done correctly if they try to literally follow what is indicated on the drawings.

A good way to implement this with the Plant Tool would be similar to what’s already done with the Existing Tree Tool and the its Tree Protection Zone settings, which allow for a dashed circle to be shown. It would be best if the size of the rootball could be either entered manually or calculated automatically from the caliper size of the trunk, using the following formula which is generally used in the industry: each 1cm caliper = 10cm rootball width, up to9cm caliper dbh (diameter at breast height= 4.5’). Our customer suggests that beyond 9cm caliper the rootball size should be set manually.

The presence of the rootball circle could serve as a double-check for the designer while laying out the planting plan. It should be able to be turned off in presentation views. It would optionally be made visible on construction drawings so that the information is communicating to the installers.

VE-100895

Ability to Dock Web Palettes

Mike Nelson

Please consider providing the ability to dock a web palette, and specifically the NBS Chorus palette. It would be very beneficial for users as it would make it easier to show the model/plan in the document window. Currently, for single monitor users, the web palette obscures the document window view when attempting to navigate by saved views or zoom fit objets.

The current workaround is to use Multi View. See attached video for an example.

VE-100543

Add landings for circular stair configurations in the stair tool.

Mike Nelson

The circular stair configuration of the stair tool lacks the ability to add a landing mid-flight, similar to L or U shaped stairs. Building codes in many jurisdictions require landings in circular/spiral stairs.

Currently, in order to achieve a landing mid-flight between two floors, users must create two separate stair objects (similar to what's shown in the attached file) and add a long top-tread to the the lower stair object. Although this might work for design purposes, this two-part configuration loses the ability to leverage the 2D Graphics for documenting the upper and lower floors.

VE-99291

Add the Snapping Palette on the Touch Bar

Mike Nelson

To reduce on-screen clutter and to minimize the amount of palettes, having the snap constraints on the touch bar would be beneficial. One less palette to need to open and/or close and a few less clicks.

VE-102211

Can't set precision of Dual Dimension strings from OIP

Mike Moore

The attached file has its drawing units set to metres with a precision of 2 decimal places.

The dimensions are set to be metres with a precision of two decimal places. The Dual Dimensions are set to millimetres with a precision of zero decimal places. There are two custom dimension standards. One for metres and the other for millimetres.

When I use the mm standard for the dimensions I can set the precision of single dimensions from the OIP but I can't set the precision of dimension strings.

There are a number of dimensions that are x.5 mm. If I use the precision setting on the OIP to try and round those to whole millimetres nothing happens with dimension strings. The only way I can do it is to decompose the dimension strings into individual dimensions. When I do that the dimensions that are x.5 mm are set to a precision of two decimal places. ie the precision of the drawing units rather than the dual units.

VE-103271

Cabinet objects could be 'contemporary style'

Mike Moore

The Custom Cabinet object and Vw Base Cabinet and Wall Cabinet objects can't produce 'contemporary style' cabinet objects.

The Custom Cabinet object.
* Can't return kickboards to the rear of the cabinet.
* End panels don't overlap the doors.

The Base Cabinet and Wall Cabinet objects:
* Incorrectly model flush doors.
* Have a double layer of geometry at the doors.
* Can't have recessed kidkboards at the ends.

The cabinet objects need to be able to model cabinetwork as it would be built.

The first image below shows how the ends of 'contemporary style' cabinets are.

The second image below shows how when the cabinets are against walls the end panel is replaced with a wall scribe.

The third image shows what you can do, which is not how the cabinets would actually be built.

What we need is for contemporary styles to be modelled as they would be built with separate control for each end of a unit:
* end panel or scribe (scribe width being a user nominated value)
* end panel overlapping door/drawer or door/drawer overlapping the end panel.
* full height end panel or panel with kickboard.
* kickboard with or without recess.

VE-100833

Railing / Fence tool would automatically attach itself to stairs, ramps and objects with slopes like Slabs and Hardscapes

Mike Moore

Railings need an option to automatically attach themselves when drawn on top of a stair, ramp or inclined surface such as a Slab or Hardscape.

Something like the capability shown in this 2017 Archicad 21 railing video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS08cH4pPBw

Second best would be to have a _Fit to Stair_ and a _Fit to Ramp_ function so there is an automatic and precise way of ensuring that the pitches are identical.

VE-104569

Separate Snap Preference for 3D Axes

Mike Moore

The 3D axes are not a grid preference so it would be better to have them as a separate preference so they can be toggled on and off.

With the new interface there is room to add another preference on the top line and that provides an opportunity to give the 3D Axes its own toggle icon.

The benefits would be better usability and greater discoverability.

VE-104214

Window object - Z louvre ehanhancement

Mike Moore

The Window object Z louvre option has vertical infills top and bottom that need to be optional.

Can we please have an option to just have the Z louvre blades. ie without the vertical infill at the outside top and at the internal bottom.

In the Australian context louvres never have this vertical infill and I can't recall ever seeing an instance of louvres that do have it when I have been overseas.

I thought it must be a US context feature but in a brief web search I was unable to find any US louvres with the vertical infills. Thus adding the requested option would appear to be valid in both the North American and Australasian contexts.

VE-103266

Graphic Legend - An option to include a floor line Doors and Windows

Mike Moore

Currently this has to be added manually. The problem with this can be seen in the movie by Julian Carr about Windoor (4th post down) At 10.50 minute mark onwards.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97035-windoor-in-2023/#comment-433306

Users either have to individually add it as annotation in each cell or draw it over the top of the Graphic Legend. Neither method is satisfactory.

What we need is an option with door and window schedules to automatically draw a floor line in each cell for the width of the cell. That way there won't be a disconnect occur when a cell height changes. It needs to be classed separately so the user can define its graphic attributes - line thickness, line type and colour. There also needs to be an option to include the text FL at the left hand end of each line.

We need things to be as automatic as possible and error free. Adding drawing elements manually

VE-99702

Rename menu item 3D Power Pack to something that is informative for users.

Mike Moore

There can't be many users who remember what 3D Power Pack was and it is a menu name that should be changed to something that is meaningful to users and informs them what aspect of modelling the sub-menu choices deal with.

I don't have any suggestion for what that name should be.

If there is difficulty in choosing a single appropriate name then perhaps split that menu item into as many menu items as required so each can have an appropriate name that is informative and meaningful to users.

VE-103288

Opening and Cased Openings were possible for all nine Window types

Mike Moore

Currently Openings and Cased Openings are only possible with rectangular openings. They should be possible with all nine Window types.

Ideally it should also be possible with the ten non square Top Shape options:

Round, Segment, Sloped, Gable, Ellipse, Gothic, Half Round, Half Segment, Half Ellipse and Half Gothic.

VE-99500

Make Slab Drainage tool more user friendly and consistent

Mike Moore

1. Can the ability to set tool preferences be added

So the tool is consistent with other tools/capabilities in Vw.

Users should not have to be set each time it is used on a new slab. This can be laborious given their are 12 different parameters in the Settings dialog box.

2. Can the ability to change existing Slab Drainage parameters be added.

Users should not have to delete the existing slab and model it again just because they need to change one or more of its parameters.

3. Can the ability to define the slope parameters as degrees or rise over run be added.

Percentages are not always the way that these have to be defined for and communicated to others.

VE-102021

Viewport names and their Label automatically include what view they are

Mike Moore

When Sheet Layer Viewports are created using the default option (ie. not naming and Titling them) they are named _Viewport x_ and their Drawing Title is [Drawing Title].

Both should reflect what type of drawing is being created.

So:
* If a Plan Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Plan-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _[Drawing Title] Plan_.
* If an Elevation Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Elevation-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _[Drawing Title] Elevation_. (Using Front, Right, Back, and Left as appropriate).
* If a Section Viewport is created the the _Viewport Name_ should be _Section-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _Section [Drawing Title]_.
* If a detail Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Detail-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _Detail [Drawing Title]_.
* If an isometric Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Isometric-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _[Drawing Title] Isometric_.
* If a perspective Viewport is created the the _Viewport Name_ should be _Perspective-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _Perspective [Drawing Title]_.
* If a custom view Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Custom View-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _Custom View [Drawing Title]_.
* If Internal Elevation Viewports are created the _Viewport Names_ should be _Internal Elevation-x1, Internal Elevation x2, etc._ and the _Viewport Titles_ should be _Internal Elevation_ _x1, Internal Elevation x2, etc_.
* If a horizontal section Viewport is created the _Viewport Name_ should be _Horizontal Section-x_ and the _Viewport Title_ should be _Horizontal Section_ _[Drawing Title]_.

The program knows what type of view is being created so why not leverage that into clever Viewport naming and Viewport Titling thereby saving users time.

I know some won't want this but it could be a Document Preference.

There also needs to be a preference for the Drawing Title to be:
* lower case
* UPPER CASE
* Title Caps

VE-101204

Color palette dialog box was the full size for the Standard Vectorworks Colors grid

Mike Moore

The fact that you have to scroll up and down every time you use this bugs me.

Can the dialog box please be sized so the Standard Vectorworks Color grid show without its scroll bar on the RHS,

Note: I have tried the option to 'Shrink the grid to fit' and it makes no difference. I like the color square options the size they are and would prefer that the dialog box be resized instead.

VE-100832

Railing / Fence tool had options to satisfy common statutory requirements

Mike Moore

The images from below are from the Australian context but are universal in nature.

(1) HANDRAIL TERMINATIONS

See two images with prefix of 1 below.

The end conditions are not always identical so these need to be separately definable at each end.

(2) STAIR TO BALUSTRADE (AKA GUARD RAILS) TRANSITION ZONE

See image with prefix of 2 below.

Balustrades on stairs usually have a lower height than balustrades to walkways, balconies and the like so a transition zone is needed where the balusters or panel will have a variable height.

(3) HANDRAIL AND BALUSTRADE KERB / KICK PLATE

For an example see image with a prefix of 3 below.

On ramps these are to prevent wheelchairs from running of the edge.

In other instances they are to prevent small objects being accidentally kicked off walkways and the like and injuring people below.

VE-100691

Worksheet cells had an indent capability

Mike Moore

We need the ability to have Worksheets look like they do in the promotional videos.

The major difference in the promotional videos is the Worksheets have side margins to the text. ie indents to the text.

If Worksheets had that ability then we could make them as crisp and visually attractive as the ones shown in the promotional videos.

VE-100389

Ability to choose an anchor point when changing arc length and chord length on the OIP

Mike Moore

Currently when you change the arc by arc length or chord length on the OIP the lower angle end is the anchor point and the higher angle end moves.

There are times when it would be useful to have:
* the higher angle end angle remain where it is and have the lower angle end move instead.
* both ends of the arc move so the mid point of the arc remains where it is.
* the radius of the arc change

VE-100263

PDFs would ungroup into 2D elements with their original attributes

Mike Moore

Archicad can ungroup PDFs (explode in their terminology) into 2D elements having the pen and fill attributes in the source PDF.

I would like to see Vw have that ability.

VE-100075

[Wish] Rename Resource dialog box was longer

Mike Moore

The Rename Resource dialog box is quite short and often a Resource's name is longer than the dialog box.

Can it please be made longer.

VE-99789

Coloured pencil like fill attribute

Mike Moore

A coloured pencil fill attribute capability would be really useful and give us the ability to take our 2D presentations to another level. Especially if combined with sketch for the 2D linework.

VE-99701

Quick Preference toggle for Show 3D Grid Axes

Mike Moore

Having the 3D Grid Axes on can be helpful when modelling. There are times when you want to switch them on or off and to do that you have to go into the SmartCursor settings.

There is a Quick Preference toggle for turning the grid on and off but there isn't one for the 3D Grid Axes.

Can we please have one so turning the 3D Grid Axes on and off can be done quickly and easily.

VE-99569

Make Dimensions more user friendly and more capable

Mike Moore

1. DIMENSION UNITS

The need for multiple dimension units is quite common. For example some dimensions may need to be in metres and others may need to be in mm or cm.

The process for defining and doing this using the dual dimension capability is not straight forward. It should be simple to do without having to create custom dimension standards.

It would be better to have the units controlled from the OIP. You should be able to select what units you want for a dimension string from a pop-up with all of the available options in the list. And then set the precision for those units.

There should also be a pop-up for selecting Single or the Dual Dimension options. When the Dual dimension option pops up there should be separate pop-ups for setting the units and precision for each of those units.

There is also the problem of only being able to have two units in a file. Sometimes we may need more.

2. TEXT

You should be able to set the text font, text size and font style for dimensions on the OIP, or in lieu of that the Text Style.

You should be able to set the Note text to a separate font size. For Architects this is useful for room names, but often there is insufficient room for it. Being able to set it to a smaller font size would help overcome this limitation. Perhaps giving it the ability to wrap would be useful as well.

3. DIMENSION STANDARDS

The need to have multiple custom dimension standards to cover different unit and scale scenarios needs to be removed.

By all means keep them for defining required settings but give us the ability to override them for units as described above so we don't have to create and manage multiple dimension standards.

VE-99581

Add options to PDF Import

Mike Moore

When you import multiple PDF pages into a file it places them all on one layer with each successive page offset from the previous page. Tidying this up is very time consuming.

Can we please have options to:
- have each PDF page on its own Design Layer
- have each PDF page centred on the Design Layer

For the first option it would also be useful to be able to nominate a user selected prefix for the Design Layers automatically created.

DWG import automatically creates Design Layers for each DWG so why not have the same with PDFs for each PDF page.

VE-99499

Slab Drainage tool self correct when drain points are connected.

Mike Moore

In these two examples there are different results when the drain points that are connected are not orthogonal to each other.

When two drain points are inserted the 'ridge lines that are created should self correct so they are at right angles to a line connecting the two drains. That way when they are 'connected' the anomalies and errors that occur would not occur.

VE-99501

Add the ability to create a simple sloped slab to Architect

Mike Moore

Landmark has the ability to create sloped slabs, including borders, using the Hardscape tool.

Can a similar capability be added to Architect so the need for modelling simple sloped slabs exists within it.

The capability doesn't need to have the border capability of Hardscape objects. It just needs to have the ability to define a sloping slab.

This would provide a straightforward ability to model building elements that have a simple consistent slope without having to fudge it by using the Roof tool. Elements like verandahs, balconies, ramps, paths etc.

VE-105107

DataTag: Warning after edit Tag Field Definition

Michael Wladarz

Many users complain about the behavior of the "Define Tag Field" dialog. After editing the current data stamp definition, it happens to many users that this state is not applied using the "Add to definition" or "Replace current definition" buttons but that the dialog is closed with Button OK.
As a result, the settings are not applied and are lost.
We receive this hint from all users who work with the data tag.
A suggested solution could be to display a warning dialog when a popup menu is clicked on the definition block, and the user wants to exit the dialog with OK before the change has been applied to the current data stamp.

Many users will thank "us" ;)

VE-104000

Generate GlobalId directly

Michael Wladarz

The Global ID should be generated automatically for all common PIOs.
However, it is generated/displayed when one of the By Instance / By Style buttons is plowed, or the object is exported to IFC.

The short video shows the behavior quite clearly.

FYI: [~mrizov]

VE-103880

Data Manager Workflow

Michael Wladarz

Hi VWInc,

It is expected for users to use data visualization to query undefined IFC data fields.
For example, it is currently not possible to query an IFC entry (Boolean) that is initially assigned the value "undefined" via the data visualization and has exactly these objects (e.g., door) colored.
The attached example file clearly shows an object with the IFC PSet information SelfClosing, in all three states. The control value "undefined" is essential for the user to make adjustments here if necessary. Unfortunately, this is currently not possible.
Everything works as desired and expected if the value is queried via the object data.

VE-102668

VWProxy.txt shouldn't be a plain text

Michael Wladarz

This request covers all users who use Vectorworks in an environment where a proxy server connection is used. ([documentation|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/articles.html/articles/downloading-activating-and-proxy-servers-r82/] )

Currently, the user, or the administrator, can create a VWProxy.txt file in the user folder, with which the type, the address, and the port are defined.
This file is freely accessible and not protected. Due to hackers' more frequently occurring attacks, more and more administrators refuse to store these sensitive files in an unsecured file.
The request: Please encrypt the file according to the current security regulations.

VE-101298

Railing / Fence : Options for “return to wall” and/or “return to self” or “return to floor”

Michael Wladarz

Add a “return to wall” and/or “return to self” or “return to floor” options (this is USA CODE REQUIREMENT) along with stand-off/supports

In the USA there is a legal regulation that railings must meet certain requirements. This wish addresses exactly these requirements.

VE-101882

Loft perpendicular to ends?

Michael T. White

why cant we do this? Am I missing something?

VE-100747

Grate Tool elevation messed with wgr VPs

Michael T. White

please see video below

VE-99416

Product Symbols

Michael T. White

please see video

VE-101992

Grid tool

Michael T. White

see image attached

VE-101890

VGM nice job

Michael T. White

VE-101838

3d training

Michael T. White

an idea to train in ed that i used on someone working for me...
see uploads..

VE-101598

Open Linked File

Michael T. White

need to have the ability to open linked files. you already have edit ability but I want to make a new symbol int he linked file..

VE-101465

Profile symbols

Michael T. White

symbols that are just 2d profiles that we can extrude from...
the video attached shows what I mean...the video was made for Onshape but the same principles would apply to VW

VE-100167

Geo System first observations

Michael T. White

see video below

VE-100883

Placing things on the earth

Michael T. White

just a video show what is involved in syncing with civil

VE-100778

Serious Power Potential from "Products"

Michael T. White

Symbol subtraction

VE-100283

Subtracting a symbol

Michael T. White

need a way to make a 3d symbol as a product and then be able to do subtractions from it or use it to subtract from other 3d stuff

VE-100465

Symbol Insertion points

Michael T. White

need to be able to grab even if covered..

VE-99887

Symbol management thru entire project

Michael T. White

this is a major pit fall that needs to be cleaned up...
see video and file to be loaded

VE-100298

Precise Paint on surface

Michael T. White

need a way to apply a "paint" surface to a warped object. see samples it would be like drap object to fit surface

VE-100326

Story Pole

Michael T. White

have a story pole that can be turned on in the model and the ends can be sized up and down....

VE-100205

Batch Convert...Yikes!!

Michael T. White

Guys!...batch converting is downloading all my Smart Sync files in Dropbox...this is the kiss of death! you have GOT to move to cloud based computing and eliminate this whole VERSIONS paradigm...

no way to stop it...i need to force quit VW!!

VE-100087

BOMs fail - human error

Michael T. White

Just got a notification from a client that they ordered too much of the wrong part…
So I checked and the error was mine…

There heeds to be a way to count symbols and have the symbol name show up in the BOM cell...or am I missing something?

Need a BOM that can count the symbols on select layers...

will post image

VE-99848

sheet tools only when making sheets

Michael T. White

when in the sheets universe..all the tools that are not usable for sheets should go away...look at how Onshape does it...only the tools that work will show up for a given task

also sheets should have its own separate scale...if im working in km in my drawing then i do not want my sheets units to also be in km

VE-99851

PDF file reduction

Michael T. White

see video below...

VE-99896

Baseline Font

Michael T. White

I know everyone likes to play with fonts...ok fine but the "out of the box" font should be something like the one posted below...its for programing...no mistaking "I" for "1" etc

sure people can change things later if they want but the default should be (see below)

VE-99682

Push Naming

Michael T. White

Naming is the most fundamental of all organization...need to be able to change the name of things in ref files and the new name get pushed to all files...

VE-99694

Volume on OIP

Michael T. White

Volume needs to be on OIP like area is...

VE-99695

Sheets Units needs independance

Michael T. White

the units for layers need to be separate from the units of the sheets...if im working in decimal feet in my project then when i get to my sheets and start to layout some grid lines for my title block then i do not want to work in decimal feet...

VE-99561

Survey Marker

Michael T. White

so the problem with exchanging files is that we never know who’s grid system we are working on…If we had a tool that made a 3d only (no hybrid) for clean exporting object then we would have a visual 3d object that stays with the model...then you can set up a few of these around the model to lock model in with solid 3d ref points...that way when the other person gets it we never have to check and say "is your origin the same is mine? did it import it in the right location?" etc

the reason for a TOOL is that the marker needs 3d text so we type in the text in the OIP and it shows up on the marker....

VE-99442

Streamline Ref Symbol Management

Michael T. White

we really need to streamline the management of Symbols and the way we manage data...see video below

I have included a test file...try changing the name in the library file and see what it does you your BOMs...what a mess...

now get an Onshape account and do the same....everything is streamlined.

now think...if i had a project with 150 sheets that had 150 separate BOMs...Yikes!!

VE-99409

Save as Default

Michael T. White

please see the images posted...one is easy to save as default the other ie VW is not so easy to figure out...i know it can be done but its not easy like BBR

VE-99357

Volume of 3d objects should show in OIP

Michael T. White

Volume of 3d objects should show in OIP

VE-99306

Sheet units different that layer units

Michael T. White

if i am working in kilometers on my design layers or decimal feet then when I switch to making sheets I should not have to work in those units...I should be able to set my sheet units to inches or mm

VE-104680

Spotlight Inventory T02059 Filter bug

Michael Sharon

When applying a filter, to NOT include a referenced DXF layer, the symbols on that layer are all included. When I change the filter to only show layer=Flown, it shows the correct equipment, but when I change the category to speaker, it changes the filter to none.

VE-104989

Hoist origin grid rotation

Michael Sharon

By default the hoist origin is using the existing XY axes. I had a request to be able to rotate the grid (much like you can rotate the workspace) so that hoist dimensions are based on the rotated grid, not the internal grid. If the PDF enclosed, the hoists are showing the dimensions shown in red. It would be nice if we could have them show the dimensions shown in blue, based on a grid rotated 30deg. In scenarios where we have multiple stages in an expo hall, measuring off the local CL of the stage is easier than a universal origin and grid

VE-104013

Ownership in Data Visualization

Michael Sharon

At the moment, there is no way to record Project Sharing ownership in saved views. The View preference is not recorded in the saved views. I can create a Data Viz where I filter the criteria to one specific owner, but I would have to have a unique Data Viz for each owner. In Data Viz Display Criteria Color It would be nice if we could add 'owner' to the list of functions

VE-103794

Straight Truss Tool- Insert Flat mode correctly

Michael Sharon

Currently when the straight truss tool is used to insert a flat truss, it is inserted flat. Typically it is used vertically, like the ladder truss symbols. When lights are connected, they snap to the center of the truss, not the bottom chord. Request would be for the truss to be created correctly, and behave more like a ladder truss.

VE-104496

Hardscapes need to work with the pick mode in the new railing tool

Michael Lamb

The new railing tool does not support hardscapes with the pick mode, and it should.

VE-104524

T02311 - No option to prevent the top guardrail from extending past the end posts like the infill

Michael Lamb

In the attached video and file, I show a railing where I have the end posts offset at the start and end by 3". There is an option to prevent the infill from going past the start and end post. But there is no option to prevent the top guardrail from going past the start and end posts.

VE-102191

Cannot use angular dimensions edges mode on two intersecting grade objects

Michael Lamb

In the attached video, I try and create an angular dimension between two networked grade objects with the edges mode. I will not do it, I cannot select the grade objects. It will let me select the slope indicators though. This goes back to at least 2018. Other types of dimensions work on grade objects, so I would think the angular dimensions should work too.

VE-102052

T02064 - Railing/fence posts should be shifted when making a "T" join

Michael Lamb

In the attached video, I join two railings that do not have a top rail. The panel is not extended. This is something that is needed. Also when making a T join, the posts should be shifted such that you do not have the edge of a panel go into the middle of another panel, they should meet at a post.

VE-103592

T02093 - No list browser editing on the plant information pane

Michael Lamb

In the attached video, I show that list browser editing is not available on the plant information pane. It is available on the components pane. This was introduced in a task last year, where you can edit directly in a cell. The plant information pane should support this so it remains consistent with other areas of Vectorworks.

VE-100963

Eyedropper tool does not work properly on railing/fence

Michael Lamb

In the attached video, I try to use the eyedropper tool to transfer over the graphical properties from one railing to another. This fails, and instead changes the railing slope and elevation. I tried this in 2019 as well, and got a weird result where it completely changed the physical properties of the railing in an unexpected way.

VE-104777

T02388 - Convert the word "boards" to "components" in the settings under infill type

Michael Lamb

Bryan Goff point out that having the word "boards" in the infill type settings is confusing, because fences can have things other than boards, like iron bars.

VE-104778

T02388 - Dog eared pickets

Michael Lamb

Add the ability to add dog ears to picket fences that use an infill type of vertical boards, so that they match the style of the gate.

VE-104779

T02388 - Need to be able change the swing of a gate in a fence

Michael Lamb

The swing direction of gates is tied to the direction of the fence. If you cannot flip the direction of the fence after it has been drawn, you will need to redraw the fence to change the direction of the gate swing.

VE-104403

Choose surface dialog box

Michael Lamb

Open the attached file, and use the reset all plugins menu command. The choose surface dialog box will popup, and ask you three times to choose the surface. But there are like 40 hardscapes in this file, and you have no idea which one it is asking you about. Not sure if there is any way to show the hardscape at the time when it is asking you the question.

VE-103350

LAND - Mass editing of plants has been impacted by updating how plant styles work

Michael Lamb

Updating the plant styles to add the ability to set parameters to by style or by instance has negatively impacted some users workflows. This shows up when the user attempts to perform mass edits on the plants in a document, and but there is one plant style that has a mismatch on the style/instance setting for the parameter that the user wishes to modify(like one plant accidentally gets this parameter set to by style). The result is that parameter is grayed out and cannot be changed, and it is not easily determined which plant style needs to be edited and changed if there is several hundred plant styles in the document.

Yes, technically this is works as designed and the user may have caused this issue by unknowingly setting a parameter to by style when it should have been left as by instance. But Bryan G. and Scott L. have determined that there are some plants in our default content that have parameters set to by style instead of instance, and that could easily cause this if added to a document.

We need a way to allow the users to sync the by style/instance setting among all the plant styles to allow for mass modification of plant settings, they were easily able to do this in 2021 and have lost that ability now in 2022.

VE-102968

T02296 - Laubwerk is not inserted on the surface of the site model like other plants

Michael Lamb

I know the Laubwerk tool is visualization only, but if it is possible I think the Laubwerk tool should insert a plant on the surface of a site model, if one exists where the plant is placed.

VE-100779

T02093 - Landscape area improvements - drop shadow

Michael Lamb

Add the ability to add drop shadows for individual plants inside a landscape area, and have it be controlled as part of the landscape area style.

VE-101667

Wishlist from Landmark Product Marketing

Michael Lamb

Here are the top 10 items from the Landmark Product Marketing team. For the full list with descriptions and information on each item please refer to the excel spreadsheet in the dropbox link below.

1. Finish the Landscape areas(site areas)

2.  Finish developing the rail tool

3.  Document Simplification Tolerance / Auto Tolerance with adjacent edges duplicated

4. Rootball / Root Area - [https://engineering.vectorworks.net/tasks/edit_task.php?task_id=T02153]

5. Mature Crown and Root area considerations

6. Civil 3D support 2.0 - [https://engineering.vectorworks.net/tasks/edit_task.php?task_id=T02191]

7. Exterior Lighting Tools - https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101648

8. Hardscape free form model of boundary and break lines

9. Footers - https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101640

10.  A global selection point for image prop/generated solid for plants - https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101610

[https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/n7mqslbtgq5q4t60itunb/Vectorworks-Landmark-Wishlist-v2022-Tony-Kostreski-s-edits-2020-11-19.xlsx?cloud_editor=excel&dl=0&rlkey=06zv88ulsaavf7g20ba401cdf]]

VE-102423

LAND - Railing/fence offset - Should the offset amount be reflected in the preview window

Michael Lamb

I noticed that if you use the offset for the railing/fence, that it will affect the preview in the railing/fence settings dialog. When you use a larger offset value, it makes the fence preview harder to see, it effectively makes it smaller. So its harder to see changes to panels, posts, etc. I think we should do one of two things:

1) Make the offset have no effect on the size of the fence preview.

or

2) Add a reference line to the fence preview so when you adjust the offset, you can see and visualize the shift.

VE-103082

Hardscape name is not incremented upon creation

Michael Lamb

When you create a hardscape, the name is not incremented, like when you create a landscape area. This is a problem with the send to surface command, because all the hardscapes in the document will have the same name, unless you intentionally change it. Looks like in previous versions of Vectorworks the hardscape name never changed as multiple hardscapes of the same style were created. See attached video.

VE-103158

LAND - When replacing plants in a Vectorworks file, Landscape areas and hedgerows need to be considered

Michael Lamb

If you have a plant style that exists in a document in manual placements, hedgrerows, and landscape areas and then delete that plant style from the resource manager and replace it with a different plant style, only the manual placement is updated. The old plant will still exist in the hedgerow and landscape areas.

VE-103963

T02357 - Needs to be easier to refresh a draped hardscape

Michael Lamb

I love the hardscape draping, but it needs to be easier to refresh it. Problem is when you do something to change the site model after the draped hardscape has been placed the hardscape draped hardscape will not update or re-drape. Can a button be added to the OIP like the "realign" button for aligned hardscapes? See attached video and file.

VE-104090

Modifier with holes: Clipped hardscape does not fill in the hole

Michael Lamb

In 2023 SP3 you can create a hardscape, clip a shape out of the center of it, and the site model will fill in the hole. That does not happen in 2023 SP4 anymore, the hole is left and you can see the components of the site model. I assume this was not a problem previously because the site model was not cut, but now it is in SP4. Workaround is to add a site modifier where the clip was made.

VE-101036

Need option to set all by style or all by instance for Landscape Area Styles

Michael Lamb

In other tools that use styles, like doors or windows, you have the option at the top to set all instances by style or instance with one click. I don't see a way to do that with landscape area styles.

VE-100794

T02093 - add an "enable tag shoulder line" checkbox for landscape areas

Michael Lamb

To make landscape areas function more similar to the plant tool, add a checkbox/setting for enabling tag shoulder line,, so if you rotate the landscape area, the text will stay horizontal. This enhancement request is derived from VB-170514.

VE-99752

T01954 - Right click context menu should have the option to update an out of date aligned hardscape slab

Michael Lamb

Just like you can right click on an out of date viewport and select update, we should make the same option available for an aligned hardscape that is out of date and needs updating/realignment.

VE-103164

T02306 - Should the default content for railing/fence be updated to the components are pre-classed?

Michael Lamb

With the T02306 task, the number of components of the railing fence jumped from 3 to 10 for 3D attributes, and from 4 to 9 for 2D attributes. This makes it easier to control the look of the railing fence by using class visibilities, but you first have to create all the new classes then edit your railing/fence to assign them.

VE-101985

Ability to create new style from the resource manager

Michael Lamb

Since the hardscape is now a style, you should be able to create a new hardscape style directly from the resource manager without having to draw a hardscape first.

VE-101800

T02204 - Ability to offset a railing/fence based on sections

Michael Lamb

You need the ability in the railing/fence tool to choose which sections of railings to offset. Functionality needs to be added like that which exists in the landscape area tool where you can transverse the sections/vertexes and pick sections to offset. There will be use cases where users only want to offset one section of a 3 section railing without having to split it up.

VE-101801

T02204 - Use left/right radio buttons to designate offset side for railings and fences

Michael Lamb

The current system of using positive and negative values for railing/fence offsets will be confusing to users, especially since a positive offset will move the railing/fence to the left, opposite of how a traditional numberline/ruler works. Just use a positive number with radio buttons of left and right.

VE-101802

T02204 - Add a show direction checkbox for railings/fences in the OIP

Michael Lamb

If you add a show direction markers checkbox in the OIP like you have for polylines, it will make it easy to tell which side of the fence would be the left or right side based on the direction markers. Similar to how walls work.

VE-103366

Needed better algorithm for calculating the medial axis of a shape (current one fixed or a new one developed).

Michael Knöpfle

When I try to create a modifier for complex paths, the calculation of the center axis breaks irregularly in the middle of the path. For simple surfaces the tool works.

VE-104552

Wall mode behavior change.

Michael Klaers

Currently when using the wall tool in Linear Path Mode after clicking on 2 or more vertices, switching modes to the Arc Path Mode makes all the user input on the wall disappear.

I suggest that switching modes in this case from Linear to Arc should behave more like changing vertex type with the Polyline Tool. Don't dismiss all the vertices already clicked, just continue an Arc Wall from the last vertex.

That way if the user was intending to change Control Line Mode and muscle memory made them hit the 'U' shortcut there is a way to recover all the previous work by invoking 'U' again.

Also - I would argue that the default behavior when switching from Linear to Arc or Arc to Linear should be to continue the Linear wall or Arc wall on a tangent from the last wall segment.

VE-104551

Need method of finding Resource Manager and other palettes.

Michael Klaers

I often have trouble finding the RM when using the Command-R keyboard shortcut.
# Often it is "window shaded" so only the header is visible.
# I might not know which monitor to expect it to appear on.
# It is camouflaged by other, similar "window shaded" palettes.

I'd like a way to make the RM or other palette call attention to itself. It could window shape open and closed repeatedly, change colors, etc.

VE-102823

Latch Individual Edit Mode in Lighting Device OIP

Michael Klaers

I'd like a way to latch the OIP in Individual Edit Mode when multiple lighting devices are selected.

Currently, when in Individual Edit Mode and a lighting device parameter is changed and the user hits Tab or Return the OIP switches back to Multiple Edit Mode.

It would also be nice to have a visual indication - maybe a color change of the background of the OIP - when the OIP is in Individual Edit Mode.

VE-102805

button to jump from Edit Classes to Edit Renderworks Texture

Michael Klaers

When assigning default renderworks textures to classes I'd like a button to jump from the Edit classes dialog box directly to the edit dialog for the selected renderworks texture.

VE-102804

Edit Surface Hatch from Edit Texture and/or Edit Surface Hatch Dialog

Michael Klaers

When editing a renderworks texture I'd like to be able to get to the Hatch editor for the selected hatch straight from the texture editor. And have an option in the Hatch Editor to return to the renderworks texture editor.

This would save many steps:
# exiting the texture editor
# trying to remember the name of the embedded hatch
# reopening the editor to look up the name again
# exiting the texture editor again
# switching the resource manager to Hatch
# searching all the hatches to find the correct hatch.
# repeating steps 2, 3, and 4.
# editing the hatch
# switching the resource manager back to textures
# returning to the edit dialog to get back to step 1

VE-102782

Return focus to worksheet after autosave

Michael Klaers

While editing cells in a worksheet, if the user is interrupted by the autosave dialog and hits return to allow the autosave, the focus of Vectorworks after the autosave is no longer on the cell or even the worksheet.

It would be preferable if the user could continue editing the worksheet with keyboard inputs rather than having to use the mouse to make the worksheet active again.

VE-102661

Occlusion in grayed layers in SLVPs

Michael Klaers

It would be nice to have an option in sheet layer viewports with gray layers, to show objects in the grayed layers with their occlusion that would be present if the layer was set to visible.

For example, if a SLVP of an electrical plan has a visible electrical layer with devices and has a gray layer of a floor plan, it would be nice if the chairs under the table and the cabinets under the countertops were occluded.

VE-100000

Update Vectorworks Help Menu and Installer - Getting Started Guide Links

Michael Groves

With the release of Vectorworks 2020, we are also releasing the new Vectorworks University. The current links directing users to the Vectorworks Getting Started Guides need to be replaced with links to the Vectorworks University.

Known Uses:
1. In the current installer, there is a link directing users to the Getting Started Guides

2. In the Help menu there is a link to the GSG page.

These should be replaced with a link to Vectorworks University (university.vectorworks.net)

VE-104033

Data Tag objects can select linked objects

Michael Gass

Data Tags can be linked to objects that are invisible. This could happen if the linked object has been moved to a class or layer that is grayed or invisible. Also could the object have an empty fill.

In all this cases, it will be difficult to edit the linked objects. It will need additional clicks and the user needs to know whether to change class or layer visibilities.

It would be great if there would be an option to select the linked object through the Data Tag. This option could be provided here:
* Button in OIP
* Context menu with right-click on Data Tag
* Double-Click dialog of Data Tag

It could work similar to the worksheet context menu on the row of objects in reports called "Select item".

This would work on design layers, sheet layers and also in annotations of viewports.

The same wish has already been reported for Data Tags with Spaces: VE-103776

But the solution couldn't be limited to the Space only. All tagged objects would have a big benefit from that solution.

In addition, we could also think about having a solution to edit Styles of linked objects directly too. But this needs further discussion.

VE-103567

Worksheet Function for Story prefix/suffix

Michael Gass

It would be great if there would be a possiblity to show the prefix/suffix of stories in reports.

A solution could be:
* to add a new Function for prefix/suffix
* or add a Function Option to the existing Function =STORY e.g. =STORY(PS)

As a reference, the Data Tag already provides the possibility to show the Story Name (#ST#) or the Story prefix/suffix (#STPS#).

VE-104943

UI Consistency: By Style rows dimmed in list

Michael Gass

It would be great if the items in the list (example from Space Style) could be dimmed when editing the instance. This should be realizable, so that the UI looks consistent.

According to [~sbender] it should be already technically possible for all list rows except for the eye icon and resource picker (technical limitation of VW, see example screenshot "CW Window eye icon not dimmed").

It should be possible to dim all cells types and rows individually too.

*Note: The issue is reported with the Space as example but affects other plugins in Vectorworks as well.*

VE-101929

Visibility of Universal Names in Worksheets

Michael Gass

Currently it is still possible to see the Universal Name in Worksheets if the user clicks on the Database Header.

The user shouldn't be able to see the Universal Name anywhere in Vectorworks.

Preferably we could show the Localized Name in the Database Header.

VE-102979

Elevation_Benchmark: Keep Control Point location

Michael Gass

Currently, moving an Elevation Benchmark in 2D mode (Y axis) will also move the Control Point along with the marker. This shouldn't be the case. The control point should stay at its location.

VE-101516

Create Similar Object ignores attached record formats

Michael Gass

When creating a similar Object with a right-click. The attached record format of the first object isn't copied/duplicated to the second object.

Especially nowadays the users start to work more and more with the data visualisation and expects that the attached record formats are copied as well.

See also movie and example document.

VE-100748

Convertion of Grade: Background of Text

Michael Gass

The user wishes to use background fill for the text in Grades. This should be a setting by instance not in the Global Settings. The user wishes to add a fill depending on the background of each Grade.

The attribute palette has already the possiblity to set a background fill but the Grade ignores that setting. The fill style that is chosen in the attribute palette should taken into account as fill of the text that belongs to the Grade.

*If we fix that bug, we will have a convertion problem.* As already discussed with Michael Wladarz and Jürgen Keser we should fix that convertion problem by converting the Grade with fill style set to None. So the Grades still look the same. If desired, the user can now set a fill style after the convertion.

VE-105168

Batch Rename Default Settings

Michael Gass

Currently, the dialog 'Batch Rename' always opens with the default values. Because "Classes" and "Add Prefix" is in the top of the two pulldowns (in alphabetical order), these settings are always chosen by default.

This isn't very user friendly if the dialog needs to be used regularly to rename always the same Category. In this case, the users always need to adjust the two pulldowns to have the desired settings.

It would be great if Vectorworks could remember the last chosen options and save it in the user prefs. In this case, the dialog would always open with the last chosen settings and that would save the user many clicks.

VE-105179

Open document even if save message from another document is open

Michael Gass

The reminder from the auto-backup of Vectorworks often prevents to open another file.

It's not possible to open a new document if the message opened in the background.

Example:
* The user works in another application
* Vectorworks runs in the background with a document opened
* Now the user wants to open a new Vectorworks document

-> This isn't possible because he first needs to cancel or confirm the auto-backup message from an old document that was just open in the background.

In this case, the message should be just ignored and the new document should be opened. As soon as the user switches back to the old document, the message could appear again.

-> The same concept has already been implemented for the Homescreen

VE-105167

Class of Objects within Symbol / Auto-Hybrid

Michael Gass

For intelligent objects / PIOs it is avaible to set the class of sub-objects or parts to the same class as the parent object e.g. <Door class>, <Structural Member> etc.

It would be great if that would be available for Symbols, Auto-Hybrid and other objects as well. It is currently missing for:
* Symbols
* Groups
* Auto-Hybrid
* IFC-Objects
* ...?

VE-104976

Multi-Edit in Lists with different cell formats

Michael Gass

It would be awesome if we could support multi edit in lists of setting dialogs when the rows have different cell formats.

Attached a screenshot from the settings of our current window and door tool. As you can see there are many rows with different formats:
* Enable / Disable state (in this case Visible / Invisible)
* Resource Picker
* Pulldowns with different options

Currently, only cells can only be edited one by one. The users wish to have the possibility to edit Enable / Disable OR Visible (Eye icon) / Invisible (Cross icon) for several rows at once by multi select with the shift key (Compare with Visbile / Invisible state of classes and layer lists).

A possible solution could be to ignore cell formats that are in the current selection but different to the one where the state has been changed.

Example 1:
* All rows are selected
* In one cell the item has been made visible
* All cells in that column will get the same state (visible)
* All cells in that column with different formats will be ignored

Example 2:
* All rows are selected
* In one cell with Resource Picker a specific resource has been chosen
* All cells in that column with Resource Picker will get the same resource
* All other cells are ignored

Please let me know, what you think about the possible solution in the comments. Thank you!

VE-105174

Section Viewports with isometric projection

Michael Gass

It would be great if there would be an option to have a section viewport in Isometric Projection. Attached you can find an example picture how this should look like (Picture 1).

The Picture 2 shows a screenshot from Vectorworks "Edit Viewport > Section In-Place" where the view has been switched to "Right Isometric" with orthogonal projection. *We are very close: This is the desired result!* But it's *{color:#de350b}just an edit mode{color}* of the section viewport. It would be great, to have it as a projection setting to display the section viewport on the sheet layer (Besides Oblique, Orthogonal and Perspective).

VE-105178

Option to save Space Zones also in the document

Michael Gass

Currently, the zones of the Space are saved in the user folder.

User wish to have an option to save the zones also in the document to make it more transportable to other computers.

VE-105173

Open document without refences

Michael Gass

It happens that the VW file can no longer be opened because a reference is broken or just takes too long. Unfortunately there is no possibility in the VW to open the file from the beginning without references.

It only asks to open without references when it can no longer find the link(s). This leads to the current workaround, to move the file to a location where it can't find the link(s) anymore. But this is a very cumbersome workaround that would't be necessairy if there would be a choice to open with/without references when opening a file.

VE-105169

Creating Viewports in Multiple View Panes

Michael Gass

If the user creates viewport in a pane with active Multiple View Panes and creates it on a layer (sheet or design layer) that is already *visble* as one of the Multiple Panes, *the active window* (where the viewport was created) \{*}should not change{*}.

The view from where the viewport was created should stay exactly how it was, but in the Pane where the 'target' layer is visible the view could be fitted to the new viewport and it could make the 'target' layer Pane the active one.

We think this makes a lot of sense in the workflow where the user needs to create several (section) viewports from Top/Plan and he doesn't want to jump back to Top/Plan every time a viewport is created.

The user probably want to have the old behavior too because it has a lot to do with how you use the Multiple View Panes, so this should be controllable via a setting.

Additionally, it could also be a setting, that it opens a new pane with the 'target' layer if Multiple View Panes is active.

Please let me know, what you think about it.

VE-105164

Show z-value on cursor location in 2D Top/Plan

Michael Gass

It would be great if the z-value for the cursor location could be shown also in Top/Plan or Top 3D view.

Especially landscape planners are looking for this. Currently, they need to insert a 'temporary' stake object only to have the information of the heigt on a specific location on the DTM.

Currently, the desired z-value is only shown in the lower right corner in certain 3D views. In the 3D view from Top it doesn't work as desired since only z = 0 will be shown. In this case, the z value should be calculated on the cursor location with gravitation on the surface of the 3D object below (DTM in the example).

VE-105045

Content: Railing AND Fence reports

Michael Gass

Currently, Vectorworks 2024 is still shipped with two legacy reports:
* Railing/Fence (legacy)
* Railing/Fence w/ Subparts-Dtld (legacy)

It would be great to have new preformatted Reports for the new Railing and Fence tools.

Attached you'll find an example for a (German) Railing report that our content team created.

VE-104992

More international tool icon for Elevation Benchmark

Michael Gass

The current icon is showing a round elevation marker.

Users drawing in ISO standard and in DACH region have difficulties to find the tool, because here the elevations markers are displayed as triangles (see attached screenshot) and users do not recognize the round shape of the marker in the current icon.

Also, in the content of the english version you are providing a bigger amount of elevation benchmark styles with triangles than round ones (separated documents for DACH and ISO).

It would be great, if the icon would include also a ISO standard marker to cover international shapes.

Example:

!image-2023-09-08-14-19-41-403.png!

VE-105046

Default IFC Mapping Railing and Fence

Michael Gass

The current default mapping in the Data Manager is as follows:
* Fence Objects =FIRSTNONEMPTY(NAME, ‘Fence’)
* Railing Objects =FIRSTNONEMPTY(NAME, ‘Railing’)

It should be as follows to include the Style Name too:
* Fence Objects =FIRSTNONEMPTY(NAME,Style.‘Name’, ‘Fence’)
* Railing Objects =FIRSTNONEMPTY(NAME,Style.‘Name’, ‘Railing’)

VE-104726

Title Block should take Project Elevation value into account

Michael Gass

With task T02412 the new value Project Elevation has been introduced in VW2024 as a document setting.

It would be great if the Project Data of the Title Block could consider this value.

VE-104993

Changing the Size Reference during Interactive Resizing of Windows and Doors

Michael Gass

Currently, the window tool supports three different Size References:
* Sash Opening
* Unit Size
* Rough Opening

(The CW Window has similar Size References)

Depending on the chosen Size Reference the control points of the interactive resizing have different locations. If the customer wants to align windows or doors to other elements in the drawing, he needs to choose the matching Size Reference. As the customer realizes the current Size Reference is wrong, it is necessairy to open the settings dialog or change the Size Reference through the OIP. This is very interupting.

It would be great if changing the Size Reference could be interactive during the resizing too. E.g. compare changing the Control Line from left to right when drawing a wall (Left/Right control line mode).

VE-104948

Structural Member Content: More T-shaped profiles

Michael Gass

User wish to have more T-shaped profiles (1/2 IPE) for Structural Member. Please see the specific shapes in the link:

[https://www.dlubal.com/en/cross-section-properties/1-2-ipe-200-din-1025-5-1994-03-euronorm-19-57]

VE-104892

Symbols and PIOs shouln't have empty Medium Detail Level

Michael Gass

It is possible that the Medium Detail Level of Symbols and PIOs is empty.

In this case the symbol isn't visible in the design layer because the Medium Detail Level is the one that is shown by default on design layers.

Also the preview in the Resource Manager will be empty in this case.

This is a situation where a customer might run into by mistake.

We think there are two solutions to solve this issue:
* Show a warning when exiting the symbol (similar to the situation if the symbol will contain no objects at all)
* Automatically show the High Detail Level in this case. If High is empty too, automatically show the Low Detail Level

In our opinion, the 2nd solution would be preferable.

VE-104902

Project Sharing: Blocked objects from user himself

Michael Gass

It's possible that an user can block himself when checking out an object in a file and close it without saving. In this case the user is blocked by himself.

Blocking oneself should be avoided or the user could be provided with an additional option e.g. "Check out anyway" or changes are allowed and the user can "overwrite with current state" as soon as the objects are {*}checked out by the user himself{*}.

Even the objects are checked out in different documents by the same user, the user himself should know if the current objects are the newest or if they have an outdated state.

VE-104899

Project Sharing: Release objects from reports

Michael Gass

The feature to create reports of checked out objects is a great to have control, who is the owner of the objects in a drawing. Especially the administrators and supporters appreciate the feature very much.

It would be great if now there would be a context command on the worksheet row to Release the object (Admin Release AND regular Release). Currently on the context command there is only the option to Select Item and then the Release needs to be done in a second step on the object itself.

VE-104898

Project Sharing: More control in new view bar

Michael Gass

As soon as a working file is opened, the Project Sharing group in the view bar will be available. But it has very limited functionality since it is only a button to "Refresh Document".

It would be great, if more options could be added:
* Save and commit
* Close and Release
* Refresh
* Revert
* Check out object(s)
* Release object(s)
* (Project Sharing Settings)

They could be added under a small triangle similar to the text formatting options or the Snapping Settings to save space in the view bar.

Currently these options are placed in the File menu and context command. The implementation of this VE would combine all relevant options for Project Sharing in one place.

VE-104884

Search bar in Workspace Editor

Michael Gass

Vectorworks has many menu commands and tools. When editing a workspace, it could take a while to find the desired item in the list. Even the division in groups isn't always helpful, because the user needs to guess the group if he isn't sure. It would be great to have a search bar in the workspace editor.

VE-104853

Triptychon Layout: Pane lists with some kind of separation

Michael Gass

In the right column of the Triptychon Layout we already have the list containing all panes of a settings dialog.

With many settings divided into separate panes, this list becomes very long and thus complicated. The users have difficulties to find the desired pane fast.

We wish to have some kind of separator between panes that can be grouped together.

In the attachment you'll find an example of the german window tool. We tried to add empty spaces between groups. But the result isn't very satisfying (we won't implement it like this).

Another example is the macOS (Ventura) system preferences. They used also a space between groups. But honestly, this is also still to complicated.

Maybe a line would be a good solution. Or something similar to the separator in the list of the Layer pulldown in the view bar (Sheet Layer and Design Layer).

Technically, it would be already possible to add titles of groups and indented names of panes in the list (see also example screenshot in german). But this wouldn't match the Vectorworks standard. We think a general solution should come from VW Inc as a guideline for all settings dialogs.

VE-102333

DWG Export without automatically created blocks from plugins

Michael Gass

{color:#000000}Due to the internal structure* the geometry of plugin objects are exported as a block (or sometimes two nested blocks).{color}

{color:#000000}This is not always desired.{color}

*{color:#000000}Examples where the block is desired (Current behavior):{color}*
* {color:#000000}Window -> Creates blocks for each window{color}
* {color:#000000}Door -> Creates blocks for each Door{color}
* {color:#000000}Stair -> Creates block for each Stair{color}

*{color:#000000}Examples where the block should be prevented:{color}*
* {color:#000000}Space -> It should create a polygon for the 2D boundary and a 3D solid for the 3D boundary that is directly editable in AutoCAD without nesting it in a block. (Note: With VW23 the Space Label will be a Data Tag and exported seperatly anyway){color}
* {color:#000000}More plugins to support this..? (Structural member?){color}

{color:#000000}We should analyse this and create a more advanced concept which objects should be exported as blocks and which are not. e.g. the structural member as block or not? Currently it is a block..{color}

*{color:#000000}Problem:{color}*

{color:#000000}In Switzerland we have a organization called CADexchange [(https://www.cadexchange.ch/)|https://www.cadexchange.ch/).] that tests the DWG export of several CAD software[.|https://www.cadexchange.ch/).] The most used CAD software will get points on how good the DWG export works. One of the requirements is, that space polygons are directly editable for further use in CAFM software. If we don't support this, Vectorworks will get less points than other software.{color}

{color:#000000}A simple solution would be, to only support the desired behavoir for exported spaces.
{color}

{color:#000000}(*Internal structure: I refer here to an email from Nina Ivanova to me on August 26, 2021)
{color}

VE-104704

Used folder names within Resource Manager

Michael Gass

If you create a subfolder in the Resource Manager, e.g. to store old, still unsorted material separately, you cannot use a name that is already used for any other folder or subfolder, no matter on which layer in the directory tree it is located. -> It would make a lot of sense to allow any name here that is not already used within the same folder.

VE-104788

Wish List From ComputerWorks Archive

Michael Gass

Here all old wish lists from ComputerWorks are archived. For the current wish lists please check VE-101225.

VE-104761

Multiple sites, buildings in Reference Workflow

Michael Gass

It is common that our customers are doing projects that contain multiple buildings.

The best practice workflow is to model every building in a separate files and then create a Vectorworks master file that references the individual buildings and then contains objects that are common for the entire project (e.g. an underground garage). Because Vectorworks IFC also doesn't support multiple buildings you in addition have to IFC export then every building individually (can't use the master file) and merge the buildings with a model checker.
* It would be great if it’s possible to export all buildings directly from the master file without the need to merge the buildings afterwards with a model checker.
* Also the rotation (north direction), height above sea level and the world coordinates of the buildings need to be considered
* Export should have the correct entities ifcProject, ifcSite, ifcBuilding, Stories
* It’s still quite complicated to reference resources over multiple files. It would be great, to have more control over referenced resources. E.g. where is the resource coming from, new resources can only be added in a resource file to avoid duplicated resources, new resources in the resources file will automatically be referenced in other files etc.
* Use of Data Tags on Section with referenced objects (CWE02939)

_The file attached is a Prezi presentation from a GDC several years ago. But it is still a current topic and we hear it from our users all the time._

_zip ->_ _Prezi file_ _for Mac_

_exe ->_ _Prezi_ _for for Windows_

VE-104763

Data Manager: Import of custom pSets as Mapping table using an Excel sheet

Michael Gass

Users wish to have the ability to import custom mapping tables from an external document (e.g. Excel document).
Usually they build their structure for mappings in external sheets anyway to have a better overview and to be able to document it somewhere.
If they already build a mapping table within Excel they want to import that into Vectorworks.

A simple Excel file could contain 3 colums:
- ifcEntity
- pSet Name
- pSet Value
- data type (text, intiger)
- unit (if available)

This actually is step one of a workflow:

1. Import custom pSet
2. Map data to the pSet value (using an excel mapping file, which is another wish -> VE-104762 )

VE-104762

Data Manager: Simpler way to add information to building elements by rules

Michael Gass

For Vectorworks 2025 there will be better and automated way to classify objects (T02407). This is fantastic. Unfortunately the task do only address Classification. We actually hope that in the future we can use an excel sheet/worksheet to add „automated“ information to all objects and properties and can get rid of the complex condition formulas and mapping formulas in Data manager. It should be possible to „search“ for object information (each line in Excel is actually a kind of search criteria) and add any additional data to building elements by using these rules.

Example Given:
Search for a Space with the name „Office“ and automatically write „Main Usable Area“ into „ifcCategory“. This information is not a Classification in DACH it has to be written into ifcCategory.
or
Search for an interior wall that is load bearing and add a fire rating „EI 90“.

It should also be possible to change ifcEntity using the same or similar system.

Example Given:
Search for a component material „Insulation“ and change the component entity to „ifcCovering“.
or
Search for the sub-part of a window „sill“ and change the entity to „ifcCovering“.

These are just two examples to mention once more, that building components and sub-parts should be supported.

Actually the wish is to extend the automated classification mapping we hopefully get in 2025 (T02407) to any object and data inside Vectorworks.

Solibri has a powerful system how to assign data (tag) to any entity by defining a kind of excel table.

VE-104764

Reduce/Eliminate blocking VW during several tasks

Michael Gass

It would be great if VW could run several tasks in the background tasks and don't block the working progress of the user. Examples of tasks that could be done in the background: data exchange (IFC/DWG export etc.), Update library, batch conversion, update references, publish, avoid complete crashes etc.

Usecase 1:
The user starts Vectorworks and just after starting the update library message pops up. To save time (the user already needed to wait until VW started), the user skips the library update. Because his team members worked on the library in the workgroup folder, the user realize the changes until he finally makes the library update. If the team member continousliy improve the library every day. The library update needs to be done also every day. If this is done automatically (maybe with an intervall) in the background, the time until the user can start working will be reduced a lot.

Usecase 2:
Depending on the amount of objects and also the 3D resolution the IFC export can take a long time. The unofficial current workaround of power users is now to run several instances of VW. So one of them can be used for the IFC export while in the other the user can still continue working.
If exports (not just IFC) would run in the background, the user could already continue working.

BTW, ArchiCAD is running a hidden application/service called ArchiCAD helper. We think that this is a kind of ArchiCAD Version running in the background and is doing a lot of these background stuff. We also think that this service also takes care if ArchiCAD crash. Often there is no data loss and the last version of the file automatically opens again. But it’s a guess that this service is handling this in ArchiCAD.

VE-104760

Roof improvements

Michael Gass

_We've already talked about this a lot and you'll also find this high rated wish on our CW wishlist for Architect, but we've never reported it in JIRA. Now in this report we have compiled everything about the roof:_

It is very cumbersome and often impossible to create the roof even of standard buildings. The user often has to switch to model the parts of the roof instead of using the roof tool. For smaller firms, who are the largest share of Computerworks' customers, a pitched roof is a key BIM element. This is why the deficits of the roof tool contribute disproportionately to how the BIM capability of Vectorworks is perceived by this user group. It is often used as evidence, that Vectorworks is not really a qualified BIM tool.
It would be great if a bundle of improvements could be implemented (same as for walls and slabs), including roof windows and dormers:
# Users want to show outlines, dormers, windows to be displayed as dashed/dotted in floor plans below the roof.
# Walls of dormers are created by the dormer object. The same functionality of the wall tool is required for dormer walls: components, BIM data (Exterior, load bearing etc.), render materials etc. Components of dormer walls should be able to be joined with roof components.
# More BIM data for the roof object and its components.
# Better quantity takeoff functionality
# It would be great if roof components could be joined with adjacent wall components individually just as wall components can be joined by using a component join tool.
This should be in line with our wish "Walls: Individual handling of wall components in 2D and 3D".
# Additional to parametric design, the possibility of modelling roof faces separately as 3D polygons or volumes and then joining them (in 2D-Plan, Section and Perspective) could be an intuitive solution to create complex roof geometry.
# Connecting with interior and exterior walls is problematic. Interior walls connect to other components than exterior walls. Often a second "imaginary" roof must be created, with which interior walls can then be clipped. Problem otherwise is that the inner roof components do NOT run to the exterior walls. When connected with the roof, the interior and exterior walls are treated the same but they have to be treated differently.
# It would be nice if dormers could be created without having to insert a window placed inside a symbol. Converting polygons from ground view could be a solution.
# It would be nice if dormers could be moved by using the move by points tool or by drag and drop.
# It would be nice if windows inside dormers could be moved and edited just as normal windows.
# Transforming point clouds from laser scanners into Vectorworks BIM objects, is possibly a very different workflow to how our users want to create roofs in Vectorworks. Maybe this workflow can also be taken into account when enhancing the tool.
# We also think, the roof should be a tool and not a command to make it better visible and on the same level like walls and slabs.
# All common roof shapes should be possible. See PDF with examples attached: "Dach.pdf" with common roofs from the DACH region.
# Roof should support detail levels like the walls.

Here some movies from VW. They show how complex the situations need to be handled:

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/ueEHjAUe82A]

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/49QrAhElslA]

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/zxyX01NiT-0]

And here some movies from ArchiCAD:

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVq8TdPgt8Y]

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/aK2zKawswUQ]

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/JLEgExBcEJU]

[https://www.youtube.com/embed/XWisVy5IkGk] (Drawing roof faces directly in 3D)

VE-100814

Data Manager: Mapping table import from Excel

Michael Gass

Users wish to have the ability to import custom mapping tables from a external document (e.g. Excel document).

Usually they build their structure for mappings in external sheets anyway to have a better overview and to be able to document it somewhere.

If they already build a mapping table within Excel they want to import that to Vectorworks. This workflow is similar in Solibri where it is already possible.

Attached you can find an example how that could look in Excel.
* User should have the option to map it to an IFC classification, a custom record or a PIO record
* It should be possible to map the same value from the excel to several fields from an IFC classification, a custom record or a PIO record (internal, IFC2x3, IFC4, ...), see READ / WRITE in example
* It should also be possible to simplify the source with a name for better comprehensibility
* The options (see orange box below) similar to Solibri

VE-104753

Keep Automatic Start and End Cap Conditions of Structural Members

Michael Gass

After deletion of a Structural Member from a connected network of several Structural Members the automatic Start/End Cap Condidtion values will be reset.

The user expect that the shape of the existing structural member will be preserved after deletion of other connected structural members (Example: Demolishion).

Currently, this can only be done by filling in the values manually afterwards. This are many unecessairy steps that could be avoided.

For this the 'Automatic' values should be preserved. See example and screenshot.

VE-104724

AMSL Abbreviation Definition

Michael Gass

With task T02412 the new value Project Elevation has been introduced in VW2024.

Every country uses another abbreviation for *above mean sea level* ({*}AMSL{*}).

Just a few examples only from Europe:
{quote}UK: m ASL / m a.s.l.

Germany: m ü. NN.

Switzerland: m ü. M.

Austria: m ü. A.

Belgium: _m O.P._

_See also [https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B6he_%C3%BCber_dem_Meeresspiegel]_
{quote}
Now the difficulties are if the users want to show the value togehter with the correct abbreviation definition, the abbreviation needs to be inserted as static text in the Data Tags or Elevation Bechmark objects.

It would be great if the correct abbreviation could be chosen from a list of official abbreviations and saved in the document. The chosen abbreviation could then be a value for Data Tags and Elevation Benchmark too.

VE-104740

Interval background update of sections/viewports

Michael Gass

A user has to update viewports and also section viewports manually. Depending on the complexity of a building updating a section viewport can take several minutes. When switching to a layer with section viewports the user first has to update the sections and has to wait until the are finished (user still able to work since the process will be done in the background). Sections are often used to control the "work" and are helpful to understand the building better therfore it should be as fast as possible.

We wish that section viewports (and of course other viewports as well) can be updated in the background.
A solution would be to provide an option for every viewport to update manually, with a specific interval automatically or when opening a document.

VE-104632

Increase Raster Rendering DPI default to 300

Michael Gass

The current default DPI for new Sheet Layers is 72. This is very low and users are often disappointed about the quality of the result because they will zoom in and out on Sheet Layers for sure (or also in published PDFs)!

The users need to know that they have to increase the DPI value. In all our template documents the preset Sheet Layers are already prepared with 300dpi.

In very few cases the computer doesn't manage 300dpi or it would take too long for rendering. In this case the user can reduce the DPI manually.

We recommend that also new Sheet Layers should have 300dpi. With this action, we make it easier for the user to have a good looking result/rendering with fewer clicks and necessairy settings.

VE-104735

Double-click suspend snapping shortcut should be disabled when clicked together with other key

Michael Gass

In the german workspaces we use "z" to suspend snapping. Now to suspend it permanent the "z" has to be clicked twice (Same for "<" in the international workspace).

The problem occurs when there are other short key combinations using "z". E.g. cmd + z for Undo. If now the user clicks a wrong short key combination, he wonders why nothing happened and clicks the combination twice. As a result the snapping is suspended permanently and the user complains about the accuracy of drawing with VW because there is no snapping anymore.

Clicking a wrong short key combination can happen often when switching between Mac and Windows (e.g. in Classroom environment, Homeoffice computers etc). CTRL + Z = Undo on Windows BUT CTRL + Z on Mac twice = snapping suspended permanently.

This problem would be solved if suspend snapping (and maybe also other short keys) work only if exactly the defined key is pressed:

< = suspend snapping

CTRL + < = Nothing happens (Mac) except this exact short key combination is defined for some command or tool

VE-104725

IFC Export should take Project Elevation value into account

Michael Gass

With task T02412 the new value Project Elevation has been introduced in VW2024 as a document setting.

It would be great if the IFC export would consider this value.

A possible solution could be that the user has the choice to use the document value or to overwrite with a custom value during the IFC export.

VE-104067

Texture Mapping Options for Roof and Slab

Michael Gass

The wall has many options to change the mapping of textures {*}by component{*}. That functionality is also desired for slabs and roofs.

It would be great if you could consider this in future developments.

See also movie.

VE-104728

Import RFA (Revit Family) as parametric object

Michael Gass

Currently RFA documents can be imported in VW as 3D Symbols. But in this case they will loose the parametric geometry. In VW the RFA is a static symbol that stays in the default values.

There could be two solutions to this issue:
* During the import the values can be changed and in VW the static symbol will have the defined measurements from the import
* The RFA is imported as 'RFA Revit Object' that will be parametric with all values accessible in the OIP (prefered)

Attached is an example of a Gate from the manufacturer Hörmann

It would be great if this Gate could be imported as parametric object and inserted in a wall.

VE-104727

Organization Dialog with Project Elevation

Michael Gass

With task T02412 the new value Project Elevation has been introduced in VW2024 as a document setting.

It would be great if the value could be shown also in the Organization dialog on several places:
* Stories (Column: Elevation in reference to Project Elevation and in Preview)
* Design Layers (Column: Elevation in reference to Project Elevation)

VE-104677

Levelling Layer: Covering/backfilling parts of building

Michael Gass

At the moment it is difficult to create underground garages / underground car parks.

To plan an underground parking the user starts with the excavation in the terrain model around the shape of the underground building part. The problem occurs when the structure of the bulding is drawn and the user wants to fill the space between the roof of the underground building part to the proposed terrain.

Most users either use another terrain model, the softscapes or hardscapes. The problem that often can't be solved in this case, is the levelling layer directly above the underground garage. This layer is usually geometrically different from the upper layers. It should be possible to control this compensation layer either manually or with an automatic adjustment function. With the terrain model layers there is already the possibility to work with the geological points, which could be a manual solution.

It would be great, to have a function where you can define a certain layer (e.g. the lowest) that should automatically adjust to the object below/above it. The following example probably describes the issue best. If a stepped underground car park is to be created and a topography is to be created above it, then the terrain model should be able to adapt to the underground car park surface. This would allow the spaces in between to be filled. These areas are especially relevant for large projects and must therefore be possible.

On the construction site this levelling layer is added after the constuctions of the underground building / garage and therefore the quantities of the required filling material is needed.

Thank you [~fhaeuselmann] for compiling the description and example picture!

VE-104697

Surface Water Runoff Analysis

Michael Gass

In a discussion with some of our big Landmark users this came up.

The water drop analysis or also rainwater analysis is about creating a water analysis for certain situations. Thus, for example, possible areas for flooding can be detected. Civil can already do this, it is also described in their manual:

[https://help.autodesk.com/view/CIV3D/2024/ENG/?guid=GUID-0A52A24C-D6A9-4005-AF35-842A8309D167]

A water drop analysis shows the course of water on the terrain model and is used for water analysis. For example, a 2D or 3D polyline is drawn that represents a water course, and labels.

_(Waterlines)_

!image-2023-07-14-14-01-25-957.png!

It is also possible to calculate and display the irrigated areas based on the water lines.

_(Waterarea)_

_!image-2023-07-14-14-02-14-480.png!_

VE-104681

Modify Terrain Model with 3D Polygons and NURBS (Simple Modifier)

Michael Gass

Users can take advantage of the ability to use 3D polygons or NURBS as terrain modifiers. The possibility to use these object types as effective modifiers via the Modification class can be beneficial in many situations. The knowledge of this possibility is not yet very widespread and is still considered "insider" knowledge or workaround, at least by us.

We could offer the possibility in a more "offical" way. A possibility could be, to offer it as a method of the modifier tool or even as a stand-alone tool Terrain Modifier (Simple). The modifiers should work exactly or similar (maybe with additional options like slope between two points) to the "prototype" tools, i.e. 3D polygon, NURBS curve or NURBS surface.

Thank you [~fhaeuselmann] for compiling the description and example pictures!

VE-104423

Units in cell formats of worksheets / reports

Michael Gass

It would be great to have a possibility to change the unit of numberic values in worksheets and reports. Desired are similar options like currently supported of the Data Tag. See also movie for further explanation.

The current workaround is, to use =TXT formula in the worksheet cells. But this will not only convert the value in a desired unit. It also converts the value into text. Further calculations aren't possible. Also it isn't very userfriendly to work with coplex formulas in worksheets.

VE-103856

Save view and settings VCS and VGX

Michael Gass

In the cloud and with VGX documents in the app the 3D model always starts on the same position/view. It also always has the same default settings.

Now, the user can change the light and shadow settings, which is great!

Users wish to have saved views / positions with the ability to save also all its settings (background, shadow, light, rendering etc.).

VE-104385

Feeling and look of auto-hide View Bar compared to Palettes

Michael Gass

I really like the auto-hide option of the re-designed View Bar! It looks great and clean.

Nevertheless, it would be great if the look and the feeling of existing auto-hide UI-elements (e.g. docked and floating palettes) would be the same like the View Bar. Currently, the palettes have that black contour line while the View Bar has shadows, which gives a nice 3D look. Also, I think the movements when appearing/hiding are a little bit different.

Additionally, the 'Palette Options' could be placed together with the View Bar Options, because they fit really well together! If all auto-hide options are enabled, the new Vectorworks comes with a full focus on the drawing surface :)

VE-103034

Manual value for Window and Glazing Area in Space Label

Michael Gass

Currently, the values for Window and Glazing Area can be calculated automatically. This is a great feature!

But it only works if the Space is connected to the walls. In some situations it is necessairy to create a manual Space that hasn't an Auto-boundary with walls.

Also, in some situations the user wants to overwride the automatically calculated Window and Glazing Area.

In this case, one of the User-defined record fields of the Space can be used. To show the User-defined record field the Data Tag needs to changed to display the manual value instead of the automatically calculated one! This additional step wouldn't be necessairy if we provide an option in the Space dialog to override the manual value or add / subtract a value to the calculated one.

VE-100582

Components of Wall Function

Michael Gass

Customers wish to define the Fuction of walls componets with a custom value.

E.g if "Other" is chosen, that there is another field where the customer can write it's desired value. This is needed for IFC Mapping to Material-Layer #6 Category: Inner Insulation or Outer Insulation.

VE-104232

Size of supersript numbers for Data Tag an Elevation Benchmark

Michael Gass

The Data Tag supports the unit "SIA" and in VW2024 with T02412 (Elevation Benchmark Improvements) the Elevation Benchmark will also support the unit "SIA".

With VW2023 SP5 the supercript numbers of the SIA numeric values will always have the same size as the rest of the numbers.

The SIA Dimension standard has the Tolerance Size value where the Size of the superscript numbers can be defined in relation to the dimension text (see screenshot).

The DIN 1356 (Germany and Austria) and SIA drawing Standard (Switzerland) defines that the superscript numbers of dimensions need to be approximately 75% size.

It would be great to have a similar value field like the Tolerance Size for Data Tag and Elevation Benchmark as soon as the unit "SIA" is chosen. See suggestion.png

VE-103495

Elevation Benchmark in Story Level settings

Michael Gass

It would be great if the options for Elevation Benchmark would be visible and editable in the list of the Story Levels as it is already in the Section Viewport / Viewport settings. See screenshots with comments.

VE-103305

Unified way of editing different kind of marker objects with double-click

Michael Gass

In Vectorworks 2023 we have several different ways how marker objects react to a double-click.

*Data Tag:* Will offer a dialog called "Choose component" where you can edit:
* Tag Layout
* Tag Data

*Title Block Border:* Will offer a dialog called "Edit Title Block Border"
* Settings
* Title Block Layout
* Title Block Manager

*Graphic Legend:* Will offer a dialog called "Select Edit Method"
* Cell Layout
* Title Layout
* Annotations

*Elevation Benchmark:* {color:#FF0000}Warning is shown.{color} The object has no edit behavior on a double-click.

These different ways should be unified and Elevation Benchmark objects should provide an edit dialog as well.

You'll find our proposal in the attachement.

VE-104231

Current Design Layer Detail Level in View Bar

Michael Gass

It would be great if the current detail level of the design layer would be displayed in the View Bar.

In addition, the user should be able to change the current detail level if the checkbox "Document Preferences > Display > Auto display detail levels for design layers" is off. Further explanation in the movie.

VE-104217

Separate Offset duplications from duplicate command

Michael Gass

Cmd+D / Ctrl+D duplicates the selected object. We saw that very often user disable the option "Offset duplications" in the VW preferences because this moves the duplicates by a value.

Users often don't understand that this value is the last value by which the last object was moved. Also users which to have the duplicate in place on the same location as the original.

After explaning where the value is coming from, the users start to work with the option ON. But it isn't always needed. In some situations the user want to have again the duplicate in the same location.

Therefore, it would be great to have the two options separated with a different command. Like cmd+V for Paste and alt+cmd+V for Paste in place, it would be great to have something similar for the duplicate command. Another solution would be, to offer the option in the quick prefs of the new view bar. There it could be turned OFF or ON easily.

VE-104211

Reshaping simple 3D solids (e.g. extrudes) with the reshape tool

Michael Gass

We have the best tools in creating custom models. Such as custom BIM elements, furniture, cabinets. In every architectural project there are special elements such as columns, entrance doors, foundations, etc. that can be modeled manually. This is our strength. Industries such as carpentry or interior design often consist largely of such design models.

However, changing such objects is sometimes quite cumbersome. On one hand, the different editing options for different object types, the nesting and the different tools complicate the workflows.
We think we should take a step forward here. For example, it could be a start to support multiple editing of extrusions. In other words, combining the reshaping of the base area or raising or lowering the top and bottom edges in one and the same tool. Also path bodies with a basic geometry could be included. Path Bodies and Extrusion Bodies would fill most of the requirement and provide an incredible increase in productivity.

Attached to this report some quiet basic geometries, created from extrudes. Also a Movie how we can change the size of the objects with the existing tools. Those existing Workflows are not unreasonable but from the view of our customers, they expect more direct and faster ways to “stretch” this kind of models.

Thank you [~dcorpataux] for compiling the description and examples!

The movie "Possible solution" is a proposal how a future solution could work. The tool in the movie was created by Dom with Marionette!

VE-104162

Display types of wooden structural members on cut plane

Michael Gass

The SIA 400 (Swiss construction code) defines how wooden structural members should look like on thei{color:#172b4d}r cut plane.{color}

{color:#172b4d}Currently, the desired look isn't possible in Vectorworks. The users need to add additional 2D lines to acheive the required display standard from SIA 400.{color}

There are the values for Center Mark. But the Center Mark doesn't rotate together with the Structural Member. *Center Mark ≠ Axis*

VE-104122

Bluebeam Integration Update

Michael Gass

The current Bluebeam Integration is based on Bluebeam Studio. Within Bluebeam Studio the exchange of information will happen over Studio Sessions.

Last year Bluebeam released it's Cloud based version "Revu 21". In this new subscription based licensing model, the workflows move away from the Studio Sessions to PDF editing and commenting directly in the browser on the Bluebeam Cloud.

With a VCS Bluebeam Integration update it would be great if the users would have a way to:

- Share PDFs between VCS and the Bluebeam Cloud

- Publish PDF directly in VCS and the Bluebeam Cloud

- Sync comments between PDFs in VCS and the Bluebeam Cloud

- Support redlining from Bluebeam to the drawing in VW

Currently, the redlining parts needs to be done manually over different platforms.

Current situation:

1. VW User draws plans in Vectorworks

2. PDF will be exported and sent to the supervisor

3. Supervisor opens PDF in Bluebeam and adds comments

4. A list of comments and todos can be exported from Bluebeam as a PDF

5. Supervisor sends the list of todos and the commented PDFs back to the VW user

6. The VW user now needs to check the list manually to make the changes in the plans

(6.a. Maybe the commented PDF plans needs to be imported with the checkbox "Show Annotations" enabled. But this is visual only. There is no additional information on the comments like in Bluebeam)

7. The VW user needs to inform the supervisor about updates to the comments (Pending, Information needed, Done etc.).

With an improved Bluebeam integration that could be much more fluid workflow:

1. VW User draws plans in Vectorworks

2. PDF will be published and directly shared in the Bluebeam Cloud

3. Supervisor adds comments in the Bluebeam Cloud

4. The VW user will have the comments directly in VCS too and they could be show directly in the original Vectorworks plan on the correct location to change the plans accordingly.

5. The VW user can update the status of the comments directly in Vectorworks (Pending, Information needed, Done etc.) and the supervisor will be informed in real-time in the Bluebeam Cloud.

A similar functionality already exists in Vectorworks with the BCF Manager in 3D models if the BCF is connected to a supported server.

VE-104108

Data Tag: Use class from tagged object

Michael Gass

In VW2022 it was possible to hide the class of the Spaces and this would also hide the Space Labels together with the Space Area.

Since VW2023 Space Labels are Data Tags and are separated from the Space object itself. This means the user needs to take care, that the Data Tags are on the same class as the Space objects to maintain the current workflow.

This wouldn't be necessairy if the Data Tag would use the class from the tagged object. It would be great if the Data Tag has an option to always use the class of the tagged object.

A possible solution in the screenshot.

VE-104065

Data Visualization: Overwrite Material with another Material

Michael Gass

It is currently only possible to overwrite the attributes of materials in a Data Visualization.

To study different object / material variations during the design phase in the project, it would be great if with the Data Visualization specific placeholder Materials could be overwritten with another Materials.

Example: To check different variations of wall colors and furniture textures only the materials can be exchanged through the Data Visualization. Currently, this needs to be done with many additional clicks by overwrite the fill and texture to the desired look.

VE-104066

More than one record for Materials

Michael Gass

Currently, each Material is limited to one custom record only.

In many cases, the users want to add more than one record to materials.

Examples:
* Record for cost
* Record for classification
* Additional product data
* etc.

No matter how many predefined data fields we offer we will never be able to cover every case that users will come up. Especially if not every data field is meant to be displayed for every material, the user want to split the custom records.

VE-102176

Switch from Symbols with linked text to Data Tags

Michael Gass

The Data Tag is a very intuitive tool for all kind of tags and labels for a lot of objects in Vectorworks.

Before the Data Tag, there was the system of symbols which include text added to Database. Nowadays, there are just a few use cases left, where it makes sense to use the "old" symbol-based system.

If we are able to support these use cases by using the Data Tag, we could retire the Add Text to Database function.

I created separate Enhancement Requests for the use cases where the Data Tag should be better supported to retire Add Text to Database:

*Support of Block Attributes in DWG Export*

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102169

*Create Data Tags by importing DWG*

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102175

*Labeled Symbols / Insert Symbol with Data Tag*

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102178

If we do this change the translation to the newer file version should exchange symbols with linked text with Data Tags.

VE-104062

VW Viewer should support full Shaded Options

Michael Gass

Currently, many Shaded options (inlcuding the new ones from VW2023) are dimmed in the Vectorworks Viewer.

Because they are display options only (no drawing of objects) and they improve how the 3D model looks enormously, they should be available in the Viewer too.

So far it looks like the state (enabled/disabled) is stored in the document. A possible solution could also be, that the states of the options from the document that is drawn in a full version will also influence how the model looks in the Viewer but in the Viewer there will be no possibility to enable or disable the options.

VE-103951

T02348 / T02309: Cursor icon Windows and Doors

Michael Gass

Currently the cursor icon shows a square with four arrows around it.

Almost all other tools are using the icon with a diagonal arrow pointing into two directions.

See also movie where I show the example of lines and rectangles. But also other complex tools like the stair, walls, spaces etc are using the diagonal arrow.

To be consistent the windows and doors should also use the diagonal arrow.

VE-103929

Material Units with Superscript Numbers

Michael Gass

Currently the units in the Physical tab of the Material dialog are written without superscript numbers. E.g. N/mm^2, kg/m^3 etc.

They should be written in Unicode with superscript numbers. E.g. N/mm{^}2{^}, kg/m{^}3{^} etc.

VE-103950

T02348 / T02309: Reshape Tool support for new Control Points Window and Door

Michael Gass

With T02309 (Interactive Sizing for Door and Window Creation and Editing) the new Control Points are introduced to VW2023 to reshape Doors and Windows by using the *Selection Tool.*

With T02348 (Door and Window Interactive Sizing Improvements) the new feature will get more improvements in VW2024.

Additionally, it would be great if the new Control Points would be supported be the *Reshape Tool* as well.

The advantages would be:
* *Multi-Editing of several windows and doors with the Marquee Mode of the Reshape Tool->* Example see movie in the attachment
* *Consistency ->* Other complex objects like Stairs, Walls, Spaces etc. can already be reshaped by the Reshape Tool.

As seen in the movie, there might be also a bug:

When I used the Marquee Mode only on a part of a window, the whole window moved. It shouldn't move at all or even better: By implementing this VE only one side of the window should be moved and the width should be extended.

VE-103813

Increase the Maximum Number of Undos

Michael Gass

Hi Vectorworks

We are thinking about increasing the Maximum Number of Undos in VW2023 SP3 from 20 to 50.

Could this change make problems? Is this something you could consider in the international version too? What is your recommendation?

VE-103857

VCS: Additional features to use 3D models instead of detail drawings (Paperless office)

Michael Gass

The paperless office corresponds to the desire for digitization, depending on the industry or size of a project easier or more difficult to implement. For simple projects, however, not much is missing and we could create a great added value from the existing tools. The basic idea is that you no longer have to create a layout to show details but that from viewing the 3D model can eliminate uncertainty, but also no big additional effort for the preparation of the 3D model should be needed. From this the following wishes can be derived:
# Labeling objects like Data Tags, Dimensions and Texts should be visible in the 3D model. These should also be able to be displayed when the textures of the objects are set to gray. Here also a simple control to switch them on or off would be useful. (something like: Show Labels, Show Dimensions). See Label and Dimensions.png. For simplicity's sake, all objects that are drawn with the tools in the Dims/Notes tool set could be useful in the 3D model too...
# Representation grey in the 3D model should optionally be shown with edges for better readability
# Grey representation in the 3D model where objects touch each other, this should be optionally, visually highlighted
# Exploded View: The model should be able to be pulled apart in the individual axes in the same way as an exploded view. This is especially interesting for furniture drawings.
# The transparency of the representation grey of a layer should be controllable.

VE-103858

Data Tag: Alignment, Orientation and Rotation in 3D views

Michael Gass

If the user sets several Data Tags in a 3D view with the All Eligible Objects or the Selected Eligible Objects Mode the Data Tags will be created on the automatic working plane or the layer plane as it is defined in the Mode Bar. In the example the Data Tags are also rotated with 90° angle (x-axis). See screentshots Current 1 and 2.

The current modes complete ignores if the different objects have different alignments, orientation and rotation.

The user desires an option to have the Data Tags automatically on the working plane for each object individually. See Desired.png. This is currently only possible if the objects are tagged one by one. The Eligible Objects modes can't be used in this case.

VE-103839

Decimal rounding base for Data Tags

Michael Gass

Since Data Tags are used as Space Labels in VW2023, users are looking for an option to change the decimal rounding base of numeric values to 5 for Space Labels.

Currently, this is a document-wide setting in the document unit dialog. But the users want to set a rounding base only for specific Data Tags (e.g. Space Labels).

VE-103297

Elevation Benchmark: Improvements for the Leader Line

Michael Gass

Currently, the leader line of Elevation Benchmark objects will lead directly to the point where it is measured to (measurement point). Desired is a horizontal offset value from the measurement point to the start point of the leader line. Regular Dimension objects do already offers such an offset value (See dimension standard settings: distance between the end points of a dimension and the end points of its witness lines).

Also, the alignment of Elevation Benchmark objects will move the measurement point too. It would be great if the measurement point would keep it's position and it will only move the marker itself. Exactly this behavoir is already possible with Data Tags if the are associated with objects.

VE-102169

Support of Block Attributes with linked text in DWG Export

Michael Gass

When importing a DWG that inclues Block Attributes Vectorworks will provide several options to create Record Formats in Vectorworks for linked text.

It would be great if the DWG export of Data Tags / Title Blocks would support also some options for Block Attributes in the DWG. E.g. the user should have the option to write Block Attributes into the DWG. Then the newly created block of the Data Tag in the DWG would have linked text. Also, the user needs the option to export without Block Attributes. Then the Data Tags will remain simple blocks without link.

VE-103358

T02314: Wall lines should be on top of 2D component of symbols/PIOs

Michael Gass

Currently, the wall lines of the Wall Closure are drawn behind the 2D component of symbols/PIOs and the 2D component of the symbol is drawn on top. Because of that, thick lines are partly covered by the 2D elements. There is no way to change the 2D stacking order of objects in walls. They are always drawn on top.

It should be the other way around. The wall lines are +always+ needed on top of the 2D representation of the symbol.

VE-103426

Smart-Cursor Improvements

Michael Gass

The snapping in VW is good, but could be improved to reach the next level. Especially users that worked with other CADs are used to other snap features and are looking for similar functionality in our Smart-Cursor. If the snap in Vectorworks would be improved by the functionality that the users like a lot in other CADs, it would make it easier to switch to Vectorworks. For that we collected several wishes.
* *Short key to keep the current angle*. The Shift key doesn't keep the angles. It jumps to the next possible angle. Especially users that come from AutoCAD are looking for another option to keep and LOCK 0°, 90° or other angles without the jump. See also the movie here: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-99151
* *Easier access to stacked objects.* Not a lot of users know what the little * next to the cursor means, when they hover over stacked objects. Also very little users know that they can press a short key or use the context command to have a very small dialog with a list of the stacked objects where one or more objects can be chosen. This also requires several steps and clicks. This could be much easier if the stacked objects could be highlighted in a way that small dialog with the list isn't required anymore. E.g. the object in the foreground is highlighted, the cursor indicates stacked objects (bigger than *), the user can press a short key to highlight the next object in the background, and the next, and the next. This should be possible combined with Shift to select several stacked objects (like it is possible in the current list).
* *Allow Objects in Containers (PIO, Symbols) to be unsnappable.* This would help when setting the Dimensions. In the case of windows, you only want to snap to the wall hole and not to the window sill. Also the frame isn't desired in this case. They should be only snappable when editing the Symbol/ PIO Geometry.
* The same applies to Marionette. If you want to connect Nodes, only the Input should be snappable. See report for more details: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-99835)
* *Jump to next Mastersnap.* Users from AutoCAD like the feature to press a button when they are close to a certain master snap point and the curser will jump to that point.
* *Snap to Tiles.* In some situations, it would be great to snap to geometry of Tiles e.g. when you create a specific plan for tiles of a bathroom and you need to put dimensions on the tiles. The possibility to snap to tiles isn't needed for every Object with Tiles and it could be also a performance issue too. A good solution could be to have a checkbox in the OIP like PDF pages have.
* Snap should work on the *Clip Cube Surface*. See report for more details: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-98097
* VW should show a message if *Snap to Grid is enabled AND Show Grid is off*. The message should show the consequences and could offer the possibility to enable Show Grid. Especially if the user doesn't see the grid (Show Grid off), it is a source of errors for inexperienced users. We see that often in support and trainings that users enable Snap to Grid because they aren't aware of the consequences.
* *Snap marker outside the snap zone.* Currently, snap marker often covers the area where the snapping happens. E.g. if two Mastersnaps are close to each other, the snapped one needs to be visible. But it is covered from a marker, that has the purpose to help. _See screenshot in JIRA._
* *Double-click suspend snapping shortcut* should be disabled during writing: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-189888
* *Snap to intersection of 3D objects:* https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-103422
* *Snap to selection.* If there are a lot of objects in the drawing, it would be great if there would be an option to limit the snap to the selected objects only.

VE-103422

Snap to intersection of 3D objects

Michael Gass

In order to improve the workflow in 3D drawing, it would be helpful if the snap settings "Snap to intersection" for 2D objects could be complemented by the ability of snapping when 3D lines intersect too. This would make working with 3D objects much easier.

VE-100366

Hardscape Wish List from ComputerWorks

Michael Gass

Hi Vectorworks

Here are our wishes discussed in the meeting on December 6th:

*01 Creating a library challenging*
For the user it is very challenging to create a library of Hardscapes. For the components he needs to create a Slab, but all the settings for Hardscape are stored as „Saved Settings“. The Slab with its components can’t be chosen in the Hardscape settings dialog (just in the OIP). The user has to draw a Hardscape first (without seeing the used components/slab). After that he can adjust the settings over the OIP and in the end he can finally save it (also just over the OIP) as a plugin object in the Resource Manager. This is very confusing for the customer. See „Movie 01“.

*02 Desire of creating a Style*
Users wish to have styles also for Hardscapes. They want to define the settings similar to the style dialog of Slabs, because thats a dialog they are used to. This would also help to improve a solution for the wish above. See also „Movie 01“.

*03 Adapt to DTM challenging*
For the desired result shown in the attached VW file „MFH Meggen“ the user needs to do following steps (see also „Movie 03“)
- Using Hardscape Aligned on top of a DTM but without changing the DTM itself
- Model the modifiers around the Hardscape using e.g Pad with Retaining Edge. This needs a lot of work (not easy) and the bottom of the excavation pit is wrong because it can’t be sloped (limit of the modifier). -> Bottom edge doesn’t follow the Hardscape = Wrong existing/proposed Volumes of DTM
- The modifiers have to be stored in its own layer otherwise they will be used as boundary.

But actually the user wants to do this:
- Drawing the Hardscape on the desired height by using Grades as modifiers. The Hardscape itself should be uses as modifier for the DTM. But the bottom AND the top of the hardscape should taken into account of the DTM by creating a excavation pit around the Hardscape. The bottom of the Hardscape should be used as the bottom of the excavation pit. The top of the hardscape (or the top/bottom of a component of the hardscape) should be the basis for the modifiers of the surface of the DTM.

*04 Dialog Settings*
The order of the settings and how they are displayed are difficult to understand for the user. See „Movie 04“.
E.g. if a regular area (Boundary Configuration Mode or Aligned Configuration Mode) is inserted you still have the path width or the path offset in the OIP/settings dialog, which doesn’t affect the Hardscape itself. Even the user changes the values. A possible solution would be to gray these value fields out or to display an alert message, if the user changes the values.

*05 Desire to align Hardscapes to Stake objects*
The Stake objects are very often used to define heights. Often coordinates (x, y, z) are imported from a .txt that the geometer distributed. The coordinates are imported as Stake objects. Now the user wants to create a Hardscape by clicking on the related Stake objects.

*06 Desire to align Hardscapes to Slabs*
In this case the user wishes to define weather which component of the Slab or which offset value from the top/bottom of the Slab the height of the Hardscape refers to.

*07 2D Stacking Order*
Sometimes it is very difficult or almost not possible to attach the Hardscape to the desirable object when it is in the background of the stacking order in 2D. In this case it would be very helpful if the user can chose between the different objects when he clicks on a point that has coincident objects.

*08 Desire to align Hardscapes to other PIOs*
E.g our „Gebäude CW“ (Massing Model). How can the functionality be implemented in other PIOs? (CW Wish 8231)

*09 Resources PopUp*
Some popups doesn’t support the new Resources PopUps. E.g „Draw 3D > Main Texture“ or „Border Texture“.

VE-103347

Superior Search field for Functions and Record Fields

Michael Gass

It is great, that VW has the possibility to search for Functions, Record Fields, Styles etc. in all relevant dialogs (Reports, Data Visualization...). Also, since there are many new Functions with every version, the Functions are getting more and more important for the user.

But often the users doesn't know where to look for desired values. If there is a matching Record Field or a Function option can only be found by try and error of the users.
* Currently, the user needs to do three steps to get to a search field for the values (see screenshots).
* If the user searches through the wrong source e.g. Record Fields, he has to switch to the Functions and search there too.

It would be great if there is a superior search field in the top of these dialogs that summarizes all fields from all sources (Functions, Record Fields, Styles etc.).

VE-103349

Data Visualization other option than grayed

Michael Gass

Users wish to have an option to show/hide single objects/values in the data visualization besides the attribute override. This way you would have much more possibilities to generate different plans with one plan base. One would no longer have to make an excessive number of groups, which then have to be hidden by a separate class. Instead, individual objects can be shown/hidden extremely flexibly in viewports through a corresponding database.

It would be great if the option "Draw other objects grayed" would support more choices than just gray. E.g.:
* Draw other objects with following attibutes
* Overwrite other objects with attributes from class (similar to section viewport)
* Hide other objects

VE-103331

Cleanup Field Types of Space record

Michael Gass

With the Data Tag, the user can define the unit of the value to be displayed in the Data Tag. Unfortunately, this is often not possible, because there are several record fields of the Space formatted as Text or Static Text instead of numeric types.

With VW2023 we replaced Space Labels with Data Tags. Now, the Field Types of the Space Record are even more exhibited as before in Reports, Data Manager or Scripts.

It now becomes very apparent that the Field Types of the Space record formats are a bit of a mess. We should go through it and check where the current Field Types make sense or where they could be changed to numeric values (Area, Coord Disp, Real etc.)

Often there are duplicated values. One formatted as Text and the other as Number. This should be avoided and only the Number should be provided to the user.

Some examples:
{color:#ff0000}{{Gross Area}} {color}-> defined as _+Static Text,+_ redundant, duplicated value of _{{{color:#ff0000}Gross Area{color} {color:#ff0000}Number{color}}}_

{color:#ff0000}{{Gross Elevation Bottom Bound}}{color} -> defined as _+Text+,_ should be defined as +_Coord Disp_+

{color:#ff0000}{{Gross Elevation Top Bound}}{color}

-> defined as +_Text_+, should be defined as +_Coord Disp_+

{color:#ff0000}Lamps (ct){color} -> defined as +_Text_+, should be defined as +_Real_+

{color:#ff0000}Numbers of occupants{color} -> defined as +_Text_+, should be defined as +_Real_+

{{{color:#ff0000}Volume{color}}} -> defined as _+Text+,_ redundant, duplicated value of {{{color:#ff0000}Net Volume Number{color}}}

{{{color:#ff0000}Glazing Area Ratio (%){color}}} -> defined as +_Text_+, should be defined as _+Real (Percentage)+_

There are many more...

In addition some numberic values are just defined as simple +_Real_+ instead of +_Coord Disp_+ (for lengths), _+Area+_, Volume, _+Real (Percentage)+_ etc. If this would be defined, they could be displayed with the correct unit. This would make the current text definded numbers including a unit redundant.

See also bug VB-189700 - Space Record Fields "Window Area Num" and "Glazing Area Num" are in square milimeters

VE-103348

Data Visualization workflow with referenced documents

Michael Gass

It is great that we can access records from referenced documents for Data Visualization!

But it makes it very cumbersome that records from the referenced file are treated differently than records with the same name in the master file. The users are forced to create the same (duplicated) settings for the record in the master file and all referenced files. That are a lot of unnecessary clicks, because the user has two or more sources for the Data Visualization color, which needs two ore more Data Visualization (for every file one).

It would be great if you could consider one or more of the following solutions:
* Data Visualisation should treat the records the same if the records have the same name and same fields (References and master document)
* Access to more Data Sources within one Data Visualization. This would eliminate the need of setting up two individual Data Visualization.
* Save color settings (Display Critera group) as sets

VE-103298

Elevation Benchmark: Constraints/Association

Michael Gass

It would be great if Elevation Benchmark objects have constraints to points within the drawing like regular dimensions.

Currently, this can be done manually with the Constrain Coincident tool and it already works as desired! But an additional step over another tool shouldn't be necessairy.

You might have already thought about this.. My report is only for the sake of completeness.

VE-103291

Thermal transmittance value for Slabs with Drainage (Energos)

Michael Gass

Currently the Calculated R-Value is wrong if the Slab hasn't a continuous thickness because of a drainage.

The calculation is always done with the component thickness defined in the slab settings. But if the component hasn't a continuous thickness because of a drainage, the calculation for the R-Value needs to be done with the average thickness of the component.

In the attachement you'll find an example for a simple conic Slab. Of course, if more drains are added on different locations with different heights, the calculation gets more complex.

VE-103204

Export Panorama should take Camera settings into account

Michael Gass

Panorama exports do not take into account the current active renderworks camera, removing the ability to control light via exposure among other camera related things. Also the camera effects are ignored.

Attached you'll find a Rendering.png that looks awesome with all the effects.

The Panorama3.jpg doesn't look that great because of the missing effects..

VE-103101

3D Rotation with visual feedback

Michael Gass

Users often have difficulties to rotate an object in 3D.

The command Rotate 3D... isn't very intuitive because it gives no visual feedback to the user.
* After pressing OK, the object will be rotated like defined
* If the users detects that the values where wrong, they must use cmd+Z and try again with new values...
* To get the desired result, this must be repeated several times..

On the other hand, the Rotate Tool gives visual feedback but the users need to align the current view in 90° to the desired rotation axis, which is also an additional and complicated step.

There are already some VEs in Jira about that topic. Example: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-94901

If you consider to improve how objects can be rotated in 3D, you could also think about having a slider somewhere for the main axis. See attached movie. Although, the movie is capured on a phone with touch screen, the slider would be a great improvement on a desktop computer as well.

VE-103015

Clearer notice of control point for Auto-Boundary calculation

Michael Gass

There is a control point within the surface of the Space that is used for Auto-Boundary calculation. The user can drag this point in an area surrounded by walls and update the Boundary to recalculate the Space area.

Before T02240 the same point has been used as Anchor Point for the leader line of the Space Label. With VW2023 the Space Label is generated by the Data Tag. This means that this control point has less importance and to the user the reason for the existence of this point isn't very clear.

To make this more understandable for the user, we should implement it as follows:
* We should only show the control point if the Auto-Boundary is set to Auto-Boundary. There is no need for a control point if the Auto-Boundary is set to Manual or Pick-Boundary.
* Currently, if the user hovers over the Control Point only "Point" is shown as help text. The text should be changed in "Auto-Boundary origin" (or similar).
* We could also add a little icon next to the control point (similar to the Data Tag) that indicates that this point can be used for Auto-Boundary calculation. The icon might be a calculator icon or a wall coverd from a chain.. This can be discussed if we decide to implement this VE.

VE-102930

Additional Options for Data Tag if Object is moved or reshaped.

Michael Gass

Currently the Data Tag supports two options if the associated object is moved.

Move with Object:
* Entire Tag
* Leader End

The two options are only available if the Data Tag has a leader.

User wish the fallowing additional options:

*Keep Location of Data Tag*

This is similar to the Leader End option above for Data Tags WITHOUT Leader Line. Currently, Data Tags with no Leader Line will ALWAYS move too if the associated object is moved. But it is desirable that also Data Tags with no Leader line will keep the location even the associated object is moved.

*Move if associated object is reshaped*

Currently, the Data Tag will ALWAYS keep the location if the object is reshaped. It is very desirable that some Data Tags can be moved according to the new shape of the objects. E.g. the Data Tag is placed in the center of a Space object. The Space object will be reshaped and the Data Tag location will be updated to the new center of the reshaped Space. See also: http://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-79919

VE-100817

Batch Rename 2.0

Michael Gass

Hi Vectorworks

User wish to have additional options in the Batch Rename dialog.

*Truncate text to a certain amount of characters*

This is helpful, if some names of classes are too long e.g. in references.

*Renaming of Classes/Layers by using external lists*

If a lot of renaming has to be done e.g to switch classes to govermental standards, we can provide tables that help the user to do so. A example how that table could look like in the attachment.

*Create Classes/Layers by using external lists*

This would help the customer to create several classes by using external .txt documents.

We already provide a tool, that is able to do all of the described functionalities, but the functions are very similar to the Batch Rename anyway and should be combined to one tool. If you want, we can show you the functionality of our existing tool.

VE-102405

Duplicate along path improvements

Michael Gass

Currently in the german version there are three different tools and commands to duplicate objects along path:
* Tool: Duplicate along Path - By ComputerWorks
* Command: Object along Path - By Design Express
* Command: Duplicate along Path - By Vectorworks Inc

Each tool has its disadvantages, advantages and all have its different apporaches but they all have the same goal: Duplicate an object along a path

The advantantages of all plugins should be combined to one single plugin.
* Approximate distance
* Approximate distance on each segment of polyline/polygon
* Editing the object afterwards (similar to Extrude along path). See also https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97319

Further explanation in the movie.

VE-102205

Scale of page-based Symbols in view bar 1:1

Michael Gass

Currently it isn't possible to change the scale of page-based symbols in the context menu because this option is dimmed. On the other hand, it is still possible to change the active layer scale through the view bar. This is inconsisent.

For editing page-based symbols help states:
----
_When editing page-based (green) symbols from the drawing area, the scale of the *symbol editing window is set to 1:1* so that the symbol definition is the same size as the symbol instance, for ease of editing. The active layer scale cannot be changed from the *document context menu* while in the symbol editing mode. This is an exception for page-based symbols only. Due to the scale adjustment, other objects that are not part of the symbol definition are not snappable unless they are also at a 1:1 scale in the active layer._
----
Even the help text only mentions the _*document context menu*_ and not the view bar.

It shouldn't be possible to change the active layer scale in the view bar, when editing page-based symbols.

VE-102178

Labeled Symbols / Insert Symbol with Data Tag

Michael Gass

Currently, a symbol has to be labled/tagged by the Data Tag after it is inserted in the drawing. This is very time consuming.

It would be great if it is possible to insert a symbol that already has an attached Data Tag.

The settings could be accessible in the Edit Symbol Options or even within the drawing area of editing the 2D or 3D components of a symbol. Another good example would be the Space that can be created with attached Data Tags (VW23+).

VE-102175

Create Data Tags by importing DWG

Michael Gass

If a DWG includes Block Attributes with linked text, they will be imported as Symbols with text that is added to a database.

We should switch that to the Data Tag. This means that the DWG import will create Data Tags instead of symbols.

The Data Tag gives the user a much more intuitive and flexible handling than the "old" system with text added to database. Also, the Data Tag provides more options for the alignment of text. Currently the user needs to decide if the look or the link of the text will be preserved when importing a DWG. With the usage of much more flexible Data Tags instead of a symbols we could avoid changing the look while preserving the links of text.

So this options aren't necessairy anymore.

VE-101858

Delete/Cut objects outside an area

Michael Gass

Users wish to have the ability to delete objects outside of an area.

This is very useful for example if they import a situation from a DWG/DXF and then they only need a part of the imported objects. Another useful case is, that they realize that they have objects in the drawing that are too far away from the rest of the drawing / internal origin.

There is a workaround for this but it doesn't meet all the requirements.
* Currently the desired objects can be selected
* The command Invert Selection can be called
* Now the unnecessary objects can be deleted

This workaround needs a lot of clicks, also all layers have to be visible and the objects should be editable.

There is another workaround with the Clip Tool. But also with this tool all layers have to be visible and all objects on all layers need to be selected.

In our opinion it would be the best place to add this functionality to the Purge command. There it is already possible to delete objects outside the Page Boundaries. The Export Image File has the possibility to draw a Marquee that will be used as a boundary for the export. A similar option could be added to the Purge dialog, where a boundary/marquee can be drawn. You will find a suggestion in the attachments.

VE-101704

Criteria for Class and Layer Description and Tags

Michael Gass

The core's criteria dialog should support additional criteria for:
* Class Tag
* Class Description
* Layer Tag
* Layer Description

With these filters one could filter objects that are in layers/classes e.g. with the Tag <Construction Phase> or <Design Phase>.

For Tags the following options should be possible: is any, is none, includes, does not include (Include/not is a single tag).

For Description the following options should be possible: Starts with, Ends with, Contains, Is, and all the negative forms

We should also think about how we want to present the tags of resources. It might be a good solution to combine alle tags into one filter "Tag". The other solution would be to support separate ones for layers vs classes vs resources.

The filter for the Class Tag should also be implementend in the Manage Sequence Dialog for PIOs and Data Tags as basic filter for all objects (Introduced with T02226 - Data Tag Improvements). See attachment.

VE-101684

Move Page Tool Enhancements

Michael Gass

In the german Version we don't have the Move Page tool in the workspace.

We have a separate tool challed "Plangrösse einrichten" (Translation: Plan Size Set Up). This tool has two modes: One to move the page and one to change the size of the page. We want to get rid of our tool, but we have to keep it until VW supports the same functionality in the international version.

Is it an option for you to take over our tool? Or could you implement more functionality in your tool?

VE-101683

Snap To Distance between two Points

Michael Gass

In the german Version we have a tool that is very similar to the Snap to Distance functionality of the snapping options. Because the Tool is very similar to the snapping, we want to get rid of our tool.

Additionally to the functionality of the snapping options the user can define two points on a existing path with our tool and the distance between the two points will be devided. If the Snap to Distance will provide this functionality too, we could get rid of our tool.

VE-101679

Sketch Style with Line Offset

Michael Gass

Users wish to have a 2D-Plan Sketch Style Option to cut objects with an offset.

An example how this should look in the attachment. Further Details in the movie.

VE-101611

Data Tag: Data Source Options for PIOs

Michael Gass

Users wish to have values of the document or custom record formats also synced to fields of PIOs.

This can currently be done with the Data Tag and the option to link values to fields. But with this workflow the user needs to apply a Data Tag and this Data Tag needs to display the desired value. Also the linking works only one way: From the Data Tag to the PIO and not back (bidirectional).

Another workflow could be to set up a formula in the Data Manger. But we think, this is only a workflow for advanced users.

A simple suggested solution is, to make the dropdown of the Data Source also available for PIOs. It would be great if you could look at this.

More details in the movie.

Workflow examples:
* Syncing values of custom record formats into fields of PIO
* Writing Object Functions into the PIO like "Story"

VE-101588

Lifetime of messages in Utility Bar

Michael Gass

The new Utility Bar is launched in VW2022. In this version the messages in the bottom right corner of the drawing area have a better visibility than before.

We should think about the lifetime of messages.

+*Current situation*+

Currently we only have 2 categories: messages and progress bars.

*Messages* are dismissed on the next interaction within the application window or when a new message is pushed.

*Progress bars* are dismissed as soon as the operation time is beeing completed.

+*Suggestion*+

We where thinking about 3 categories: Messages, alerts and progress bars

*Messages* (like "Backup completed" - In VW2021 with a green background) are nice to now, but not very important. They could disappear after a few seconds if the curser is moving over the application window. But this kind of messages could stay if the curser isn't moving at all or if Vectorworks is covered behind other applications. This means, if the user will switch back to Vectorworks, the message is still there for a certain amount of time.

It would be nice if the user could define how many seconds the messages are displayed. This setting could be implemented under the gear icon of the Utility Bar.

*Alerts* (like "Backup failed" - In VW2021 with a red background) are important. The alerts should stay longer. We could also think about keeping them until the user dismisses them manually by clicking on them. Or they could have a little x in the upper left corner (compare macOS Big Sur).

Also here, the prefered settings could be made accessible for the user by clicking on the gear icon of the Utility Bar.

*Progress bars* are dismissed a soon as the operation time is beeing completed (same behaviour as planned for VW2022.)

Please let us know, if you are starting to work on a new task for a future version regarding the lifetime of messages. We would be happy to assist in the discussion.

VE-101474

Efficient way to delete a font in a document

Michael Gass

Currently, deleting/exchanging a font in a document is a very cumbersome process, where the user has to do in several steps.

It doesn't include only the texts that are in the drawing. It also includes: Text withing groups and symbols, Text in symbols that aren't in the drawing but in the Resource Manager, Text in settings of PIOs and Tools.

We are aware that the user can select all text in the drawing with the Select Similar Tool, but this only selects the text in the drawing. Not the Text in groups, symbols and so on.

It gets more complicated if the font that the user wants to exchange isn't installed on the computer. In this case the Font Mapping will exchange the missing font with an installed one. But the user can't detect which are the old text objects, that have to be switched to the new font.

In a workaround the user could now set the Font Mapping of the old font with kind of a placeholder font. In a second step, the user could take the Select Similar Tool and exchange the placeholder font with the new font (As you can see here gets cumbersome and complicated). And again, the Select Similar Tool only selects the text in the drawing.

Vectorworks should have a central place, where the user could manage the fonts in the drawing.

VE-100818

Purge within unused symbols

Michael Gass

Hi Vectorworks

The Purge command can delete coincident duplicate objects within symbols. But this command does just consider symbols that are in the drawing. It ignores duplicated objects of symbols that are available in the Rsource Manager but aren't inserted in the drawing.

It is desirable that it considers all symbols or if there would be a second option "Components of unused symbols".

Even that isn't a very important enhancement it looks like a low hanging fruit.

VE-101445

3D geometry for pipes

Michael Gass

Currently just the path is displayed in 3D views.

The user expects to see the diameter of the actual pipe in 3D but also in 2D top view.

See attached screenshot.

VE-99886

Data Tag: Stamp objects within Groups/Symbols/PIOs

Michael Gass

It would be nice if it would be possible to stamp objects within a group or symbol without having to edit the group/symbol/PIO

Example: Carpenters create their furnitures in groups of different 3D components. Now they want to stamp their components without editing the symbol (or PIO of extragroup).

Maybe a new insert method would solve that.

VE-101450

Size of Image Fills

Michael Gass

Currently the user has to change the size of the image object by object. This is very time consuming if the user has a lot of objects with image fills in the plan.

Often landscape architects are using the image fills to show different surfaces of a landscape planning.

It would be great if the size of the image fill could also be changed globally for the whole drawing. E.g. in the Image Attributes settings (see screenshot) can the dimensions been changed in pixels or percentage. But this will also increase the image size in case of bytes. There should be also a setting to inrease the size in inches/milimeters without changing the amount of bytes (similar to photoshop).

The other screenshot show the desired setting by object. This Image Settings dialog can be accessed through the Attribute palette.

VE-101316

Component 3D-Dropdown for specific Settings

Michael Gass

Hi Vectorworks

When working in 3D it would be nice to have a fast access to specific settings of components within objects and PIOs in Vectorworks.

For example: To change one specific sash within one window type you have to click thorugh several dialogs and sub-dialogs. In this case it would be great to access them with a dropdown shown in the screenshot and example file.

The same funcionality could be implementet for other components like the jamb, sill, louvers and more components of other objects like doors, stairs, railings and so on.. always to provide a fast and simple access to specific settings of the component, that the dropdown is placed to and to avoid time-consuming searches of settings in dialogs and sub-dialogs.

VW already uses this dropdown for Pipes or Grades. But at the moment it is just available in 2D. If this could be implemented in 3D for components within objects and PIOs it would be a great improvement.

Let us know, what you think about this. We could provide further information if you are thinking to implement this.

VE-100813

Improved Space Numbering

Michael Gass

Users wish to have better options for automatic space numbering and to be able to add (existing) values to the number.

Very often a space numer could be a combination of several values the building number/letter, sector, story and a space number. e.g A.B.EG.101.

To be able to support these requirements there are a few wishes that have to be implemented:

*Difference between Space ID and Space Number*

The space should support a field where the number is stored (without suffix/prefix or other variables) e.g. called Space ID. Then there should be a second field where the whole Space Number is stored with all its variables (A.B.EG.01). This field could be called e.g. Space Number.

*Manual typing of Number*

It should be possible that the user can type a custom number into the Space Number field that is taken into account of the automatic counter. E.g intead of number 04 the user wants to change a specific space to number 06 just by tiping this number into the OIP. At the moment it is already possible to type in a custom number by choosing "Manual". But then this Space isn't taken into account from the counter.

*Style of Space Number should be more flexible*

For more complex documents the auto numbering is useless. At the moment, the user can't use a Space Numbering Style without the automatic number.

The spacenumber style should have the following improvements:
- The spacenumber should be a variable, too (not hardcoded like now)
- No prefix and suffix, just one line with all the variables
- It should be possible to use a manual spacenumber in combination with other variables.

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-100688

*More intelligent auto-numbering*

For more complex documents the auto numbering is useless. The auto numbering of the Data Tag is a little more intelligent as the one from the space, but it still doesn't meet the requirements for more complex planning. Validate Auto-Numbering of Space just provides control of the gaps without visual reference where the space is placed within the building. The Edit Tag Data option of the Data Tag provides additional Renumbering Options by using patterns (from upper left to bottom right, upper right to buttom left etc.). But both methods do not offer options to separate into different parts within the building (always the whole document is taken into account). Users wish to seperate between buildings, building section and story to do automatic space numbering.

At first we should implement the same system of the Data Tag into the Space. Then we should add more control options (filter) to the Space. E.g Validate Auto-Numbering just for the selected Spaces or Spaces on the same class/layer/story. A great solution would be that the Validate Auto-Numbering just takes numbers into account that have the same prefix/suffix e.g validating a space with the Space Number A.B.EG.101 considers just all spaces that also have A.B.EG.#SpaceNum# and ignores for example Spaces with A.B.*OG*.101 or *B*.B.EG.101.

*Project Data in Space Label*

Users wish to show project data in the space labels. The data has to be stored in record fields of the space. There is already a field called Building (11_Building) or Floor (11_Floor). But at the moment the values has to be typed in manually instead of coming from a central location. See also wish *Central Management Of Project Data.* https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-100800

*Space Number should be able to read data from attached record*

It should be possible to choose a custom record field in the dropdown for values that are considered for the Space Number.

VE-100522

Position North Arrow with relation to Title Block

Michael Gass

Many users wish to drag the North Arrow to a position that has a relation/constraint to the position of the Title Block.

That means if they move the Title Block or if they change the sheet size and the Title Block jumps to its new position the North Arrow will follow automatically and doesn't stay in the old position.

VE-100911

Unified System to create new Plug-in Styles from Unstyled Plug-in

Michael Gass

This is a wish for the Slab and the Wall.

All objects in Vectorworks that can be saved as a Style provide an option to create a new Plug-in Style from an Unstyled Plug-in in their OIP or by a right-click. Except the Wall and the Slab, which don't provide the option in the OIP just the option on the right-click.

The Style dropdown menu of Walls and Slabs just provide the option to replace the Style by an existing Style. It should be unified for all styled objects in Vectorworks.

See also movie for further explanation.

VE-100815

Stair: QTOs for BIM Projects

Michael Gass

In BIM Projects these values should be written into fields of the PIO record of the stair.

Area (German: Fläche)

Length of Walk Line (German: Länge Lauflinie)

Volume (German: Volumen)

If the values are available, they can be mapped into the right field in Qto_StairFlightBaseQuantities.

Length => Length of Walk Line

Volume => GrossVolume

https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4_1/FINAL/HTML/link/qto_stairflightbasequantities.htm

VE-100643

Import settings from a style

Michael Gass

We provide the option "Import <name of pane> settings..." on the upper right side in the settings dialog if a user wants to edit a style (see attached screenshot). This option is very helpful! The user can set up styles and save them in the library. When he wants to create similar styles with just a few changes, he can import the settings from another style pane by pane.

The users want to use that option also by instance! At the moment this button is missing if editing a instance.

If the user wants to import settings from a style for editing an instance, the user can use the style dropdown (Use style) on the upper left side of the dialog. After chosing the desired style, the user can click Convert to unstyled and then do the few changes he wants and then. This is a workaround to apply ("import") all settings in all panes. But in this case it can't be done pane by pane. Also it makes it very complicated for the user.

The solution would be to provide the button "Import <name of pane> settings..." also by instance.

The example and screenshots are made with the Space settings but it also refers to all other objects that have that Import option (e.g. Space, Window US, Door US -> Window CW Triptychon, Door CW Triptychon...).

VE-100583

3D Priniting of buildings

Michael Gass

Customers wish to 3D print the outer surface of whole buildings in a desired scale (e.g several building envelopes for landscape planning or to show different shapes of a building).

In this case, all the internal walls and objects of the building are unnecessairy. The 3D printer needs just the building envelope/ building shells as a filled model for easy and fast printing.

This could be done if it would be possible to generate a solid from a building. VW could automaticly detect which walls/slabs/roofs are “is external” and VW then could take the outer surface as boundary for the solid.

VE-100588

Saving the position of palettes for different screens

Michael Gass

When working on serveral monitors *on Windows* Vectorworks doesn't save the position of the palettes. For example if the user works with a laptop and an external monitor, he probably arranges some palettes like the Resource Manager on the other monitor than the drawing area.

If he has to go on site or takes the laptop to a meeting, he will just unplug the external monitor. All palettes will jump to the one screen of the laptop.

Back to the workplace, the user will plug in the external monitor again, but the palettes won't jump back to the original position. They will all stay on the screen of the laptop.

-> The same example works on Mac! (The palettes will jump back on Mac.)

-> The option "Window > Palettes > Save palette position" doesn't help in this case!

(If the palettes are on one screen and the user choses the same workspace again, the palettes doesn't jump back to the position on the second screen, where they were saved before.)

Even for Mac users, it would be nice, if there is a way to save the positions for palettes for several different screens and monitors (E.g Same workspace but arranged on one screen or two screens).

VE-100360

Referencing of worksheets

Michael Gass

Users wish to reference worksheets as well as every other resource. At the moment this is not possible.

They want to create a worksheet for a Project and distribute it to other files by referencing it. If changes are made to the master worksheet and the references are updated. The new layout and settings of the master are visible in all the other files but with their own data (Data of the file itself, not the master file).

VE-100349

Cut Plane on Design Layer should take into account different 2D Components

Michael Gass

The benefits that the user has with the 2D Swap Graphics / 2D Components should be also available on the Design Layer in the Top/Plan view (Different componets for "Top", "Bottom" and "Top (and Bottom) cut".

At the Moment it is possible to check "Enable Cut Plane at Layer Elevation" in the Design Layer settings. These setting already take into account weather a wall is on or below cut plane. Also other PIOs can detect if they ar below the cut plane (e.g. windows)

Now the user expects that this also works for symbols and PIOs. Especially now, because the user can draw 2D components in "Top", "Bottom" and "Top (and Bottom) Cut".

That means that objects that are below the cut plane should be dispayed with the 2D Components of "Top". If they are on the cut plane they should be displayed with "Top (and Bottom) cut".

Vectorworks has a setting that could enable that functionality. In the Symbol Options we have a dropdown called "Top/Plan view component". Besides "Top" and "Top (And Bottom) cut" it should have an option "Automatic" that takes the height of the cut plane of the design layer into account.

VE-100039

Space: Room Finishes editable in OIP

Michael Gass

It would be nice if the Room finishes would be editable by dropdowns in the OIP. At the moment they are just displayed with static texts.

In the attachment you can find a space and a worksheet with the editable values that should be displayed in the OIP instead of the static texts.

VE-99885

Data Tag: Stamp objects with record A OR B

Michael Gass

At the moment it isn't possible to stamp objects with a record A OR B.
For example you want to display a value that is stored in a record called "A". But some objects have the same value in a specific record called "B".

If you set up a stamp for that, both records have to be attached to the objects (A AND B). Just stamps that are already attached to the objects behave like needed. It's not possible to attach stamps with one record.

It should be possible to stamp objects of the record A OR B with one stamp that is set up for different records.

See also the example file.

VE-104949

Difficult choosing right snapping / orientation when several trusses are selected

Michael Berglund

It's difficult to archive the right orientation when snapping several trusses at once in top/plan view, and also I 3D view as well. Also experienced that the truss order is changed as well.

When I'm selecting the bottom truss, it's snapping correctly, but if I´m trying to duplicate and snap a copy of a truss "in the middle", is really difficult.

Se attached video and test file

VE-104923

LED-Tape tool

Michael Berglund

We really need a better way to work with LED tape kind of light. Almost every show nowadays have LED tape, either singel og multi pixel tape.

Many of VW´s competitors have a way of doing this and most of them with support for pixel mapped LED-tape as well:

We need the following function from start:
* Draw it like a polyline
* Choose pixel type: RGB / RGBW / RGB+WW / RGB+CW / RBG / CW+WW
* Easy to change intensity and colour.
* Set power(w) pr meter and get a total wattage.
* Set how many pixel pr meter
* Set voltage type (12v / 24v )
* Frosted look and visible pixels.
* Nits / Lux for realistic rendering

Future development with pixel controlled LED tape
* How many pixels pr meter
* Set pixel section/group (How many physical LED diodes pr controllable pixel)
* What kind of LED protocol is used. (WS2811 / WS2812 / SK9822)
* How many DMX channels used based on length, pixel pr m and pixel section/resolution.
* pixel control via NDI or RW texture

Link to:

Wysiwyg: [https://cast-soft.com/wysiwyg-lighting-design/r2023/led-tape-and-rope-wizard/]

Capure: [https://www.capture.se/Products/News-in-Nexum/DMX-Textures]

VE-104433

Update LED-Screen tool (Curved screen, non rectangle shaped screens, rigging, weight and power)

Michael Berglund

I'm drawing a lot of LED-Screen projects and is really missing options for curved LED-Screens, or not rectangular shapes.

It would make sense to look at the Speaker array tool for inspiration regarding curved led-tools where you can sett individual off-set / degree per speaker.

If the LED-Screen configurator would make a list of LED-columns left to right, one LED-column = one row (like the speaker tool per speaker) and then we have the possibility to set a curve degree pr column 2dg/5dg/10dg etc.

Right now I don't have a proper way to visualise / map an image on a curved wall espetssialy since we're missing "perimeter mapping" for texture. Not sure if this is a bug that perimeter mapping it not presented as a texture mapping option for a geometry?

Rigging:

Hangbar/bumper for hanging the screen and attache to a truss etc. Similar to the speaker bumper option in the speaker tool.

Weight calculation:

Set weight pr module and VW calculate the total weight so we don't have to do this manually when changing the configuration.

Power calculation:

Set power usage pr modul and VW present the total power draw / usage.

VE-104434

Multi-cell fixture emitting several light sources

Michael Berglund

I'm really missing the ability to visualise a multi-cell fixtures like a normal LED-BAR with several light sources to show up as an even wash light when visualising against a wall etc without having to make workaround/create "hidden fixtures just for visualising the output"
And of course shows a lens-glow on each lens without the current workaround modifying all fixture symbols with applying new lens texture.

See attached picture with Bright XBAR fixture. 1 meter wide and in real life it makes an even wash on the wall, but in VW it shows up as 1 light source pr fixture.

VE-104904

Add OnKeyUpEvent() to VWDialog

Matthias Vandersanden

The VWDialog class currently only has `VWDialog::OnKeyEvent(TDialogKeyDownEvent& theEvent)`, which only registers key down events. In order to detect key combinations such as ctrl+A, I have to keep track of the pressed state of each key. If I only have OnKeyDown, I can not know if the user has released the ctrl key before he presses the A-key.

It would be nice to refine VWDialog::OnKeyEvent into two methods:
* OnKeyUpEvent(...)
* OnKeyDownEvent(...)

VE-105190

Installer / First Launch: Comply with EU Data Protection Law

Matthias Schöffmann

When launching an installed product (in my case Vectorworks 2024 Update 1, installed from Vectorworks2024-SP1-724920-SeriesBEG-installer1-osx.dmg), there is a login window for the first start.

Among others (mostly WAS/Cloudfront), the login site connects to some domains connected which are truly not REQUIRED for a software to launch:
* doubleclick.net (ad network)
* google-analytics.com (ads / tracking)
* google.de (obvious)
* google.com (obvious)
* googleapis.com (obvious)

And there is not question or (cookie)consent dialog to allow this requests.

There are several lawsuits against users of even Google Fonts, GA, GTM, ... - so using scripts like Google Analytics or Google Tag Manager (which are even more privacy-intrusive) puts you on a very high risk to be targeted by lawyers who file against Google usage within EU).

Maybe you want to overthink this behavior and make your "essential" (login-)sites working without any ad- or tracking-scripts.

I understand that you may want to know how many visitors visit that pages, but there are many privacy-fiendly alternatives to Google ([https://plausible.io/], [https://usefathom.com/], [https://www.simpleanalytics.com/], ... just no name a few).

But I'm sure there is only bare minimum understanding why a ad-network (doubleclick.net) is part of a login-page for a software which someone just wants to use.

Discovered because I use a Application Firewall on my macOS devices (Little Snitch) and mentioning because having experience with these topics as maintainer of multiple websites and apps ...

VE-101239

ConnectCAD: Connection Cable & Signal field as ComboBox

Matthias Schöffmann

Since we talked about improving the input field for "Signal" type in VB-174711 I thought about another improvement of this fields:

What about making a ComboBox (Textfield + DropdownList) for the "Cable" and "Signal" field?

Expected behaviour:
* User can enter manual input as it works now
* Dropdown list shows already used Cable/Signal entries
* While entering text manually, there should be some kind of auto-complete

Could be compared with the "External Signal" field of an "External" connection, but also allows manual input.

Example: [https://vuetifyjs.com/en/components/combobox/]

Use case:
* For cable types you may wanna use "CAT6a", but if you type "cat6a" or just "cat" there should be a hint how it was written before (to keep cable types clean and not have "CAT6a", "Cat6A", "CAT 6A", ... at the end)
* For signal types especially when using lots of custom subtypes as described in VB-174711
* Especially when different people work on the same drawing, and not everybody has the same way of typing things ;)

I added 2 future screenshots of how it might work...

This is just a thought in my mind. I don't know if the Vectorworks framework provides controls for this purpose?

VE-100784

T01946 - Detail Callout Tool: Fillet Radius should be page-based and independant from other world-based object tools

Matthew Panzer

The tool for the new Detail Callout has a Fillet Radius setting that is world-based and linked to other world-based objects like the Slab and Hardscape.

Given the Detail Callout is an annotation object and essentially page-based, the Fillet Radius should be:
# Page-based
# Independant from other world-based object tools

This will allow it to be set to something reasonable (eg: 1/4") and have it insert in annotations of viewport of any scale and have it's fillets consistent without having to worry about (and calculate) different values for different scales. It will also prevent the value from changing to an unreasonably large setting when the user inserts a hardscape with s much larger world-based radius (eg: 4'-0").

VE-103061

Evaluation and improvements needed in Texture content.

Matthew Panzer

I think our texture content should be evaluated and reworked to better suite today's standards. Mainly what I'm talking about has to do with older textures that were good enough back when they were created but have accuracy issues and alignment problem in the types of objects they're used in.

The textures I'm currently looking at are roof textures with "vertical" elements (repeating in the horizontal direction) like Standing Seam, Clay Tile roofs, etc. While other textures should also be looked at, the Roof ones are the most critical due to how they're mapped to Roof and Roof Faces.

See that attached VWX file to see the issues with one of the standing seam roof textures. Other texture need to be evaluated.

VE-101833

OpenGL "Detail" option should be "High" (not "Low")

Matthew Panzer

Too often users complain about certain objects like curved walls that show segmented when the view is switched to 3D and rendered in OpenGL. I'm not sure if this setting affects OpenGL performance when there are no curved surfaces but when there are curved surfaces, users do not want to see them like this. I think the OpenGL "Detail" setting should default to "High". Not only will this give more expected results, it will give a far better first impression of the software and first impressions are critical for potential new users.

VE-104308

Door Stop, Leaf Profile, and Leaf Position

Matthew Panzer

This VE was requested by a user (Dennis) that I spoke to during the Vectorworks Open House on 2023-04-19 (the user is known as [Vectorhead|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/profile/8252-vectorhead/] on the forums).

Much of what he's asking for is probably too much detail for the door PIO and would be best handled in detail drawings. However, a jamb stop is often requested by users. He sent me these examples from acoustical doors which show various stops that are more than a simple rectangular shape. He'd like to be able to show their general shapes (as shown in red) in the attached file). While this may also be a bit too much detail for the PIO, I think we should at least add a door stop with a rectangular profile.

Here's his list of requests as described in the attached file:
# Door stop profiles
# Custom leaf profile
# Ability to make the door leaf flush to (or offset from) to the outside face of trim.

VE-102565

Section-Elevation Line Instances to behave more like Grid Line instances

Matthew Panzer

# Section-Elevation Lines instances should have the ability to have start and end point location that are independent from the defining section line (and from each other). This will allow users to vary the start and ends of these objects to fit various plan drawing better in a similar way that Grid Line can.
# Also, Section-Elevation Line objects should be able to display instances of themselves in viewport annotations when their cut planes are perpendicular to the view in a similar way Grid Lines can.
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/100075-show-section-marker-in-elevations-viewports/

VE-101771

Section-Elevation Line: Ability to display instances in Elevations and Sections (similar to Grid Lines)

Matthew Panzer

The ability to display instances of a Section-Elevation Line in Section and Elevation viewports would greatly help in drawing coordination. This could be done in a similar fashion to Grid Lines where an instance could only show in Section and elevation viewports when they're perpendicular to the view. Instances would also need the ability to have a style independent from other instances.

VE-104229

Plug-in Object Catalogs: Clearer UI and terminology Needed

Matthew Panzer

This request was posted by *[line-weight|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/profile/15377-line-weight/]* in the community forums:

The user raised this issue over confusion over how catalogs are supposed to work. One main issue he raised was that it wa unclear what catalog items were and how they can be set to "by style" and "by instance". The Ideas and mockups in this VE are some ideas of how we could clarify some issues but we should look into this further.

The attached mockups show some UI improvements that would:
# Clarify that the choose from catalog icon is for choosing a catalog item.
# Clarify that the Style toggle button for the catalog item is actually for the catalog item.
# Clarify that the list for catalog items in the Catalog dialog is a list of "catalog items".

I put the "Customer Importance" to "High" due to this very experienced user being confused by this. Anything in the UI that can make concepts clearer is always important.

{*}Note{*}: I also attached the "Sketch" app file used for the mockups.

VE-99659

Object Level Control of Unit Display-Task

Matthew Panzer

This task provides object level unit and precision control over display of dimensional information for objects independent of the document settings.

Possible objects to gain this control (Note: Some objects may've gain this ability since the creation of this list):
1. Dimension Standards and Dimension Object:
- Dimension Standard
- Constrained Dimension
- Unconstrained Dimension
- Arc Length Dimension
- Radial Dimension

2. Elevation Benchmark
3. Scale Bar Object
4. Slab Drainage Object
5. Grade Object
6. Hardscape Object
7. Site Model Contour Label
8. Data Tag Field
9. Worksheet Cell

COMMUNITY BOARD SOURCES:
GENERAL:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/57984-unitsneed-more-control/]

DIMENSIONS:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/43859-units-should-be-connected-to-dimension-styles/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/58493-viewport-annotation-dimensions/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/63294-dual-dimensions-in-the-oip/]

ELEVATION BENCHMARK:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/69862-elevation-benchmark-tool/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/19783-ability-to-set-the-units-of-various-parameters-individually/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49026-allow-units-to-be-specified-for-elevation-benchmark-objects-just-like-for-stake-objects/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50699-changing-units-on-elevation-benchmarks/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/62457-elevation-benchmark-add-ability-to-show-different-units/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/41238-elevation-marker/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/79962-elevation-benchmark-unit/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80300-units-in-centimeters-elevation-in-meters/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80404-displaying-different-dimension-values-on-same-drawing/]

GRADE OBJECT:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/48764-grade-object-units/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49768-grade-tool-unit-control/]

SITE MODEL CONTOUR LABELS:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50682-dtm-units/]
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/53641-site-model-alternate-units/
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/53960-site-model-contour-labels/|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/53641-site-model-alternate-units/]

VE-101652

Automated Image Comparison Testing System Improvements

Matthew Panzer

This VE is to outline requirements and possible solutions we'd like to see in the current Automated Image Comparison system.

Please see the attached Word document.

VE-103845

Curtain Wall Top/Plan Graphic Attributes "By Class" should be class overridable in viewports

Matthew Panzer

Currently, Curtain Wall graphics can be set to "by class" and they display as expected in Top/Plan view. However, due to how these graphics are derived from sectioning the curtain wall's 3D geometry, the pen and fill attributes are directly applied to match the class attributes rather than setting them to "by class". This makes it impossible to change them using class overrides in Top/Plan viewports.

VE-103844

Section VPs: improve clarity of "structural objects", merging and "profile line"

Matthew Panzer

This is the first post in the thread from the forum thread. The thread talks about current problems with how merging and profiles are applied to sections and how to control which objects get merged. In initial discussions elsewhere, I was thinking an option to add a profile line to ALL objects (rather than just structural objects) might be enough but that solution may not be flexible enough.
------------------------------------------------------------

Post by *[line-weight|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/profile/15377-line-weight/]:*

Basically: I think confusion arises around what "structural objects" are, as defined for the purpose of section viewports and the various options in the "Advanced Section Properties" dialogue. But this wishlist item goes a little further I think. I am going to try and keep this concise to start with, partly to stop it being too confusing, partly because I'm running out of time to write this just now.

Here's that dialogue box:

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1096927088_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_51_47.jpg.d1287f94c4fcac55e6be6faef066625d.jpg|width=425!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1096927088_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_51_47.jpg.d1287f94c4fcac55e6be6faef066625d.jpg]

I have attached a VWX file with this post. It'll probably be necessary to open it and look at it in order for this post to make any sense. Screenshots are taken from it. The array of possible section viewports looks like this:

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1447635847_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_55_48.thumb.jpg.f8a356a94f56ce975e379c4c3dd0dee3.jpg|width=1000!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/516860539_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_55_48.jpg.316cadd0726dc58baca6df5c46be2a2d.jpg]

Each of those section viewports is a section through this hypothetical wall/roof buildup:

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1693255_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_57_01.jpg.3a8ef94298c0d98c9f65bec081a6c69a.jpg|width=896!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1693255_Screenshot2022-12-19at22_57_01.jpg.3a8ef94298c0d98c9f65bec081a6c69a.jpg]

That's a standard cavity wall here in the UK, brick outer skin (not loadbearing), insulation in cavity, block inner skin (loadbearing). I've modelled a kind of decorative brickwork corbel at the top of the brick. The roof is structural timber joists, plywood deck on top, insulation & membrane above. Plasterboard ceiling fixed to bottom of joists. Decorative coving at junction of wall and roof, internally. What I've drawn is just illustrative for the purposes of this wishlist post.

Most of my section drawings (in practice) are either

- something like *section type B* where I want to show some level of internal buildup detail, and where the scale is 1:50 or larger. In these examples I've shown material fills as solid colour, but in reality I would usually be using hatches instead.

- something like *section type E* where I don't want to show buildup detail. Anything smaller than 1:50 will usually be like this. Sometimes I might use it up to 1:50 for early stage drawings.

Points to make:

Note the difference between *section types A and B:*

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1497986009_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_05_45.jpg.9e98a5828ed576b8a84db058ead9e938.jpg|width=868!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1497986009_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_05_45.jpg.9e98a5828ed576b8a84db058ead9e938.jpg]

On *section type B* the brick corbel detail is "merged" with the brick component of the wall. I'm more likely to want this, than the lines shown in *section type A.* I've achieved this by telling VW that those extrudes I used to model the corbel courses are "structural objects" because this allows it to merge them with the "structural object" that is the wall. But of course, those corbels aren't in reality "structural objects" at all.

What are/aren't defined as "structural objects" for this purpose doesn't make sense to me. Either VW has got some wacky ideas about what's structural (ie holding the building up), or that's just a bad name for that type of object, or there needs to be some additional method(s) of choosing what to merge in sections.

Below, *section type F* on the left shows what VW thinks is and isn't structural. *Section type G* on the right shows what I think is and isn't structural.

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1184564148_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_11_49.thumb.jpg.ea7474bc13c022592bb6ec2557d046bb.jpg|width=1000!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1346502953_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_11_49.jpg.7871935f45482018118b76b51546d4ee.jpg]

Then we come to what the "profile line" is. I actually haven't really used this in real life. I'd assumed it was the outer profile of the whole section...but it seems it's not. A complication is that it doesn't seem to work in VW2023 SP2. So... here's a screenshot from VW2021 to show where it is drawn (as the red line) in *section type C :*

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1393518235_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_19_56.jpg.394ee6fe06b21cbaa720d284d3e8d95a.jpg|width=984!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/1393518235_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_19_56.jpg.394ee6fe06b21cbaa720d284d3e8d95a.jpg]

But in *section type D* I indicate (by using stacked viewports) where I think a "profile line" should be and would be useful, and, I think, fits with a fairly standard drawing convention where the overall section cut line is drawn with a thick line (I've just shown it in red for emphasis) and then the internal detail (also in section) is drawn with a thinner line:

[!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/2018547667_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_27_33.thumb.jpg.078607ccb40a90c577142ddd4533a489.jpg|width=748!|https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_12/27585281_Screenshot2022-12-19at23_27_33.jpg.6428e6dcc76b66b04a8f011a970b0287.jpg]

Ok, I'm going to leave it at that for now, no doubt multiple subsidiary questions will come up in discussion.

I do think the way that sections are drawn (and the amount of fine control given to the user) is really crucial in allowing us to create good, clear documentation from the model with as little touching-up in annotation space as possible.

[VWsections.vwx|https://forum.vectorworks.net/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=66724&key=fc58a10d2a276a7f16e560537c82354a]

VE-103398

Data Visualization - "Retain Original Pen" with Pen Thickness override.

Matthew Panzer

Users want the ability to use the "Retain Original Pen" option in Data Visualization but override the Pen Thickness in the same way they can for color or opacity. In the attached "Data Visualization Linewieght.vwx" you can see the great lengths the user went to by creating and using 15 different Data Visualizations at once in a single viewport to get the desired results.

VE-102857

Camera Match Improvements

Matthew Panzer

These requests come from "*mattao*" on the Community forum:

*Background - Current Workflow with Twinmotion:*

We have worked a little on these theme and we arrived to something satisfying as a result, but pretty complicated to put in action.
# As much as possible have a precise idea of the exact position of the real camera on your surveyor files. We use a lot the manhole covers to do so. We have precise position. And just have to set the height correctly.
# Use Cameramatch to have a rough location , set the aperture manually to match real world camera
# As you said use the place RW camera to help precisely setup the camera match position to match more precisely the real world camera. We have fiddled a bit to find our camera precise settings on aperture... once done it's far better. We set the aperture manually.
# Export to twin motion with the RW camera visible- -> don't forget to explode the camera symbol first
# Precisely setup your twin motion camera to match your real world camera aperture.
# Use the RW camera 3D objects to position your camera and look in the right direction.
# Render in twinmotion.
# Back to Vectorworks.... et voilà

*Wishes:*

Could be far more fast if:
# Camera mask and camera shadow objects, or similar objects, could be used in viewports WITHOUT a camera match
# *OR* camera match camera position could be MANUALLY ADJUSTED IN the 3D view.
# Vectorworks coude allow for images PNG transparency layer to be affected by VW gradients!
# Twinmotion link could get cameras positions precisely ( a dream would be to find my Vectorworks saved views available in Twinmotion
# Twinmotion could display the camera position in the 3D references.
# May I had that I d like to be able to easily use an image as my OpenGL background in VW? I could adjust the openGL aperture of my view to match the camera, position my view fast... and so match my camera position.

VE-102601

Structural Member usability improvements

Matthew Panzer

[LarryO|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/profile/14475-larryo/] posted these in the Wishlist forum. My comments shown in {color:#de350b}red{color}:
# Needs to have length shown and alterable in the OI palette like any other linear construct.
{color:#de350b}// I see this wished for *often* by users.{color}
# Needs to have the Axis alignment in the OI using a radio button concept similar to that which is implemented for rectangles. The image used in the geometry settings window is well suited for the purpose.
{color:#de350b}// Would be nice but probably not easy to implement.{color}
# The Angle profile should be rotated 180° so the top axis default alignment is to a leg face, not air. Most structural elements are installed utilizing Top of Steel elevation concepts.
{color:#de350b}// Certainly makes sense to me.{color}
# There needs to be an edit mode to permit addition components and subtraction subtraction components. The insertion of one or more creating selection node(s) which can be dragged outside of the edit mode to relocate the component's position along the member's axis. I would suggest that the axis the components nodes snap to be the top centre axis. These components being 3d symbols or possibly 3d plugin geometry. The former is suited for adding stiffener plates, saddles and connection plates or angles among other things. The latter might be suitable for tools that arrange holes in the flanges or the web or for coping ends of Wide flanges. The ability of a component to remain either plumb to the layer or perpendicular to the axis of sloped members is also a consideration.
{color:#de350b}// I've seen similar abilities wished for from users.{color}
# Being able to snap to those (in #4) nodes with dimensioning tools.
# The ability to lock in a slope angle when altering the length of the member is also valuable for sloping steel roof and canopy structures; As is being able to set an angle as an alternative to setting an end elevation.
{color:#de350b}// I see this wished for *often* by users.{color}
# Component edit mode being accessible from the resource palette similar to how symbols are handled. That way all beams can be seen and their member IDs are also available for editing. Beams when placed in a plan layout may start out as being multiple instances like symbols but may need to be duplicated and edited as the development process continues.
{color:#de350b}// I believe he wants *Styles* for the Structural Member.{color}
# This is a very useful one and should be a wishlist item of its own: Have a Viewport type which can generate a beam or symbol from the definition. (for placement on sheet layers) Talking 3d here and all the various views that the basic Viewport can display. This creates an easy means to annotate each beam and symbol. Avoids possibly hundreds of classes and or layers being required to control visibility. The current process of laying out beams for a structure is still required but all the layout of each beam would be tremendously simplified and can utilize templates for annotation. One only needs to remember that all symbols and beams be created at their internal origin for best functionality.
{color:#de350b}// This is a more general "Object View" or "Object Viewport" wish.
// *NOTE*: *Graphic Legends* actually may be exactly the thing he's looking for.{color}
# Having the Viewport mentioned above being able to tap into the member id and or symbol name to facilitate automatic labeling. Or would that be the other way around where labels in the Viewport tap into those ids and names?
# Profile size should be editable as a pull down at the root level of the OI, not embedded behind a shape selection button.
# The technical data that the individual members currently provide should be displayed in the OI or accessible from the OI via a button. Weight characteristics for the basic member is a useful piece of data that is currently not provided.
{color:#de350b}// This would be valuable and easy to implement.{color}
# Custom sizes as currently provided in the individual member tools is also useful for those sizes that are not in the predefined setting. This is helpful when using bar angle, bar channel and some tubing sizes which are currently not in the selection lists.

VE-102564

Section-Elevation Line, Interior Elevation Marker, Detail Callout: More explicit feedback and control over "defining" and "linked" state

Matthew Panzer

Currently, the Section-Elevation Line, Interior Elevation Marker, and Detail Callout can be defining a viewport (with the "Linked Viewport" parameter set to its defined viewport and disabled) or not defining and manually linked (with the "Linked Viewport" parameter enabled to allow the object to link to any viewport).
# It would be good to have a more clear indication in the Object Info palette when an object is defining a viewport vs when it's not.
# It would also be good to have an option to convert an object that defines a viewport to one that does not. This option would result in an object that no longer defines the viewport but is linked to the viewport that it was defining. This is the same behavior you get now (in VW 2022) when you select one of these objects, Cut and Paste In-place.

VE-102432

Wall Closure dialog should use checkbox columns instead of a "check" icon

Matthew Panzer

Users are having difficulty figuring out how to use set the wrapping settings in the Wall Closure dialog because they cannot tell which controls are enabled/disabled in these three checkmark columns:
* Wrap
* Wrap to Insert
* Use Custom thickness

Each control in the *Wrap* column controls the enable state of all controls to the right of it and each control in the *Use Custom Thickness* (the column with no header text) controls the enable state of the "Custom Thickness" control to the right of it.

Not only is this an issue but, since all three columns have no checkmarks by default, they cannot even tell what kind of control they are and users don't even know what to do to enable the disabled controls.

If these columns were to show actual checkboxes, there would always be a visible control (regardless of its selection state) making its enable state obvious to the user.

VE-102415

Camera Match Mask should use cropped bitmap objects derived from the viewport render background, provide antialiasing at their crop, and support Image Effects

Matthew Panzer

Camera Match Mask objects are deigned to be placed within the annotations of a viewport. Currently, when placed, the Mask object looks for a Camera Match object within the viewport annotations and gets the photo image resource name from it so it can map the same image resource to the polylines within the Mask. The mask object also fakes antialiasing by offsetting many polylines from its path object and giving them varying levels of opacity. This takes more processing time and created larger file sizes. Also, Mask object cannot take on Image Effects when applied to the viewport.

Ideally, Mask objects would:
# be able to create cropped bitmap objects based on their parent viewport's render background.
# Apply antialiasing at the crop of the bitmap objects.
# Apply the the same Image Effects used for the parent viewport. This is very important for users because Image Effects are often used for renderings. It is expected that Camera Match Masks support it.

This is an internal request to provide true antialiased masks while improving performance and also required in order to support Image Effects for viewport.

VE-102025

Detail Viewport should show information about what viewport defines it and allow a new defining viewport to be chosen

Matthew Panzer

When you create a Detail Viewport from another viewport, it's initially obvious which viewport defines it. However, if the user later displays other Detail Callout instances of the Detail viewport in the annotations of other viewports, there's no obvious way to tell which viewport defines it. In addition, if the defining viewport is deleted, this can make things even more confusing because there's no longer a defining viewport and no way to have the Detail viewport choose a new defining viewport.

It's very common for users to begin a new project by duplicating a similar project file that's already complete. This allow the user to revise or recreate the model so that the plans, elevations, sections, and details are already organized on sheets. These files often have several detail drawings taken from various section (or elevation) viewports. These detail viewports have a lot of drawing graphics and annotation shown within their annotation group. Many of these details can be reused for the new project but they often need to reference a different viewport because the condition shown in the detail may no longer be seen in the original viewport it was created from.

*Example:* An eave detail viewport was created from Section A but the model has changed so that that condition is no longer seen in Section A. However, the condition does exist in Section B. The user wants to select the Detail viewport and change it to reference Section B. This will then allow him to locate the Detail Callout in Section B where the condition exists and move the annotations within the detail viewport to align.

VE-101642

More efficient wall hole object subtraction

Matthew Panzer

There is a severe performance slowdown in the reset of walls containing symbols with wall hole geometry. The amount of time it takes to reset the wall seems to slow down exponentially as the number objects within the wall hole object is increased or the number of symbols with wall holes increases. It seems that objects (such an extrude containing multiple 2D primitives) have holes subtracted from the wall one at a time for each primitive as if they're separate extrudes. Even in the case of multiple extrude objects in the wall hole of a symbol, it seems they're subtracted one by one from the wall. My hope is that a symbol's wall hole group could be combined into a solid first, then subtracted at one time.

Wall Reset Time with *1 symbol* in a wall with the following in their wall hole group:
* 88 extrudes of 1 rectangle: 1.4 sec.
* 1 extrude of 88 rectangles: 1.3 sec.
* 1 Solid (of same geometry): 0.5 sec.

Wall Reset Time with *3 symbols* in a wall with the following in their wall hole group:
* 88 extrudes of 1 rectangle: 13.6 sec.
* 1 extrude of 88 rectangles: 13.3 sec.
* 1 Solid (of same geometry): 1.3 sec.

VE-101406

Layout Scaling Constraint Widget for the Object Info palette

Matthew Panzer

In Vectorworks 2021, the Smart Markers task introduced special layout constraints for various behaviors needed for various marker objects. The constraints used in the Drawing Label are for defining how objects are positioned and scaled horizontally from the layout to the instance. These scaling options are a subset of horizontal and vertical scaling constraints seen in other software. The following task planned for Vectorworks 2022 propose using similar constraints but for both horizontal and vertical positioning and scaling.

While this constraint system works very well, the UI controls (checkboxes) are not intuitive and provide no graphical representation or preview of what the controls do. This forces the user to do more a lot of trial and error by entering the edit layout mode, changing settings, and exiting the layout to see the results. The Sketch app has a much more intuitive UI for this where the UI controls graphically represent their function and even include a small preview to give you an idea of how the selected object will move/scale in instances. I think something similar to this should be investigated for Vectorworks.

VE-100035

T02133 - Double Acting and Double Egress Door Configurations

Matthew Panzer

This task adds the following changes to the Door object:
1. Adds a single leaf Double Acting and a Double Egress configuration.
2. Renames the existing Double Acting to Double Acting bi-part and gives it more appropriate graphics.

VE-101511

Story and Level UI Improvements - Exploration

Matthew Panzer

Making stories and levels easier to understand and use is critical to users adopting them. Currently, many users avoid them due to confusion with the current complex UI.

This VE is an initial exploration of how we might be able to simplify our current implementation for Stories and Levels in a more approachable and intuitive way. The attached images show the UI in Vectorworks 2021 and some rough ideas of how we might be able to simplify and consolidate the UI into fewer dialogs.

VE-100647

T02125 - Stair: Create Top Graphic

Matthew Panzer

Open the attached VWX file. On sheet layer 1, you will see the main issues we plan to solve. The following two sheets illustrate the results of the proposed solution of adding a Top 2D component to the Stair. While the proposed solution will eliminate the problem of the stair's 3D component undesirably showing in horizontal sections (shown on sheet 1), issues will remain as shown on sheets 2 and 3 in red callouts. These issues need to be addressed in a future task.

VE-100334

Door, Window, Partition Type Legends, and Object Viewports

Matthew Panzer

User Requirements:

Type Legends:
Architects need to include Door, Frame, Window, and Partition Type Legends.
A Door, Frame, and Window Type is a front elevation view of the object unrotated in isolation and with a drawing title and annotations. Partition Types are plan or section drawings of a partition unrotated in isolation and with a drawing title and annotations

Object Shop Drawings:
Set designers, woodworkers, etc., need to create shop drawings of objects within the model. These shop drawing consist of various views (Top/Plan, Top, Front, Right, Isometric, etc.) of an object (or collection of objects) unrotated in isolation, with a drawing title and annotations.

Community Forum Threads:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49480-traditional-window-schedules/
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/37662-display-symbol-instead-of-layers-in-viewport/
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/67350-%E2%80%98create-viewport%E2%80%99-from-within-a-symbol/

VE-100518

Railing/Fence: Fitting posts to other objects

Matthew Panzer

Task T02033 (Railing/Fence: Improved direct 3D editing of sloping railings) adds the ability to manually extend individual posts via control points. Can this task have an option to use a tool or command to automatically set these? This would make fitting a railing to a stair, or a fence to a site, a simple operation. Without this ability, manually moving control point one by one will be tedious, frustrating, and error prone.

Imagine placing a railing (as shown in the image attached) on a stair. This stair may have about 14 treads with 3 balusters per tread. That’s 42 control points to move. That would take 84 clicks (and 42 resets) to do manually vs 2 clicks (and one reset) with a tool. We need to have a tool or command that would allow us to click on the railing, then the stair (or other object), and the posts (balusters in the stair example) would automatically extend down to its geometry. This tool would allow posts to be extended down to any 3D geometry (Slab, Site Model, etc.) with just a few clicks.

VE-100034

Building Materials

Matthew Panzer

The "Building Materials" task will allow Vectorworks to package collections of graphical at-tributes, physical properties, and other construction information related to actual materials in a new resource type. This will allow objects to be given a material and have the object take on the informational and graphical attributes of that material.
This task will move users away from the "attributes" user model of CAD towards the "simula-tion" user-model of BIM.

VE-100026

Auto-coordination and Marker Improvements

Matthew Panzer

This task provides the following improvements:
1. Improved auto-coordination features to the following objects:
- Drawing Label
- Section Line
- Section-Elevation Marker
- Detail Callout
- Detail-Callout Marker
- Reference Marker
2. More convenient methods of detail viewport creation.

SOURCE - COMMUNITY BOARD
Reference Marker Link to Viewport: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/45255-reference-marker-link-to-viewport/&_fromLogin=1
Detail Callout Auto-Coordination and sheet number: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50330-detail-callout-auto-coordination-and-sheet-number/
Community Board - Back Referencing: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/51902-back-referencing/

VE-100025

Editable Document Coordination Markers

Matthew Panzer

This task makes marker graphics and data display fully customizable by providing Data Tag-like editing for the following objects:

1. Drawing Label
2. Section Line
3. Section-Elevation Marker
4. Interior Elevation
5. Interior-Elevation Marker
6. Detail Callout
7. Detail-Callout Marker
8. Reference Marker

COMMUNITY BOARD SOURCES:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/38293-customize-detail-call-outs/

VE-100031

Camera Match: Automatically create a RW Camera for the viewport and keep its view synced with the Camera Match view

Matthew Panzer

Users wishing to use RW Camera Effects need to have a RW Camera linked to the viewport. This camera's view must stay synced with the Camera Match view and it will allow users to apply Camera Effects to viewport using Camera Match without altering the view.

VE-99590

Project Sharing: Waiting for Project File Progress Dialog Needed

Matthew Panzer

Currently, when doing an operation that requires VW to check out objects, if the project file is currently locked, there is a progress bar in the message bar for a few seconds. Once the time is up, a Yes/No dialog appears explaining the situation and requires the user to click Yes or No (see attached screenshot). This dialog halts the workflow and leaves the user with the game of repeatedly clicking "Yes" in hopes he can complete the operation. This is wasting time for the user because, if they click too soon, they get the dialog again and if they click too late, they've wasted time they could've been working.

A much better solution to this problem would be to show the progress bar in the message bar as usual. But, instead of displaying this modal dialog after a few seconds, display a progress dialog with a "barber pole" progress bar to indicate that vectorworks is waiting. Progress text could also display in the dialog stating "waiting for project file…". Once the file is available, the progress text would change to something like "completing operation…".
The progress dialog would have only a Cancel button to allow users to cancel the operation if they get tired of waiting. Otherwise, they can wait for it co complete. No frustration clicking buttons and no time wasted...

VE-99559

T01818 2D Components: Investigate better default 2D component locations

Matthew Panzer

We need to investigate better default 2D component locations for plug-in objects. Specifically, I'm thinking about the Top/Plan component, but this could apply to other components as well.

This problem affects objects whose geometry is more sloped in nature. The attached user file shows Framing Member used for sloping roof rafters. Any rafters below the cut show their Top/Plan component at the top of the rafter. since there is only a thin layer of sloping roof material over the rafter, the rafter's 2D component displays over the roof rather than under. In order to fix this, the user must edit the Top/Plan component location of each Framing Member one at a time. Each object takes a minimum of 6 clicks and two editing modes. Users need a better default that will provide them with desired results in most cases.

In this case, a better default Top/Plan Component location might be the bottom (instead of the top) of the 3D component. However, probably the most ideal location would be the lowest part of the top sloping face of the rafter (see attached screenshot).

VE-103646

Use 2D Truss Symbol Components in Schematic View Rigging Objects

Matthew Geasey

It is clear and efficient to be able to use 2D Components of Lighting Symbols in Schematic View objects. However Truss and other rigging objects seem to use a hidden line rendering mode for their schematic view objects. This drastically increases the complexity of the geometry for Schematic View Rigging Objects and results in frustrating delays when updating Schematic View Objects.

The suggested enhancement would be to have Schematic Views of Truss use the 2D Components of the Truss Symbols based on the view of the Schematic View Object instead of a Hidden Line Rendering. It would also be great to have Schematic Views recognize geometry contained within Hanging Position Objects and utilize 2D Components of contained Truss and other symbols in a similar fashion.

These enhancements would be an effective way to optimize the Schematic View workflow using existing features in VWX.

VE-104137

Add Option For Updating Schematic Views On Publish In Publish Options

Matthew Geasey

Even though it's engrained in my head, I will forget to update the schematic views in projects when I go to publish them. It would be nice to have an option to have the publish command update the schematic views, like we can update worksheets and other items on publish without having to think about it.

VE-100657

Instrument Summary Fixture Filtering

Matthew Geasey

Hey Y'all,

I don't know if I'm overlooking this, but it would be cool to have the instrument summary tool only show what can be added to the summary based off of the filter settings. Over time lots of fixtures can get hard to manage to try to remember what fixtures you have where when dealing with large multiple venue shows.

Thoughts?

VE-100646

Video Screen Following Rotation of Hanging Position

Matthew Geasey

Hey Y'all,

It would be awesome to have VideoScreen objects follow hanging positions on their rotation values, useful for many VideoScreen elements.

Thoughts?

Cheers!

MattG

VE-100620

MVR 3DS Model Information Polygon Information

Matthew Geasey

Hey Everyone!

It would be nice to have a way to see how large certain pieces of geometry are when they come in from an MVR file.

Cheers!

MattG

VE-100623

MVR Import Respect Layer and Class Assignments In Scene Graph

Matthew Geasey

Hey Y'all,

It would be great if the MVR Import respected the layer and possibly class structures in the Scene Graph. As you can tell, the Scene Graph will get very crowded very fast and only organized to a certain extent. It would be great to utilize the hanging position names as these can be used for automation attaching amonst other things that apply to an overall hanging position.

Thoughts?

Cheers!

MattG

VE-99901

Clip Cube not working for wireframe Viewport

Matt Gohring

When a viewport shows in wireframe, the clip cube is ignored.

ORIGINAL:
I am trying to make a viewport that shows the active clip cube. I believe I executed correctly but it does not seem to be working as it should. See video

VE-101046

Dimensions Lines break when in line

Matt Gohring

When you place a dimension you click, click, drag, and the dimension is placed. If you use a style where the dimension is in the dimension line you need to be sure you have a color fill to ensure that the dimension does not look strange with the line going through it.

I have been making a lot of little product layouts during this pandemic. I take images and drop them in InDesign. When I do this I have a background that may not match. I'm using PNG's for an output with a clear background. See the image for what I get.

This is not a huge deal but I do sincerely think that there should be some time of an option to have the dimension line trim up to each side of the actual text.

VE-105113

ConnectCAD - ConnectCAD Settings add max size for custom panels

Matt Bialek

Working on a project that has a panel with 192 connectors on it. I am needing to do some renumbering and I am finding I have to do some workarounds to get things re-numbered. Is there a way to add the ability for a custom start number and not using the drop down?

[CMP] see attached image - we need to add a max size setting for custom panels

!image-2023-10-16-13-20-49-307.png|width=498,height=444!

VE-103139

Criteria for Reports doesn't follow layer name changes

Matt Bialek

I have been working on a project that keeps having layer names change as we create new options and depreciate them with a rename. I find that every time a layer name changes, I need to go back in and re-do all of the criteria on my reports to link to the new layer name, even if it was previously set. Is there a way to have that criteria dynamically update when a layer name changes?

VE-102827

Add dropdown or picker for Container Field on Label Legend Manager

Matt Bialek

In some of the drawings I have lots of containers in the container folder, and it can get tedious clicking through to hopefully find the one you want. Is there a way to make that a drop down list or a popup to be able to see & select the container you want?

VE-104857

ConnectCAD: Panel Graphics in Equipment Items

Matt Artigues

[~cpreen] and I have chatted a bit about this, but a way for users to seamlessly visualize Rack Panels and connect a Panel View to the front or rear of an equipment item.

The current workflow I and others use is to use a screenshot of whatever panel item or png image, and add the item to the panel face by editing the 2D component.

But these graphics do not make it when creating an elevation. And if the panel changes in any way then that image must be updated.

VE-104894

Railing: Adding the number of objects that can accept a railing object.

Matt Artigues

Currently, the Railing tool can only be attached to stair and slab objects.

Including objects like:
3D objects
NURBs surfaces/curves
Stage Deck PIOs
Stage Ramp PIOs

For those Spotlight Scenic users who may create a lot of their work using the above items, a quick way to attach railings with its various sub-modes would speed up their workflows.

VE-104864

ConnectCAD 3D Rack Equipment Nudging

Matt Artigues

When an equipment item is outside of a rack, it coheres to the nudging convention of being able to move in four different directions with the arrow keys.

Once the equipment item is inside the rack, the arrow keys only make the equipment item go up in the equipment until it reaches the top RU space.

VE-104360

Spotlight edit symbol instances after duplicate along path

Matt Artigues

User would like the ability to edit symbol instances after using duplicate along path tool.

For instance: user duplicates along path a symbol with specific offsets/preferences for spacing, but if user wants to make edits or changes, they will have to delete everything and start over again. This means they will have to refill in the information of what they just deleted.

VE-104362

Page Setup: Portrait/Landscape Rotation in first dialog

Matt Artigues

User would like to have the ability to rotate the printable area of their document in the page setup dialog to portrait or landscape instead of having to go to printer setup.

This would limit the number of clicks to access these options and allow them to set up their printable area from the creation of the document.

VE-100660

Data Manager Mapping Management Data Sheets for Symbol objects

Martyn Horne

The following movie shows a workflow whereby we tried to attach a record format to multiple symbols and then attach a Data Sheet, but are unable to.

I am not sure if this would be resolved by the Smart Data Record task or if this is something different.

VE-105088

Localisation for Colour for UK licence holders

Martyn Horne

It would be useful ( and a smart customer relationship exercise) if we could localised the spelling of 'Color' to "Colour' for UK based licence holders.

(I am thinking primarily in the colour palette.) This seems to take on more urgency now we have introduced the NCS Colour partnership, which is touted by our own PR team as a global system and has the UK spelling.

VE-105060

Railings Pick mode inconsistency - cant use ramps or hardscapes

Martyn Horne

This is a request to make the Railing creation more consistent. At present it is possible to use the Pick mode only on Slabs and Stairs. It would be useful and consistent to be able to use the pick tool on other BIM objects, Ramps and Hardscapes being the obvious two.

VE-103613

Camera requires professional level 'shift' setting for architectural visuals ( 2 point perspective )

Martyn Horne

When it comes to setting perspective views, Vectorworks users are at a disadvantage compared to most major competitive visualisation software, because we lack an easy way to simulate what is known as a 'shift' or 'shift & tilt' lens. This lens type, allows the photographer/visualiser to create what would be also be known to illustrators as 2 point perspective.

It is important to understand that 2d point perspective is not an invented projection (such as Cabinet or Cavalier Oblique) as such - rather, it is a standard real world perspective view, with the following set up:

1) the 'camera height' is identical to the 'look to height'

2) the image focal point is not in the middle of the view frame, but is 'shifted' towards either the the bottom of the view frame or the top of the view frame (depending on whether the view is a ground view shot or a birds eye shot.

+It should not be underestimated that almost every professional level architectural and interior image or photograph is taken using this setup.+

To achieve this set up in Vectorworks in a Design Layer not possible at all.

To achieve this set up in Vectorworks in a Sheet Layer is beyond the average user which entails an in depth knowledge of the principle of 'shift and tilt' lenses in order to create a long winded workaround that our competitors achieve with the clicking of a checkbox.

As a result, the vast majority of 3D perspectives in Vectorworks do not match those of professional photographer OR our competitors. This request therefore calls for a solution which provides a more automated approach to achieving the points 1) + 2) above.

VE-100554

QRT BIG BIM Data Tags cannot be referenced.

Martyn Horne

We are finding that users are getting frustrated that the new Data Tags cannot be used in a referencing workflow. See this post as an example.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64431-data-tag-label-vs-reference-file/]

Initially, I thought this was a technology limitation, but it appears from the response to this forum post that this is actually a designed in restriction. The justification is that we wanted to avoid having 'orphaned' Data tags floating around in files where the objects in the source files had been deleted and the reference had not been updated.

On reflection, deliberately restricting the workflow of users instead of requiring them to stay up to date with their references, may have been the wrong option. This is a request to reverse that decision in the first instance.

If there is the option of building in some intelligence such as being able to auto highlight 'orphaned' data tags then great, but the initial priority would be to allow Data Tags to work on referenced objects.

Thanks,

Martyn

VE-103870

BCF - Issues are not listed in any observable logical order

Martyn Horne

When creating New Issues using the BCF manager, they are not listed in any observable logical order (ie: either by creation order of alphabetical).

VE-103871

BCF - Issue autosave

Martyn Horne

Would like the option for a saved BCF file to Autosave after every new issue entry - this would protect against loss of BCF if the main VW program crashes.

VE-103473

VE - Ability to reference Excel worksheets.

Martyn Horne

There is an increasing need to be able to reference data from Excel spreadsheets.

(This request should NOT be confused with a more advanced request for 'live-sync' or two-way data exchange between Excel and Vectorworks.) This request is only concerned with 'referencing' of the Excel file itself, in a similar manner to the processes that we currently have for referencing DWG, IFC, Revit (and our own VWX) files.)

Typical use cases include big customers such as Starbucks who want to access external data which is updated on a regular basis.

The current workflow requires any user with the requirement to manually import and reimport the data. Any such repetition increases the risk of error due to the manual nature of such operations or simply missing the fact that the data needs updating.

*FYI, the data is often hooked up to other Vectorworks functions using the very useful Lookup function that was added a few version ago. *Also, this request is specifically for Excel, (as opposed to other data options such as ODBC) because of the commonality of the format.

VE-103171

Window Sills / Cills

Martyn Horne

This request documents the modernisation of window sills discussion as requested by Darick and includes a meeting recording with user (Christiaan Briggs).

For related forum posts please see:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97386-why-has-the-sill-object-remained-untouched-for-so-long/]

and

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49479-window-sill-improvements/]

VE-103152

Viewports - autonaming request to use suffix not prefix

Martyn Horne

Our 2023 testing for Viewport Updates has highlighted a small but annoying problem, whereby the automatic viewport naming adds a prefix to the to the sheet name to create the viewport name, whereas it would make more sense to add a suffix.

When going through the update process, this would then allow users to select multiple viewports more logically, grouped by sheets, within the viewports tab. Does this make sense [@jloy|https://vectorworks.slack.com/team/U0CKDESNB] ?

In the image attached, see how the top viewport in the list is named 1/1002. It would be much more useful if it was named 1002/1. It would then follow that other viewports assigned to that 1002 sheet would be named 1002/2, 1002/3 etc. As it is, the current implementation means that finding 1/1002, 2/1002, 3/1003, and 1/1003, 2/1003, 3,1003 is much trickier, because they are distributed throughout the list.

VE-101669

Georeferencing features - request to add GeoJson format

Martyn Horne

Speaking to GIS professionals, GeoJson seems to have a fair bit of traction and have certain benefits over SHP files. After speaking with [~vstanev], this is a format that already exists in our existing library. Would be great to add this in ASAP after 2022

VE-102604

Saved Views - ability to intelligently fit to all objects

Martyn Horne

This request would help both users and sales demonstrators working on sales demo files across different machines.

It would be a useful enhancement of the Saved Views feature if the Saved View had an option to intelligently Fit To All in addition to the view angle etc. This is not available at present, which means that if the user intended the view to show all objects from a specific angle they have to constantly update the Saved View.

This happens quite a lot in a users modelling workflow.

It would be useful for embedding Saved Views in Templates

It would be useful for different sales demonstrators using the same demo file, but on different machines and/or projectors etc.

VE-102557

Story Levels and or Elevation Benchmark 3D Guide as Plane or line option

Martyn Horne

This is a request to provide more visual cues for users, directly in the Design Layer environment, to help visualise Story Levels during the design workflow. These are to be considered as design aids rather than presentation aids per se, but a natural 'home' for this feature might be the Elevation Benchmark tool.

This is a response to user feedback, which consistently cites cites that a major hurdle with Storys and Levels is that they are very difficult to visualise. Several site visits have shown users going to the extreme of creating and managing planes manually in an attempt to rectify this issue. Please see image provided.

VE-102469

Marionette Interface - Multi window to allow update of object whilst still in Edit Script

Martyn Horne

A weakness in our current implementation of Marionette Graphical scripting is that we have to exit the Edit Script mode to see any changes we have made to the network, take place. This is a request, therefore, to find a mechanism which enables the user to update the Marionette Network from within the Edit Script window AND see the updated result being applied to the object in an adjacent multiview window. See the image attached.

VE-102324

Dimensions for 3D generation, not just 2d documentation

Martyn Horne

This is a request to enhance our ability to offer our customers more direct methods to control distances between objects using our dimension/tape measure tools in 3D.

I attach a movie of a common 3D modelling action, where it's often necessary to switch to our old 2D workflows to get a result.

VE-102055

Curtain Wall - Unintuitive rationale for vertical grid spacing

Martyn Horne

We have had it brought to our attention that the vertical grid spacing rationale is both unintuitive and seems to give priority to a use case that is either seldomly of never used.

The attached video explains the issue. In summary, the grid spacing logic that is applied to the start and end panels is inconsistent with the logic applied to all other panels. The most typical use case for a curtain wall is to have panel of EXACTLY the same width.

A user would therefore expect to be able to set a single panel width value ( in the Vertical Grid Spacing field.) However, due to the strange logic used for creating the Curtain Wall grid, this is not the case.

VE-100771

Window Structural Opening value should include Sill Height option

Martyn Horne

This is a request from a UK user who has commented that the Structural Height value reported in our window tool and automated reports should include an option to include the Sill Height. The current workaround is to create a custom report which includes the Sill Height value. HOWEVER, this is complicated by the fact that the Sill Height value will register in a report, regardless of whether the Include Sill option in the window settings is included or not.

{quote}*From:* Duncan Beard <[dbeard@synergyarchitects.co.uk|mailto:dbeard@synergyarchitects.co.uk]>

*Subject:* *BUG Report; Vectorworks sill heights not included in structural opening total*

*Date:* 30 April 2020 at 14:51:32 BST

*To:* "[jonathan.reeves@me.com|mailto:jonathan.reeves@me.com]" <[jonathan.reeves@me.com|mailto:jonathan.reeves@me.com]>

Hi Jonathan
As discussed the attached pdf shows the issue discussed whereby the sill heights do not seem to form part of the total height generated by the window, either in the window settings or in the reports & schedules that Vectorworks generates. In IFC format when exported to Solibri it does give the height inclusive of the sill.
Clearly however this is odd behaviour as I would expect that structural height should include the sill.
If we adjust the window height in the settings to counter this the schedules generated are incorrect, in effect making them pretty useless for a contractor to use. For a package that is very advanced in so many ways this is a huge issue when trying to use the package to generate reports.

If you could please look into this and report to Vectorworks asking for a way to resolve it that would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards

*Duncan Beard*
Director

*Synergy Architects*
8 Euston Place
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
CV32 4LN {quote}

VE-101703

IFC - Request for IFC Assembly as an option to deal with nested symbols

Martyn Horne

Hi Misho,

Just making sure this is in the system as Luka and I realised that we only have our Slack conversation with you on this. I am not sure how far you got with this one.

Many thanks,

Martyn

May 13th 2020
[Luka Stefanovic|https://app.slack.com/team/UDLEF3YR5]  [4:30 PM|https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/GQ9GQTXCG/p1589383845020000]

Hi Misho,
I did a quick test using IfcElementAssembly with modelled Symbol Wall Hole Component to define the opening. The opening is correct, but I can’t see the contents within the Symbol (Wall and Window). Here are the test files, if you can have a look and tell me if there was something I did wrong, or there is something you need to do to enable this entity to see Symbol content in Ifc export.
Thanks
2 files
IfcAssembly Test.vwx
2 MB Binary2 MB — Click to download

IfcAssembly.ifc
62 kB Plain TextClick to view details

June 9th, 2020

!https://ca.slack-edge.com/T03UCVDN2-UDLEF3YR5-1e434a894bfc-48!
[Luka Stefanovic|https://app.slack.com/team/UDLEF3YR5]  [3:21 PM|https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/GQ9GQTXCG/p1591712492022400]

Hi Misho, can you please give us an update regarding IfcElementAssembly? We have tested the workflow you suggested when we spoke, but this wasn’t working. Is there something we were doing wrong or does the pset itself need to be adjusted to allow elements inside the Symbol to be shown? Thanks
June 10th, 2020

!https://ca.slack-edge.com/T03UCVDN2-UB8GQB8G3-f420c0d4c807-48!
[Misho|https://app.slack.com/team/UB8GQB8G3]  [11:10 AM|https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/GQ9GQTXCG/p1591783803024600]

Hi Luka,
I started working on this (symbols as assembly), but I had to stop, as this week is VGDC. Nothing wrong from your side - as I explained, I have to implement an additional case for this workflow. I'll continue workiong on this next week.
Regards,
Misho (edited)

!https://ca.slack-edge.com/T03UCVDN2-UDLEF3YR5-1e434a894bfc-48!
[Luka Stefanovic|https://app.slack.com/team/UDLEF3YR5]  [1:56 PM|https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/GQ9GQTXCG/p1591793766025000]

Thanks Misho, keep us updated.

VE-101545

Data Tags - request to pin and stay screen plane parallel in 3D

Martyn Horne

This movie explains how we are missing a very useful presentation feature that SketchUp has had since its inception, relating to tags and how they stayed pinned AND screen plane readable at the same time.

I have seen this feature used against us by both Archicad and Sketchup in sales pitches (both seem seem to have better way s of handling this than us).

VE-100580

Curtain Wall request for Style based Windows and Panel Variations - Big BIM

Martyn Horne

I have been talking to one of our big BIM consultants today about a couple key aspect missing from our current implementation, mainly revolving around the fact that we cannot build distinct panel attributes in for different parts of the grid module or that we cannot include window elements into that module and include it in the style.

These missing elements mean that many curtain wall styles cannot actually be saved as styles, instead, we can at best create a half finished style and the rest has to be managed manually using the Edit Curtain wall tool, rather than being able to build repetitive features into the style itself.

The attached video shows a typical standard curtain wall type. it has a standard regular modular grid with one horizontal row of the panels opaque and windows every three vertical panels. This creates a regular and consistent pattern, but we cannot create this as a style in a single operation.

VE-100685

Wall Projection / End Cap restrictions

Martyn Horne

This is a request that has been asked for before, but the attached example documents in detail a live requirement from a Big BIM user.

VE-101042

Extrude Along Path with Multiple profile

Martyn Horne

As of now EAP supports multiple profile in such a way that each profile is extruded with the path independently. This request is about EAP with one path touch with different profiles.

Please find the attached file EAP_multiprofile, which explains about this request comparing with existing EAP and Loft.

[^LoftMeThis.vwx]

[^CurvyCurvy v2021b210.vwx]

VE-99790

Default Class Capability for ALL PIOs Request - Consistency Issue

Martyn Horne

In a recent customer workflows workshop the UK Industry Specialist team identified an inconsistency issue which is leading to inefficiencies in client workflows.

Some PIOs provide the capability for the user to specify a Class onto which the object will be placed upon creation whilst others do not. For example, Walls and Slabs include this option, but Doors and Windows do not. The same can be said across the other industry products Landmark and Spotlight.

This is a request, therefore that all PIO tool options include the ability to specify the default Class that the object will be placed on. ( The option should also allow the option to place on the Active Class.

This will allow Templates to be created which greatly enhance the creation of organised files on behalf of our users.

VE-100709

Flip mode for objects in walls requires development

Martyn Horne

It is a constant frustration to users that symbols 'flip' too easily, especially when inserting in walls. This becomes problematic especially when working in Big BIM projects, using Ifc, which does not deal with flipped symbols very well. In addition, the very concept of a flipped symbol is not a real world concept and could lead to costly errors ( it simply isn't possible in the real world to have the same door model be both left and right handed - they would have to be two distinct models with different model numbers.)

This request, therefore, asks for an option in the Symbols options to 'Do Not Allow Symbol To Be Flipped/Mirrored'.

VE-100717

Door Tool Request for Corner Door / More Slider and Bi-Fold options( or WinDoor integration )

Martyn Horne

This is a request coming from a frustrated UK user relating to doors.

Good morning, I have spent a frustrating morning attempting to put it a multi-track corner door and encountering many problems in trying this. See similar topic on Vectorworks Forum: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/65264-corner-door/] I don't understand the situation with the product 'Windoor' that still seems to operate in New Zealand and Australia but is there ANY way this can be resolved and incorporated in to Vectorworks? I feel like there must be 1000+ people sharing my discomfort with the base level of flexibility we have for what is very often a desired door/window layout e.g. bi-fold doors that concertina to one side. I personally cannot get the window/door that I require on around 75% of the projects I work on. I am aware that there are long work-arounds to resolve this but getting a door that I want that looks right in 2D and 3D and on the Window and Door schedule should not be this difficult. As a long time customer this has forever been a frustration of mine and I am tired of waiting for it to be resolved. There was mention of improvements to the window and door tool in VW2020 which resulted only in barn doors and transom depths..... hardly satisfactory. If I have sent this email to the wrong address could you please let me know where best to direct my distress. Thank you -- *MARTYN HOWES * ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN ** *PF+A Jersey* Reg No. 121999 12 Britannia Place, Bath Street, St Helier, Jersey, JE2 4SU *T:* 01534 767950 * * *PF+A Guernsey Reg No. 20198 * Guelles Court, Guelles Lane, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2DD *T: * 01481 712633 * * www.*pfaarchitecture*.com <http:[pfaarchitecture.com|http://pfaarchitecture.com/]>

VE-100686

Viewport Background vs Foreground Data tag and Hinge Marker clash

Martyn Horne

The attached file illustrates an issue experienced by users creating Elevations form a BIM model and who are using the Background and Foreground render modes. The issue concerns the treatment of Hinge Markers on Windows and Doors and also with the inbuilt ID Tags on the same items. The problem is that bot Hinge Markers and ID tags show in BOTH the Hidden Line and the Open GL modes in a when a Viewport is set to Background and Foreground render modes. This creates a blurred low quality look ( because of the Open GL ). This means the users has to workaround by either upping the resolution of the page way beyond what is necessary OR by creating two viewports overlapping each other ( which is the solution that the Foreground / Background mode was intended to replace.) The file shows the issue best and shows comparative viewports. Many thanks,

Martyn

VE-100659

Drawing Labels for Viewports - request fro Style type controls

Martyn Horne

As per the attached demo movie, it would be useful for Drawing Labels to be controlled at a style level, rather than always acting as individual instances.

VE-100609

Data Manager Mapping Management

Martyn Horne

The Data Manager has made massive strides in recent versions in terms of being able to map across different types of data in Vectorworks.

What we are finding now, as we try to create localised mapping content is that it is difficult to see the big picture of the default mapping sets provided out of the box and I wanted to ask whether it would be possible to provide a mapping document which details the difference between the Vectorworks Defaults and the COBie Defaults mapping?

Specifically, we are trying to manage the Datasets at a national level. There are a number of changes we need to make from the US one for example.

Example 1: A simple case is that we need to swap out OmniClass for Uniclass.

Example 2: With the introduction of the NBS Chorus plug-in for SP3, I want to look at conditional fields for IFC Classification that can be fed from NBS Chorus (assignation of conditional fields work, I just need to be able to manage it easier). By this I mean the following:

a) I would like to be able to see at a big picture glance, what objects are assigned certain IFC property sets, in this case, IFC Classification. And I want to be able to see this across the Different Mapping Sets.

b) I would then like to be able to be able to assign property sets to multiple proprety sets to multiple objects at the same time. (One analogy I can think of here is where we have different ways of managing Details and Visibilities within the Saved Views tab on the Navigation Palette). In other ways, we might need different ways of looking and managing the same information.

Example 3: We also want to explore what an Interiors DataMapping set would look like. To be able to manage this, we could really do with a tabular overview of what the differences are.

Many thanks,

Martyn

VE-100591

INTERIORS Cabinet type objects with doors need door swing option in 2d

Martyn Horne

Cabinet type objects with doors need door swing option in 2d similar to the Door PIO objects. Door swings on these type objects are important in commercial situations where it's important to be able to see whether the doors can open correctly. It is also necessary in small residential spaces.

In the attached file, the small bathroom design had to model door swings separately.

VE-99577

Window Sill / Cill Extruded Metal Type Required

Martyn Horne

The current window tool is missing one, possibly two major sill types whose geometry could essentially be characterised as being extruded.

Types of this nature are either metal ( aluminium / steel ) or plastic. Whilst some of the metal types would have the appearance of extrusions, they may actually have been manufactured from folded / formed sheet. this is important, because the manufacture process often has a bearing on how the ends of the extrusion are finished.

For example, Aluminium / plastic extruded types are often finished with an end cap, giving a solid appearance, whilst folded sheet type would give the appearance of a plane ( albeit with the thickness of the sheet. )

Various examples fitting into this category are attached.

VE-101852

File format .obj - UV Mapping

Martin Wursthorn

Hello Vectorworks team

If we export an .obj from vectorworks, we do not have integrated UV mapping there. This has the consequence that you have to use external software like blender to add a UV mapping to the OBJ file.

Can we add the UV mapping to our OBJ export?

It will speed up the workflow between VWX and media servers like Disguise.

This request comes from Sage Entertainment and Disney!

Thank you and stay healthy!

VE-103050

Projector tool screens to every surface

Martin Wursthorn

The workflow of the Projector Tool doesn´t fit the needs of the designers. It is too restricted. The users wish to be able to project to every surface (in 3D) without having the restrictions of the screen already integrated to the Tool. This is very helpful in the workflow, because the planners need to check if something is in the way of the projection. Also the screen could be a fassade of a building. In all this cases, the planner could render the situation and check how it would look.

The switch to a symbol-based tool, that can project onto any surface and considers the given data of both lenses and projectors, would meet the desires.

VE-103301

Spotlight - " Find and Modify" also for Hoist and Truss

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

It is important that we also have a function for hoist and truss with which we can activate truss and hoist by type or similar. Similar to what is already possible for the spotlight. The " Select Simalar" tool is not sufficient here.

Greetings

Martin

VE-105105

Calculation of lens ratio for different aspect ratios between screen and projector

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,
currently it is not possible to make a correct calculation of the ratio of the lens at different image formats beetwen screen and projector.

As an example a 4:3 screen with a 16:9 projector

Here the height of the 4:3 format must be included in the calculation
to get the needed width, that you can calculate with your given formula, Ratio=distance/width.
This is not applicable with a 4:3 screen and a 16:9(10) projector.
height of the 4:3 screen with the ratio of the projector 16:9 / (16:10)
required width of the 16:9 format =
height of 4:3 screen / ratio height of proiector format (9) × ratio width of proiector format (16)
3,66 / 9 *16 = 6,5
Then only ratio=distance/width
In this case =26,7m / 6,5 = 4,1

The text in the Image is the same text in the description.

VE-103188

Spotlight - Hoist - Classes

Martin Wursthorn

Hej

It is not possible to store a chain hoist in a defined class. This will always be inserted in the active class when used.

This issue causes us additional effort to assign the chain hoists to the right classes manually. Sometimes we have to deal with hundreds of chain hoists.

For the truss symbols there is already a function "Take classes from symbol". This function is urgently needed for hoists.

For trusses there is already an option in the " Spotlight settings ".

Greetings

Martin

VE-103891

Spotlight - Braceworks - Manage Load Tool

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

The tool is limited by the fact that you can only manage one load at a time.

If you want to manage multiple loads, you have to do it always in single steps.

Better here is the possibility to manage multiple loads at the same time.

Greetings

Martin

VE-103306

Spotlight - Find and Modify - Classes

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

n the Entertainment area have a detailed class structure in which we distinguish, for example, by product type. We would like to be able to select not only existing classes under "Search and modify", but also, for example, all objects in whose class the word "LED" or "Movinglight" occurs.

Grüße

Martin

VE-103240

Spotlight - Braceworks - Truss connection - Corner Rotation

Martin Wursthorn

Hej

we need to improve the way we align truss corners. It is very difficult to control the direction in which a truss corner is inserted.

You often have to change the view to get control over the orientation of the corner. Even then, it is not always possible to bring the corner into the desired orientation. As a result, the customer loses a lot of time when drawing elaborate truss constructions. Especially with corners that have more than 2 ways, it becomes a matter of chance whether the corner sits correctly or not. The rotating tool helps here in the rarest cases.

The magnets are a great tool for creating non-rectangular connections, but do not help with a corner that can be rotated 360° because they are not fixed.

We hear this behavior a lot here in tech support and we don't have a good solution for it. Some users are frustrated because they take too long to draw.

In the attached video I try to provide orientation in all 4 directions. This is very tedious.

Greetings
Martin

VE-101851

Spotlight - Hoist - Drop - High Hook to Truss

Martin Wursthorn

Hey everybody,

You can define the distance between the lower hook and the load.

It would be good if you could also define the distance between the upper hook and the rigging object.

At the moment the upper hook is always pulled into the center of the truss. In reality, however, this is not always the case.

The request comes from PRG Hamburg

Thanks

Martin

VE-103302

Spotlight - Braceworks - Classes for Hoist

Martin Wursthorn

Hej Guys

The Hoist should take on their symbol class when they are inserted. This already works for trusses and spotlights, now we would like to have this for Hoist as well. And maybe we can combine this in one place. Currently you set it for trusses in the tool, for spotlights in the spotlight document settings.

Automatically created classes like "chain link" should be able to be inserted into your own class structure with prefixed text like it is possible for spotlights.

Grüße

Martin

VE-103055

Viewports created from multiple view panes

Martin Wursthorn

When we work with the multiple view panes, we often already set up the views we also would like to have in the sheet layer. If we have several custom views here, we need to create a viewport four times. As time is the most important thing to save in the event sector, it would be great if the viewports could be automatically created from my multiple view panes.

VE-103216

Spotlight - Braceworks - Save Project Data

Martin Wursthorn

Hej

It should be possible to save project data for report creation in Braceworks. Currently, you have to re-enter all the data every time you create a report.

VE-103214

Spotlight - Braceworks - Two structural elements with different cross sections calculate whit Braceworks

Martin Wursthorn

Hej Moritz

I have a case here that already existed in 2018. The problem is that it is not possible to calculate two different cross sections together. The wish would be to be able to do this in the future.

I have attached a test file and the 2018 email to you directly.

VE-103054

Folder for saved views

Martin Wursthorn

Users would appreciate the possibility to organize their saved views in folders and sub-folders. These should be visible in the saved views dropdown menu.

VE-101732

Spotlight - Truss System

Martin Wursthorn

Hey

If you want to move or edit a truss system in Spotlight, you have to activate all system objects. Then you can move the whole system.
If you do not activate all system objects, the traverse is released from the system.

If you could have an option "FIX System" in the object info, you don't have to manually activate all system objects in order to edit the entire system.

It could be a checkbox or similar.

Thank a lot !
Martin

VE-102865

Style based "Rigging Load"

Martin Wursthorn

In the workflow with rigging load, it is very time-consuming to define each load individually.

In the worst case, it takes 13 clicks and 2 manual inputs to define a load. In drawings, 30 loads and more are not uncommon.

The "Saved Settings" option is not extensive enough. The possibility to define a label and a symbol is missing here.

In addition, it makes sense that after insert a rigging load, a popup opens to define the load. That saves a lot of time. Here you could have the following options in the Style
- Defined load ; After inserting there is no popup
- Custom Load ; After inserting, a popup for the definition of the load is opened

Grüße

Martin

VE-103049

LED Wall elements from manufacturers

Martin Wursthorn

The users want to work with realistic LED Wall elements from manufacturers. This would help them to do quantity takeoffs, Rigging, Spacing, Power and Signal Distribution and to have the control over the construction and statics (Braceworks).

A desired solution would be to have a symbol-based tool similar to the headlights. So the planners could build their final LED wall themself by clipping realistic elements together.

VE-103052

Lighting device render improvements

Martin Wursthorn

The users want do do realistic renderings that they can use to prensent to the customer. The renderings have to be acheived simple and fast (just a few clicks).This is an important point that VW lacks if compared with the competitors. We think with this 3 improvements, VW renderings will gain much higher quality:

1.: Render lense (color)

When using render modes, users request that the lens of a lighting fixture is visible/ illuminated in the correct color. The video tutorial how to insert a colored lens to any fixture is very helpful. But that's quite a lot of work, since you are barely using the same fixtures in every project. So you keep on adding lenses to existing fixtures. Ideally the visible lens comes as a standard and is additionally linked to the on/ off function. So only when the fixture is on, the lens shows up in the correct color.

This functionality is implemented in almost all competitor’s applications – also in Vision.

2.: render beam at full lens diameter

When using render modes, users request that the beam leaves the lighting fixture at the full diameter of the lens. Due to the way light is emitted from lighting fixtures in VW this always seems wrong in renderings. That makes it impossible to produce high quality lighting renderings for costumers without a third party software.

This functionality is implemented in almost all competitor’s applications – also in Vision.

3.: Improved workflow for barndoors and shutters for better live feedback

Similar to the 2021 implement improved focus functionality the workflow for barndoors and shutters should follow. Focusing shutters should be possible in a live workflow – similar to the new focus options.

Actually rendered shapes of fixture does not fit to the laborious adjusted wire frame beam shape. When changing the focus, it might get even worse.

We do need a live focus option (like in VISION) that works equally in wire frame, open GL or a render style.

While the rest of the fixture can appear with a nice soft edge, the edges of the shutters stay always sharp. So the shutters should follow the general sharpness settings (beam/ field angle).

VE-103051

Lighting instrument: Point-of-View view

Martin Wursthorn

When setting (editing) the shutters something like the 3D-view from the lighting device would be helpful. The Renderworks Camera already offers somthing similar.

Proposal: there should be an option „Display lighting device view“ for a lighting device, which would insert and activate a renderworks camera with the needed parameters

Of course it should respect the shutters.

VE-102566

Spotlight -GDTF - Sharing in Workgroups

Martin Wursthorn

Hej guys

At the moment it is difficult to share GDTF data in a workgroup.

These GDTF data are located in the plug-in folder and cannot be shared in workgroups. In the current workflow it is necessary to import these GDTF data into each drawing before you can select the GDTF mode for a Lighting-Device. It's frustrating and time consuming.

Better and faster is a worklfow in which you can share the folder / Applications / Vectorworks int 2022 / Plug-Ins / VW_Spotlight / Data directly over a workgroup without first importing the GDTF file into each drawing.

VE-102568

Spotlight - Kabel Tool - cableconnectors.xml

Martin Wursthorn

Hey Guys,

At the moment it is not possible to share the cableconnectors.xml file in a workgroup.

This file is located in the / Applications / Vectorworks2022 / Libraries / Defaults / Cable Tools folder.

This cannot be shared across a workgroup. However, this is necessary when you work in a large company.

regards

martin

VE-102771

Seating Section - Row numbering

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

In the tool " Setting Section" it is currently not possible to number the chair rows outside of a chair symbol.
This would be a good option, this is possible with other software manufacturers without problems.

In the attachment I have an example of a customer, as well as a screenshot from Vectorworks.

VE-102567

Spotlight - GDTF - Files in Library

Martin Wursthorn

Hej Guys

The current workflow with GDTF data is confusing. We have 2 files in the library for one Lighting device type.
1. Lighting device
2. GDTF file

If you import the GDTF file and insert it into the drawing you have a 2D / 3D symbol. This is confusing for the customer. He is expecting a lighting device here.

You have to insert the lighting device into the drawing and then import the GDTF file into the document.
If the GDTF file has been imported into the document, the GDTF mode must also be selected in the OIP of the lighting device. That takes time. The user does not want to have to do two imports here.

It would be better to have a folder for GDTF files, independent of the lighting device library.

Grüße

Martin

VE-102434

Auto calculated Value - Emitter Lightingdevice Spotlight

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

In the current workflow with the light values from "Lighting Device", it is difficult to use the correct values for rendering. Here you first have to read the value from the Lightinfo Record - convert it - and then enter it manually if you want to use this value.
Here we would have to automatically bring the value from the Lightinfo Record into the Brightness Value field.
The values are already available in all Devices.

This saves our users a lot of time and errors in creating realistic renderings

Grüße

Martin

VE-101855

VISION Network Card

Martin Wursthorn

Hey Guys,

In Vision it is currently not possible to select a network adapter on which the DMX signal is sent. This is what our customers often want. You could also use it to work around the bug VB-171465
Is it possible to integrate this in VISION?

Grüße Martin

VE-101341

Cabel Tool 2021

Martin Wursthorn

Hej,

If you connect cables with distributors, there is a popup menu in which you can select the desired slot.
It would be nice to see the connection type next to the connector.
Attached is a small photo montage.

Thanks

VE-101076

Performance Test Schematic Views

Martin Wursthorn

We did a performance test for Schematic Views. Once to release the 2020 SP0 and once for the 2021 SP0b2. It has become faster for our market, but still not fast enough. We have given times that we believe must be achieved. So that the tool brings the desired relief, it is essential to continue working on it.

We have attached a test file and an excel sheet with the times.

VE-100142

Scale Bar Design

Martin Newland

The current scale bar tool design is incorrect. See attachment.

VE-100134

Linear Material Length

Martin Newland

It should be possible to enter the length of a linear material in the OIP, rather than stretching it or using proxy objects to calculate length.

VE-100120

Break Line Too improvements

Martin Newland

The Break Line Tool should cover an object on one of its sides—option to choose which side. See attachment.

VE-100119

Additional graphic attributes for Custom Tools

Martin Newland

It would be very useful to add hatch, image, gradient, tile, and opacity options to the Custom Tools command. (Fill attributes seems to only apply to patterns—?) See attachment.

VE-100127

Line Style Editing

Martin Newland

When selecting a line style for a solid line, it would be more useful to have edit line styles open immediately, rather than some default line style applied. One probably needs to edit such a line 99% of the time.

VE-100132

Shortcut icon for "Grey Other Objects"

Martin Newland

It would be useful to have the Grey other Objects feature of the Show other objects while in editing modes as a shortcut icon in main window in addition to being located in the Vectorworks Preferences/Display area.

VE-100140

Shortcut Icons assignable to keys

Martin Newland

It would be useful to have shortcut icons assignable to keys.

VE-100137

Create class from object command

Martin Newland

It would be very useful to have the command, create class from object (matching its graphic properties). This command could be in the right-click menu. See attachment.

VE-100136

Center view on object upon editing path

Martin Newland

Editing the paths of several Plug-in objects (roof, slab, site modifiers) and extrusions result in viewing a void with the object off screen, requiring it to be found. Edit path should alway immediate show the path to be edited fit within the edit view. See attachment.

VE-100135

Custom Window Sash Operation

Martin Newland

Selecting custom sash operation should immediately open the custom sash options. Why click twice?

VE-100124

Gothic Window Shape

Martin Newland

The window top shape labeled Gothic is more properly a Tudor arch (involving converging flat or straight segments). It's also found in Islamic architecture. A Gothic arch is either an equilateral pointed arch or a Lancet arch. But, you may want to verify this with an architectural historian. See attachment.

VE-100123

Rectangle Grip Point

Martin Newland

The rectangle shape grip should correspond to the rectangle's creation point (and not seem arbitrary). This allows a one to resize the rectangle without having to select the creation point one.

VE-100118

Recently Used Resources Ribbon

Martin Newland

It would be very useful to have an area at the top of the RM display for recently imported or selected resource items. The default number of items displayed could be three or four, but customizable. The most frequently used from left to right. See attachment.

VE-100115

Additional Date Stamp fields

Martin Newland

It would be very useful for the Date Stamp to have several additional fields for firm, drawn by, issued for... These could be in a pull-down menus along with the option for a custom entry. See attachment.

VE-100112

Anemic Locate Resource Feature

Martin Newland

It is visually difficult to find located items in the Resource Manager. Currently, a faint grey outline is used (which sometimes is not in the current view of items, if the resource item list is long and the selected item at the end, for example). Suggest making the located item very prominent, using a thick red line, for example, and/or placing it at the top of whatever list is viewed in the Resource Manager.

VE-100110

Door/Window Class Assignment panes

Martin Newland

It would be good to be able to group-select some or all the class settings for the Window and Tool settings. Currently, one has to do them individually.

VE-100141

Workspace Editor search command

Martin Newland

It would be useful and save a little time for the Workspace Editor to have a search feature for tool and menu items.

VE-100139

Enhance Framing Member texture editing

Martin Newland

Current texture edit for framing members is very limited (often involving creating a new texture with the proper texture orientation). It would be great if a framing member's texture could be edited in the way an extrusion is: rotate and scale, and possibly map type.

VE-100138

Texture Edit Image Color rotate to any angle

Martin Newland

It would useful to have Edit Image Color rotate an image to any angle, not just 90º.

VE-100133

Palette Docking

Martin Newland

It should be possible to dock the attributes, constraint, and script palettes to the other palettes. Currently only Object Info, Navigation, the Basic, and Tool palettes seem doc-able (on a Mac).

VE-100131

Resource Manager Ribbon

Martin Newland

Rather than click and scroll down the list of resource types (not arranged in any particular logical order or frequency of use) in the Resource Manager, have the the resources more easily found & accessible with a single click. The resource type icons could be arranged horizontally below the standard top bar area as it is. Their arrangement could be more logical: building resources, renderworks, 2d graphics, etc. together, each divided by a vertical bar. See attachment. Ideally, the user could arrange the order of these—there are some that are hardly, if ever used, so these could be at one end, out of the way. Anything that reduces the number of clicking and scrolling is a good thing!

VE-100130

Edit Viewport Annotation Display

Martin Newland

It would be useful to have viewport annotation editing behave similarly to how "Show other objects while in editing modes" applies to groups and symbols. One could switch off or grey other objects while in a viewports annotation.

VE-100129

Processing Time Elapse Bars

Martin Newland

While graphically reassuring that rendering processing is happening, the speed and rate and the type of the render bar's progress seems erratic at times. Is it possible to have an actual estimated total time of completion calculated on display as a countdown? Without this the bar graphic seems a little pointless, especially as a rendering goes through different bar displays.

VE-100128

Nestled Viewport Class visibility

Martin Newland

A the class settings of sheet layer viewport of a design layer containing a viewport should not override the class settings of the latter. A design layer viewport is treated as an object and should retain its graphic settings as it is. I realize this may be open to debate. I wonder if there could be a control for this. See attachment.

VE-100125

Detachable Navigation Palettes

Martin Newland

Being able to detach the individual tabs in the Navigation Palette or view two at a time would be very useful—especially, being able to view and edit design classes and design layers without having to switch back and forth.

VE-100122

Inconsistent Viewport Shape Grips

Martin Newland

The shape grips for viewports does not correspond to the viewports control points. I noticed this when resizing a viewport. For example, if the selected grip point is in the upper left, the viewport will resize relative to some other corner (whereas the upper left location of the viewport shouldn't move). See attachment.

VE-100121

Design Layer Default Render Mode

Martin Newland

Editing design layers from a viewport with any render mode other than wireframe can be very slow for complex models. Suggest wireframe should be the default render mode for such edits (or at least an option to have it so). See attachment.

VE-100117

Viewport Layer/Class Properties Linkage

Martin Newland

Buttons could be added to the viewport layer/class properties windows to take one immediately to the other. Often the case in one's workflow. See attachment.

VE-100116

Tool Text Format

Martin Newland

It would be good to have the tool text in two lines, rather than in one, so that shortcut icons on the right are not covered when the work portal is small (such as on a laptop) and the tool text long. See attachment.

VE-100114

Page Setup Orientation graphics

Martin Newland

It would be clearer, more obvious, if the landscape page orientation rectangle would be horizontal to match the landscape orientation. See attachment.

VE-100113

Door & Window grips

Martin Newland

It would be useful for the door and window PIOs to have grips locating the point from which resizing could occur: left-center-right.

VE-100111

Duplicate Layer and Class leads to immediate rename edit

Martin Newland

When one duplicates a layer or class, 99% of the time one renames the item (actually, I've never left it as a '-2'). I think this should be the default action for this type of command—to immediately allow one to rename the item.

VE-100107

Worksheet Column/Row insertion

Martin Newland

Insertion location of a new row/column should have the option of before or after existing row/column. Current default column insert places the new column before an existing one which is inconvenient in the case of database rows where the existing column may need to be reprogrammed.

VE-100106

Worksheet Column/Row edits

Martin Newland

Make it possible to cut, copy, and paste worksheet columns involving a database row. If this is not possible, these menu items in the contextual menus should be greyed in this case.

VE-101094

clickable email in the plant catalogue credentials

Nele De Moor

Add the possibility to create a clickable email in the plant catalogue credentials.

Today it is only possible to use a URL.

VE-101093

Clickable field in Plant data

Nele De Moor

Having a clickable field in the plant data would be useful to help to convince a plant catalogue supplier into sharing their data with Vectorworks. Such URL may lead to additional plant information and pictures on their website. For example [https://www.vdberk.nl/bomen/juglans-regia-lara/.|https://www.vdberk.nl/bomen/juglans-regia-lara/]

Additionally, having that link clickable in a worksheet would be a great option. (certainly, if that link is clickable in a published pdf)

VE-102163

Radial dimension in horizontal section

Nele De Moor

When te result of a vertical section is a circle, the radial dimension can be applied. In a horizontal section, however, using the radial dim tool returns an error message saying 'Diametral dimensions can only be on circles.'

Maybe this is a wish, but to the customer, this is inconsistent behavior.

Check the attached file, where you'll find a vertical and horizontal section.

VE-102058

FBX import

Nele De Moor

Vectorworks support export to FBX, but not the Import of FBX- files. If would be useful to have this option.

VE-102059

Texture mapping for slabs, walls and roof components

Nele De Moor

Being able to map textures on the most common architectural tools like Slabs, Walls and roofs.

VE-101061

Default settings for quick prefs tool bar

Nele De Moor

There are a few quick preference buttons (far right of the tool bar) that could be extremely usefull to be added by the default active buttons:
* Clip Cube
* Auto join walls
* Show other objects while in edit mode

It seems a bad idea to localize the preferences.xml for our localized versions only

VE-101062

Rearrange Teamwork options

Nele De Moor

When activating project sharing, the "Refresh-button" and "Project Sharing options" are to far apart. It would help to reorganize these so the sit next to each other. Not many people even realize there is a refresh button and/or Project Sharing Options-button

VE-101734

Stairs: Show railing above break line in dashed line

Nele De Moor

In the stairs tool, the railing above the break line can either be 'shown' of 'hidden'. The option to show this railing in a different style above the break line is not available, but it is expected by customers.

VE-99616

Active Layer change via cmd + arrow keys should respect filters assigned

Martín Fernández de Córdova

When a Layer Filter is activated, and one changes from layer to layer by pressing cmd + up or down arrow keys (in Mac OS) one should jump only through the filtered layers. Currently one changes from layer to layer with the arrow keys and also unfiltered layers appear.

VE-99615

Make Pillars work with Levels

Martín Fernández de Córdova

It would be great if Pillars (under AEC>Pillar) could work with levels. Pillars are such a flexible and reliable tool, making them work with Levels would make them even better.

VE-99614

Search Sheet Layers by Sheet Title

Martín Fernández de Córdova

It would be great if Sheet Layers could be searched also by Sheet Title and not only by Sheet Number.

VE-99608

Custom Sash Horizontal Slider Window and Door

Martín Fernández de Córdova

I think it would be amazing if Vectorworks would let us create a window that has a shorter sliding window over a larger window. This is a very common type of case... But currently there is now way of creating this parametrically.

I attach two images.

Number 1 is the closest we can get to using the window tool in Vectorworks.

Image 2 is the type of window I wish Vectorworks could be capable of making parametrically (photoshopped image).

VE-104957

Bridle Preferences in the Object Info Pallet

Martijn Wingelaar

I would love if the Bridle Preferences would be editable in the Object Info Pallet.

As a rigger I create a lot of bridles.

And if I want to choose one of the options how the bridle is created.

You have to open the Menu all the time.

I prefere to choose my bridle part.

But everytime I want to change the steelwire length I have to go in to the Menu.

VE-104430

Bridle Tool Enhancement Request

Martijn Wingelaar

Is there a possibility in the Object Info Pallet.
To make an option to change the lag name to the Bridle Part Info.
There are many riggers who type in their plot the steel lengths along the bridle leg (Bridle Example.jpg).
If you now use the Data tag for this, it will become very messy in the drawing.
Once you have the steel info you don't need the Leg Name anymore.

And is it possible to empty the Bridle Configurator as soon as it is opened (Bridle Configuration.jpg).
Currently, Vectorworks fills in something there by default.

!Bridle Example.jpg!!Bridle Configuration.jpg!

VE-104306

Adding window into walls of roof (wall part) should be allowed

Mark Stephens

# Create a roof
# Turn on check box: Show walls in OIP
# Add a standard VW window (not a rooflight) into the wall component of the roof
# Not allowed

Appreciate it works as designed but...

VE-101503

Revit/Navisworks enhancements

Mark Stephens

Hi

I've had to start learning Revit & Navisworks to teach students (don't worry - still pushing Vectorworks whenever I can!). I'm going to start to compile a 'Feature' list of cool things that I think Vectorworks should include.

So here's the start... (I'll include an attachment that includes screen grabs):

NAVISWORKS
# Navisworks has cool ‘3^rd^ person in ‘Realism’ options’
# There’s also an option here for ‘Crouch’ mode when going under low spaces:
# Navisworks also has full collision detection
# What’s also cool is that as you use walkthrough & hit the bottom of the stairs Navisworks knows that you intend to walk up them so it ‘walks’ up each step. The ‘Gravity’ option gives you weight so that as you walk down the steps you are weighted down to the ground:

VE-99284

Staircase tool needs dramatic improvement

Mark Stephens

I know this is probably an enhancement request but below are a few ways the tool isn't able to undertake what I am requiring of it (but is still working as requested); some of these have been flagged already

1. I am unable to create a staircase with the winder at the bottom (see attached stairs3)

2. When you create double winders the minimum inside tread depth doesn't create what I could do 'drawn' - see attached stairs1. The winders are not what would be designed or constructed - compare my 'drawn' stairs1 to the closest I could get with the tool (image 4)

3. The oblique treads are not useful - being able to add a bullnose tread on the bottom tread would be better - see image 'stairs1'

4.

I suggest a bit of work is required to get this tool to work as designers required

VE-105000

Multiple import of image files

Mark Stephens

Can we have the ability to multiple import image files (changing File>Import>Import Image File to File>Import>Import Image File(s)) - achieved by ctrl shifting on multiple images

The result would be a cascaded set of images similar to when pdf pages are imported

VE-102741

Energos - Passivhaus criteria

Mark Stephens

The Energos Passivhaus criteria do not take account of the new different classes.

The current Energos: Passivhaus is 'Classic'

There are now 2 categories above this called: 'Plus' and 'Premium'. You can read more about these classes here:

https://passipedia.org/certification/passive_house_categories/classic-plus-premium

The generation of on site energy would need to feed into these classes.

I've also attached the PHPP criteria for all 3 classes

More to follow on Energos as hammering it at the moment...

VE-100578

Energos Passivhaus standards

Mark Stephens

I'm very excited to be showing Energos at the forthcoming summit. One thing that jumps out is that as well as the Passivhaus standard (Classic) you also need to include for Plus & Premium. Differences here:

[https://passipedia.org/certification/passive_house_categories/classic-plus-premium]

There should be no problem to include this as Energos is already calculating for on-site generation

VE-99741

Energos - Passivhaus option needs updating

Mark Stephens

The Energos Passivhaus option is out of date: v 9.6 (a) introduced different levels of Passivhaus:

Classic:
Plus:
Premium

See screen grabs

VE-101616

Embodied Carbon Calculator urgenntly required

Mark Stephens

An embodies carbon calculator is urgently required - maybe a plu in or some sort of export to something else.

Check out something similar for Revit here: https://www.hawkinsbrown.com/services/hbert

VE-100049

Energos : Dump show results

Mark Stephens

There's no need to have 'Show Results' in the Energos tools

Makes more sense to change 'Project Settings...' to:

'Project Settings/Results...'

VE-99530

IES Visualisation

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible for Vectorworks to draw 'beams' based on IES file information as lines (like show beam on spotlight but more complex) to give the customer an idea of the way the light will shine while in wireframe.

The customer used the phrase photometric web if that helps at all.

VE-104503

Material name for Component Name

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have the option to use a materials name for the component name for walls slabs etc?

This would save adding in duplicate info and make tagging materials on walls much easier!

VE-103595

Data tags on grouped plants

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have Data tags automatically tag to the center of a plant in the way the old tag used to? So i guess to either the first or last plant placed? It would still need to be able to be repositioned. The current worflow just goes to the center of the grouping which is often empty space, leading to wasted time repositioning it

VE-101230

Plant data workflow seems illogical

Mark Mullany

I realise you can make your own Text files in Excel easily enough and add them to the Plant Database folder in order to generate your own Plant Catalogue files.

However it would appear that only 13 of the 31 fields actually map to plant objects (I get that the 4 image ones need a special workflow but that still leaves 14 fields with no readily identifiable purpose).

Also, and more importantly, there does not seem to be any way to add the other data on the plant tool, should you happen to have it. The user would need to edit each individual plant to achieve this.

While I'm sure very few users actually make use of every field, for simplicity and consistencies sake they should be able to map data to whatever they want.

The existing tree tool has a nice dialogue that lets you select which columns in your spreadsheet map to what fields in the Existing Tree tool. While not the most intuitive thing in the world, at least this gives users the option to import to (almost) any field on the Existing Tree Tool. A similar option to import and create plants from a spreadsheet (rather than the catalog, or if the catalog is critical for some reason, it could also make a catalogue file).

Also upon Export to IFC almost no plant data is transferred by default, I believe you can get it to send the Plant Record as a Pset, but this should either happen by default or as many fields as possible map to standard IFC fields (If only the standards people would get on and make a plant IFC object!).

So from a workflow:
* Obtain Plant data in spreadsheet form (outside Vectorworks)
* Import Spreadsheet and map fields to make Plants (pick 2D graphic etc)
* Save as library - usual workflow
* Use on Projects as Plants and in Landscape Areas
* Export projects to IFC
* Open IFC and see data (outside Vectorworks)

As we increasingly tap the Landscaping market this will likely be more and more important.

This may relate to T02094

VE-104220

Revit Categories for Plants

Mark Mullany

We had a question from a customer (00288862)

_"I have a quick question – Is it possible to change the categories of the elements for Revit export? For example, as per my project BEP, plants should be Entourage category and not generic model in Revit. Unfortunately when I export from VW, it is under generic category. Is this a software limitation or is there a workaround?"_

While this is not currently possible to change a discussion with [~vkitanov] suggested we may possibly be able to change something so that plants did become Entourage (no promises)

I'm inviting the wider Landmark folks to see if they have any input before any time is spent on this, essentially is it a common request?, a likely useful change? or likely just this one customer?

(For clarity I dont really know what they mean by 'Category' here, I assume its a Revit thing)

VE-104145

Wall Framer

Mark Mullany

Id like to suggest an update to the Wall Framing Command

Could it generate Structural members in stead of 'dumb' extrudes so that it was BIM compatible and would it be possible with all the shiny new viewports and things we have for it to automagically make a plan viewport (maybe a horizontal secion?), hidden line elevations for each wall and dimension them all on a chosen sheet layer.

Essentially what it does now in terms of appearance but as 'live' drawings rather than completely separate things. Then if you add more studs or change the position or anything about them the views would all be up to date and it could export to IFC with all that lovely data with no extra effort unless more info is wanted.

Probably this could be extended to Roofs and Slabs for consistency

VE-103244

Flat bottomed hardscapes

Mark Mullany

See image

Top image is current behaviour where all the components align

bottom image is desired output where botom component is flat, one component has a flat bottom and aligned top, then the rest flow the align

the Arch slab drainage sort of does this but you would want the hardscapes controls

This is apparantly quite a typical thing to do which makes sense

VE-101710

Railing Fence Insert Gate/Door

Mark Mullany

I'm sure theres already many requests for this:

Could the Railing Fence tool allow for the insertion of Doors and/or Gate symbols, pretty much the same as how a wall does it now but it would almost certainly need an automatically generated parametric post either side that can be different from the main railing/fence posts

relates to https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101709

VE-102550

T02284 - Hedge Tool graphic

Mark Mullany

I realise this is an external tool we've acquired so it may not be feasible, however could we add in the Border Stye options available for Landscape areas (Cloud and plant line) with the appropriate settings to this tool?

VE-103996

Existing tree Site model layer

Mark Mullany

When updating existing trees it asks you which ayer the site model is on, unfortunately it asks this each time and for EVERY tree if you are updating a setting across all trees. Could it be possible ot have a doe this for all trees checkbox or dont ask me again in this file or something

VE-103644

Graphic Legend image scales

Mark Mullany

I have a customer who wants to show his doors in a graphic legend with the Door hardware also displaying. Turns out this can be done with some clever classing, however you do no appear to be able to set the cell images to independent scales (for example if I change the the second image to 1:10 it changes the first image too)

Could this be made a per image function rather than per cell?

Case 00281375

VE-103643

Revision History - Recipients data

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible that if the customer uses a comma or a dash or somethng in the recipients field of issues that the Revision History could then auto populate these on the relevant rows in the Distribution section of the Revision History worksheet?

Essentially as the customer is entering this info already thye want ti to show up in all the places it can be seen. I'm guessing its because its 1 field that ot cant map to multiple cells.

Alternatiely would it be possible to make a system for entering recipients that would be able to populate bothe the issue history and the revision history in their respective formats?

Case 00281373

VE-103596

Multiselect on checklists

Mark Mullany

In tools such as the plant tool, (im sure there are others) there are lists of fields you can choose to have visible or not (More Data on plants)

Unfortunately you cannot multiselect or select all for this and have to go through each check individiually. While generally you only have to do this once it would be nice to be able to select things in a similar way to layers and classes, select all, shift select, cmnd select etc

VE-103510

Make RGB, Hex etc reportable

Mark Mullany

We have had a request to make the RGB, hex and other colour values reportable.

Currently you only seem to be able to report the colours name, however many people particularly interior designers would find it useful to have the codes display in a report or graphic legend

VE-103427

Request for Object Info fields to be reportable

Mark Mullany

Create an arc for example

Create a report

There does not currently seem to be a way to report on some of the fields in the Object Info palette, such as radius, diameter, chord etc

Vectorworks can obviously figure these things out but you do not seem to be able to report it directly, with much help from many people I managed to provide the customer with a formula to get around this

Desired workflow:

All fields in the object info palette for any object should be directly reportable

VE-103425

Give us Pi!

Mark Mullany

Everyone loves Pi

Pi (π) does not seem to be recognised by VWX worksheets and formulas and while oddly the square root of pi is available under the math functions pi itself is not (nor is squaring things as far as I can see)

I haven't checked (I'm sure many are there) but essentially it would be nice to have all functions you would expect on a scientific calculator

VE-100079

Landscape area instance naming

Mark Mullany

When you place the default unstyled landscape area they name themselves Landscape Area - 1, Landscape Area - 2 etc however if you use a styled Landscape Are then it does not sequence at all and you get naming conflicts.

Firstly can we have it sequence itself upon placement,
Secondly can we have an option on how that sequencing happens such as that in the space tool.

00066672

VE-101097

Zone of Theoretical Visibility

Mark Mullany

I realise we have the Zone of Visual Influence command but, increasingly the customers want more as this is a very simplistic approach.

As we start to break into the Landscape Architect market this could be a really useful feature to have.

We find most customers are going to an alternative software to achieve this but I'm hoping this could be something we could do in house. In my uninformed brain it would look to be a combination of a supercharged ZVI and Data Viz to show the 'impact' in different colours.

See [https://landscapewpstorage01.blob.core.windows.net/www-landscapeinstitute-org/2019/09/LI_TGN-06-19_Visual_Representation.pdf]

This is referred to on P7

There is also this article about it, though the link to the solution mentioned is broken

[https://www.landscapeinstitute.org/news/uk-company-develops-new-approach-to-landform-analysis/]

Heres are some useful websites to give an idea of what we could hopefully aim for

[https://www.verifiedviews.co.uk/work-areas/ztv-zvi/]

[https://www.2bconsultancy.co.uk/ztv.htm]

[https://www.landscapevisual.com/zone-of-theoretical-visibility-maps/]

VE-102376

Title Block Manager Reports

Mark Mullany

Currently the title block manager makes a selection of reports if asked

* Project Issue History
* Project Revision History
* Sheet Revision Log

these are great!

However we have found that changing any of the formula's or adding rows stops the worksheets from working correctly - In particular the Drawing Issue sheet seems to keep coming up

Heres a message from a client (we've had other similar requests in the past and after mich experimenting had to tell them it cant)

_{color:#505f79}Hi,{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}I’ve been looking into this since my previous email.{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}I have attached our standard drawing issue sheet (created in excel) and the closest representation of this using the Project Revision History function in Title Block Manager > Worksheets.{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}Below are a few questions I have following using the PRH function:{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}- Is there a way of setting up the worksheet so that the Company Name, address etc. are automatically input into the worksheet? I guess similar to creating a style in Vectorworks?{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}- Is there a way of adding additional columns? In our case we’d like a column to show the scale of the drawing{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}- Can Vectorworks search for multiple cells and represent them in a single box? I ask because our Revision and Status Codes are set up to reflect the BIM working standards and in our title block manager the Revision (P) and Status (S) are located in separate cells. They would need combining to match how we currently set up our drawing issue sheet{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}- I assume the distribution section would be input manually or can this be automated too?{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}I can forward you the file I have been working from if you would like to see how we have set up our title blocks to comply with BIM standards.{color}_
_{color:#505f79}{color}_
_{color:#505f79}Look forward to hearing from you.{color}_

_{color:#505f79}Alex Finch{color}_

Adding the company name etc is not a problem we have told them how to do that

However Adding columns or changing formulas seems ot then throw off the results for column G onwards.

I know that we can get a cell to add different fields together too but this also seems to make it unhappy.

VE-101999

T02241 - Pin commands

Mark Mullany

Love T02241!

So useful!

The example given would be a great thing to be able to 'pin' if you have an angle you have to keep using in a project so it doesn't fall off the list.

Say you could pin up to 5 commands and then the remaining would behave as youve made it.

Just a thought!

VE-101986

UK Default template on open

Mark Mullany

I was sure that this used do do this but having just tried back to 2019 it seems not so im adding as an enhancement

When launching VWX the default template is imperial even though im using my MKN licence, could this be metric instead?

Its possible its because its a beta licence? but really it should give me the same experience as uk customer, and if it is then they definitely want metric by default (as will pretty much everywhere outside the US)

VE-101857

Title Block Manager - Issue/Revision worksheets, codes

Mark Mullany

Hello!

related to (VB-10856)

The same customer has some codes they use with each issue (S2,S4, D1, A5) see Drawing Register sheet pdf.

Currently he puts little Xs under the issues manually - is there way this could be automated? The status code comes from a Status Code Field in the title block.

I tried to get it to map it but it broke the worksheet and wouldn't return anything.

We had also added columns to make a concat field to display the sheet names the way he wants, this may have been hwta broke it i dont know.

Uk case 00237256

VE-101709

Railing/Fence Hide Edge

Mark Mullany

A customer has seen a video of OZCADs handrail tool and in the video they are able to remove a portion of the fence using the Hide/Show edges mode of reshape

Here the video (Minute 3:40)
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pwtiHHxbDI&feature=emb_title]

Would it be possible to have this on our own Railing Fence tool?

Relates to https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101710

VE-101625

Obj Info Data pane to show all IFC data sets

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to view all IFC data sets attached to an object in the Data manager on the data pane of the Object Info palette? Without having to make a Data sheet.

Example use case on https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-176387

VE-101567

IFC Data mapping Clarity

Mark Mullany

Could there be more transparency and simplicity in IFC mapping. Currently it is very difficult to see where many fields map to and from and where a user would need to change it.

For example: see https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-176387

The customer wants:

The Vectorworks object name to map to Name (which is fine)

The ifcFurnishingElementType name to map to Type (which we figured out with help from the engineer and UK Digital Practice) Have to say it went over my head a bit, which doesn't bode well for customers.

The TypeName shown in the viewer to be blank (currently also has the same as above) no obvious way to change this

While working on this case they also were originally using the field ElementType which doesn't appear to go anywhere in the IFC viewer.

Basically the fields in Vectorworks and the fields in the viewers do not seem to have the same names or any obvious relationship. Is there or could there be some kind of mapping diagram Vectorworks could pull up for any given IFC?

VE-101397

Added Line Control

Mark Mullany

A customer has made a request for controlling lines that are close together

_I am writing because I have a reoccurring issue that is very time consuming and I was hoping to find out a more automated way of doing “outlines” in my Hidden line viewport._

_So for example if_

_I have an image of a wall_
_that has a door in it which is set back by 9” and_
_an architrave which is set forward by 2”_

_Is there any way to indicate in a Hidden Line viewport to only show the line which is indicarting where the door is set back but not that of the architrave._

_I am thinking something along the lines of what currently is the smoothing angle. Something similar to that._

_Is there a way to say to a viewport to only draw a line where the distance between objects is greater then “Set number”_

_So for example, in the previous example if my “Set number” is 1 3/4” It will show the outline of the wall, the outline of the door reveal, and the outline of the Architrave._

_But if I set the “Set number” to 3” It will only show the outline of the wall and the outline of the door reveal._

_And if I set the “Set number” to 10” it will only show the outline of the wall given that that is thicker than 10”._

_Is there a way to make this happen with a script or marionette. And if so, could you please give me guidance on how to proceed._

_At the moment I am spending 4-5 hours just doing this manually and if I could do this with a setting I could have 3 viewports on top of each other with different line weights. It would save me so much time._

_Thank you for your help,_

_Alina_

I have made her aware of 2D components as a possible solution, but of course that is not automated and would need updating if any changes are made to the styles.

VE-101378

Roof Edge Offsets

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have separately controlled roof edge offsets in the same way slabs do, while still having the interaction with wall clipping we have now?

For instance you may have a roof with an eve detail that uses one set of offsets, an abutment along one edge that uses another where it joins a taller wall and a then another set on the other edge where it joins and caps a shorter wall, as well as potentially a whole host of different situations at each eave and possibly even the ridge.

Hope that makes sense, let me know if you need a better description

Ive put 27.0 as future wasn't showing on the list, it may just be i'm very tired from toddler tantrums...

VE-101203

Different colours in complex line types

Mark Mullany

A customer has requested that it be possible to add different colours in complex lines types

Currently you are unable to change the colours of geometry in the line type editor and while you can class the objects the class colours are overridden by the attribute palette making all geometry the same colour.

The example they gave is if you want say a horizontal line that is blue then a short vertical line that is red at specific centers as part of a single line type.

I would envisage this as having the option to override colours and assign classes as normal in the editor but also having a 'from attributes' option so that you could set which geometry would change if the attributes change on the drawing.

Hope that makes some kind of sense

VE-101123

Worksheets able to filter by symbol

Mark Mullany

Desired Workflow:

Customer has multiple 'room' symbols that themselves contain symbols, these sub symbols have a record attached.

The 'room' symbols may appear in the project multiple times on multiple floors.

The customer wants to be able to say this Room symbol contains these sub symbols with these field values and then on a separate report say that other Room symbol contains these sub symbols with these field values.

Current workflow:

In order to report the symbols separately and not receive all the sub symbols from every room at once, the user has to put each symbol on its own layer. They then have a magic script that allows their users to make the worksheet pick a particular layer (this is less of an issue they could do it without a script but its slightly more user friendly for the end user.)

The problem with this is that they end up with lots of unnecessary layers and they need to rememebr to make them in the first place.

Currently if you set the report to search by symbol it only then sees the specific symbol and not the sub symbols inside.

We tried putting a Named shape inside and using Location, but when placing multiple instances this gets upset about the object naming not being unique.

I hope that all makes sense, the client has given me a handy file describing their workflow I'll share.

VE-100983

Worksheet Print options

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have more controls on how it prints though its own print command or the new Publish worksheet print command?

Currently while it does a nice job of keeping cells whole, there is no user control over where a worksheet splits itself to print.

Also there is a feature in Title Block manager to get it to produce split worksheets for placing on the sheet layer, could this feature be rolled out to all worksheets? Then if you update any in a 'series' of worksheets they'd automatically all adjust to show the new data?

VE-100952

North Arrow Tool - Resources

Mark Mullany

UK Case 00094488

Could the North arrow tool use the same resource file as the title blocks North Arrow, so that customers can easily make their own by simply popping a symbol in their user/workgroup folder.

This would also help with consistency as you would have the same graphics choices in both tools.

I understand that currently it used Vectorscript, which is quite daunting for most of our customer base.

VE-100314

Laubwerk integration

Mark Mullany

It may be taht we are already doing this - im not sure where i would look.

Custoemrs are requestion integration with Laubwerk to get nice planting visuals.

As it already integrates with Cinema 4D hopefully it would be not too difficult?

[https://www.laubwerk.com/]

VE-100530

Shape file splitting geometry

Mark Mullany

A customer has contacted support and they have escalated to training this problem, however I cannot see any reason for it or options for solving it.

{color:#57d9a3}VSS Support Request from Seth Loader [ID = sloader, VSSID = MKZ 5828 2009 397] on 2020/02/11 06:55:45.547 US/Eastern{color}

{color:#57d9a3}VSS ID: MKZ 5828 2009 397{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Name: Seth Loader{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Email: seth.loader@torltd.co.uk{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Telephone: ?{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Version: 2020{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Service Pack: Initial Release{color}
{color:#57d9a3}OS: Mac OS X 10.15.x{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Remote Assistance: No{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Serial: ?{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Provided Vectorworks file: FZ2.zip{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Did Vectorworks Crash: N/A{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Provided Crash Log file: None{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Restarted Vectorworks: N/A{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Restarted Computer: N/A{color}

{color:#57d9a3}Message:{color}
{color:#57d9a3}I am having problems importing shapefiles, this is similar to a previous issue that was apparently fixed. When I import the attached polygon shapefiles the geometry doesn't import as closed polygons as it should in the attached PNG.{color}

{color:#57d9a3}File attachments associated with this issue can be downloaded here:{color}

{color:#57d9a3}File: FZ2.zip{color}
{color:#57d9a3}Download: [http://download4.nemetschek.net/supportfiles/19e4ce80fde8af2f8864aa15bfe9e168/FZ2.zip]{color}

{color:#172b4d}There are very few options on the import for Shapefiles so I'm not sure whats gone wrong.{color}

{color:#172b4d}It does however appear to be OK in the shapefile itself when opened in a third party software.{color}

{color:#172b4d}I have tried composing, half the geometry just disappears, I also tried correcting for Origin issues (the whole thing is larger than the 5km recommended limit though, so i guess that could be a factor), and ungrouping.{color}

I did try Decomposing and then Composing back together but theres too many lines and it's killed my machine.

{color:#172b4d}See video - gimme a minute to make it ill have to restart{color}

VE-100777

Existing vs Proposed modifiers

Mark Mullany

Comment from customer:

_One of the main obstacles I faced while learning Vectorworks Site Modelling in 2019, was the fact that modifiers can be applied to Proposed or Existing model and the Site model itself can be viewed as Existing or Proposed. So basically 4 different combinations. This has confused me in the past and slowed down my progress, as I wrongly assumed that something wasn’t working, while the issue was with getting the combination right to see the desired outcome._
__
_Since you are saying that there shouldn’t be any reason for applying modifiers to the existing model, maybe it’s better to remove this function in the next software update. As based on what you have said there is no need for it and you don’t recommend to use it._
__
_Unfortunately, I can’t agree with your statement that the source data takes care of the "before picture"._
_In my practice, I often receive surveys with only spot levels and no contours. The surface is a mixture of landscaped areas and hardscapes._
_Some regulatory authorities in Australia require me to show before and after contours. The hardscapes being mostly planar objects, you expect to see the parts of contours, where they cross the hardscape, as straight lines._
_When creating the site model from spot levels, no matter how many additional spot levels I add to the hardscapes, the NURBS model won't understand that planner surface is required. Hence the contours over hardscapes will appear as splines instead of straight lines. So not something I can publish as it conveys a completely different meaning._
__
_Currently, I rely on the workaround of Exporting Proposed Site model, where I applied site modifiers to achieve the desired outcome. Then I use intersecting planes to obtain new contour data. I then use such extracted contours as source data for the new site model. Little tedious, error introducing and time-consuming._
__
_This is one of the reasons why I’m still hesitant to give the Site model functionality thumbs up._

If I'm totally honest I had assumed Existing site modifiers would not interfere with Proposed site modifiers and the proposed ones would treat them like source data. Never having really used them for anything.

In the current situation where they do cause conflicts could someone explain the intended workflow?

From a customer point of view I would imagine they would want to use the existing modifiers to clean up the site model, then be able to put proposed modifiers on and have it update from there.

I am aware that currently they can put the 3D polys into the source data to the same effect but I can also see how existing modifiers then seem confusing and a bit pointless?

VE-100909

Saved View - Change the view option

Mark Mullany

A customer has requested that it be possible to update the view of a saved view, currently this is not an option and you need to save over it. This being the case She would like the option to select existing view when saving so you don't have to remember and spell it exactly right.

VE-100853

Cylindrical Mapping workflow unintuitive

Mark Mullany

If you have a shape that would be best suited to cylindrical mapping for its texture its not at all intuitive how to get thsi to work.

Select shape

Select Render Tab

Set to Cylindrical mapping

Click on Attribute mapping

the 'origin' for the cylindrical mappin cone thing is on the drawing origin, which could be miles away.

(see vid)

desired workflow would be that it is automatically at the center of the cylinders radius if present, otherwise or instead it would probably make sense just to pop it in the center of the geometry. At least the user would know where to find it.

In the example we only found it because I did an example in a blank file that happened to be right near the origin.

VE-100718

Callout and Text database to support text formatting

Mark Mullany

Could the Callout tool and by extension the Callout database (and General Notes I guess) support text formatting. It does not seem to be currently possible to Bold, Italicise, subscript or superscript etc the text in callouts.

The customer is specifically trying to put 10m^2^ but it id not an option and it changes to 10m2 when you click OK if you paste it.

VE-100666

Gradient from edge

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have a gradient mapping setting that is from edge?

You would then use the other handle to define how far in from teh edge the other side of the gradient is. I hope that makes sense ill make some pics.

VE-100529

Improved Stair tool

Mark Mullany

From a customer

Dear Mark and Ellis

What we also REALLY need is a staircase tool like the one from Archicad shown in this video – follow link.

[https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=amazing+a+architecture+creating+stair+archicad+stair+tool&&view=detail&mid=A315625B28F229799091A315625B28F229799091&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Damazing%2Ba%2Barchitecture%2Bcreating%2Bstair%2Barchicad%2Bstair%2Btool%26FORM%3DAWVR]

That would be amazing.

|
|Kind Regards

*Stewart Green - Director*
_MCIAT_ |
|

VE-100491

Doors meeting at corners

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible for doors to meet at corners in the way windows do? this seems to be a new (to me) and exciting way of making doors

VE-100508

Presentations - Info boxes

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to insert info boxes into panaramas. A bit like in this example that customers can click to read more about whatever it is.

https://www.3dvista.com/samples/new_york_loft.html

VE-100490

Cross Object Section component joins

Mark Mullany

Could we have it so you could be in a live section edit and use the component join tool to get the walls/roofs/slabs to join in the way that plan walls join now?

VE-100489

Pocket door position

Mark Mullany

Would it be posible to position the pocket door independent of the rest of the door structure?

Often you put a pocket door in a masonry wall and it needs to go in the gap not the masonry of course. Currently the Offset in wall moves everything meaning your jamb/trim all move out of the wall oddly.

See vid

VE-100342

Referenced class override textures

Mark Mullany

When applying a texture override to a referenced viewport it dow not apply instantly. Instead you have to find a way to 'refresh' the viewport such as updating the reference.

I thought it used to do this but testing in 2019 and 2018 it doesn't, in 2018 i cant get it to update at all.

VE-100290

Detail level in Tiles

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have the detail level functionality in tile fills?

For instance when drawing an area of paving you might want every stone laid out with nice crisp edges at high detail and a slightly less detailed one for medium and a fairly abstract representation at low, maybe just puddles of stones here and there.

VE-100281

Window Detail level

Mark Mullany

In prior version you could tel la viewport not to show components and it would draw just the edges, Windows and doors would be unnafected.

In 2020 this all runs off detail level which is awesome. However sometimes you still want to show windows and doors at medium/high detail while the walls/floors etc display without components. Mainly for Planning drawings.

Is it or could it be possible to have this functionality back?

VE-100082

Snap to tiles

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have a toggle setting that allows snapping to the geometry that makes up tiles? preferably by shape rather than just a universal on/off, although that would also be good

VE-100002

Window reports - openable area

Mark Mullany

A customer has requested that it be possible to report on the openable area for any given window combination.

They need this for airflow calculations and calculating natural ventilation.

Currently you could do this for fairly simple windows with a formula on the sash area. However ideally you would have a direct value to pick 'Openable Area' or something that gave you the area of any sash marked as openable from any window configuration.

I hope thats clear.

VE-99989

Reference Viewport Crop

Mark Mullany

Reference a file
Add a crop to the viewport
Change to a 3D view.
The crop is screenplane and so what you see is not what you'd expect.

Expected behaviour - Changing to a 3D view would show you a cropped view of the model to match the 2D crop - like it does on a site model

This may be an enhancment

VE-99956

2020 T01975 Flip tags

Mark Mullany

Could Data tags such as those used on Walls have a Flip command for when you accidentally put them in the wrong way round?

VE-99539

Reference Text Overrides

Mark Mullany

Would it be possible to have the situation below?

In File A to assign a text style to your Door Label (or whatever), then you want File B to see this via a reference. In File B you want to be able to override the specific text style preferably via class overrides in the viewport.

This would allow you ta change the size/colour/font etc of specific text styles without affecting the original file or any other text.

In the example from the customer they want to make door labels have a smaller font but keep all other text the same size (and so cant use viewport text scaling)

Currently you can edit the referenced class and select a text style from the target file (File B) but as soon as you click ok it reverts to 'unstyled'.

I hope that all makes sense

VE-99529

Duplicate Database Rows

Mark Mullany

Landscape and Garden designers often want to report on plants by bed. Typically they will do this by putting each bed in its own layer or class and using this as filter on the worksheet.

However they will also often want the worksheet to include all the beds in one report separated by a few empty rows.

Currently they can make a new database row and copy the formulas into the appropriate cells. The problem with this is they have to reset all the cell functions such as Summarize or Sum or Sort.

As they can have upwards of 50 beds per file this can be rather tedious.

What I'm suggesting is that the customer could right click on the database row and select Duplicate Database row. This would make and exact copy of the row including formulas and sorting/suming, formatting etc. They would then only need to edit the criteria to look for a different layer.

I hope that makes sense

VE-99547

connectCAD protection using Vectorworks serial number

Mark Farnan

We want to allow connectCAD to be protected by a module bit in the Vectorworks serial number, similar to the change we recently made for Braceworks (OC-991).

According to Kevin Linzey, the (rather straightforward) steps that we need to take are:
1. Identify an unused bit in the serial number. (Mark and Dave)
2. Change sngen to support that bit. (Tim)
3. Finish supporting this new bit in Order Center 1, including SKU changes. (Dave) (class_TSerialNumber.php for starters)
4. Change Vectorworks to support the new module. (Kamen) (see CL 371584)
5. Change the "Encode Decode" tool to support the new module bit. (Kamen) (see CL 371584)
6. Use the “Encode Decode” tool to generate the magic number(s) for inclusion in the ConnectCAD code. (Conrad Preen and Kevin Linzey)

VE-99875

Ensure Vectorworks quits when you don't Activate.

Mark Farnan

This is more of a follow-up task than an enhancement. The purpose of this task is to help guard against a nasty bug that happened a few months ago to make sure that it doesn't happen again.

The nasty bug is VB-160760: Vectorworks doesn't quit when you don't Activate.

That bug was technically fixed, but without extra protection we can imagine the bug getting reintroduced.

Kamen suggests that code should be added that keeps track of whether Vectorworks is in the initialization phase, and if VW wants to quit while in the initialization phase, it should not ask the user to save files. At this point, we are starting Vectorworks, and we have an empty file or a file just opened from disk. If we have not finished the initialization, the user has made no changes to the file, and so we should never ask them to Save. This would prevent the Save, Don’t Save, Cancel buttons from being presented. Kamen suggests that the “initialization phase” ends when VW returns from the SetUpMain function. After that point, it makes sense to see if a file needs to be saved.

VE-99916

Better security of watermark, protection, and restriction info in VW File headers

Mark Farnan

We use a fingerprint approach in Vectorworks documents to make it difficult for nefarious users to flip bits and get access to things they shouldn't have access to. But there are still some bit flip-able items in the document header.

For sure there's the clear text partial serial numbers, one or both of which are used to flag files as originating from pirated copies of Vectorworks.

Then it might be the case that student and/or watermark flags are easily bit flip-able. If that's the case, then a student who turned professional and asked us to clear the educational flag on a Vectorworks file could perform a before and after diff and know (and publicize) how to clear the educational bit.

And there might be other things like this.

We need to identify the protection-related items that are still bit-flappable and add them to the fingerprint.

VE-104908

Capability of Grouping Design Layers

Marketa Hermova

The ability of grouping design layers to logical sequences would help organising larger files, especially those that contain a few direct imports such as surveys. Grouping of layers would also allow for easier file organisation with regards to the project phasing.

VE-104909

Drag & Drop Capability for Assigning Classes and 2D/3D Attributes to Objects

Marketa Hermova

Twinmotion or Cinema4D has a drag & drop capability for assigning graphical attributes to objects. Currently, we can assign a style to the object and we can assign a class with graphical attributes to the object. This request is seeking for an unified approach to assign both the class information and the graphical attributes by selecting these and using drag & drop behaviour.

VE-104602

Direct import option for gpx. file format

Marketa Hermova

In Landmark, there is currently no option for direct import of gpx. file format. This means that any user who has collected geographical data using this format for site model creation purposes has to convert the gpx. format into csv. format (or similar) and manually alter the data so these can be used for creation of stake/loci and eventually a site model.

VE-100468

Add render settings calibration

Mark Eli

It's common in video games that are dark provide calibration assistance, which helps take into account the differences of different hardware and settings.

See attached "dm_gammacalibrate.jp" for an example.

Currently vision relies on the user to find the related settings, and then use the current scene to make adjustments. The issue with using a given scene is that there is no real point of reference for the adjustments.

By providing a calibration tool, users would have a smoother and more consistent experience across platforms and hardware.

VE-103390

Change Trim Height of System Does not work with Haging Positions

Mark Doubleday

The *Change Trim Height of System* command button from a *Hanging Position* does not work properly.

It works on Truss objects and Lighting Pipes inside a Hanging Position, but the objects move inside the Hanging Position with the Hanging position object remaining unmoved.

Non-Rigging objects do not move at all inside Hanging Positions when the command buttton is activated and neither does the Hanging Position height either.

This means that any custom-made rigging objects will not work with this command at all.

Please find enclosed file

VE-103153

Page-Based Data Tags scale Text in Viewports

Mark Doubleday

The Text within Page Based data tags (when placed on a design layer) scales inside viewports relative to the objects it is attached to. It should always remain the same size regardless of the scale of the Viewport.

Please see file and Video.

VE-102144

Select Similar and Schematic View Objects

Mark Doubleday

When using the Select Similar tool (object Type Mode) to select a *Lighting Device in Schematic view* object, the Rigging Object is selected as well.

Please find sample file.

VE-101772

Schematic View Footprints show Label Containers

Mark Doubleday

Schematic View Footprints show Label Containers. This is not necessary or appropriate as Footprints do not show Label Legend Fields.

FIle attached.

VE-105208

Ability to add a User weight to a Hanging Position

Mark Doubleday

The Hanging Position object will only display the weight of the geometry it contains if the object is a Truss or Lighting Pipe object.

I would like to have the ability to either:
# Nominate a User Weight of the base structure (before loads are added) in the OIP of the Hanging Position, or
# For the Hanging Position to inherit a weight value from a Weight field within a Record Format. (A Weight field within the new _EntEquipUniversal_ record would be a good option).

This would give users the ability to assess the Total Weight of all kinds of Hanging Position geometry wit their Loads attached and not just the prescribed Pipes and Trusses. There is a workaround whereby you can convert the geometry to a Truss object, but this feels clunky and is extremely time-consuming.

Many thanks

VE-105065

Reshape Selection Highlight

Mark Doubleday

The new 3D Dragger adds a green highlight around control points that have been selected for dragging. Please could this feature be added to selected control points when the 3D Dragger is either not being used or when reshaping 2D objects using the marquee selection process?

Many thanks

VE-104924

Add Filter Viewport Command add to selection.

Mark Doubleday

Currently, it is possible to use the right-click Add Filter Viewport command to specify a Viewport filter to a Graphic Legend. However, it is necessary to repeat the command to add further Viewprts using this method.

A useful enhancement would be to allow users to use the Shift Key to pick further viewports without having to run the command again.

VE-104896

Add Auto Assign to Inventory and Equipment List Feature

Mark Doubleday

Currently, the user must manually assign each piece of equipment to a particular inventory.

I would like to propose that the user can nominate a favorite inventory and equipment should then be assigned to that inventory on insertion into the file.

Apart from being less time-consuming, this will also align with functionality that already exists with the Lighting Inventory Setup command.

VE-104890

Search Criteria for Graphic Legends needs to reflect what it is possible to display.

Mark Doubleday

Currently, it is possible to specify an extruded object amongst many other items in the Criteria definition for Graphic Legends even though it is not possible to display these items in the Image Placeholder. This means that users will be confused as to what is possible to view within a graphic legend.

I can see the advantage of having this facility, especially if you want to use the Graphic Legend as a Styled worksheet, which it does really well.

I think it would be a great enhancement to color the criteria, say blue so that it is possible to differentiate between what can or can't be viewed within an Image placeholder object.

VE-104476

Equipment List Create Worksheet Dialog

Mark Doubleday

The Create Worksheet Dialog alows three variables to be selected. I would like to suggest that there are a few more added.

This could include
# The Category of Equipment to show.
Some users may want to create a Worksheet per Category.
# Accessory Columns.
Currently, if you add an accessory to a Worksheet when the worksheet is updated the extra column needed to display the extra accessory will not be added. I propose that the user could select any number they think they are likely to use. I would consider 3 to be a good average.
# A check box and menu to overwrite an existing worksheet and keep the Styling.

I am sure other users will think of many more, but it would be good to get the ball rolling with how automatic Worksheets from Equipment Lists could be made more user-customizable.

VE-104582

Extrude Command Update (Extude both ways)

Mark Doubleday

It's been quite some time since this command was updated, so here is a long-term frustration.

When entering a value for an extrusion one can either enter a positive or negative value and the extrusion will be made above or below the working plane. Could we extrude an object in both directions at the same time?

This would also address an inconsistency with the Extrusion value in the Object Information Palette which amends the Extrusion value by referencing the Centre of the Bounding Box.

Perhaps in the Extrude dialog, there could either be a new field, a radio button, or even the ability to include a rather unmathematical +- before the extrusion amount.

The ability to do this would make modeling simple center-originated geometry from 2D reference geometry so much quicker and would cut out an often repeated step: Align Middle/Align Centre.

VE-102263

Toggle Automatic Screen Pan

Mark Doubleday

There are many occasions when I want to draw right up to the edge of the drawing window without triggering the automatic pan function. Could there be a way to temporarily disable this function in the same way that Snaps can be disabled using the "`" key?

Perhaps this functionality could also be toggled from the settings button in the new snapping palette or from a Quick Preferences button.

VE-104446

Spotlight Equipment List Worksheets

Mark Doubleday

I don't know whether this is a bug or an enhancement, however, the Worksheets that are created from the Spotlight Equipment List window need to be able to update accessory information when further accessories are added to objects without the need to regenerate a worksheet.

This will doubtless lead to errors with quantities being missed because users are not aware that recalculating a worksheet will not properly recalculate the total quantities in the drawing area.

Please find a sample file and video explanation.

VE-104472

Updating Inventories

Mark Doubleday

I very much like the fact that it is possible to update the equipment quantities of an inventory. What needs looking at though is the workflow for adding items of equipment to an Inventory. Some companies I have worked for have many hundreds of Source 4 bodies in their inventories and being able to build an inventory without adding hundreds of specific items to a file is very helpful.

Currently, if you click the "Update Inventory File" Button the selected inventory is overwritten by the Active File. This is a problem if you need to add or change an item in a saved inventory.

Therefore, we need the ability to select an item and then just that item and quantity will be added/updated to an existing named inventory.

I can think of many inventories that could run into thousands of items and as things stand at the moment, when new equipment is added the whole inventory will need to be re-built. This will be unpopular.

Thanks

VE-104473

Lighting Accessories and Inventories

Mark Doubleday

Currently Lighting Accessories within Inventories are part of the Lighting Devie they were attached to when the Inventory was created.

As many accessories can be used on more than one type of lighting Device, then I think it is important for Accessories within inventories to be listed separately.

Otherwise, they are in danger of getting lost when looking down a list of available equipment in a venue.

VE-104457

Lighting Symbol Maintenance Command Looks rather out of date.

Mark Doubleday

In the light of an updated Light Info Record for Lighting Instrument Symbols and the need for many users' stock symbols to be updated with Lens and Body information, it would be very useful indeed if the more recent additions to the fields within the Light Info Record could be added to the Lighting Instrument Maintenance Command.

I would consider this to be an important update and it would be really helpful if it could be introduced as part of the training package that is created for the new Inventory Command and Schedule Tools when 2024 is released later in the year.

VE-104445

Lighting Devices should snapt to Truss Chords correctly.

Mark Doubleday

This was reported a couple of years ago. so just reviving the enhancement request.

VE-100879

I would like to propose a lighting device offset function that offsets the lighting device by a pre-defined Z height.

Lighting Devices with clamp fixings never properly insert on truss objects and the clamp is never aligned with the chord geometry.

This could be part of Spotlight preferences or as part of the Lighting Device Mode Bar

This function only needs to work with Truss objects. All other rigging objects don't require this as the centre of the chord is aligned to the insertion point of the Rigging Object.

There is also a thread about the issue here. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/108378-horseshoes-hanging-positions/#comment-471780]

VE-104297

DMX Patch Command - Add unit numbers column

Mark Doubleday

I am finding it really hard to use the DMX Numbering command without the inclusion of a Unit Numbering Column. This is particularly so when working with Lighting Devices and Accessories as it is almost impossible to know which accessory is associated with which lighting device.

The DMX Patch command has so much potential when dealing with a large number of lighting devices and the mapping functions of each universe are really helpful. However, the command falls short with regard to understanding the geographic location of an object on a position which makes it really quite hard to use.

Many thanks

Enclosed is an example file.

VE-104288

Filter out Static Accessories from the DMX Patch Command

Mark Doubleday

Currently, the DMX Command dialog lists Static Accessories. As the definition of a Static Accessory is a Lighting Accessory that can accept no power and therefore no data, this type of object should not be listed.

Many thanks.

VE-104255

Cusom Naming Scheme - Missing Formula brackets

Mark Doubleday

I would like to be able to use a Custom Naming scheme and apply it to all types of documents in a published list. This is currently not possible because missing items from Title Block borders show up as the raw formula inside brackets in the published results.

For instance, a Revision number is shown as \{Current Revision Number} when used on a Worksheet where it would be more helpful if those items were simply ignored.

Please find video

VE-104009

Ability to Compose Cable objects

Mark Doubleday

It is possible to divide a Cable object using the Split tool. As with most plugins that are defined by paths, it is also possible to join them up again using the Compose Command.

Is it possible to add this functionality to the Cable object as well?

Many thanks

VE-104127

Extend Label functionality of Eyedropper tool to Cable Tools Distributor objects

Mark Doubleday

The Labels on the Distributor Object aren't often placed where users need them to be by default. A quick route to fixing all labels quickly is the Eyedropper Tool whose functionality for Label Legends works really well. Could this be extended to Distributor objects as well?

Thanks

VE-102439

Hanging Position Symbols

Mark Doubleday

It's really great to see that All possible 2D components of Lighting Instrument Symbols now work in Schematic views.

It is also really terrific that the Hanging Position object now will roll with 2D Components also in place. These also report well to Schematic Views. Really good.

At the moment if I use a 2d/3d Hybrid symbol as a Hanging Position, the 2D Left and Right, Front and Back components of the Symbol are not utilized by a Schematic View. This would seem inconsistent with the same reporting of the 2D components of Lighting Instrument Symbols within Lighting Devices.

Many thanks

VE-103754

Class and Layer creation anomaly

Mark Doubleday

*There is a difference in behavior between creating a new class or a new Layer.*
When you create a New Layer, it becomes the Active Layer. When you create a New Class, you have to hunt around to find it to make it the Active Class.

To my mind, the Layer behaviour is the correct one as one would normally create a new Layer in order to use it. This would seem like an obvious behaviour for Class creation as well. I rarely create a new Class without wanting to immediately use it.

Therefore, could there be a new checkbox to set a Class to Active immediately after it has been created in the same way that exists for Class Viewport and Saved View Visibilities?

VE-103748

Move By Points Tool First Mode Object Retention

Mark Doubleday

I would like to have the ability to have a version of the Selection Retention mode with the First Mode of the Move By Points Tool. I believe that the ability to duplicate and add the duplications to a selection would be very helpful in my and other users' workflows.

VE-103117

Add a reference mode to the Push/Pull tool

Mark Doubleday

Now that there is the ability to push/pull more complex nonplanar geometry it occurs to me that a reference mode is needed so that you can pick a face to extrude and then define a point from where you would like the extrude to reference from and to.

Although it is possible to enter a precise value in the data bar for each push/pull direction, in order to make this tool truly interactive, then this extra mode is needed - especially for nonplanar faces where it is impossible to snap a face to an object accurately.

VE-102254

Data Visualisation "active" indicators needed.

Mark Doubleday

It would be a great help if there was an indicator next to the data visualization menu in the view bar to say that it is active. (maybe the menu icon could change colour?) The only way that I know if data visualization is active is by opening the menu and taking a look.

What I would like to be able to do is glance up and check without having to move my cursor.

Many thanks.

VE-102491

Add the Ability to remove Modal and Smart Options display animations

Mark Doubleday

Currently, both the Smart Options Display and the new Pop-up Settings modals from the Snapping Palette use an animation that is just too slow. Also, these modals use an animation which I find a little distracting and also takes up too much time.

Bearing in mind that these effects aren't for everybody, would it be possible to add an option to disable or adjust these animations alongside the Animate View transitions in the Interactive settings of Vectorworks Preferences?

Many thanks

VE-101963

Manage Loads Tool movement of lighting Device in "Parallel"

Mark Doubleday

Currently, Lighting devices attach to a Rigging Object perpendicular to the geometry of the Lighting Device relative to the Hanging Position.

This works well until the hanging position is angled.

Could an additional column be added to the *Select Load to Place* dialog that allows the Lighting Devices to ignore the Angled nature of the Rigging Object and relocate perpendicular to the Ground Plane or (working Plane) instead? In other words, straight up!

Thanks

VE-101987

Smart Options Display - Tools Mode bar

Mark Doubleday

One of the reasons why I forget about using the Smart Options Display introduced last year is because when I activate a tool button anywhere in the UI, I invariable need to use the mode bar.

When I activate a tool button from the Smart Options display, I still need to go up to the mode bar to change the tool mode. This makes selecting tools and using just as cumbersome.

My enhancement request would be to allow the mode bar of the tool (when selected in the Smart Options Display) to remain until the cursor has moved away from the Smart Options display.

Thanks

VE-101988

Smart Options Display fade time

Mark Doubleday

For me, the quarter-second (or so) fade up and down time of the Smart Options Display palettes is too long and although looks cool, actually slows me down. Could the time be changed to instant or could a setting to change it be added to the Smart Options Display preferences panel?

VE-101989

Smart Options Display - Description modals

Mark Doubleday

I find that the description modals that now appear for every tool are a distraction when used in the Smart Options Display. Invariably when they appear they cover the tool button I am trying to find!

Is there a possibility to have an option to turn these off, either globally or in Palettes and the Smart Options Display individually.

Thanks

VE-101990

Smart Options Display - New Snapping Palette

Mark Doubleday

I really like the new implementation of the snapping palette. I think that when I get used to the new location it will prove to be a useful change.

Because the old hotkeys for snaps could be better deployed elsewhere, is it possible that the double-click access to Snap settings could be deployed in the Smart Options display iteration of the snapping palette?

Thanks

VE-101977

Consolidate Spotlight context menu commands

Mark Doubleday

With the 2022 release of Vectorworks, the Context Menu commands for Spotlight Lighting Devices have grown considerably.

Currently, if I right-click on a lighting device this is the list of commands available to me.

Can I suggest some sort of consolidation of Spotlight commands in this context. This is currently not really possible in the Workspace editor and although I can get an approximation of what it should be, it would be really handy to have all the Spotlight commands in one place within this menu.

Ultimately a separate flyout modal like the ones that have been added to the Attributes Palette and the Snapping palette would be perfect.

I think this is important for all sorts of reasons to do with ergonomics, but the most important reason given the current push for clarity for newcomers is to let users know that these commands exist here in the first place. Some of these commands (new selection commands for instance) are only available from this menu and are not in the Workspace Editor.

VE-101956

Lighting Pipe Ladder Insertion Points are confusing

Mark Doubleday

Currently, the Lighting Pipe Ladder object has the insertion point on the *left edge* and in the *midpoint* of the height of the object.

When the Lighting Pipe Ladder tool inserts a Ladder into the drawing area, the Ladder object is inserted using the *Centre* of the object instead. This is confusing as it is not clear where the insertion point of the object is.

I would like to suggest that the *Align Left/Centre/Right modes* are added to this tool in the same way that they have been instigated in the Lighting Pipe Tool.

Another confusing aspect of the tool is the "pre-rolled" nature of the inserted object. This causes much confusion when users create *Schematic Views*. I would like to suggest that the *Vertical Mode* is also added so that the Lighting Pipe Ladder tool follows the methodology of the Lighting Pipe tool in a much clearer fashion.

Many thanks

VE-101785

Add "Draw 3D only" to Lighting Pipe object

Mark Doubleday

The *Draw 3D only* function of Truss objects is incredibly useful when the object is used as part of a Hanging Position.

Could the same function be added to remove all the 2D geometry from the Lighting Pipe plug-in object? This would be incredibly useful when the Lighting Pipe object is used inside a Hanging Position or 3d Symbol. This would remove the need to use the *Convert to Group* command which disables any of the plug-in functionality.

Thanks

VE-101815

Constrain Spotlight "Automatically Rotate 2D to Focus" function

Mark Doubleday

Currently, the "Automatically Rotate 2D to Focus" function enables the 2D component of the Lighting Device to rotate to the precise Pan of the 3D component.

This has a tendency to make plots look untidy when complete and I seldom use this feature because of that. The reason for this is that the precise angles are never exact and more often than not will vary considerably. This makes the 2D representation of the Plot look scrappy and ill-considered.

However, if you could set some *constraint angles* in the same way as you can for the SmartCursor "Angles from Axis" preference then I would use this feature all the time.

I also think it would encourage users to engage with the 3D nature of the light plot much more - especially when pre-visualizing focus and placement of lighting devices.

VE-101798

Lighting Device Tool X/Y Rotation angle

Mark Doubleday

I would like to propose that a new field is added to the Lighting Device tool mode bar which would allow the user to preset the X/Y rotation angle of a Lighting Device. This would be helpful when placing moving lights (and conventionals) on the floor or fixing them to vertical or other angled Truss objects.

Fields such as this are available in the Rigging Tools. The Truss Tool particularly has the exact same function, so it strikes me that this would be a neat alignment of functionality between the tools.

Thanks

VE-101797

Lighting Device Tool

Mark Doubleday

I would like to suggest an additional Mode to preset an offset distance.

Because the Lighting Device is always inserted at the bottom edge of a Truss object, the insertion point is always in the wrong place relative to the Centre of the Truss Chord. This is the case when a Lighting Device is inserted using a C Clamp.

If it were possible to have an offset field where a value could be set, then that would be very helpful and would save the need to offset Lighting devices after insertion.

I guess an alternative way to do this automatically would be in Symbol Options by adding a Rigging Object Z Reference parameter.

VE-101765

Right-Click Access to Edit Accessories edit window

Mark Doubleday

Could you add a Right-Click context command to Lighting Devices to access the Edit Accessories window. It would make a huge difference to the speed of workflow when working on a busy file with lots of accessories.

Many thanks

VE-101686

Working Plane Palette

Mark Doubleday

A really useful enhancement to the working Planes palette would be the ability to reorganize the Stacking Order of the listed items.

This is just cosmetic functionality but would help the user visualize vertical working planes.

Another enhancement would be the ability to add headers and dividers in the same way that the Spotlight Instrument Summary tool works.

Many thanks

VE-101637

Softgoods Tool - Anchor Trim Values

Mark Doubleday

I would like to propose that a checkmark or radio button be added to the two Trim Values in the Object Information Palette: Top Trim and Bottom Trim.

This would work is the same way ae the "Domino" bounding-box selector works in that when you enable the radio button next to Top Trim, that would be fixed so that when the height value of a soft goods object is changed, the Top Trim remains fixed and the Height and bottom trim alter (and vice versa).

This would save a lot of trial and error when working out the height of borders especially when you need to specify custom heights for softgoods items.

Many thanks

VE-100869

Schematic Views and Spotlight Preferences

Mark Doubleday

It would be a great enhancement to Schematic Views if the functionality of the "Modify Lighting Instrument Color" in the *Spotlight Preferences* could be added to the *Lighting Device in Schematic View* and their associated accessories.

VE-101560

Resource Manager Resource type menu

Mark Doubleday

I would like to suggest two enhancements to the Resource Manager resource type menu
# Could a check box be added to each resource type so that you can have one or more resources visible at once. Currently, the "ALL or NOTHING" approach means that I am constantly returning to this menu to reveal certain types of resources when I am concentrating on a particular workflow. Perhaps a Saved settings approach could also be an option rather like the Select Similar objects tool.

# A selected objects option.
I would just like to see the resources that are relevant to the objects that are under the current selection. This would be immensely useful for interrogaing geometry from large imported files.

VE-101506

Rotate 3D Axis Labels

Mark Doubleday

This forum post would be a very worthwhile improvement to this command

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/79410-orientation-x-y-z-rotate-object-in-3d/

VE-101462

The Ability to hide the Out-of-date" border for Schematic Views

Mark Doubleday

Please add Schematic Views to the "Display Viewport Out-of-date borders" function.

Currently, Schematic Views show a very similar out-of-date border to those of Viewports. However, the function cannot be hidden in the same way. This seems like an inconsistency and it would be so helpful to be able to do this as Schematic Views seem to need constant updating and the striped border is very distracting.

VE-101206

Smart Options Display help modals

Mark Doubleday

Can we have the option to disable the Smart Options Display help modal boxes as they frequently get in the way when trying to locate tool buttons?

In fact, can we have an option to turn them off altogether until needed? Did there not used to be a keyboard shortcut that would show them on-demand or am I confusing that something else?

VE-101056

Schematic View Placemet

Mark Doubleday

Can I suggest that *Schematic Views* are placed at the Centre of the User's Screen in the same way that *Worksheet items* are when they are activated using the *Worksheet on Drawing* context menu command?

Currently, *Schematic Views* are placed at the internal origin of the file. This is almost always some distance from where they are actually needed.

Having the same behaviour as *Worksheets* would provide consistency as well as convenience.

Thanks

VE-100879

Lighting Device insertion offset

Mark Doubleday

I would like to propose a lighting device offset function that offsets the lighting device by a pre-defined Z height.

Lighting Devices with clamp fixings never properly insert on truss objects and the clamp is never aligned with the chord geometry.

This could be part of Spotlight preferences or as part of the Manage Loads Tool(maybe).

This function only needs to work with Truss objects. All other rigging objects don't require this as the centre of the chord is aligned to the insertion point of the Rigging Object.

Many thanks

VE-104458

Lighting Devices do not auto-connect to truss chords

Mark Aceto

The auto-connect operation in 2024 beta 1 seems to have slightly improved where Lighting Devices attached to truss chords. They're slightly closer to the chords but still floating in space. The old behavior was simply to "attach" to the centerline of the symbol vs the chords. Anyway, when the user places the symbol between the centerline and the truss chord, VW should offset the correct distant to center the Lighting Device (clamp) on the truss chord it's closest too. It's a regression because this functionally existed prior 2021 or 2022.

VE-102671

Repeat last command doesn't work with Change trim height of (truss) system

Mark Aceto

Evidently this is not an option but it's a very tedious task to change the trim height of every truss system when you just want to bump them all up 12". This is exactly the type of operation the Repeat... command was created for

VE-102641

Migrate everything in Settings folder including Data Manager mappings

Mark Aceto

Migration Manager doesn't look for Data Manager mappings, so there's no way to migrate them to a new release (unless they can be manually dragged and dropped). Also, users would have no way of knowing to do this which would risk data loss (of custom mappings).

This is also true of Eyedropper Tool, Revit import/export, and other settings.

There should be the option for users to check the box for all saved settlings instead of have to guess which ones will not migrate, and then manually copy the rest somehow.

VE-104426

Add steps to remove user folder when running Uninstaller

Mark Aceto

*The problem:* users can accidentally remove their user folder, and all of it's contents (entire library of custom symbols, styles, scripts, records, data tags, worksheets, workspaces, plugins, custom plugin data, etc) with the accidental click of a button.

*Solution 1:* there should be a warning dialog that pops asking the user "Are you sure you want to delete your user folder?"

*Solution 2:* user folder is moved to Desktop and renamed "(Deleted VW User Folder)" or something

*Solution 3:* 2FA required to remove a user folder

VE-102435

Drawing Label Data Tag

Mark Aceto

A data tag (or a drawing label) that can be placed on top of a viewport to display the same data (drawing name, scale, etc) as a drawing label. This way, it would be easier for users to move, resize, and edit drawing labels without having to enter the annotation layer every single time over and over again. Also, when users move a drawing label on a sheet layer, we think in page-based units: up 1", over 2"... but trying to move a drawing label 2" in a world-based annotation layer could be 7' or who knows?

VE-104143

Selected text color of Name field in Resource Manager

Mark Aceto

When selected, the text color of the Name should be white (same as the Type field). Because it's been black forever, it's never been readable. Make it white, so users can read what's selected.

VE-104043

Auto-assign class to Data Visualization Legend

Mark Aceto

Currently, the auto-generated Data Visualization Legend is assigned to the None class in sheet layer viewports. Auto-assigning it to a class like Data Visualization or something unique (anything other than None) would allow users to quickly control visibility (more often than not, hide it). Considering that modifying the DV for SLVP will spawn a new DV Legend every time, this would really streamline workflows.

VE-102697

OIP Screen Rotation Field in Rotated Plan View

Mark Aceto

Add Screen Rotation field with blue font below the existing Rotation field.

With the help of a some people smarter than me, I finally realized what the OIP Rotation field is reporting: _*screen rotation* (not actual rotation)._

I never would have figured that out on my own because Screen X, Screen Y, and Screen Z are added fields with blue font. For starters, the UI is inconsistent with font color. Screen data should all be blue. Unrotated actual data should always be black.

VE-102723

Add a UE “Direct Link Synchronize” Command

Mark Aceto

Add a UE “Direct Link Synchronize” Command, so users can create shortcuts and add the command to Document Context Click (right-click menu). This would help with what happens when users have both apps (VW and TM/UE) open, and are using various VW tools to edit their model, and then they have to reestablish the sync because it was broken by changing to a 2D/plan view (even if the user is still working on the same Design Layer).

The current way of reestablishing the sync is to navigate to the Visualization tool set, click the UE Datasmith tool button, and then click the first tool mode (the sync button).

VE-102422

Resize Smart Options Display palettes

Mark Aceto

Drag to resize the Snapping palette to make it 2 rows.

Drag to resize the Tool Modes palette to make it 1 row (without the orphaned Connected Walls Mode on its own row).

Drag to resized any of the windows to fit how you work.

VE-100567

T01981 - No way to define the formatting of numbers

Marissa Farrell

See the attached screenshot, the values at the bottom of the chart are illegible. Users should have more customization options for these values that are not dependent on the width of the chart

VE-100565

T01981 - Users should be able to define the width of their bar chart bars independently from the width of the chart object

Marissa Farrell

Currently the bars scale to fill an assumed predetermined fraction of the chart object's bounds. Users should be able to modify this value in some way.

VE-100566

T01981 - Users have limited customization of their charts

Marissa Farrell

Users are allowed to change the style of their title and data labels, but they aren't allowed to change the style of their axis markers or labels.

These should be customizable for the user.

VE-103369

T02307 - Descriptions of the functions are showing data type, not information that a user would need

Marissa Farrell

Please see attached screenshot

The user should be provided with information about what the record field provides, not the type of record field it is.

VE-103127

Select Function dialog cuts off details pane if window is not long enough

Marissa Farrell

See attached screenshot. The user can only see additional text if they resize the window, there is no scrolling capability.

VE-103361

Marionette: Allow users to decide on forward translation if they want to remove the preprocessor or not

Marissa Farrell

Currently whenever a file with Marionette nodes is opened in a newer version, the preprocessor command to link the nodes to the python files in default content is removed.

This is to prevent the breaking of networks when node code is updated between versions either due to new VS functions or fundamental changes to the results of the nodes.

It would be nice to allow users to have the option to keep this preprocessor on forward movement, maybe a list of the affected nodes (check to see if the code inside has changed between versions?) could be displayed and users can choose which node types to update or leave with old code?

VE-103362

Marionette: Allow users to add vertices/change vertex type to wires

Marissa Farrell

Currently Marionette looks like spaghetti. It would be nice if users had the ability to re-route wires between nodes to more easily follow the flow.

LabVIEW is a flow-chart based scripting software that may be a good reference for the improvement.

VE-103116

Marionette: Add fields for versions in OIP

Marissa Farrell

It would be beneficial for users to see which version a node was added to Vectorworks as well as which version a node was most recently updated.

I'm imagining a record field for each value that's exposed in a label in the OIP. It's fine if these values are manually set, but it would be nice if there was a way to update the Updated version when a change is made to the node's script.

VE-105141

Blue links in Spanish Home Screen appear in English

Mario Chavez

Install the recent VW 2024 update 1 beta 2, activate the license number, wait for the Home Screen to appear. Click on the Message Center (left pane). Look at the messages.

You'll notice the blue links appear in English: Register Now, Try it now, Learn more.

I've used the Spanish beta version and a Spanish version license number. Not sure if this glitch is by design as the pulled messages are all in English or if it can be solved.

!image-2023-10-19-10-39-32-879.png|width=1248,height=471!

!image-2023-10-19-10-37-28-078.png|width=1250,height=771!

VE-105142

Mac install of Spanish VW 2024 update 1 beta 2 - dialog titles truncated

Mario Chavez

Install Spanish VW 2024 update 1 beta 2. In the Home Screen, go to Centro de mensajes (Message center) and click on the Preferences (Preferencias) link in the top right corner of the Centro de mensajes pane.

The dialog box title, Preferencias de centro de mensajes, appears truncated:

!image-2023-10-19-10-49-12-981.png|width=643,height=495!

I am unsure if this is a MacOS issue, that dialog boxes don't expand to accommodate the entirety of the dialog box title.

VE-104852

Create Section Viewport parameter is unclear

Mario Chavez

One of the parameters in the *Create Section Viewport* dialog box is unclear; its name is {*}Perspective Dist{*}, which could be taken for perspective distortion or perspective distance. Ambiguities like this have an impact on translation and localization of the Vectorworks products for our overseas markets.

*Recommendation:* spell out the parameter's name as applicable, whether it's perspective distance or perspective distortion. For guidance on writing UI strings for translation and localization, please refer to {color:#4c9aff}Best practices in localization{color} ([https://bit.ly/3lzJieK;] internal use only). See screenshot for context. The parameter is found at the bottom right corner.

!image-2023-08-09-09-20-57-101.png!

VE-104812

Offset from Path should read Offset from Fence Line (Fence Settings)

Mario Chavez

In Vectorworks 2024, draw a fence, then right click on it to open the *Fence Settings* dialog box.

In the *General* tab, locate the *Offset From Path* parameter, with a box where the user can indicate the offset from the fence line in inches. In TO2338, Figure 15, we see an explanation for this parameter. Accordingly, _path_ should be renamed _fence line_ in this parameter to keep terminology consistency and to avoid unnecessary distractions to the user. Also, a consistent term use in this dialog box will help, not hinder, our translation and localization efforts in both the user interface and the documentation.

See screenshot below for visual context.

!image-2023-07-31-11-59-37-749.png!

{color:#4c9aff}*!image-2023-07-31-12-07-00-737.png!*{color}

{color:#4c9aff}*Recommendation for improvement:*{color} change Offset from Path to {*}Offset from Fence Line{*}.

VE-104729

Draw pipe should be renamed for Lighting Pipe and Lighting Pipe Ladder tools

Mario Chavez

Open a blank document in Vectorworks 2023/2024. Select the Spotlight workspace, then select the *Rigging/Braceworks* toolset. Then click on either the *Lighting Pipe* tool or the *Lighting Pipe Ladder* tool.

Then click the Preferences icon in the toolbar for either tool. In the areas indicated as 1, 2 and 3 in the attached screenshots, the word Pipe is used.

*{color:#de350b}Problems:{color}* the shorthand Pipe causes problems for translating and localizing documentation and user interface strings in the languages served by Vectorworks. The translators have to rely heavily on visual and text context to ensure that the following UI items are translated properly: Pipe, Draw Pipe (Pipe section of the OIP), Pipe (under Classes in the OIP). As it stands, Pipe could mean either lighting pipe or lighting pipe ladder (two different lighting devices and tools).

Additionally, the Pipe term could be easily confused with the Pipe command for irrigation and in other areas of Vectorworks.

{color:#4c9aff}*Recommended solutions:* {color}spell out Pipe in the appropriate tool. For example, in the Lighting Pipe tool, Pipe should be Lighting pipe, Draw Pipe should be Draw Lighting Pipe and Pipe (classes) should be Lighting Pipe. In the Lighting Pipe Ladder tool, Pipe should be Lighting pipe ladder, Draw Pipe should be Draw Lighting Pipe Ladder and Pipe (classes) should be Lighting Pipe Ladder.

Make sure that the UI item *Pipe* only refers to pipe for irrigation, plumbing or similar purposes outside of Spotlight, Braceworks or lighting design.

VE-103201

Reorganizing content for VECC user guide (PDF and VECC.vwx files)

Mario Chavez

*Problems to solve:* the text of the VECC (Vectorworks Embodied Carbon Calculator) User Guide is found on a PDF file available online (see last paragraph under *_Embodied Carbon Calculator_* here: [https://bit.ly/3y4AAas)] and on UI strings for Vectorworks 2022 SP4 (filename: VECC.vwx). While the VECC.vwx file contains the VECC worksheet, it is unsuitable to contain the user guide and presents challenges to the user, who has to click on each of the 14 sheets to access the contents before the user can utilize the worksheet as intended.

Found in both the PDF VECC User Guide and the VECC.vwx file are instructions to open the VECC calculator this way: in Vectorworks, go to *Tools > Reports > Create Report > Preformatted Report > Embodied Carbon Calculator*. The calculator can also be copied from the VECC.vwx file (sheet #12) and pasted into any other Vectorworks file. These instructions are only visible to the user only after the user opens the VECC.vwx file and reads down to sheet #12 or if the user opens the PDF User Guide by searching the specific webpage in the Online Help System. This is unnecessarily complicated and distracting to the user.

The online PDF file for the VECC User Guide has been created with Vectorworks and exported by it. Given the nature of a user guide, Vectorworks is not a suitable DTP (desktop publishing) tool to create user guides. The same user guide exists as UI strings, a wholly unsuitable medium to organize a modern user guide, which is not nor should not be a readme file.

The VECC User Guide contains some inaccuracies that make very difficult for the user to perform certain actions. For instance, under Transport Stage [A4] (sheet #6 in the VECC.vwx file), the sequence of commands, *Material > Material Construction > Product Source* field, is incorrect, compared to the accompanying screenshot of the Edit Material dialog box to the left (see below for context). It should read instead something along the lines of “The *Product Source* field, found in the *Construction* tab of the *Edit Material* dialog box, should also be populated by following the options detailed below.”

!image-2022-06-29-10-56-02-143.png!

*Recommendations:* 1) Modify the VECC.vwx file to _*only*_ contain the VECC worksheet. The VECC user guide instructions should be easily accessible via the online Help as with any other Vectorworks features and the user should not have to follow a separate procedure.

2) Simplify the creation and/or customization of the VECC worksheet by guiding the user to either follow the commands (*Tools > Reports > Create Report > Preformatted Report > Embodied Carbon Calculator*) in Vectorworks or copy and paste it from the VECC.vwx file (which would only consist of the VECC worksheet).

3) Reorganize the VECC User Guide to resolve inaccuracies such as the one indicated above (see screenshot for context.) This may involve some rewriting to follow standard documentation of features.

4) Recreate the VECC User Guide in a suitable industry standard DTP tool (InDesign, Frame Maker, RoboHelp, etc.) to make the translation into Vectorworks' supported languages more efficient and improve the user's experience.

5) Remove the VECC User Guide content strings from the batch of extractable strings for localization, since they duplicate efforts and add unnecessary complexity to our localization tasks.

VE-103207

Spelling out a cost-related phrase in Material Take-off by Category - Database

Mario Chavez

Click on *Tools > Reports > Create Report* to open the *Create Report* dialog box (see below):

!image-2022-07-01-09-03-19-779.png!

After selecting *Material Take-off by Category - Database*, scroll down towards the bottom right until you find the phrase *Sp./Eq./Furn./Convey Cost* (see below):

!image-2022-07-01-09-06-37-682.png!

*Problem:* it is unclear what this phrase means, which impacts our localization efforts.

*Recommendation:* spell the phrase out so that our translators know what it's being translated and the users benefit. See attached screenshots for context. Apply similar solution to other report templates as needed.

VE-103246

Language selector on Vectorworks.net site should be at top, not bottom

Mario Chavez

Users and visitors to our website, {color:#4c9aff}*Vectorworks.net*{color}, find an enticing webpage presenting our flagship product, Vectorworks. For non-English speakers, there's an option to switch to the Spanish version of this page, but it sits at the bottom, which is _not a good UX choice_. Other companies, like AutoCAD and Graphisoft, allow the visitor to select their preferred language on the top right corner, which is standard.

None of our sister companies with localized web content have a language selector at the bottom of the page.

*Recommendation:* move the language selector to the top right corner of the webpage. See screenshot below for context.

*Note:* I hope more languages, at least the 10 official languages served by Vectorworks, are added to this language selector pretty soon.

!image-2022-07-13-14-54-28-604.png!

VE-103191

Library and data source files need to spell out full name of some items

Mario Chavez

In some 2022 SP4 library files, some machine design objects appear incomplete, such as *boss* (for wing nut boss, apparently a type of wing nut, a brand [Boss wing nuts] or actually a boss coupling). Examples:

/Libraries/Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage/Machine Design/Data Source Files/Wing Nuts.vwx Worksheet[Wing Nut A-Inch] Cell 7x2 Boss \{EMPTY}/Libraries/Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage/Machine Design/Data Source Files/Wing Nuts.vwx Worksheet[Wing Nut A-Inch] Cell 7x2 *Boss* \{EMPTY} Line 2244: /Libraries/Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage/Machine Design/Data Source Files/Wing Nuts.vwx Worksheet[Wing Nut A-Inch] Cell 8x2 *Boss*\r

This example shows S for slotted (apparently, not certain):

/Libraries/Objects - Miscellaneous_Entourage/Machine Design/Data Source Files/Nuts.vwx Worksheet[Nut Slotted-Inch] Cell 16x3 *S* \r

*Recommendation:* Although these terms are usually column headings in a report, they're not very informative for localization and translation purposes and may cause errors, second guessing, or require additional research, etc. It is recommended that the full term (slotted, not s or S) be used as a general best practice.

VE-103126

Strings with poly: polyline or polygon?

Mario Chavez

At least *41 strings* containing the term “polys” can be found in strings extracted for localization. The term “poly” appears in at least *151 strings*. The use of this term is a huge problem for localization since it could mean polygon or polyline. One of localization's best practices is writing unambiguous strings.

Some plugins containing these terms are:
{quote}2D Polys to 3D Contours.vsm

3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm

Change Plant Grouping.vsm

Create Polys from Walls.vsm

Create Seating Layout.vsm

3D Polys to 3D Loci.vsm

Export DOE-2.vsm

IFCLibrary.vwr

IP Resources.vwr

Landscape.vwr

LandscapeIrrigation.vwr

Parking Along Path.vso

Raum CW.vwr

Marionette.vwr
{quote}

*Recommendations:*

1) Rewrite strings containing poly or polys to reflect whether they indicate polygons or polylines;

2) Whether polys or poly refer to a polygon or polyline, spell it out as such to avoid further confusion;

3) Whenever possible, rename plugin filenames accordingly.

VE-103012

Two parameters, Scaling factor and Scale factor, have the same function

Mario Chavez

After selecting a solid, object or group in a drawing, *Modify > Scale objects* invokes the *Scale Objects* dialog box, where the parameters {color:#0747a6}*X Scaling factor*{color} and *{color:#0747a6}Y Scaling factor{color}* can be found (see graphic below):

!image-2022-05-16-15-12-19-068.png!

When checking or editing the properties of a title block, the *Title block* pane in the *Title block border settings* dialog box shows the {color:#0747a6}*Scale factor*{color} parameter (see graphic below):

!image-2022-05-16-15-29-12-382.png!

I understand these two parameters fulfill the same function, to set up a scale factor.

*Recommendation:* to unify the wording by using *scale factor* (for instance, X scale factor and Y scale factor in the first graphic) and retire _scaling factor_. Having two terms to describe the selfsame function affects localization efforts in foreign languages.

VE-103934

Leaf Size and Number of Leafs (read only) fields for reporting in Worksheets

Mariam Eshete

Currently there is no way to report an individual leaf size for multiple door configurations. The formula is essentially different for each door type, which makes it very difficult to report in a schedule or graphic legend that includes doors with multiple configuration types. It would great if there were a leaf size "read only" and a leaf number "read only" that could make reporting a lot easier.

See linked issues.

VE-101659

Hide "Not Applicable" Materials in Structural Member Tool (in Material Pop Up)

Mariam Eshete

Materials that don't apply to Structural Members should be hidden when the user selects the pop-up, in the tool, to apply a Material to a member. This should apply to both member and cover materials. For example, there should only be concrete materials available for a concrete Member Type, and Materials like "Soil MT", that don't apply, should be hidden from all the options. See attachment.

VE-104407

Possibilty to create a pSet from a external list

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have an import function to create a pSet from an external list. Attached a few samples of such lists.

Best regards, Marc

VE-105097

Structural Member does not support multiple shapes for Custom profile

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Structural Element shows a symbol with two objects wrong.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103036

Boundary Mode Space Tools has not the same rules as Boundary Mode Polygon Tool

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectoworks

For objects on different layers the Boundary Mode of the Space Tools use not the same rules as the Boundary Mode of the Polygon Tool.

Best regard, Marc

VE-101521

Send to Surface doesn't support DTM with 3D Extruded Contours

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The command "Send to Surface" doesn't support DTM with 3D-Style "3D Extruded Contours" and take the height of the 3D-Style "3D Mesh"

Best regards, Marc

VE-101181

Worksheet Function "Volume" shows the Volume of the Guardrails of Stairs

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Attached a testfile. The worksheet function "Volume" shows the volume of the guardrails of the stair instead of the stair structure. I think the kind of grouping inside of the PIO is for this function wrong.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102368

Height for the Parking Space PIO to be used in Export IFC

Marc Wittwer

Infos from Misho:

There is no height - neither in PIO parameters, nor in the object geometry (it's 2D only).

So, IFC Export works with a fixed height being a little above the minimum height of a parking space, necessary for cargo operations, according to US Department of Transportation.
(In case, you're wondering about the fixed value)

Please, add a request for Parking Space PIO, not for IFC Export.

Regards,
Misho

VE-99480

Reshape Tool doesn't support Extrude Along Path

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectoworks

Please watch the video. In this video the steps are described to reproduce the bug.

Best regards, Marc

VE-105182

Restore Vectorworks Settings during Start Process

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

At the helpdesk it would be helpful to have a shortkey combination to restore the Vectorworks Settings during the start process. For example Adobe Photoshop uses Control + Alt + Shift (Win) or Command + Option + Shift (Mac).

Best regards, Marc

VE-105096

ConnectCAD - Share Report for all Reports of Vectorworks

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the function "ConnectCAD - Share Report " could used for all reports of Vectorworks. Probably a feature for Update 4 of Vectorworks 2024. :)

Best regards, Marc

VE-103032

"Camera Height" and "Look to Height" for Section Viewports with Perspective

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Section Viewports with Perspective are very cool. Unfortunately it's very difficult to set the desired view of the perspective. Attached a movie and a sample file.

Best regards, Marc

VE-105013

Formula for Data Manager to get the IFC Entity

Marc Wittwer

It would a interesting improvement to have a formula to get the ifc Entity of the object. This would allow to write formulas that can respond intelligently to the IFC entity.

VE-104785

Extents Settings as part of Viewport Styles

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

We think that the "Extents Settings" in the "Advanced Section Properties Dialog" are very interesting to save together with the style.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104994

Length of Leader Line of Plant Tool from Style

Marc Wittwer

At the moment the leader line is calculated by the active layer scale of the design layer. It would be user friendly if the length would be a part of the style.

VE-100617

Geoimage with several layers of a WMS-Server

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

According to the exisiting GIS-functionality of Vectorworks 2020 it would be nice to have the possibility to support several layers of a WMS-Server with the same Geoimage.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104962

Option to restrict the referencing of resources

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

After a training session, I received a really great request from a customer. Please have a look at the video.

It’s too easy for a customer to loose control from whch file resources are referenced. There are several option like „Priority Order“ or really „use the file from where the resource comes“. So if the Team is not well organized it might be that you get a mess in from where the resources are referenced.

Idea: We think it would be fantastic to add an option the the references that allows a user to define that the resources CANNOT be referenced from specific files. In that way you can force the user to reference from the file you are allowed to do.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103446

Select Similar Tool should support IfcEntity

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have an option "IfcEntity" in the settings dialog of the Select Similar Tool.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104337

Select Similar Tool should support Styles

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have an option "Style" in the settings dialog of the Select Similar Tool.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104961

Possibility to reference a Symbol which is already referenced

Marc Wittwer

In many large projects, referenced symbols arise in the course of planning which are referenced from the wrong file and need to be corrected. It would be nice if you could reference symbols that are already referenced and a dialog appears with the option to replace the existing symbol.
* Open the files "Target" and "Source_2"
* Select the file "Target" as active file and got to the Resource Manager.
* As you can see, the existing symbols in the RM are from the file "Source".
* Now choose in the RM the file "Source_2"
* Right Mouseklick on one symbol -> Reference

At the end the information appears, that this is not possible. Would be great if at this step a "Replace Symbol" dialog could appear.

VE-104960

"Break Reference" for Multiple Objects in the Resource Browser

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
* Open the file "Target"
* Select all three symbols in the Resource Browser
* Right Mouseclick -> "Break Reference" is no avaiable

-> The option "Break Reference" is available when you select only one symbol. Would be great to have this functionallity in Update of 2024.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104954

Change the Edit behaviour of a Boundary of a Slab to known Vectorworks Rules

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Change the Edit behaviour of a Boundary of a Slab to known Vectorworks Rules. From my point of view the existing Vectorworks Rules are:
* No Change of the visible part when editing an object
* No Change of the room when editing an object

Best regards, Marc

VE-104955

"Display with Clip Cube" unbundle from "Navigate Back to Viewport"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to unbundle the two options "Display with Clip Cube" from "Navigate Back to Viewport".

Best regards, Marc

VE-103377

Not possible to export Design Layers as DXF/DWG-Layers

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In the attached testfile you have two saved views, but the command publish doesn't allow to export Design Layers as DXF/DWG-Layers.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104322

More Graphic Options for the Objects beyond Cut Plane

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have more Graphic Options for the Objects beyond Cut Plane.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100800

Management Of Project Data

Marc Wittwer

In time of BIM it is getting more and more important to be able to not only create a model but also manage data efficiently. But user not only have to associate data parts of the building (slabs, walls, doors, etc.) but also manage data for the entire project.

*Current situation*

At the moment it is not possible to enter data that relates to the entire project (e.g. project name, project number, building number, project owner, town, site coordinates, building coordinates, etc.) in one place and that all tools that would use such data can read data from a unique source. At the moment you directly have to enter the building name in the title block and the export IFC dialog and the space data fields.

*Solution proposal*

**We think it would be desirable to have one central place where you can enter such data and that then all tools and functions can get the data from this place. So that you can change the building name in one place and all title blocks, space labels, worksheets, export functions, etc. are updated automatically.

*Tools and functions that use project data*

Possible examples for using the project data (ifcProject, ifcSite, ifcBuilding) in Vectorworks:
- Title block
- Space Tool / Space Labels
- Data tag
- Worksheets
- Publish (e.g. project number in file name)
- Export IFC (project name, building name, site name,...)
- Data Manager
- and so on...

Here you find links that show possible fields for project, site and building:
- ifcProject ([https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/FINAL/HTML/schema/ifckernel/lexical/ifcproject.htm])
- ifcSite ([https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/FINAL/HTML/schema/ifcproductextension/lexical/ifcsite.htm])
- ifcBuilding ([https://standards.buildingsmart.org/IFC/RELEASE/IFC4/FINAL/HTML/schema/ifcproductextension/lexical/ifcbuilding.htm])

One thing we don't cover Vectorworks is not supporting at the moment is that a project can be made of multiple sites and multiple buildings. But this not part of this wish. For more infos for multiple buildings see:

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-99795

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-98892

One other thing we don't cover in Vectorworks is the support of different coordinates-systems for project, site and building. User for example would like to have a different coordinate-system for the entire project and for the building and choose which one is used for the next import or export. But this not part of this wish.

VE-104810

Better Control of Document Settings in Project Sharing

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectoworks

It would great to have a better control about document setting which need the additional checkboxes to send to the project file.

A possible solution would be a dialog where you can see which document settings of your own workingfile are different to the project file.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104786

Merging Title Block Manager Sets and Publish Sets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to merge the Title Block Manager Sets and the Publish Sets. I know, Publish can also be used for layouts without a title block and saved views. Nevertheless, it would be great if the two functions could use the same sets.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104752

Changing the tool should stopp the process of creating the previews for GIS-Tools

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
When you create a Geoimage the process of creating the "preview" after the image is created use a lot of time and in this time Vectorworks is blocked. You can switch the tool, but you have to wait toll the invisible "preview process" is finished.

Please watch the attached movie at 2'14"

Best regard, Marc

VE-104736

Options for easier Connection Details for Stairs

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have an option for the connection details for stairs. The new option should calculate the start and end of the stair geometry based on the Solid Structur Thickness of the stair.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102633

More Support for Colors in Export IFC

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if the colors used in Vectorworks were exported to the IFC file more often. We still have to create rules for objects with materials and textures, since many objects are provided with textures after all. But at the minimum it would be great if the colors and color channels of textures were exported.

We think, the following color sources should be considered by the IFC Export:
* Color defined in Attribute Palette (incl. color of class if defined "by class") *-> Currently, the only one supported.*
* Color of Sub-Objects (e.g. Color of Component)
* Color of texture if the Shader Color has clearly defined colors (e.g. Color, Obj Attribute)
* Color of current Data Visualization (Like DWG/DXF Export)

We don't think it is necessairy to interpret a color from images of textures. In this case, it could ignore the image and only export the color as described above.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104479

Tolerance value for the 2D representation of 3D symbols in sections.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to be able to control via a value whether of a 3D symbol with 2D representations is also still shown the 2D representation if the angle does not correspond exactly to the angle of the section line.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104519

Horizontal Sections should support Classes of referenced Viewports

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if the Horizontal Section could support classes of referenced Viewports above the section plane.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104518

Purge should support Dimension Standard

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if "Purge" could support Dimensions Standards, too.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104517

Delete Multiple Dimensions Standards together

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a possibility to delete multiple Dimensions Standards together.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104505

Criteria Dialog with Option "contains" for Stylenames of Walls, Slabs & Roofs

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great when the "Criteria Dialog" has a new option "contains" for stylenames of walls, slabs & roofs.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104441

Multiple change system in data manager for pSets

Marc Wittwer

It would be great if there was a possibility to change the mapping / formulas of pSets simultaneously for multiple IFC objects or symbols or classes. We regularly have projects where e.g. a formula in a pSet is the same for every IfcEntity. If you only had to change it in one place, that would be great.

VE-104480

Renaming a database field should not result in deletion of data visualizations.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Renaming a database field should not result in deletion of data visualizations. Renaming the database itself is supported.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104443

Height formula like #ZBBBS# for Data Manager & Worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have alle the height value/formula (like #ZBBBS# ) of the Data Tag Tool for the Data Manager & Worksheets, too.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103977

Option to create Project Sharing BackUp Files as VWX-Files

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would great to have an option to change the "file extension" for the backup file of a vwxp-file to vwx.

A customer told me that this way he would have a file where the project teams do not try to continue using the project sharing with the BackUp, but (have to) set up the project sharing again and thereby also start "clean" again.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101455

Editable Default Content for Occupant Type of Space Object

Marc Wittwer

It would be nice to have a editable default content for the field "Occupant Type" of the Space Object.

VE-104386

More accurate higlighting of objects

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Regularly we are made aware by customers that the higlighting deviates quite strongly from the real object and this confuses / unsettles. A good example for this behaviour is a circle.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104370

Reference Marker should support Viewports on Design Layers

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Reference Marker should support Viewports on Design Layers, too.

Best regards. Marc

VE-104115

Option to have the Wall Thickness by Instance

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have an option to have the wall thickness by Instance. In the early phase of a project the walls have the same graphic attributes, but different thickness. At the moment the user have to create for every different wall thickness.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102929

Option to define the Display Precision of Height of Drainages

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
For the Slope Values Vectorworks gives the option to define the display prescision independendly to the document settings. The "same" option would be nice for the Height of Drainages.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104011

Default Title Block for new Sheet Layers

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

it would great to have the an option for a default Title Block when creating a new sheet layer. This functionality could be part of a "Master Sheet Layer" function.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104010

Option to Save Title Block Manager Sets in the Workgroup Folder

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If a user save the settings of the Title Block Manager it would great to have the same options as for example when you save the mapping scheme in the dialog Data Manager:
* Save to User Folder
* Save to Workgroup Folder

Best regards, Marc

VE-104007

BackUp files should also be created when dialogs are open.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If a user has set that a BackUp should be created after-x-minutes (without asking), then this should also happen if he has e.g. the dialog of the Data Manager open. Especially in the Data Manager it can happen, that a user works for 30 oder 45minutes. If he has not manually saved the file before open the Data Manager he will not have a BackUp-File during the dialog is open.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104029

Warning dialog when activating the Base Quantities in the OIP

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a warning dialog when activating the Base Quantities in the OIP. The reason is, that many users doesn't realize that with this checkmark they "kill" the default BQ from the Data Manager.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104008

In a DV the displayed criteria should be possible to reduced by Object Criterias

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

At the moment the "Object Criteria" doesn't reduce the list of "Display Criteria". This wish is expressed very often.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104028

Add Export Option to default Mapping

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectoworks

It would be great if we could add the Export Options by default to the useful PIO's in the data manager. No default mapping, just add the data set.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104031

Every 3D-Symbol should receive ifcproxy as default

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if a user creates a 3D-Symbol, that this symbol receive automatically ifcproxy as mapping. The user can manually change this mapping, but if doesn't care about the mapping he will export the symbol as ifcproxy. If a user doesn't want to export a symbol he can

a) deactivate the symbol in the data manager
b) us class visibility's for the export.

At the helpdesk we regularly have requests because of missing symbols in the IFC file

Best regards, Marc

VE-104030

Automatically add new design layers to the first IFC Story

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if a user create a new design layer and he doesn't map this design layer to a Vectorworks story, that this design layer is added for the first IFC Story.

This would prevent manually created construction layers from not being exported to IFC. The disadvantage is that they may be assigned to the wrong floor. This could be optimized if the story is displayed in the Organization dialog and can be changed form the user (without using the export IFC dialog)

VE-104027

Button to open the Data Manager in the Export IFC Dialog

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectoworks

It would be great if we could show the user in the export IFC dialog that the data manager controls the data. A button to open the data manager would therefore be useful.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104025

Import DWG from attache file is wrong

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The result of the imported DWG-File is wrong.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103991

Support for "T=INDEX" in Data Tag Formulas

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have support for "T=INDEX" in Data Tag Formulas.

Example:

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(1); 'materialmark')#

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(2); 'materialmark')#

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(3); 'materialmark')#

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(4); 'materialmark')#

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(5); 'materialmark')#

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(6); 'materialmark')#

Would change to

#WS_MATPROPERTYBYNAME(COMPONENTMATERIAL(T=INDEX); 'materialmark')#

Best regards, Marc

VE-104006

Class Control for Plug-in Object Styles in Plug-in Object Styles Dialog

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be easier for the customers when the class control for Plug-in Object styles would be possible in the Plug-in Object Styles Dialogs. At the moment the only way to control the class is to use right mouse klick in the resource manager and to open the object style settings.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103992

List of Data Tag Functions

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The same list as it exist for worksheets functions would be a great value for data tag functions:

[https://developer.vectorworks.net/index.php/Worksheet_Functions/]

Best regards, Marc

VE-100616

Import for CityGML Models

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

As a supplement according to the exisiting GIS-functionality of Vectorworks 2020 it would be nice to have Import for CityGML. The support of CityGML could be lead to a USP for Vectorworks as a BIM-software.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103982

Multiline text at footer & header for worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have the option of multiline text at footer & header for worksheets.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103953

Three Detail Levels for Stairs

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Symbols, Windows and Doors habe three detail levels. It would be nice to have this functionality for stairs, too.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103954

Option to Duplicate / Edit a Workspace in the Workgroup Folder

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If a user duplicate or edit a Workspace it would great to have the same option as for example when you save the mapping scheme:
* Save to User Folder
* Save to Workgroup Folder

Best regards, Marc

VE-103909

Wildcard for data visualization

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

These two wildcards would be great to have it in data visualizations:

* – Matches 0 or more characters
? – Matches exactly 1 character

Best regards, Marc

VE-103778

New Option "Reset values to style settings"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A new Option to reset the individual wall data values to the wall data of the style would be great.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103786

New Button to copy a component from another wall-, slab-, & roofstyle.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a button to copy a component from another existing wall-, slab-, & roofstyle. Please watch the movie to get more informations.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103490

Data Tag Functionality in the Title Block

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to habe the Data Tag Functionality in the Title Block. F.ex: Use only the firs (left) 4 characters of the sheet name.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103465

Default Classification for Export IFC

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a default "Vectorworks" classification system for all IFC-Entities. At the moment the user experience is, that Vectorworks doesn't have a classification system. The reason for this experience is, that you have to set up manually the classification for each element in the Data Manager. And you have to know the rules which field are absolutely necessary and which are optionally.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103459

Show / Hide Commands for Objects with Record Formats and with IFC-Entites

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have more show & hide commands for objects with record formats and objects with IFC-Entities.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103442

Better User Feedback what Save Settings mean

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

When a user Save the Mapping he see the name in the Data Manager. But this name is gone away when you close the Data Manager and reopen again. Is Save Mapping more like an export or should the Name of the Mapping still shown after closing and reopen the Data Manager?

Best regards, Marc

VE-103447

Dialog Criteria should support pSets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a criteria "pSet" in the dialog Criteria of f.ex. Custom Selection.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103441

Show a Warning Alert when Saving Settings under a existing Name

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be great to have a warning alert, when overwriting a existing Saved Mapping of the Data Manager.
Best regards, Marc

VE-103440

Warning Alert when changing the settings in the Data Manager

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a warning alert, when choosing a new/old setting.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103393

Materialsupport for Steel Profiles and/or integrate in Structural Member Tool

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have material support for the steel profile tools, f.ex. for the tools "Angle 3D", "Wide Flange 3D",...

Probably it would make sense to start a discussion about these steel tools and the structural member. Do we need both or can the new style based Structural Member overtake the complete functionality and shapes of the steel tools?

Best regards, Marc

VE-102455

Data Tags should recognise objects in Design Layer Viewports

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the Data Tags could recognise objects in Design Layer Viewports (referenced and non-referenced)

Best regards, Marc

VE-103364

Not possible to map a record format to an IfcEntity in the Data Manager

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
For PIO's you can map a Vectorworks Record Format with the Data Manager. Every existing and new object has the record format attached.
For example for ifcDoor this is not possible in the Data Manager. You can do it in the OIP or Marionette (our current way). For all customers which work with Import IFC this would be very helpful and a time saver.
Best regards, Marc

VE-102546

Different Attributes beyond the Cut Plane of Section Viewport

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have own attributes for objects far away beyond the cut plane of section viewports. Requirements:
* Value "Finite" for the first attributes (from cut plane to the value finite)
* Attributes for all objects further away than the value "Finite"

Best regards, Marc

VE-103343

Changing the building name should change the GUID of IfcBuilding.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If a user Change the building name in the Export IFC dialog , then the GUID of IfcBuilding should change, too.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103342

Drawing coordination for Viewports

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

At the moment the name of a viewport is very present in Vectorworks (Navigation palette, Organisation dialog, etc.). In comparison, for example, the drawing number and the drawing title of a "normal" Viewport are much less important.

For Section Viewports the drawing number is more important because to the section line.

What are the requirements / ideas from my work with current BIM-projects:
* The Vectorworks name of viewports should be less important. The drawing title of a viewport should used for all organization jobs. The drawing label for example also use the drawing title and/or the drawing number.
* Formula/Auto-Name for the Drawing Title. For example: "SheetName_ScaleVP_Counter".

Attached a file with some scripts which we use to rename viewports for a better organisation of the project.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103333

Placeholder Text for Text Tool

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be a really cool function to have Placeholder Text like InDesign. User which are in work with layouts for competitions would really like this functionality! Another requirement could be to have the possibility for custom modified placeholder text, but from my point of view "Lore ipusm" would be enough.

Here's a video about the functionality in InDesign:

[1:42How to Add Lorem Ipsum Text in Adobe InDesign TutorialYouTube · Matt Borchert1 Minute, 42 Sekunden28.06.2015|https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwi8173ht6z5AhWSN-wKHQn3CL8QwqsBegQIAhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DZYVX0wviSgQ&usg=AOvVaw3pSDWBwiLenD5kKAjarzsz]

Best regards, Marc

VE-103145

Worksheets should support grouping of lines & rows

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be a great feature for worksheet if they cloud support grouping of lines & rows like in excel. This would increase the usability of huge worksheets in Vectorworks.
Example:
You create a worksheet for doors in a building. On the line 3 you list all doors from the first floor. In the line 5 all doors for the second floor and so on. With grouping line 3 you could very easy make the doors from the first floor invisible.
Best regards, Marc

VE-103097

Make All Attributes by Class in Context Menu

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The command "Make All Attributes by Class" from the Attribute Palette should also be available in the Context Menu. This would be a small but nice time saver.

Best regards, Marc

VE-103033

AutoHybrid Object should support Materials for Cut Plane

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

AutoHybrid Object should support Materials for the Cut Plane.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102899

Mark irrelevant entries in the data visualization

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If you set the criteria in the data visualization, all values will still be listed. It would be great if the entries that are not relevant because of the criteria could be marked.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100950

Batch Import Shape Files

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A Batch Import for Shape Files would be great. Workflow Description from a customer:
With a certain regularity, we have to import extensive AV data (entire community / city areas) as shape files into VW. To do this, over 150 or more of a single shape file usually has to be imported. In VW there is the option in the Shape Import dialog to display / filter only the shape files (* .shp) using the options and thus to select all shape files within a folder for import. The selected shape files are then imported individually in series after the import confirmation. Unfortunately, certain "harmless" errors often occur during the import, which are reported with a dialog window and can also be displayed if necessary. With every display of an error dialog, that is actually the problem, the entire import process is paused until the user closes the dialog manually. With an import process that can sometimes take up to 2-3 hours, this is extremely tedious, since the user has to remain on the screen almost all the time to close the numerous error dialogs in order to continue the import process .

Best regards, Marc

VE-102807

GetMeshVertsCnt as Function for Worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

To find out which Meshes in a Vectorworks Project are very memory sensitiv it would be great to have the possibility to use GetMeshVertsCnt as function in worksheets. I know, that it's possible to use "RunScript", but for the most users this is too complex ;)

Best regards, Marc

VE-102750

Checkbox for "Set User Origin to match the Georeferencing coordinate system"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

We keep getting questions at the helpdesk about georeferencing and User Origin.

We believe that the option "Set User Origin to match the Georeferencing coordinate system" should be replaced by a checkbox so that the two systems are automatically reconciled.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102619

Better integrated color management

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

This is a collection request for the management of colors:
* Colors should be resources
* Possibility to change used colors
* Purge unused colors with the command "Purge"

Best regards, Marc

VE-102622

Reduction to one stylesystem for better UX

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorwokrs
At the moment we have a lot of different stylesystems:

*Wall-, Slab-, Roofstyles*
If you edit a wallstyle you can choose which values should override from the new (changed) values and which not.
It's not possible to define if a value is from style or not.
You can create a new style in the wall settings dialog.

*PIO-Styles (f.ex Columns)*
In the OIP you can hide all styled parameters.
To define which values are from style you have to open two dialogs.
You cannot create a new style in the column settings dialog.

*Windows & Doors*
In the OIP you can hide all styled parameters.
To define which values are from style you have only to edit the style
You cannot create a new style in the column settings dialog.

From my point of view we should reduce to one stylesystem and change the existing tools in a multiple year project. It is desirable to change the dialogs of these tools simultaneously to Triptychon.

The User Experience for working with styles will signifcantly rise!

Best regards, Marc

VE-102620

Better integrated dimension management

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

This is a collection request for the management of dimensions:
* Dimensions should be resources
* Purge unused dimension standards with the command "Purge"
* Identically Look of Dimensions in different versions (Englisch, French, German)
* No longer mix page and world based values
* Thickness of line end markers as part of the dimension standard

Best regards, Marc

VE-102618

Clearer separation of Vectorworks and Document Preferences in the UI

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In the User Interface a clearer separation of Vectorworks Preferences and Document Preferences would be desirable. For this step the dialog "Document Preferences" should change to a tryptichon dialog.

Examples:
* Edit Marker List... -> should integrated in the dialog "Vectorworks Preferences"
* Line Thickness.... -> should integrated in the dialog "Vectorworks Preferences"
* Units...-> should integrated in the dialog "Document Preferences"
* Georeferencing...-> should integrated in the dialog "Document Preferences"
* ...

Why is this wish a improvement for Vectorworks?

In order for the Vectorworks experience to be “easier to learn and easier to use” while, simultaneously, “improving the experience for current customers” this task reduce the preferences dialogs in the workspace and shows clearly which preferences are saved in the document and which are saved with Vectorworks

VE-102583

Cut Plane setting in the Default Story Level Dialog

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be great to have the value "Cut Plane" in the default story level dialog. This would give the users the possibility to create a story with design layers with the desired cut plane settings for the new design layers.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102581

Detail Level for Columns

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Columns should support detail levels like walls, windows, doors,...

Best regard, Marc

VE-102580

Export IFC from Working File without need to CheckOut all Objects

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be great to have the possibility to do an Export IFC from a working file without need to first checkout all objects. This behaviour is a regularly annoying theme at BIM-Customers.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102544

Additional activation method for the move tool

Marc Wittwer

It would be great if there was an additional activation method for the move tool:
- The original object should remain activated
- The copy should be disabled
With this method you could place several copies of an original object at differente locations without always disabling first the last copy.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102545

Line Attributes for Objects beyond Cut Plane

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have line attributes (not only a class) for objects beyond the cut plane of a section viewport. For more informations and where I see a workflow optimization please watch my movie.

I'm pretty sure that this very small change would be lead to better default section results.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102541

A better workflow for the visibility of the section lines

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If you create a section viewport in combination with drawing a new section line, the section line will only be visible on the active design layer. Wish:
* Option to set the visibility of the section line in the "Create Section Viewport" dialog.

If you create a top/plan viewport all section lines are invisible. Wish:
* Option to set the visibility of section lines while creating a top/plan sheet layer viewport

Best regards, Marc

VE-102504

Crop for Worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if a worksheet could have a crop. This would allow to show only a part a worksheet on a layout. Examples:
* Worksheet of all room areas of one floor layout (without having to create separate worksheets)
* Create a print layout with more than one page of a long worksheet
* Show a reduced worksheet on one layout without all cells (rows, columns)

Best regards, Marc

VE-102503

Option to use class visibility of Saved Views as class visibility for viewports

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A new option to use the class visibility of a Saved Views as class visibility for a viewport would be a interesting improvement. Benefits:
* Control the visibility of a viewport(s) together with the model on the design layers.
* High control of viewports about later created classes
* Control several Viewport Visibilities at one point

Best regards, Marc

VE-102500

Automatically Naming of Viewports

Marc Wittwer

In combination with the document option "automatic drawing coordination" it would really cool if we could have a automatic naming system for viewports.

*What's the current behaviour:*

In the creating dialog of viewports the user have the option to create a viewport with the combination of drawing number and sheet number. Every change to one of the two values (drawing number and sheet number) after the viewport was created has no influence to the name of the viewport.

*Why is the name of a viewport important:*

If you would like to control the visibility of classes of a viewport you can open the organization dialog, go to classes and change the dialog to visibilities. After this change you see how important the name of viewports are.

*What could be the future behaviour:*

It would be nice if the name of a viewport could be set. For example:

1. Contraction for the kind of viewport (examples)

-> a floorpan (Top/Plan View) -> FP

-> a section viewport -> SV

-> a horizontal section -> HS

2. Scale of the viewport

-> 1:50 -> 50
3. Sheet-Number
4. Counter

-> This is important for all workflows where a viewport is duplicated

*Sample: FP-50-010-01*

Best regards, Marc

VE-102463

Save selected Sheet-Layer(s) as a new Vectorworks-Document.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have the possibility to save only selected Sheet-Layers (with all the visible classes and design-layers of the viewport(s)) as a new Vectorworks-Document.
This feature would be a solution for this workflow: You have a BIM-Modell with all the different informations in Sheet-Layers. For the Landscape Architect (who use Vectorworks, too) you would like to Export only the Sheet Layers with the urban planning.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102443

Automtically Validate 3D Data in DTM Creating Process

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the function "Validate 3D Data" could automatically launched when using the command "Site Model from Source Data".

From my point of view, it is bad that we allow to create a model from faulty bases, and then later explain at the helpdesk that there is Validate-Command.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102364

Rectangle Mode for Slab Tool

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice to have a rectangle Mode for the slab tool. For example like the space tool.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102287

Option to use the Data Mapping of a PIO for a Class Mapping

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if it could be possible to duplicate the existing Data Mapping of a PIO and to use it for a class mapping.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102061

Import OBJ Option to control and re-orient the axes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice to have the possibility to control the axes at Import OBJ. From my point of view a preview would be nice, but if a customer always import OBF-Files form the same source the possibility to control the axes would be sufficient.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102288

pSet Values for the Criteria of Worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have the possibility to use pSet values as criteria for worksheets.

An example: Create a worksheet only with "Load-Bearing Walls".

Best regards, Marc

VE-102268

Mirrored solids show (old) original position of objects when entering into edit mode.

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If you mirrored solids subtractions and go to the edit mode, Vectorworks show the old original position of the objects.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102229

Slab Drainage with Record Format

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the Slab Drainage Tool could create a Record Format with some values, for example:
* Maximum Height
* Minimum Slope
* Total of Drainages
* Average height of the components with a grade

Best regards, Marc

VE-102051

Triptychon Dialog for Wall, Slab and Roof

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice to have for Wall, Slab and Roofs the same tryptichon preferences dialog as for spaces, windows, doors, preferences,...

Best regards, Marc

VE-102054

More Intelligent Behaviour of creating Viewports in Multiple Views

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If you create a viewport Vectorworks set the target sheet layer as active layer and shows the viewport on the sheet layer. In Multiple Views this behaviour is disturbing, because the active View Pane switching to the sheet layer.

From my point of view it would nice to have a checkbox in the "Create Viewport Dialog" to decide if Vectorworks should switch to the Sheet Layer.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102050

Reduce the Decimal Places of "General" in Worksheets

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If the user use the default cell format "General" he will see a lot more Dezimal Places than he can make visible in the document units.

This possibility leads to the fact that the user sees inaccuracies that he shouldn't actually see. A good example is VB-180307

Best regards, Marc

VE-102041

Option to export Treads & Risers of Stairs as ifcCovering

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great to have a option to export treads & risers of stairs as ifcCovering.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102040

Solid View of overlapping Objects in Clip Cubes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Right now - if there is overlapping geometry - it shows as void in section - like the two objects are canceling each other out. It would be much better if it showed as solid, as this requires inch perfect modeling to get your section to look correct. While as if it showed as solid - it would be so much more tolerant of slight overlapping between walls and floors ect.

Best regards, Marc

VE-102005

Function to Import Mapping from PIO's to classes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if Vectorworks could take over the mapping for classes from a pio in the data manager: A kind of import function for class mapping from a pio mapping.

It is common for BIM projects to map according to classes. The effort to have the identical mapping as with the PIO is very great. At the moment we are copying the mapping together in the XML file outside of Vectorworks.

I could also imagine a function that permanently links the mapping of a class with that of a PIO. Changes would then be made in both places at the same time.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101846

Manage Data of Title Block with the Data Manager

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if it would be possible to manage the Data of Title Blocks with the Data Manager.

A possible benefit would be to use only a part of the planname / sheetname and write this "result" in another field of the title block.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101791

Style based objects should check first if Project Sharing is used

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

If you work with Project Sharing and style based objects the workflow to change a style is not good. Example:
Initial situation: Building with 2 storeys and rooms with one room style
- Employee 1 checks out all objects on the upper floor.
- Employee 2 works on the ground floor sees a graphical error in the room style. He now edits the style of the room and can make all changes up to the moment when he wants to close the room with "OK". Then a dialog appears saying that the changes cannot be made because the rooms on the upper floor have already been checked out by another employee. All changes made to the room style will now be lost.

Suggestion: "Edit style" checks whether you are working with project sharing and then check out all objects with the same style.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101623

Labels of space objects should have the possibility to show the story of the space

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the labels of spaces could show the story of the space objects. One solution would be the possibility to "link" the field "11_Floor" with the story of the documents.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101632

Provide more Marionette Nodes in the Library

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be very helpful if you could collect Nodes of our users, check these and provide these Marionette Nodes in the library for all users worldwide.

For example:
* Get Storey Node attached (very imported for BIM)
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/files/file/183-domc-nodes/&tab=reviews]
* [https://bim.aanda.co.jp/blog/2021/02/7628/]

Best regards, Marc

VE-101573

Tool "Soft Goods" for Vectorworks Architect

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Tool "Soft Goods" would be very interesting for Interior Architect's and should be a part of Vectorworks Architect.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100902

Option to set the class style attributes from a active object

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In the German version we have a command to use the attributes from a active object as class style attributes.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101504

Select Similar Tool should support the colors of Data Visualization

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

To select all objects with the same color of a Data Visualization it would be great if "Select Similar" could pick the visible color / fill. This feature would allow to for example change very fast the class of all objects with the same data.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101505

Drain should be possible to place outside the slab

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

For slabs with a round edge it would be very helpful if the drain could placed outside the slab. At the moment the customer draw a rectangle based slab create the drainage and the delete the edge with a slab modification.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101443

Space should support Materials for Room Finishes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The space object should support Materials for Room Finishes. This would make it possible to edit the name of wallmaterial in the Ressource Browser and to have a automatically updated space object.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101361

Remove the Vectorworks Preferences "Auto Join Wall"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
The Vectorworks Preferences "Auto Join Wall" should in my opinion move to the Mode Bar of the wall tool, because of improvements in the last few years this option from my point of view has the most influence to creating new walls (and only additionally to modify existing walls with the Selection Tool). The Structural Member Tool has a similar option which is located in the Mode Bar, too.

What ist the benefit of this change?

a) A lot of users select first the wall tool (before checking the preference "Auto Join Wall) and start drawing a wall with a click. Because of the long help text in the Mode Bar it can happen, that the preferences "Auto Join Wall" is not visible after this first click.

b) if a user doesn't have selected the preference in the quick preferences he don't know this very important preferences.

Best regards, Marc

VE-101274

Walls, Slabs and Roofs have no option to create a new style in the OIP

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Not a typical bug...but from the point of a good user workflow or user experience more than a wish :)

Best regards, Marc

VE-100942

Reduction of the tools which can reshape objects in 3D

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In the past few years the options to reshape objects in 3D are increased. For new customers it's very difficult to know which tool they have to use to reshape a specified object in 3D. Please watch the movie with some reshape samples.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100945

Better 3D Reshape of multiple objects together

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be great if we can improve the possibilities how multiple objects can reshaped together in 3D.
Best regards, Marc

VE-100946

Parametric constraints for 3D-Objects

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be great to have parametric constraints for 3D-Objects. This would give the users the possibility to for example set a roof gutter at the desired place of a roof and when changing the height of the roof the gutter moves, too. Or to connect a railing with a slab.
Best regards, Marc

VE-100949

Option to choose if new classes should automatically create or new objects always have to use the existing classes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It's very easy to create not desired classes in Vectorworks. We heard often the wish that Vectorworks should show a warning alert before creating classes or Vectorworks should show a dialog where the new required classes can set to the existing classes.
Best regards, Marc

VE-100953

Self-definable plot format in the Title Block Border Settings

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice to have the option to self-definable the plot format in the Title Block Border Settings. I think the most users like the system from excel with JJJJ-MM-DD

Best regards, Marc

VE-100951

Possibilty to define the angle of the texture of a Slab

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The customers miss the possibilty to define the angle of the texture of a Slab. For a non orthogonal slab it's not possible to define the angle of for example a tile texture.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100947

Possibilty to define the angle of the texture of a Site Modifier

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The customers miss the possibilty to define the angle of the texture of a Site modifier.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100787

Expansion the HVAC Tools

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Attached a file with some proposals to expansion the HVAC-Tools. We received these wishes from one of our biggest BIM-HVAC-Planners.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100316

Fold Marks not only inside of Margins of Title Block Border

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A lot users use the title block without margins, but they would like to see the fold marks nevertheless.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100901

Option to do a Renumbering of Polygons

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In combination with the command "Multiple Extrude" a "Renumbering Function" would be great.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100742

Hierarchical display of class names in Viewports and Section Viewports

Marc Wittwer

Users would like to have the Hierarchical Display option for classes in Viewports and Sectionviewports, too.

VE-100713

Split Tool should check the Caps Settings of Walls

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Split Tool should check the caps settings of wall in the OIP.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100688

Spacenumberstlye should be more flexibel

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The spacenumberstyle should have the following improvements:
* The spacenumber should be a variable, too (not hardcoded like now)
* No prefix and suffix, just one line with all the variables
* It should be possible to use a manual spacenumber in combination with other variables.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99544

Export Step in Format AP214

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Currently Vectorworks export from my point of view in AP 203. Unfortunately the Version is not visible in the exported files.

We have a few customers who would export in AP214. Please have a look. to:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/52739-step-files/
or
https://www.vectorworksforum.eu/topic/10420-export-step/

Best regards, Marc

VE-100632

Support of Legends from WMS-Servers

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Geoimage Tool should show the different colors or images from the WMS-Servers as a legend.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100640

Cloud Services Presentations: Possibility to duplicate

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

To create variants of a presentation it would be great to have the possibility to duplicate existing presentations.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100618

Import of Vectorbased Layers from WMS-Server

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

According to the exisiting GIS-functionality of Vectorworks 2020 it would be nice to have the possibility to support vectorbased layers from WMS-Servers.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100585

Extrude along Path 2.0

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The object EAP is used very often in 3D planning. A few improvements would bring better workflow and time savings for many customers:

1. Support for multiple Objects
When extruding multiple objects along a path, the objects loose their individual graphic attributes and their class assignment.
The final Extrusion along Path is created in the active class, and takes one global set of graphic attributes overall.

2. Better worklfow for ungrouping
Ungrouping an Extrusion along Path results into a number of NURBS surfaces. When ungrouping an Extrusion along Path that has multiple profile objects, the ungrouping should result in several Extrusions Along Path. This is already the case when ungrouping a regular (linear) extrusion with several 2D objects within.

3. Support for symbols
Currently, if you want to replace the profile of an extrude along path, you need to go into it and paste or edit the 2D shape. It would be awesome to have an option to use a 2D symbol so swapping molding and the like would be much faster.

4. Flip Direction for the Path
It should be possible to flip direction of the path, without using the edit dialog of the path.

5. Support for 2D locus
By default, Extrude Along Path center the profile object on the path object. In reality, that is almost never the condition a user would want. If a 2D locus could be included as part of the profile, its location would determine the point in the profile through which the path passes. This would be analogous to having a 2D locus as part of a Sweep to determine the axis of rotation

6. Retain original path object of Extrude Along Path
If the EAP can read an object to form a path from it, then it should be possible for it to retain that object when editing the path

7. New Option to create the Path of a EAP with selecting edges of existing objects.
An option for creating Extrude Along Path objects that allows a user to select contiguous edges as the path object rather than having to create a separate path object in the first place.

8. Reshape Tool doesn't support Extrude Along Path
The Reshape Tool should reshape the points of the pathobject of a EAP, too.

VE-100311

Walls Missing in List of Data Visualization

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In the list of objects using parameters walls are missing.

Please watch the video, too. In this video the steps are described to reproduce the bug.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100540

Better Workflow for no longer used Vectorworks References

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Attached a few referenced files.

Workflow a) If you delete the referenced image "log" on the design layer in the file "Target" the reference in the Navigation Palette will automatically deleted, too.

Workflow b) If you delete the referenced hatch in the resource manager in the file "Target" the reference in the Navigation Palette will not automatically deleted.

Workflow c) If you delete the referenced viewport on the design layer in the file "Target" the reference in the Navigation Palette will not automatically deleted.

After Workflow b & c it's not possible to know if a reference is still really used or not. If it's (because of a technical reason) not possible to automatically deleted no longer used Vectorworks references it would be nice to make no longer used references in the Organization dialog visible.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100456

Inconsistent behavior when updating objects trough the OIP

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In Vectorworks there are several objects which need in some situations "updates" through the OIP:
* 3D Viewports
* Section Viewports
* Site Models
* Hardscapes
* Geoimages
* ...

Unfortunately the systems and rules are different...please try to use only one way for all objects. Attached a liste how it works for the listed objects above.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100394

Radio-Buttons for "Create Report" Dialog

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
In the dialog "Create Report" it's not really easy to find for new customers the way to open a reformatted report. From my point of view the user experience could be optimized with two Radio-Buttons, instead of the existing dropdown menu. Attached a proposal.
Best regards, Marc

VE-100405

Bottom z-coordinates for Groups in the OIP

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be very helpful if the OIP could show the bottom z-coordinates of groups.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100407

A dialog "Reference Manager" to get a overview of all referenced files

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

We should have a command "Reference Manager". When the Reference Manager is called, it shows the structure of all references, preferably in a family tree back to the first reference.
Benefits / functions:
- Get an overview of the entire project
- Detect whether the same files are referenced several times
- Check file versions of references (VW 2019 / VW 2020)
- Check update of references
- Can update references in the open document
- Can update references in documents that are not open
- Show errors (e.g. circular references)

Best regards, Marc

VE-100404

Skylights with Modification Points to easier Align the Skylights with other building elements

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
It would be very helpful if skylights have a modification point to move the skylight. Using the offset value fields in the "Edit Roof Element" dialog is not very user friendly because the position of the skylight often has to do with the geometry of other building elements.
Best regards, Marc

VE-100364

New Dimension Icons for Dark Mode

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

I know, that you change the dimension icons just before the release back to the old icons. Unfortunately these icons are almost not visible in the dark mode.

A frequent feedback from our customers about the new icons is that the new icons are too colorful and that the dimension icons have been forgotten.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100353

One more Value/Checkbox for Notch Lower Floor Connection of Stairs

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if we can have one more value at "Notch Lower Floor Connection of Stairs". Sometimes the notch is used as the first visible tread. In this case the user need one more value or one more checkbox (Notch as Tread Depth). At the moment the size of the notch is the result of the value "Lower Floor Thickness".
Here's a desired example of a stair building firm:
https://ms-element.ch/angebot/treppen/#galerie1-2

Best regards, Marc

VE-100352

Expandable 3D Lower Floor Connection of Stairs in the 2D Plan

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be great if it could be possible to make the "3D Lower Floor Connection" visible in a 2D-Plan. These informations would be helpful to modelling the correct hole in the slab.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100304

Improvement for the User Interface for editing RM-Attributes (Hatches, Tiles and Gradients)

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A wish to improve the User Interface: Right Mouse Click on a 2D-Object with a RM-Attribute should show f.ex. the option "Edit Hatch".

At the moment the user have to do the following "unnecessary" steps:
* Right Mouse Click
* Locate Hatch in Resource Manager
* Right Mouse Click on the hatch in the RM
* Edit Hatch

Best regards, Marc

VE-100261

Push/Pull Tool should work with lines

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Push/Pull Tool should work with lines, too. The result should be like the user have used the commend "Extrude...".

Best regards, Marc

VE-100176

Tracking of Z-Component for Origin

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Only the X and Y components of the origin are tracked. There is no tracking of a Z component for origin. So when the user origin is different from the internal origin, the Z ruler can become meaningless.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100152

The possibility to adding IfcEntities for Multiple object/symbol selections

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the data manager could adding IfcEntities for Multiple object/symbol selections.

Best regards, Marc

VE-100066

A new Option "3D Conversion Resolution" in the "Export IFC Project Dialog"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

The Vectorworks Preferences "3D conversion resolution" has a extremly huge impact to the command "Export IFC Project". Please watch this VB, too: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-155916

My wish:
Create a option "3D conversion resolution" in the Export IFC Dialog and no longer use the Vectorworks Preferences. Set this option default to "Low" and show a warning dialog if the user switch to High or Very High (text: the export needs more time and the filesize will increase with this setting)

Best regards, Marc

VE-99980

New option "Show thousands separators" for area units

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice if the area units would have a option "Show thousands separators". The length units have this checkbox for dimension. The new checkbox should support worksheets and data tags respectively all functions that access the area units.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99651

New option for batch conversion: Exclude files in folder with name: "XY"

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

In many projects the users move every week a copy of the files in a folder like "Old", "Archiv", etc. They use these old files for the traceability of changes, too.

The problem is, that these archiv-folders are not on the top of the server structure, they have these folders are in every subfolder.

For Batch Convert it would be a good time saver if the user could define some folder names in which the Batch Convert shouldn't convert the files.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99431

One style system for all PIO's

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks
After you introduced styles for Windows, Doors, Spaces, Title Blocks, etc. we receive regularly at workshops the wish, that PIO with components (Walls, Slabs and Roofs) should have the same style system (with a parameter if this value is from style or from instance).
With (i think) Vectorworks 2018 you introduced for Components of Walls a new system to change the height of the components in the OIP for each wall. This is a good sample why some values should not be from style rather from the instance. Another good sample is the checkbox "Load Bearing". Some wall with the same wallstyle are load bearing and other not.
Best regards, Marc

VE-99430

New Command "Create Walls from Slabs..."

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

A command to create walls from slabs would be very nice. The command should have the settings like the existing command "Create Walls from Spaces...". It would be perfect if the Slab bounds with the Walls after creating the Walls.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99374

A new "Edit Style..." Button in the OIP

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

Objects with a settings dialog (f. ex. doors) have a "Settings..." button in the OIP. It would be very helpful for the style-workflow if you could add a "Edit Style..." button. Objects without a settings dialog (f. ex. columns) don't have a "Settings..." button, but a "Edit Style..." button would be very helpful, too.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99373

Command for "Fit to Objects" for all panes

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be very helpful if a command or a shortcut allow to "Fit to Objects" for all panes.

Best regards, Marc

VE-99296

Possibility to copy or import Saved Views from another document

Marc Wittwer

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice to have the possibility to copy or import Saved Views from another document.

Best regards, Marc

VE-104947

ISDK::SetComponentIndeterminate() can not be used on a simple popup on Windows

Maarten Vandickelen

When using gSDK->SetComponentIndeterminate() on a VWPullDownMenuCtrl, you get this assert on Windows (see image).

See also this slack conversation: https://designexpress.slack.com/archives/CLRBV0V7F/p1693289439028399

VE-104928

Resize popup of VWThumbnailPopupCtrl

Maarten Vandickelen

The size of the popup of a VWThumbnailPopupCtrl on Windows is kind of strange now, it doesn't show the whole list, but places a scroll bar instead (not really an issue) and shows a big whitespace so it looks like there's nothing left in the list (that is an issue).
You have to scroll down to see there are still some items left.

This is what the popup looks like when you open it (see image01.png).

And this is how it looks when you scroll down (see image02.png).

See also slack conversation: https://designexpress.slack.com/archives/CLRBV0V7F/p1691172504148039

VE-104131

Track file history

Maarten Vandickelen

At the moment there's no easy way to know if a drawing has been export to an older VW version, or even if the drawing is opened in a new VW version. Once the drawing is saved in a version, all previous info is gone.

[~rberge] As discussed yesterday: It might be useful to save the reverse translation into the file.

VE-103686

Changing views in an on-screen circle

Maarten Vandickelen

See original idea from Greg Matas in conversation from #vw-innovation-vw-ui-ux-improvements: [https://designexpress.slack.com/archives/C04AUV7T4CA/p1668640198612219]

That same idea, but this time to switch the view in steps, see video in attachment.

I don't know what short key should popup this circle though...

VE-103685

Support for cmd+F/ctrl+F in a dialogs to find and adjust controls.

Maarten Vandickelen

Idea from the #vw-innovation-vw-ui-ux-improvements.

This is how I imagined that search bar in a dialog (see video in attachment).
There are a few things I'm not sure about: # While changing a parameter, should that search "popover" stay open or should it close (like I show in the mockup)
# Is it up to the developer to categorize the control (in that "category" (group box, tab) the control will show in the search "popover"), or is the system smart enough to figure it out by itself?
# Should all controls be adjustable in the search "popover" or is this something the developer should decide?
# That flare when clicking on an entry in the search popover: should it only happen for disabled controls or for all?

Maybe that flare has to be more clear? Or last longer? Or maybe something else that draws the user's attention (that blur overlay maybe?). But I'm sure [@ilane|https://designexpress.slack.com/team/U4ZEY8UER] and team can come up with something nice for this !https://a.slack-edge.com/production-standard-emoji-assets/14.0/google-medium/1f642.png! (if this idea gets accepted off course).

Oh, and off course, when hitting cmd+F/ctrl+F in a dialog, that same search bar should roll out and become active.

Link to the whole discussion: https://designexpress.slack.com/archives/C04AUV7T4CA/p1668446181992039

VE-101911

Edit Text Inside a PIO directy

Maarten Vandickelen

Please watch the attached video (2021-05-18 22-34-09.mp4). The slides used in the video are also added (Edit Text Inside PIO.pdf).

If available for the SDK, this can also be used in several other VW PIO's:
* Drawing Label
* Title Block
* Data Tag
* Flowchart Node
* Space
* Stake
* ...

You could go even further and have every text object (inside a Symbol) that's linked to a record field (menu Tools -> Records -> Link Text to Record...) being editable this way instead of having to go to the Data part of the Object Info Palette.

VE-102390

Slab inside PIO: when slab style is changed, pio doesn't get notified

Maarten Vandickelen

[See Slack conversation|https://designexpress.slack.com/archives/CLRBV0V7F/p1632118508092100].

In short: When a symbol is inside a pio, and the geometry of the symbol definition gets adjusted, the pio get's a notification. When you do the same with a slab inside a pio, when the slab style gets adjusted, the pio is not notified.

For our tool, the thickness of the slab is added to the wall hole. So when that thickness of the slab style gets changed, we want the wall hole to be changed too, but we don't receive a recalculate thus we can't adjust our WallHole group.

VE-101918

Segment Position Selector in the drawing area (make it also available in the SDK)

Maarten Vandickelen

Please watch the attached video (2021-05-20 13-52-41.mp4). The slides used in the video are also added (Segment Position Selector.pdf).

As mentioned, this can be used in several Core objects, like:
* Lines
* Walls
* Rectangles
* etc

When this could be made available in plug-in objects, it can be used in several point-PIO's, like:
* Window/door tools
* Cabinet tools
* HVAC tools
* ...

VE-101921

Pop Over "dialog" available for the SDK

Maarten Vandickelen

We would like to have the Pop Over available in the SDK, and if possible in the next version.

We understand the technical limitation that are present at the moment but we have no problem if they would be limited.

Even a Pop Over without popups is still a very powerfull thing and would fix a lot of UI problems (having to enter a big dialog the whole time, etc)

And if nested Pop Overs will be possible lateron in later versions, we can still expand, but for now, the not nested, not popup controls supporting version of a Pop Over would help us a lot!

VE-101923

Control Point Pulldown: switching between text only, text + image or image only

Maarten Vandickelen

Please watch the attached video (2021-05-20 21-53-38.mp4). The slides used in the video are also added (Image PullDown.pdf).

This could also be used for all the other pull downs in dialogs and object info palette.

VE-101910

Adding Red highlight to Selection Tool to be able to select "subobjects" in PIO's

Maarten Vandickelen

Please watch the attached video (2021-05-18 21-02-35.mp4). The slides used in the video are also added (Tool Highlight.pdf).

The abbility to select "subobject", or even just areas inside our PIO's will open a whole new range of possibilities to speed up our tools, make them more intuitive, let the user edit the objects without having to leave the drawing area etc.

We do know that we can accomplisch this be creating our own tool, or even overwrite the Reshape Tool, but as mentioned, this means that after selecting the object, the user needs to switch to another tool and that's just a loss of time.

VE-101909

Changing a constrained dimension line, does not change a PIO

Maarten Vandickelen

Please watch attached video (2021-05-18 19-47-25.mp4).

As far as I know, a plug-in object doesn't get an event or get triggered when such a asociated dimension line gets changed.

Could you make this event available to the SDK so we can use it in our plug-ins?

VE-101554

Wall modernisation

Maarten Vandickelen

For our Window-Door Tool, we need to able to do these things (see screencasts in attachment).

If one if them are not possible with the new Wall modernisation, we need a way to disable the Wall modernisation features so we're able to keep using our own system. Off course, we hope we don't have to do this and we can use the new implementations :) .

VE-105206

Symbol 2D components to have Autohybrid behaviour

Luka Stefanovic

This is coming from a user who is creating Autohybrids and placing them inside Symbols. They would like Symbols to automatically generate 2D for you like an Autohybrid and to amalgamate the two into one workflow. Symbol has a benefit of being a resource and you can reference it, but when 3D is edited, you need to manually edit 2D. Autohybrid automates this workflow and generates/updates 2D from 3D. This would be really valuable for hybrid Symbols, but potentially also 2D components of Doors and Windows.

Below is from the customer, and attached is the file they sent:

_Here are a few examples of the Auto-hybrids within symbols from our current library._

_The idea that we can automate the 2D being created by just amending the 3D and not needing to amend the 2D is incredible and also with the ability to add additional 2D info if needed to the symbol._

_You can see in the wardrobe, we show dashed lines for doors as well but thats inside the symbol container, not the hybrid object. Which is nice to have if we don’t want the access panels to show open in 3D but still to indicate them on plan._

_In the future it would be incredible to just be rid of the Auto-hybrid and just integrate it into the symbol or something like this._

_The reason beyond this is also to do with file management as currently the only way to see that we have auto hybrids within a project is to schedule it with a worksheet when you can’t find it visually in the design layer. However having them work as symbols will show in the resource manager._

VE-105128

Partner Products: NBS Chorus - Enable Styles and add new objects

Luka Stefanovic

NBS Chorus uses Style as a default way of associating clauses with model elements and classes for the rest of objects that don't have classes. Some PIOs didn't have styles back when this was developed, while we introduced some new objects too.

• Structural Members are collected by Class because they didn't have Styles, so it should be changed to by Style.

• Plants are by class, but I know their Styles are not really Styles. If it can be added great, if not it's OK as it is.

• Cabinet is a new object, so Cabinets by Style should be added

-• Shelving unit is missing, so should be added-

-• Table and Chairs is missing, so should be added-

-• Desk is missing, so should be added-

• Railing is a new object, so Railing by Style should be added

• Fence is a new object, so Fence by Style should be added

VE-105205

Data Tag Data Visualisation of Tag Data - optional DataViz like tagged object

Luka Stefanovic

Data Tags should have an optional functionality to show the same DV graphic attributes as the linked object they are tagging. For example (see screenshot mockup) DV is showing Door fire rating, and the DataViz would 'bleed into' DT as well. Currently you can set DataViz for DT based on DT object parameters (ie leader type, align to walls), but this is of limited use. This would effectively be DV on Tag Data as opposed to only object parameters.

It's not something you would want all the time, so it would be best to have options - object only, DT + object, DT only.

VE-105204

Graphic Legends to display Data Visualisation Legend

Luka Stefanovic

Graphic Legends should be able to show DataViz Legend. See screenshots below - when you create a GL, for example Wall type GL, it would be really useful to create a connection to other drawings like partition plans (colour coded using DV) or fire rating plans (again using DV).

To be clear, it's not required for GL to display DV, only to show DV Legend. In that way you could show a link (something like a callout does for example) to another drawing where position of Wall type EW-01 is shown in green, and it's fire rating is 1hr.

VE-105202

DataViz to be a Resource

Luka Stefanovic

Instead of managing DVs through their own system in User Folder, they should be a Resource. It would make it easier to move between files and projects and crucially to share with others.

It could be a benefit to reference DVs, when you amend a DV you currently need to reimport into other files and inform others to use the new DV if they are shared through workgroups.

VE-105152

Custom profile for Door and Window Trim / Architraves

Luka Stefanovic

Request coming from a customer to allow custom profiles for Interior and Exterior Trim (Architrave in the UK).

This is also very relevant for Graphic Legends as the customer feels they cannot produce good enough GLs using the current option for trim as it doesn't represent the elevation and plan view accurately.

VE-105154

Ironmongery / Hardware sets - allow multiple Symbols to be attached to Doors

Luka Stefanovic

Each hardware item should be a separate Symbol to be added to the leaf (hinges, handle, lock etc). This is also how it would be specified and ordered in Ironmongery schedule. This would allow flexibility when adding same hardware items to different size Doors.

As a result of this limitation, the customer is not using Graphic Legends for Doors at all, so they draft this in 2D otherwise for every custom Door they would need to create a new Symbol containing slightly different arrangement of individual hardware items they already modelled.

The customer called this improvement a GAME CHANGER.

PS - Years ago I looked at a potential workflow for how you could create an ironmongery schedule and it was very manual and complicated. If these were individual Symbols, it would make it much easier. File is attached.

VE-105155

Project Sharing activity notification

Luka Stefanovic

Request from customer who is struggling to coordinate activities in the cloud when working on a shared project file.

Notification on screen saying what someone else is doing in the project file (checking out, S&C etc)

They use google meets to manually sync activity, in order to prevent people saving and committing at the same time. This works when people communicate but is dependent on everyone always saying if they are going to S&C in the chat. Revit has an informative popup showing a list of activities, which does not require action and let's you continue working and you can just close it when not needed.

They called this improvement a GAME CHANGER.

VE-105091

Grouping Design Layers

Luka Stefanovic

The customer wanted the ability to group Design Layers, in a similar way to grouping Classes by using - (dash) as delimiter and the Classes would collapse / expand.

This would make DL list more readable and manageable.

Customer tends to use a blank Layer with name something like .......... or ------- in order to separate different groups of Layers.

VE-105102

Section Viewport should Merge objects with same structural fill for freeform modelled geometry

Luka Stefanovic

Objects such as Extrudes, Solids and Subdivisions when cut in Horizontal Section or Section Viewports are not affected by advanced properties option to Mere objects with same structural fill.

Customers are having to annotate over these viewports to mask join lines between these objects. This is particularly an issue in existing buildings when objects like walls are modelled due to complex and irregular shapes and they model those in parts (ie old church walls and buttresses).

VE-105090

Referencing Storey setup

Luka Stefanovic

The customer would like to be able to reference entire Storey setup, or have an easy way to apply it to a different file.

Currently the best way to do this is to delete all objects from the file and save it as blank with the Storey setup.

VE-105092

Lock Grid Lines to Walls

Luka Stefanovic

Customer mentioned they would like to be able to lock Grid Lines to Walls, so when they move a Wall, the Grid would move too and they don't have to readjust and vice versa - if they move a Grid then the bearing Walls would follow.

VE-105083

Phasing / Renovation - Tool for showing object states

Luka Stefanovic

A renovation tool that is able to show views and states (existing, existing demolished, existing staying, proposed new, temporary)

A timeline concept to introduce state parameter for objects based on when they were constructed and how long are they kept for or when are they removed from project.

VE-105084

Phasing / Renovation - Keep existing phase model

Luka Stefanovic

The customer highlighted the need for the existing phase model to be available at all times to be viewed for reference, and they also want to be able to go back to it at any point during the project to create options and variants.

The customer used the term 'golden egg' to highlight that the model should be kept as such with a phasing / renovation workflow enabling any changes to be recorded in subsequent phases in the same model.

Sometimes customers use several models to handle phasing, and in this way ensure the existing model is preserved.

VE-104494

Materials for Doors and Windows UK terminology

Luka Stefanovic

There is a discrepancy between localised terminology in UK in Window and Door settings, what is shown in left tabs is different from what new Materials and Classes tab is showing:
* Transom glazing should be *Fanlight Glazing*
* Interior trim should be ** {*}Interior Architrave{*}{*}{*}
* Exterior trim should be *Exterior Architrave*

Also the new worksheet functions are using US terminology across the board - when I search 'Material' the above issue also crops up. I'm not sure what other functions have been added, there might be more with this issue.

Other older functions under Window/Records show UK terms Fanlight and Architrave.

Thanks

VE-104493

Change Embodied Carbon unit in Material Physical Properties

Luka Stefanovic

It would be good to change the material physical properties unit for embodied carbon from ECO2 to industry standard and what we are using in Vectorworks Embodied Carbon Calculator, which is *kgCO2e/kg*

Thank you,

Luka

VE-103433

Compound Material Properties

Luka Stefanovic

Compound Materials should be able to display Material Properties. Currently if you use Brick&Mortar as Compound Material in Wall Components, there is no way to display any properties of that Material alongside quantities, because in a worksheet quantities are reported of Compound Material whereas properties are reported of Simple Materials.

Compound Material properties should be either calculated automatically from a formula based on constituent Simple Materials (ie. cost can be extrapolated from individual Simple Material costs) or entered manually (RF concrete will have strength of its own as tested after setting) or it should be able to show multiple results based on constituent Simple Materials (Manufacturer, Product Source etc)

I was recently interacting with an increasing number of customers using Embodied Carbon Calculator and everyone is confused with how Compound Materials work. Currently they need to enter CM name to obtain quantities AND SM name to get properties. All of them ask why would I use CMs then and can I use just SMs. That is a conversation I'd like to avoid ideally and the reason why VECC is set up in that way, but the solution should be Compound Material Properties, not to stop using Compound Materials.

Thanks, Luka

VE-103205

Opaque glazing panels for Windows

Luka Stefanovic

Enhancement request from Colin Davis, one of key UK customers:

Was wanting to put in a request, which I think we asked about previously. The window tool is really lacking an option to have an opaque glazed panel in it. We specify these in almost every project we do, and there just isn't a sensible way of achiving it at the moment. A typical arrangement would be to have a window with an upper clear pane and a lower opaque pane. Do you know if there is anything in the pipe line to make this more achievable?
*Colin Davis*
{color:#999999}Director
{color}*Studio Partington*

VE-102335

Worksheet database header to retain Summarise Items and Sum values settings when copied

Luka Stefanovic

It would be great if worksheet database header rows can be copied and pasted into blank rows and cells could retain settings for Sum values and Summarise items.

VE-102100

Add Product Source field to Data Tab of Window and Door PIO

Luka Stefanovic

Window and Door PIOs have Manufacturer, Model and Stock No fields, but in the same way Materials have Product Source field same is needed for Windows and Doors, to describe sourcing of the product, especially as these PIOs don't have Materials.

VE-102028

Curtain Wall Style control of individual panels and frames

Luka Stefanovic

We need the ability to control individual panels and frames in the Curtain Wall Style. It's a very common case in curtain walls in buildings to have a spandrel panel (opaque panel between floors). We need to be able to define this in the Wall Style of the Curtain Wall, along with the grid.

See attached image for example how it would look like and where that would be useful to define. In addition to this it should be good to be able to define a different frame in the Style settings, like for example if there was a protruding fin with greater depth than others.

I appreciate the frames and panels can be edited with the Edit Curtain Wall tool, but that effectively makes the Wall unstyled. See attached video for a real world example of major UK client that has decided not to use Curtain Walls (and see the workarounds they did) because they have to manually edit all spandrel panels on the building.

Problem is further compounded in that when you edit the Style (for example change gridline spacing), you have two options:
* Update Frames and Panels, which won't reflect the Style edits (won't change the grid)
* Delete and recreate frames and panels, which will lose all of the edits you made to curtain walls to create spandrel panels, because this info is not included in the Wall Style

Frame and Panel settings for individual frames and panels in Wall Style definition would go a long way to making this a more adopted tool suited to modern architecture in which curtain walls are mainstream.

Thanks, Luka

VE-101959

Material quantities should be reported regardless of Report as: selection

Luka Stefanovic

Currently MATERIALVOLUME function will not report a result if Report as Volume is not checked. Similarly, MATERIALSURFACEAREA will not report unless Report as Component Area is not selected.

Not sure what was the reason why we have disabled this function (or rather made it conditional on the checkbox) for Surface based Materials.
Also, when default Materials were created, not sure what was the decision to assign them either selection based on. What we ended up with is that certain Materials won't report Volume at all, and certain Materials won't report Surface at all, until a user checks the box.

Embodied Carbon Calculator we’ve been working on recently requires volumes of Materials, and I'm considering to advise anyone using the calculator to check Report as Volume for all Materials manually which is not great.

This would in essence remove the need for a checkbox and enable both Surfaces and Volumes to always be calculated.

Thanks, Luka

VE-101934

Compound Materials need to be able to show active Simple Material Properties

Luka Stefanovic

I'll use the example of a Brick&Mortar compound material, where Brick is simple Material set to Show.

All the Wall components have Brick&Mortar compound material assigned to them, meaning simple Brick material does not exist in my model except for being part of compound material. Which means that in a worksheet where I want to do a QTO and work out a cost for brick wall, I need volume of compound Brick&Mortar and Material Cost property of Brick simple material. Also if I want to add something like component thickness, that would need to be for compound material, since no component actually has simple brick material.

I think the problem would be even more pronounced in 2022 when Subpart reporting will be showing component Materials, then any Material properties for those will not return a result.

I would propose enabling compound materials to display values for Material properties for the simple Material that is selected as 'Show' in the dialogue.

Thanks, Luka

VE-101668

Another option for Hatch rotation

Luka Stefanovic

This is related to a graphic issue which occurs with rotation of hatches. We currently have two options - rotate in Wall and in Symbol or don't rotate.

If the hatch is set to rotate with the element, corner junctions look odd (not how you would typically draw them in a technical drawing) as the hatch is not continuous (see img Hatch Rotating in Wall). If the hatch is set not to rotate with the element, it displays continuous but in certain rotations that are either parallel or perpendicular to the hatch, it is completely incorrect as that hatch might represent another thing altogether (see img Hatch not Rotating in Wall).

I think we need another option, a hybrid between the two which will display a non-rotated hatch where it should be continuous, and rotate it where the hatch angle matches the element rotation. Perhaps we can establish a connection between hatch repeat angle and the angle the element is at to determine when this swap should occur.

Have a look at the brainstorming video we recorded as we explored the options available.

Thanks, Luka

VE-101580

Add cavity closer option to door object

Luka Stefanovic

This is file from a customer and a request we see often. Can we have cavity closers added to door and window objects - possibly to link the width and position of the closer with wall component, maybe even by function (air gap or insulation).

It's typically represented by a rectangle as a detail between two leafs of brick or block. See attached image.

VE-101315

Change Horizontal Section Cut Plane Height description

Luka Stefanovic

It would be good to change the text from:

*Cut Plane Height*

Infinite

Finite Height

to:

*Cut Plane*

Infinite Height

Finite Height

Infinite is a bit confusing as it may lead customers to think the cut plane is infinite rather than the cut plane height.

Also I think the help text could be more precise, currently it says:

Display all visible geometry that passes through the cut plane as uncut.

It should say something like:

Displays Top View. All visible geometry visible geometry that passes through the cut plane is displayed as uncut.

VE-100854

NBS Chorus - Materials assigned to Wall Components to be associated with clauses

Luka Stefanovic

Hi,

This is a common user request that I've been asked for in every demo of NBS Chorus so far - ability to associate clauses with Wall components. New Materials task in 2021 might allow for that kind of integration - see attached video with example from Revit how individual component materials are listed when a wall is selected so material clauses can be attached to them and in the same time wall object can be associated with a system clause independently.

Thanks, Luka

VE-100848

New Worksheet Functions that exist in Data Manager

Luka Stefanovic

Hi,

Having worked on some Data Manager formula writing recently, I found there were some functionality missing from Worksheets. I've mapped them out and these are the ones that would be good to see in Worksheets:

SELECT1
SELECT2
FIND
GETCOMPONENTINFO (index, 2) - this would be something like ComponentClass
GETCOMPONENTINFO (index, 3) - this would be something like ComponentFunction

Thanks, Luka

VE-101546

Include light objects, landscape and props to be exported withing a datasmith format

Luis Ruiz

This may not be part of the original scope but it is important to bring attention to a potential future issue.
Currently, there is no way to see or view or automatically convert light objects to unreal Twinmotion light objects. Point lights, spotlights, custom lights, these are typically used in a fairly decent size vwx model. Lots of time was invested in placing these light objects or in many cases were included in our library content. These seem to vanish as the model gets imported into Twinmotion. When only a dozen of lights are missing, well, something can be done fairly quickly, but when a large size office project contains several dozens, a user then charging by the hour may run over budget and that is not good for any firm.

We know Twinmotion has the ability to select and replace objects, something very useful for landscape, people props, and why not? light objects.

This is something that'd set us apart from the other modeling softwares that already have a link to Twinmotion.

See some screenshot samples and please follow the community board early comments and suggestions
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/51142-twinmotion-plugin-sync/page/14/#comment-374410]

VE-102440

Datasmith Direct Link - Point clouds do not get exported

Luis Ruiz

Twinmotion beta version 2021.2 Beta 2 can import point cloud formats. I would expect VWX containing point cloud file inside of them would be able to be exported to TM with ease, but this is not yet possible. I'd recommend this be changed, why? because TM has no tools to edit density or trim segments of a point cloud and VWX does.

Vido uploaded here is a point cloud brought directly into TM

VE-101919

Datasmith Direct Link - Export while grey other layer visibility

Luis Ruiz

We noticed that while the link is established, whatever geometry appears on vwx will show over Twnimotion. However, a layer certain layer visibility in vwx, "grey others" helps to complete certain tasks, like moving objects while sort of seeing other ghosted objects and have those as visual references, or temporal snaps. Now, while having one of these on screen and click on the TM direct link eye, geometry moves into TM with greyed out objects having a solid grey color. This behavior I believe is unexpected, as a matter of fact, perhaps not even needed, since the main goal using these two applications in tandem is to achieve renderings and animations, even TM already has a few features like that for x-ray objects. My suggestion is that exporting geometry while in "grey others mode" should remove ghosted object from being included in the data sent to TM

VE-101927

Datasmith Direct Link - Match 3d View?

Luis Ruiz

I know it was not part of the original task but before releasing this version, I'd like to make a motion to include match 3d view after triggering the direct link. This is an expected behavior by any user and having the precedent that other applications already have this feature, I hope vwx can be at pair.

VE-104665

Add search layer and classes capabilities for saved views

Luis Ruiz

Recently, when creating a new demo project for Architecture, I found that a very well organized file contains about a 100 classes and a large set of layers. Searching for a particular class or layer is currently available in the info palette. Typically well used for assigning a selected object a class or placing it in a design layer. Same goes for viewport visibility. Classes and layers are searchable.
But I found that a place where a search field is missing is for saved views. Saved views are extremely important for production and presentation of a project. These contain, a view, a rendering style, classes and layers visibility, but these last are not searchable. And when dealing with a 100 classes and 50 layers is just not easy to find anything. Time consuming. lots of scrolling.
I believe a search field for saved views will be more than welcome by users.

VE-103268

Improvements to Vectorworks worksheets - Split a schedule

Luis Ruiz

A few days ago, an interior designer who is promoting and soon to teach vwx at a school of design, made me aware of a deficiency when compared to what Revit solved with worksheets.
Currently, our users, when having a long, long worksheet, are unable to clearly place these on Sheet Layers without using multiple viewport tricks.

Currently, user places a long and tall worksheet on a design layer, say 1:1 scale, then create a viewport on a Sheet. create a crop (rectangle), then duplicate the viewport, move to the side, adjust the crop to only showing the header. Then again duplicate that viewport, adjust the crop to the rest of the worksheet, move below the previous viewport and rinse and repeat. (see attachment)

I'd like to propose we match or improve what Revit is already doing to their worksheets.

link 1

[https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2022/ENU/Revit-DocumentPresent/files/GUID-E122E017-CFC1-4FF5-9405-81956998101A-htm.html]

link 2

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2022/ENU/Revit-DocumentPresent/files/GUID-6FD9B25B-C8F7-46EA-A7B9-0994E7B499EA-htm.html

VE-103267

Improvements to Vectorworks worksheets - Image/photos inside cells.

Luis Ruiz

In recent day, our marketing efforts seem to be paying off. More interior designers are downloading our software and reaching out for private demos. There is a lot of clarification on how much they can get done in a single software. However, some of these prospects, specially the ones that are already sold on the idea of cool drawings and rendering, ask questions about creating reports, itemizing every aspect of a project. And they pointed out we are falling short in comparison to what Excel provides and what even our competition can do with spreadsheets.

The first and obvious deficiency, is not being able to paste an image into a cell. yes we have the formula =image, but that forces the user to model a detailed object in order to make it show in a report. This is not good enough. A realistic photo would avoid human confusion. The situation I was explained, goes like this: "When a truck full of office furniture and other smaller items is waiting outside the space, the guys do not look for ID numbers on a spreadsheet, they look for a matching photo of the piece and then grab them and bring them in place. Visuals here are very important.

Please see attachment so you can get a better idea of where we want to be if we want to persist on reaching out for these designers.

Furniture report and Paint report

VE-103215

Direct creation of windows and doors on walls - Golden rectangle ratio

Luis Ruiz

With the new improvements for creating doors and windows on walls in 3d, the feature almost feel like just drafting a rectangle on a surface. To my surprise the golden rectangle ratio is not implemented. To complete this awesome task, I'd request adding the known keyboard shortcuts to the tracing of these objects on walls.

VE-103134

Enable 3d move command for windows and doors in wall

Luis Ruiz

Currently, windows and doors can only be move in two directions with the help of pressing tab while moving an object, then type distance and angle.

It seems like a 3d move command might be very handy in this situations.

VE-103135

Enable alignment for windows and doors in wall

Luis Ruiz

I understand this was not part of the original task but it seems like allowing alignment and distribution for these objects may be of great benefit.
Currently, distribution by length only works on one direction and alignment for example to top or headers, does not work.
How about adding a bit more love to this menu command? align /distribute for objects when inserted in a wall

VE-103136

Improve Move command (arrows) for objects inserted in walls

Luis Ruiz

Currently, the Move command shows a unique window dialog when attempting to move objects inserted in walls. Distance and direction by pointing an arrow.

How about improving this graphic by incorporating a new set of up/down arrows?
I think it would make sense now that windows and doors can be directly move in 3d inside walls.

VE-99620

Renderworks-Perpective Correction-2 point perspective

Luis Ruiz

This is a feature that is incredibly desirable for anyone who is doing professional renderings. Without it, the workflow is always to bring the final rendering into a phone app or fix the perspective in photoshop.

Other applications like Twinmotion and Lumion, both included in their latest release Perspective Correction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfMalTeZZlo&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvNYlfcpDgc

This feature, if included in Renderworks, should allow the 2 point perspectives a certain level of custom correction. Probably not just an on/off feature.

VE-102818

Apply Material to a Floor Object

Luis Ruiz

Since we added the concept of material, extruded object do have that check box in its Object Info Palette. I found it interesting a Floor Object does not have that flexibility.
I think it would be of a benefit if a Floor object would offer the same check box.

VE-99662

Add .FBX format to our Import list

Luis Ruiz

It seems like this format is extremely popular among the video games community and live streaming. I can see FBX is very efficient at handling geometry, colors, and materials.

More and more, at AEC trade shows, VR technology seems to be an attention-grabbing theme. Certainly, the immersive experience is beyond helpful for taking decisions on ongoing projects but there is a question every designer asks at the end of these VR demos. Can I produce drawings from this finished models? Can I bring the model back to my software and create drawings from it? Currently, in v2019, there is no import FBX. We and the users need to find a way to convert to a different format so it can be imported. If we add FBX to our extensive list of imports we'll open the door to new collaborative solutions.

Please check out this VR company for example:

https://thewild.com/

As we stand, we can achieve a connection to their solution. By having FBX we could complete the story we want to tell. From a floating idea to Immersive modeling to drawings.

I am including a video that I hope will inspire this request.

VE-101410

adding a new menu - Create custom hatch pattern (from simple lines)

Luis Ruiz

We noticed our competition seems to have a neat 2d tool/menu that allows a user to create a custom hatch from just a simple group of lines. Watch this video to understand how AutoCad does it.

[https://www.thesourcecad.com/custom-hatch-autocad/]

It turns out, this is not a menu that is strange to our users. In our own community board we have people asking where is the menu in our std English vwx releases?
It seems like the German version does provide this interesting and appealing process.

Here is the link to the Community Board conversation:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78132-drawing-convert-to-hatch/]

My request is simple, let's add this existing feature to our local release. And we can keep our claim in our marketing efforts that we still provide the best 2d/cad workflow in the market.

VE-101219

Enviromental Reflections on orthogonal viewport elevations

Luis Ruiz

I wonder if the title explains the request? basically, flat architectural elevations, the glazing on windows, curtain walls and glass doors produce no reflections. I thought a rendering style including an environmental reflection would do the trick but it turns out this styles only affect views on perspective views. This proposal is not a must have for Vectorworks but it prevents users from going thru several trick steps, like placing prop objects behind a section line or adding "2d reflections" in annotations. Follow this conversation in the community forum.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/75763-renderworks-elevation-with-reflections-in-windows/]

Certainly this addition would place vwx as a CAD/BIM leader on presentation drawings.

I'll upload samples of what would be desirable.

VE-100662

Surface Array- Add Array Object Orientation Control

Luis Ruiz

Since 2016, we’ve enjoyed Surface Array as part of the best 3d tools in our arsenal. Our marketing team includes it on almost every demo and always brings attention among prospect and users who want to get excited about jumping to a 3d workflow, they all see possibilities.

However, by year 2020 we are getting interesting questions from those who already make use of it on multiple designs, unfortunately, we are now falling short and our new fashion answer is “that can be possible with marionette” and as we know that does not help to solve the their immediate design challenge.

I’d like to request an enhancement to the Surface Array command. Let me describe it for you. As we know, to run this menu command we need a surface and an object (array object). This objects repeat multiple times and “follows” the contour of the surface, the normal of the surface dictates the orientation. In many cases, this solves plenty of design ideas but prevents the exploration of so many others. What if the goal is to create a ceiling with hanging pendants? These based on gravity should always point downwards. In other words, we need control on the array object orientation, “follow the surface” Z direction, gradual scale, XY, angle, reverse normal and offset, and how about a random command? just as a surprise.

Images, speak better than words, I hope these can describe the intent of having an upgraded Surface Array.

Please contact me if someone would like to chat in person about the benefits of this enhancement. I also know I may be falling short and you’ll have other ideas that I never thought about.

VE-99605

Point Cloud-Isolate points-Keep it available until job is done

Luis Ruiz

From recent experiences with point clouds, I quickly realized that after rotating the cloud, the next logical step is to clean up the point cloud a bit, remove unwanted areas. I am glad we can do this by selecting the button isolate point, but the drawback here is this is a shot only before reloading again. For many projects, it takes about 15-20 attempts to complete the process and every time we need to go back and "reload" or reactivate the isolate tool. I believe this is a time-consuming process. Imagine if we had to do the same every time we need a line or a rectangle?

VE-99606

Point Cloud - allow reducing number of points even after being imported

Luis Ruiz

A long time ago in some beta versión, there was a button or slider on the object info palette, that allowed the point cloud object to be edited, make it lighter, reduce the number of points even after being exported.
Currently, we have this function at import. Once the file is on the screen let's say we rotated and isolated some points,etc. some work was done. Then, we realize the number of point needs to be reduced, we could do it right there without reimporting a new file and lose all the previous editing steps.

I wish there was a way to allow the number of points control even after importing the file.

VE-99696

Mejorar la traducción de ALTO y BAJO (ref a calidad)

Luis Ruiz

La ventana de opciones para renderworks personalizado necesita una ayuda en traducción. Opciones de "calidad" (calidad es femenino) por lo tanto nos referimos a esta palabra como ella. Calidad Alta o Baja. ACtualmente en el programa aparece como Alto o Bajo (masculino)

Al iguaal, cuando se desea cambiar los niveles de calidad al mismo tiempo, estos deben de ser, TODAS Altas o Bajas. En el programa esta opcion aparece como Todos.

Favor de mejorar la traducción. Es posible que estas palabras se repitan en otros sitios. Seguiremos reporteando.

VE-99655

Image Effects - Auto Level needs to be calibrated

Luis Ruiz

The Auto Level feature inside Image Effects window produces not a desirable result. The description says to use for optimal settings but the result is an overexposed and oversaturated image.

According to our in house graphic designers, the values for this feature need to be calibrated.

I recommend meeting with our graphics department and have their opinion on what settings would produce the best, best results.

VE-99607

Inverted Image crop option

Luis Ruiz

Since our new marketing campaign is targetting AutoCAD users, our number of web demos has increased. Certainly, our 2d tools and graphics capabilities match and surpass what they have on their screens, that is great news, however, sometimes, here and there we would find a few hiccups when the prospect asks to see a particular feature and ours falls short. For example, AutoCad can import images, their software bugs down, yes, it's clunky, but they do have a tool like "crop image" but also "show invert crop image", this feature/option, allows them to view whatever falls outside of the crop object. Certainly a small feature but I think we should match that capability, I would even go beyond and suggest allowing multiple crop objects to be in the mix.

I am attaching a screenshot.

VE-101861

Wish list from John Lum Architecture

Luc Lefebvre

Here is list of wishes from that firm that would help them for their process:

Improve the 2D graphic output of sections and elevations. Adding more options for rendered styles, get better control 2D line work

They hope to have more options and updates to the VB plant tool. They use it all the time but have limited options.

Door and window tool should have more options:
* Corner sliding doors (no posts)
* More manufacturer choices for doors and windows (setting them up manually is time consuming) - Catalogs.
* Folding doors
* Skylight tool

They use Plan grid for construction management and they like it. They wish we would provide a similar option.

VE-102410

Enhancements to collaboration and coordination process with PDF

Luc Lefebvre

I have been finding myself jumping back and forth between my VW file and my PDF reader when coordinating with the other trades. It can also be frustrating having to hunt down the latest consultant PDF files on our server and within the project team. This got me to wishing consultant’s PDFs could be stored and viewed within my VW project file.
VW currently allows us to create a new Sheet Layer and import a consultant’s PDF. However, doing this for many sheets takes a lot of time and creates a lot of sheet layers making the Sheet Layer tab in the Navigation Palette very crowded.

This idea works similar to a PDF reader but within the VW workspace. A user can upload a combined set of consultant PDFs and within a new tab in the Navigation Palette the uploaded PDFs are available to the project team within the project file allowing for seamless coordination and review within one program - Vectorworks.

Below are some high-level highlights of the feature and how it could work within VW allowing users to streamline their projects. Once again proving that VW is an industry leader.

* All team members can be sure they have up-to-date consultant drawings at their fingertips even when working “off-line”.
* Multiple View Panes allows for review and coordination in a single software creating a streamlined process.
* With the tools and commands that already exist within VW’s tool palettes, adding comments to consultant drawings is quick and easy.
* Consultant drawings are stored under a new tab in the Navigation Palette. This keeps the Sheet Layers and uploaded PDFs separate limiting a crowded Sheet Layers tab.
* Compiling of complete construction sets can be done with ease through VW’s “Publish” feature without the need for additional software.

VE-101862

Wish list from BMH Architects

Luc Lefebvre

Wish list from virtual firm visit with the firm:

Modeling in BIM improvements
* Modeling roofs
* Creating storefronts.
* Would like to see curtainwall tool improved. Always having to move mullions around and it is difficult to move accurately, distribute, etc. Can be very time-consuming to design with it. This is way easier when drafting in Elevation than with the 3D tool.
* Data tags – have trouble figuring out how to rotate it – tech support said it was a bug. Had to do a workaround to get it to work.
* Would be interested in “infinite guidelines” pulled over from the rulers. Finds that the Vectorworks way of drawing a line and converting it into a “guide” is too clunky.

3D Modeling and Rendering – currently using Twin Motion.
* Would be nice to have a Twin Motion Plug-in.

Would like to be able to import a sheet layer from one file into another – or at least reference a sheet layer viewport. Where the annotation space information comes in as well.

VE-101493

Wish list from M-Group

Luc Lefebvre

UI/UX:
# Add the ability to group Design Layers like in Photoshop
# Viewport Styles: Need to ability to transfer viewport settings from within the file and between files (layers/class visibilities). Prior to 2021 we were able to group a viewport and copy/paste.
# Guidelines: pulling infinite guidelines from rulers is a more common way to place guides on drawings. Guidelines should be true non-plot objects.
# Hatch creation interface and workflow: The UI is not intuitive and cumbersome. There must be a simpler way to create hatches by drawing 2D line works and convert them to hatches.
# Worksheets: Formatting UI to be more intuitive and in-line with industry standards Excel: Delete a row or column should not break formulas. Deleting a row or column in a worksheet should not break other worksheets that reference cells in it. Double clicking on a formula should highlight the cells that are referenced in the formula and color code them like Excel. Auto height for cells with wrapped text not always functioning and leaving sentence hidden. Eyedropper tool should work on a worksheet to pick up and put down formatting of cells. Ability to change text/font using the Text Menu in the main application instead of using the Cell Format in the Worksheet menu.

# Worksheets: There should be a Smart Index Sheet. This worksheet should not only list drawing numbers and title from the TBB but user should be able to add other drawings (from consultants) and should be able to “index” the issue numbers for each sheets.
# Text editing: Text within PIO or symbols should be “editable from the OIP. This would give better control of the graphic output. Any Object that has a text component (dimensions, receptacles, parking spaces, etc.) should have the Font and Size pop up menus in the OIP.

# Docked palettes. Similar to the resource manager, there must be a way to minimize a group of docked palettes.

Architect Features:
# Must have a folding/operable partition tool
# Ceiling Grid: Must show in 2D the main runner, must show grid and tile in 3D
# Wall Base: when creating interior elevations from the 3D model, walls should have a line drawn for wall base, chair rails and crown moldings.
# Raised Access Flooring tool. For computer rooms and data centers. 2x2 grid that is 6 to 24*”* off the floor. We have used the ceiling grid tool as an alternate temporary solution.

VE-101060

Space Tool Wishes from Product Marketing

Luc Lefebvre

List of improvements and wishes for the space object.

VE-103744

Wall: set thickness by Instance

Lorenza Barabino

Often we have to deal with old buildings. And often, they have walls with same components but different thickness. But they are scheduled as one wall.
It would be more efficient to have the possibility to set thickness by Instance as well as by Style.
This would avoid having to create many walls with the same Mark.

VE-101723

Door hardware in Top/Plan

Lorenza Barabino

Please, add the option to show the Door hardware in Top/Plan, as well.

It is important to demonstrate the real encumbrance in narrow rooms or corridors (image1); or to specify the type of panic bars for exit doors.

Thank you

VE-101435

Space's wall finishes quantities.

Lorenza Barabino

It seems to me that it is not possible to get Space's wall finishes quantities.
Once we have the finish, the space dimensions and the height it would really fundamental to obtain these surfaces.

Thank you

VE-100520

window Trim projection

Lorenza Barabino

I have a windows with the Exterior Trim all around.
Cause the Trim is under the Sill I should see the projection of the Trim in Top/Plan view as well.

But I don't see it

VE-100652

Schematic View of Boom

Lonnie Alcaraz

I am not sure if this is a Bug or an enhancement request.

I have been working with Schematic views as they are potentially exciting for Vertical positions in theatre (Booms, Box Booms, etc.).

In the attached file I created a 13' Tall Boom 2d/3d symbol and converted it into a Hanging Position

I then dropped a light on it and set a Label Legend to it and filled in sample info.

I then duplicated it a few times to create Shin A, Shin B, Head, and Boom Top lights

I then selected the Hanging Position and ran the "Create Schematic View"

I then change the Schematic View to Left View and have questions

# Label Legends look good in plan but are running into each other and overlapping in the schematic Left view
# The lights are offset from the boom by 12" as if they were on side arms in plan but are directly on the pipe in Sch View
# It would be great if it were possible to see the lights as if they were in plan view, rather than a 3d view of the light
# It would be great to be able to grab a light and rotate it to straight, rather than the way it is pointing from the 3d section Focus Point
## If there is no Focus Point associated with the light it points straight down. if I change X, Y, or Z rotation and even custom plan rotation, it does not seem to move it.

This tool would be great for theatre if we could make it look more the way we would draw it in 2d.

VE-103436

Multicircuit Units Issues

Lonnie Alcaraz

In the attached file I have 2 multicircuit units (spotlight striplights)

The T-3 drops fine but will not number correctly when I click auto number on a the pipe. It numbers 1-6 rather than A1-F1, etc. If I use Spotlight numbering it works but starts with B rather than A

Also, the L&E ministrip drops with 6 cells rather than 3 cells and has same numbering issues as above

I can work around number, and have, by doing it manually but cannot get rid of the extra cells

Also. if you pull and L&E ministrip 3 cir from VW library it is built as a 1 circuit unit which is what I had to build my own

Also, in the same file if you select the 2nd Cat and Herbie positions and hit auto number it does not auto number correctly but if you select all lights on those positions and use Spotlight Numbering it does work

[~scparker] and I went through the issues and he could not solve them except for the notes about 2nd Cat and Herbie as I just discovered those

VE-101722

Classes and Visibility Palette

Lonnie Alcaraz

Prior to the addition of Class Filters, if you right-clicked on a class, or a range/selection of classes in the Navigation Palette and then selected Visibilitoes when the Visibilities Palette opened those classes would be selected.

Since Filters came a long when I right-click on a class or a range of classes, and select the Vis Pal it not only does not remember what class(es) I have chosen but it does not remember what Filter I was in.

It would be fine it it either remembered filter or just took it to all classes and then selected the classes I had clicked on

I posted this as a bug a few versions ago and thought it had been fixed but it still has the bad behavior in VW2021.

VE-104310

Mark-up mode?

Lisa McRavey

Would it be possible to consider a mode in Vectorworks for marking up drawings - with the option to toggle between layers and zoom into a drawing with an overlayed “whiteboard” that can be drawn on free hand. Could work as similar to a design layer, but specifically for marking up informally?

VE-104309

Custom selection criteria: area range?

Lisa McRavey

Would it be possible to expand the custom selection tool to include an option for area range? (e.g. <10mm area, or between 0mm and 10mm area, etc) please?

VE-102882

Plant Partner Integration

Lisa McRavey

Request integration with the [Plant Partner|https://www.plantpartner.co.uk] specification database in importing plant data & palettes for use in Vectorworks projects.

VE-103641

French Curves Tool

Lisa McRavey

Please could we have a French Curves (Euler spiral / Clothoid curve) tool - either as a standalone tool, or as part of the polyline mode options please?

Ideally when the tool is selected the mouse would project a French Curve template which can be scaled / rotated to suit around the point. Then the user clicks to place the curve, and clips according to requirements.

VE-103367

Include XYZ format to service list for Geoimage

Lisa McRavey

There are lots of free XYZ format aerial image and mapping services which work very similarly to WMS, but are in XYZ format. It would be great if we could access XYZ tiles natively in Vectorworks the way that we can access WMS tiles, through Geo-image.

VE-101979

Query WMS Functionality

Lisa McRavey

I love the WMS addition on the GeoImage tool.

However, I want to be able to query the GeoImage for the WMS's I am adding - for example, I want to click on a point on the GeoImage, (a particular colour,) and see the data behind that point, in an object info type dialogue, in order to determine what the colour represents.

For example, the attached screenshot returns a WMS of soil types of a particular area - this is fantastic, but I also want to be able to check what each colour represents within Vectorworks itself, to really be able to utilise this functionality to the fullest.

VE-104435

Add a new function in the Stake Tool

Leon You

As a Vectorworks distributor in China, we have received feedback from our users regarding the Stake Tool. Currently, the coordinate display follows the standard X-Y axis system. However, according to Chinese regulations, the coordinate system should be displayed with the switched X and Y values.

We kindly request that the Vectorworks tech team add a new function to the Stake Tool that allows Chinese designers to show coordinates with switched X and Y values in a "X=" and "Y=“ expression as shown in the attached screenshots and dwg file. This will greatly improve the efficiency of our Chinese users' work.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hearing back from you soon.

VE-99661

Landscape area plants grouping

Lenni Reyes

Currently the LA tool inserts plants fairly randomly which is great, however customers would like to be able to assign cluster amounts to the plants in the mixes. for example you might plant lavender in groups of 3, tall grasses in groups of 5 etc and then those groupings appear with the distribution rates.

VE-100074

Hardscape Chamfer and Fillet

Lance Fulton

Updated 2019.09.09:

It's been requested that the Chamfer and Fillet tools be made to work on the edges of 3D borders of hardscapes. Please see Neil's attached rendering and comment below.

VE-100076

Hardscape Border Elevation

Lance Fulton

It's been requested that one be able to set the elevation of a hardscape's border separately from the main slab.

VE-99788

Georeferencing coordinate system saving improvements

Lance Fulton

In Document Georeferencing and presumably Advanced Layer Georeferencing, if you leave valid WKT in the field but then append some nonsense and save it, a CS is saved with the new name but with the nonsense removed. So you're left with a "new" coordinate system with a new name but the exact same data as the one you started with. On the other hand, if you delete all of the text and enter some nonsense, it will again be saved but with valid WKT from a CS that is not necessarily the same as in the first scenario.

Since we must be checking the validity of the text to get this behavior, it seems the check should happen before you are prompted to enter a name for your new CS. If it is invalid you should be alerted at that point and not allowed to save the CS (which will be automatically altered) and add a new name to the list.

VE-99298

Irrigation zone isolation

Lance Fulton

Please see the below post:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/59449-fix-this-irrigation-and-design-layersbroken/

The user would like an easy way to isolate irrigation zones. His office used layers for this when using the old irrigation tools. However, the current irrigation tools were designed to have one irrigation system per layer. He could work around the issue by using the Select Connected Components command, inverting the selection, and then locking the selection. But this would be quite cumbersome to do and undo repeatedly.

Perhaps we can consider a new method by which users could easily isolate zones in a state that is more permanent than a selection, and also provides visual isolation of some sort.

VE-102253

Stipple Tool enhancements - was Symbols missing previews

Lada Arsenyuk

Maybe it is intention, but wanted to make it clear.

Please, see images attached.

Symbol previews are empty. None pen is the reason for this.

VE-100687

Mirror Tool's Live Preview Can Disappear in Isometric Views

Kyle Sutton

The Mirror tool's live preview of the selected objects can disappear when in an Isometric view. Please see the attached video for a demonstration of this and use the attached 'Mirror Tool Live Preview.vwx' file to replicate the issue.

VE-104554

Request for the Improvement of Advanced Properties Handling when Multiple Section Viewports are Selected

Kyle Sutton

This request is for the improvement of Advanced Properties handling when multiple Section Viewports are selected. When multiple Section Viewports are selected and their Advanced Properties are edited, either all of their Advanced Properties should be updated to be consistent with the Advanced Section Properties dialog after the 'OK' button is pressed or their Advanced Properties should be updated to be consistent with only the changes made to the Advanced Section Properties dialog after it was opened and before the 'OK' button is pressed. Currently, neither of these is happening, which can be seen in the attached video and replicated using 'T02372 Renderworks Sectioning.vwx'.

Another related improvement would be to handle each of the tabs in the Advanced Section Properties dialog separately since a user may only want to edit properties in one of the tabs for all selected Section Viewports without having the properties in the other tabs be changed for all selected Section Viewports.

VE-100547

Irrigation: Add slope angle to hydrozones and design zones

Kristiyan Angelov

Add slope angle to hydrozones and design zones and calculate the different water levels required on different elevation points ( upper/ lower areas ).

VE-100548

Park lighting design: System for park lighting

Kristiyan Angelov

A system for low voltage park lighting. The system should have connectivity, calculations and catalog with different low voltage lighting devices from distributors like our current irrigation system.

VE-100457

Aligned Hardscape should not align to 3D poligons

Kristiyan Angelov

Aligned Hardscape should not align to 3D Polygons and Hardscape Update support should not listen for states for 3D polygons(qPolyNode).

When moving (or any other operation) a 3D polygon Hardscape update support catches this state and checks if the alignment is broken or a new alignment should be created by searching for hardscapes in the document. This leads to performance issues if there are multiple 3D polygons moved at the same time. Like for example a group with 3D polygons visually representing a 3D Object. Non of those polygons are used for alignment, but they are picked up by Hardscape Update support.

The solution is a separate object "Aligned edge" wrapping the 3D polygon which will be used by the hardscape to align to.

VE-100058

Clear up confusing mode icon usage (especially the bucket)

Kristin Bailey

We need to be more consistent with the use of mode icons across products, to make their functions more clear. Specifically, the bucket icon is used in multiple ways, and it can cause confusion. ([~nbarman3] has made an observation about this before, in https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-160973.)

Compare the use of the bucket icon for:
- Eyedropper tool (Apply Attributes mode)
- Space tool (Inner Boundary mode - which means it can't be used for the tool's Apply Attributes mode, as it is for the Eyedropper tool)
- Landscape Area tool (the weirdly named Bucket mode, which functions differently from either the Eyedropper tool's Apply Attributes mode or the Space tool's Inner Boundary mode)
- Seating Section tool (Create from Shape mode, which functions like the Landscape Area's Bucket mode)

Neil told me he was working with an Architect user who was confused by the new Seating Section tool because the mode with the bucket behaves differently than it does for the Space tool, with which he was already familiar.

There may be other inconsistent mode icon examples to address, but this one has come up repeatedly, so let's find a solution. Our visual cues should be clear and consistent, not confusing.

VE-100625

Simplify the template system

Kristin Bailey

The current template system is unnecessarily opaque, not only to users but also even to longtime Vectorworks employees who aren’t sure how it all works.
* The *Create blank document* radio button on the Create Document dialog box serves virtually no purpose, given that the blank templates are available from the dropdown, and that there is apparently no way to control which Blank template (metric or imperial) is used to open the blank document.
* The Default template, should a user choose to make one, exists only to open a file when a VW session is launched. Otherwise, there is no way to control what template is used when VW is launched. Default may (probably usually does) end up being a duplicate of some other template that is accessible elsewhere.

I propose a couple of changes that will make this all much easier for the user to navigate.
# Eliminate the radio buttons on the Create Document dialog box as illustrated in attached graphic TemplateChange_CreateDoc.png. The dropdown should be “sticky,” as it currently is, and maintain the previous selection, so users who tend to need the same template most of the time will still be only one click away. If they want a Blank template, it is easy to select from the list, without radio buttons.
# For users who want to create a new document on startup, let them choose which template to use for that when they set the Vectorworks preference. This will be easy for them to change over time, as needed. See attached graphic TemplateChange_VWPrefs.png that shows this part of the VW Preferences Session tab. The default selection in this list should be to the Blank (Imperial or Metric, depending on the user).sta template. Eliminate the Default template.

With these changes, users can still create their own custom template, but it will be much easier to understand which template to use when, and how to access them.

VE-100450

Extend Notes Manager improvements

Kristin Bailey

For version 25 (2020), you did a good job of streamlining the previously messy Notes Manager dialog box and related functions. However, some other related commands, such as Reconcile Notes and Add Text to Database still use the old Notes Manager with the two sides. This is not only a more confusing dialog box (as your streamlining of it demonstrates), but it also makes the help system unnecessarily complicated, when we have to continue to document the old method. Please complete the change to the new Notes Manager and eliminate all instances of the old, more confusion version.

VE-99633

Keep Quick Preferences open for multiple selections

Kristin Bailey

Currently, when placing quick preferences icons on the Tool bar, the Quick Preferences menu closes after each click, which means you have to open it multiple times to customize your quick preferences.

It would be nice if the menu stayed open until all selections are made.

VE-99453

Preset insertion angles for the Duplicate command

Kristin Bailey

I am filing this on behalf of Vectorworks user Don Marquardt, who accidentally submitted the idea as help feedback instead of a VE, and asked me to submit it here for him. He thinks this used to be possible in prior builds, but I have not been able to confirm that, myself. I've pasted his request below.

I would like to be able to select an object, then using the duplicate tool and holding shift ,when you make the duplicate line have default angles available, perhaps presets, 10, 22.5, 45 custom for instance. Of course, this is based on typical orthogonal design, so perhaps could be a selectable setting to allow the free-form folks their freedom. Put the setting on Preferences/Edit or Session....

So, for instance,if you have a chair on one wall and want it on the adjacent wall, you select, hold Mirror and Shift, and drop it on to the other wall.

VE-102330

Landscape area's fill color is not change

Kristina Yotova

# Create Rectangle
# Select Landscape Area Tool
# Choose a Style form pull-down menu
# Choose Bucket Mode
# Make a Landscape area from the Rectangle
# Go to Lanscape Area Settings grom OIP
# Choose other style from Use Style
# The new style is applied but the fill color isn't change

VE-100809

DataManager - Define Field Mapping searchable popups

Kristian Goranov

Change the type of popups in the Define Field Mapping dialog from normal to searchable. The lists that can become quite long and tricky for navigation are loaded when Object Parameter or Record Format value is selected.

The attachment image shows the current state of the popups.

VE-100808

DataManager - Class-based searchable popup

Kristian Goranov

Change the type of popup in the Add Class-based Object dialog from normal to searchable. The attachment image shows the current state of the popup.

VE-105140

Data Tag: Added ability parametric object to add special functions for data tag.

Kostadin Ivanov

More and more objects want a special function for extracting special data. It will be useful the parametric object to be able to register such a functions and these functions will be listed in a new Data Source option.

E.g Space and Countertop need information for their edges (ID or profile name). The object will registrate "EdgeID" or " "EdgeProfile" and when the data tag need information, it will use a provider to call special functionality and in this case the parametric object(space/countertop) will find the nearest edge to the data tag and will returns information from it - this is not the final decision(it is only an example how it could work - the problem here will be if the data tag is moved to another edge).

VE-100227

Irrigation : Ability to tune off valve from the calculation.

Kostadin Ivanov

This was asked during the Future of Design 2019 in Sofia. The valves are not always opened, so the user wants to check how the calculation in the irrigation network will be changed, if some of valves are closed

VE-103773

KLS: Limit of objects in worksheets

Klaus Lüttich

Worksheets obviously seem to have a limit of objects of about 32K (which is 32768).
This could be WAD due to the fact, that worksheets could not display an endless number of objects.
But a very big customer of us has run into this limit. And if you work on big projects, you quickly have thousands of windows and doors.
Is it possible to increase this limit?
As said at the beginning, it is a very important german customer (approximately one of our most important). And this is the main reason I submit this as a bug.

VE-99625

KLS: Page Setup portrait/landscape format for DIN

Klaus Lüttich

In Vectorworks 2018 the DIN-formats had the differentiation of portrait format and landscape format.
In Vectorworks 2019 there is only landscape format for DIN-format. Portrait formats are missing.
This might be not a bug, but still is a regression to 2018.
We already have customers complaining about this.
See the two screenshots. By the way DIN Hoch = DIN Portrait and DIN Quer = DIN Landscape.

VE-104333

KLS: Publish does recognize a changed Sheet Number but not Sheet Title

Klaus Lüttich

Name of sheet layer consists of sheet number and sheet title.
When the sheet number does change then in Publish using sets the related sheet is marked in red.
But when the sheet title does change, Publish does not recognize that and still shows the old sheet title on the right side.
And when publishing these sheets this very sheet still is named by the old sheet title.
If this is a bug, please fix it.
If it is WAD then please make it a wish.

VE-102714

KLS: Label of slab drainage overlapping and unmovable

Klaus Lüttich

See attached testfile.
Label inside red cloud are overlapping and customer has no chance to move them.

(In case if it is considered not to be a bug, please regard it as a wish.)

VE-102576

KLS: Data Tag missing update

Klaus Lüttich

In some situation, e.g. door has a data tag, which uses room number of a space object, does not get updated, when the space number gets altered.
See video and testfile.
The current workaround is to us command Reset Plug-ins, which updates all plug-ins, which is not always inteded.

VE-102312

KLS: Saved Settings of Eyedropper not available from Workgroup folder

Klaus Lüttich

The settings of Eyedropper tool could be saved. Normally they are saved in Application Support folder. If a Workgroup or Project folder (Vectorworks Preferences/User Folders) is specified, you could move those settings to this folder. This does not work with Eyedropper while it works pretty fine with Select Similiar tool. So I guess this is a bug.

Please see video.

VE-101804

KLS: Worksheet - Function for percentage space area

Klaus Lüttich

Customers are not able to determine the percentage space area in a worksheet. They have to do this by a workaround.

Wish for a new function to do this directly.

See video and testfile.

VE-101808

Export DXF/DWG enhancement - name layer of hatches imported into separate DXF/DWG-Layer

Klaus Lüttich

Vectorworks let you export hatches and fills into a separate DXF/GWG-Layer by the option "Export Hatches and 2D Fills into separate DXF/DWG Layers". The name of those layers is always the of the object and the word "_hatch" as suffix.

Especially in public works Switzerland they demand those DXF/DWG-Layer to be named by special names. So, a "-hatch" is not required in those situations.
Wish, the the names of those layers could be named freely.

VE-105203

KLS: Objects display data in exported PDF

Klaus Lüttich

Objekts in exported PDF should show data when you clock on those objects.
For example plants in PDF. Click on plant should display data of that plant.

VE-105184

KLS: Better support for 2D-objects with 3D-orientation

Klaus Lüttich

This wish is about model of a Vectorworks drawing in Vectorworks Cloud.
Customer do create amazing drawings and when presented to customer by link in Cloud, the model misses objets.
Obviously 2D-objects with 3D orientation are not supported. See the images in customer file. Or the transparency of solids is not supported.
This wish is about that Vectorworks drawings should be better represented in Cloud.
It's a general wish.

VE-105172

KLS: Deleted posts in curtain wall should not be recreated when height changes

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that when customer do delete posts in curtain wall, they do reappear when height of curtain wall gets increased. They do not reappear when decreased.
This is a behavior the customers do not expect.
At least the deleted post in the field should not be recreated. If the increase of height creates another line of fields, then the posts should only be created in that new line of fields.

VE-105171

KLS: Cut & fill volume separate for stacked site modifiers

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
a wish about stacked modifiers in an DTM.
Current situation is, that the data for cut and fill volume are always combined. For example the second modifier with 1 cbm is displayed in OIP as cut volume 2 cbm, because it is combined with the bigger modifier.
Those excavation works are usually done by different sub contractors and therefore you want to separate the cut and fill volume for each site modifier.
The wish is that the data, especially cut and fill volume, are also displayed for each modifier in case of stacked (combined) modifiers.
See video and testfile.
See also our former Bugreport https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-199039

VE-105133

KLS: Add Font style strikethrough

Klaus Lüttich

Currently font style strikethrough (crossing out) is missing in Vectorworks.
Especially working with spaces customers would need this, because changed occupancy are crossed out und the new written behind, so you can see the change.
Wish: Add font style strikethrough like e.g. WORD provide.

VE-105131

KLS: Better error report on ifc import

Klaus Lüttich

Error report of ifc import in Vectorworks is somehow cryptic.
User does not get an idea which objects do have agentry error.
Allplan does have a better error report. With this report customer do get an idea which objects are causing problems and could tell this the ifc creator in order to make a better ifc.
Vectorworks customer do only have a cryptic report and could not tell the ifc creator where to look for geometry error in order to prevent them.
Wish a more speaking error report like allplan has.

VE-105104

KLS: Redundant saving or backup of drawings

Klaus Lüttich

Customers do wish a redundant way of saving their drawing like Allan has.
This would save them from loss of their drawings in case Vectorworks or the OS crashes.

VE-105098

KLS: Create section from clip cube remember settings

Klaus Lüttich

There are two ways to create a section viewport. The first is to use the menu command Create Section Viewport and the second is to use the clip cube.
When creating a viewport you can specify the settings you want, e.g. the Advanced Section Properties.
The next time you create a section viewport it had kept your settings in mind.
This goes for menu command Create Section Viewport, but not when clip cube is used.
With clip cube your settings are not remembered and instead every time the default settings are used.
Wish: Please have create section from clip cube remember your settings, especially those in Advanced Section Properties.

VE-105081

KLS: labeling of grid line should allow A', A'', A''', A'''',...

Klaus Lüttich

Label of grid line only allow number and letters, but not the use of special characters like '.
Customer do wish to label like A', A'', A''', A''''. You see the special character increases by one when numbering.

VE-103423

Grid Line - Allow values which are not incremental

Klaus Lüttich

This is a wish from a big (like very big) german customer, which is ppp in Hamburg.
They use the grid line tool.
They do want to have values like A and A' or B and B'.
Just like in mathematics or in Vectorworks, when you have x,y,z and x',y',z'.
See screenshot.

VE-105080

KLS: One date in naming scheme of publish should not be related to title block

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the naming scheme in publish command is related to title block. For example current plot date or publish date. No title block no date.
Customers do wish to enter a date without having a title block.

VE-100721

KLS: Default workspace at first start of Vectorworks

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

current situation: Customers installs Vectorworks and then starts up Vectorworks for the first time. Vectorworks opens with the workspace which is written down in Vectoworks Preferences.xml (settings folder), which is the architect workspace. In most cases fine.

But what happens when the customer has installed a landscape or spotlight?
In this case the customer gets the message, sorta "architect workspace not found, instead foundation workspace". Vectorworks uses the Foundation workspace and not as it should be the landscape or spotlight workspace.
A spotlight customer for instance gets the first impression of Vectorworks, that all those good spotlight tools and commands must have hidden somewhere until he finds out, that he has to switch from foundation workspace to spotlight workspace.
Same goes for landscape.
And in Germany or better say DACH it is even worse, because our foundation is called Basic, and that includes the modules connectcad and braceworks to start with a Basic (foundation) workspace the very first time.

We do wish that the customer should start Vectorworks the first time after installation with the appropriate workspace. We believe the first impression of Vectorworks is very important and unfortunately customers others than architects do get a poor impression right after start Vectorworks.
In install.log there is the chosen module of the customer. So I strongly think, it should be possible to start Vectorworks the first time with the correct workspace.

By the way:
In our german installers we have solved this annoying situation by using overlays for each module to be installed. With these overlays we do install different Vectorworks Preferences.xml with the appropriate default workspace. But this technique is deprecated and maybe sooner or later obsolete.

VE-105054

Wish: Wipeout and hatch should be imported as hatch in Vectorworks

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation. An object filled by a hatch with white background results after export DWG as three objects in Autocad: Polyline, hatch, wipeout.
Save in AC and import back to Vectorworks result in two objects.
Customer do wish to have one object only.
In the end it is that hatch and wipeout from AC would result in one hatch in Vectorworks only.
I do not know if this is possible, so I create the wish.

Short test: Hatch with no background fill result as two objects in AC (polyline and hatch) and only one object in Vetorworks.
Hatch with colored background fill result in three objects in AC (polylinie and 2 hathes) and only one object in Vectorworks.

See testfiles:
HatchAC_Start contains two rectangles filled with hatch. One with and one without fill background.
HatchAC_ImportedFRomAC is from AutoCAD reimported in Vectorworks. The wipeout is present as a polygon.

VE-105040

KLS: Reset timer of Autosave when save command was performed by customer

Klaus Lüttich

Customer do use that autosave. For instances every 15 tor 30 minutes.
Well when customer saves the document manually using save command, then the timer of autosave should be resetted. It is sort of annoying for customers to perform save and then after few seconds the autosave is performed.

VE-105025

KLS: Export slab as ifc as a single object and components can be added

Klaus Lüttich

When exporting a slab element as IFC, the object can only be exported as a single object OR as single components.
Wish: When exporting a slab element as IFC, there should be the possibility, as already done with walls, that the object can subsequently be exported as the entire object and the components can be added by Shift key. This currently only works for the wall.

VE-104184

KLS: Export DWG, design layers sorted by number

Klaus Lüttich

List of design layers in export dxf/dwg dialog windows.
The design layers are sorted alphabetically while in navigation palette they are sorted by layer stacking order.
This is missing in dxf/dwg dialog window.
Please add the layer stacking order.

VE-103294

Export DWG should support data visualization

Klaus Lüttich

A wish from a Spotlight customer who uses data visualization for example to display different rigging levels. This works fine until the moment they need to export the file or part of the file in GWG format for example for a sub contractor.
The colors from the data visualization are not exported. So the customer has to go back to duplicated colored symbols which is of greater effort.

VE-104874

KLS: Riser same width as tread

Klaus Lüttich

Stair with stringers. Riser is always between the stringers.
If customer wants riser to have the same width as tread, then he has to set the offset of the stringer = 0.
The moment the offset has a value, the riser becomes smaller according to the offset.
Wish the the riser has the same width as the tread no matter what offset.
See testfile.

VE-104942

KLS: Pen opacity for chain dimensions

Klaus Lüttich

At the moment single dimensions do have pen opacity. Customer could set fill and pen opacity for a single dimension separately.
Chain dimensions do not have pen opacity. Only fill opacity.
Well, if customers do use single and chain dims in a drawing and have set pen opacity for them, then only the single dims do show that opacity. And if customer combine single dims into chain dims then suddenly the opacity seem to change.
So here the wish, please provide pen opacity for chain dimensions too.

VE-104616

KLS: Graphic legend should support data visualization

Klaus Lüttich

Drawings can use data visualization and therefore the objects in that drawing or layout are colored.
If you add a grafik legend then these objects listed in the legend are without color and this makes it difficult to get a reaction between objects in drawing and legend.
So the wish ie, please allow data visualization for graphic legend.
See attached pdf for an example.

VE-104927

KLS: Change of Story defined Elevation benchmark apply to Section Viewports

Klaus Lüttich

Using stories in a drawing you can define an elevation benchmark in Edit Story Level.
These elevation benchmark are automatically used when you create a section viewport.
If the customer changes the elevation benchmarks in Edit Story LEVel, then only new created section viewports are affected by this change, but not the existing ones.
Wish an option in dialog windo Elevation benchmark in section viewport to update all elevation benchmarks of this section viewport to the settings in Edit Story Level.

VE-104905

KLS: Please add bullets and numbering to text field

Klaus Lüttich

Please add bullets and numbering to a text field just like in WORDS or any other text application.

VE-104903

KLS: Additional common folders in resource browser for better organization

Klaus Lüttich

In bigger projects customer would like to organize their resources in resource browser. For example put everything about site in one folder and everything about build in one folder. This means you can create a folder names Site and put all subfolders Hatch, Line types, texures, ... in that folder.

At the moment you cannot create such folders for better organization.
Instead customer have to works with names, e,g, Site-Hatch, Site-Line Types, Building-Hatch, Building-Line Types.
I would be so much better to create a folder Site and put alle the sub folders in it.

VE-104879

KLS: Move Vectorworks to another display

Klaus Lüttich

Customers often do work using different displays with different resolutions. When Vectorworks get moved to another display then you always have to do some additional clicks to adjust Vectorworks properly.
Wish an option like Mac OS does provide that you can move Vectorworks to another display. In Mac OS these commands are in menu window, something like "Move to Integrated Retina display".
See video.

VE-104886

KLS: Section line instances somehow visible in Sections too

Klaus Lüttich

At the moment section lines are not visible in sections. Not the own section line of the section (because this is represented by the section) but section lines from other sections.
Customers have to do this manually and do wish to have this created by Vectorworks.
See testfile.

VE-104880

KLS: Enhancement of drawing stamp of title block

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the drawing stamp inside title block only provides a text.
Customers do wish that they can also add symbol to that drawing stand and not only text.

As a workaround you could use data tag tool. But then you are not able to enable or disable it from the title block like you can do it with drawing stamp.

VE-104877

KLS: DXF/DWG-Export set not working with project folder

Klaus Lüttich

in Export DWG you can save your export settings as a set. It is saved in user folder.
Whenever you perform an dwg export you can use this saved set.

Customers do use workgroup and project folder in Vectorworks Preferences, User Folders pane to specify a folder on server so they can share their settings and resources.

Unfortunately this saved dwg export set is not found by Vectorworks when you copy it to the appropriate location in the workgroup/project folder.

We think that this is a bug.
When it works from user folder then it should also works from workgroup/project folder.
What do you think?

Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-104875

KLS: colored lists is navigation palette

Klaus Lüttich

Customers do wish lists in navigation palette to be colored so they are better readable.

VE-104873

KLS: Display hatch on extrude in 2D

Klaus Lüttich

customers do wish to display extrudes with a hatch in 2D.
At the moment this is only possible in 3D using surface hatch and line rendering.

VE-104784

KLS: Export shape work with existing tree

Klaus Lüttich

Existing tree object contains all the data for managing trees.
On export shape these data should be exported with the tree objects.
Unfortunately this is not working.
Instead customers have to create a custom database to specify the desired datafields.
Wish to be able to export existing trees with their data as a shape file.

VE-104783

KLS: Show paper size (page setup) in Organization dialog window

Klaus Lüttich

Sheet layers are used to layout your drawing. These layers could have different paper sizes.
You do not see them listed all together in a list like organization dialog window sheet layer pane. Instead you have to click through every single sheet layer and invoke page setup command. This could be annoying for customers.
Wish that the paper size is displayed in organization dialog window.

VE-104782

KLS: Change path of assigned database for all callout objects

Klaus Lüttich

Currently you have to reassign path to database when you move the xm file containing the callout text with every single callout object.
When you activate multiple callout objects and change the of all at once then all callout objects get the identical callout objects.
There is no way to just simply change the path.
Wish that you can change the path for every callout object in the drawing.
See video and testfile.

VE-104721

Change order of columns in Organization dialog window

Klaus Lüttich

Customer would like to be able to swap the columns in the lists.
For example in tab Design Layers the column for tags is far on the right side.
Customer would like to drag and drop the columns in a custom order.

VE-104608

KLS: Export Data Tag to DxF/DWG by style name as block name

Klaus Lüttich

Currently data tags are exported to DXF/DWG as blocks and the block name seems to be the object name.
So data tags are exported like data tag, data tag 1, data tag 2, ...
We wish that data tags would have their style name name as block name.
This would be needed when customers create for example a room book.
Currently customers have to manually rename all blocks representing the data tags.

VE-104658

KLS: A better behavior with Vectorworks license in use

Klaus Lüttich

If a Vectorworks license is in use and then another person starts his Vectorworks using the same serial number, then the first user gets terminated. He is able to save his drawings and then Vectorworks closes down. You even do not know who have thrown out of Vectorworks.
We would appreciate another behavior. User one has Vectorworks in use and user two tries to start Vectorworks with the same number. User 2 should get a message that Vectorworks is use and cannot stat Vectorworks. Eventually he gets a message who has Vectorworks in use. User one should also get a message that someone, maybe here too who, tries to start Vectorworks with his serial number.

VE-103626

KLS: Data visualization work with wall components

Klaus Lüttich

Currently data visualization work with walls. With entire wall. Wish that it works with single components of the wall.

VE-104606

KLS: Join structural member like walls do

Klaus Lüttich

Wish a better joining of structural members. Currently there is not really a joining at all.
See website https://bauforumstahl.de/upload/documents/publikationen/arbeitshilfen/Arbeitshilfe_02-08.pdf

VE-104523

KLS: Dormer only working with Energos by workaround

Klaus Lüttich

Windows in a roof face create a dormer or skylight. In order that they work with Energos, each window needs a unique name.
To archive this, the customer has to create a worksheet in order to be able to activate the windows in roof face, because in a roof face you have no direct access to the window.
Once activated you can set a unique name. But this name gos for all the windows. So the customer must create by duplicating as much windows styles as there are dormers or skylights.
This wish is, that you can insert windows in roof face by simply drag and drop. So you can insert the windows in your drawing, change the name and then grab them with the mouse and put them into the roof face.
See testfile and video.

VE-104607

ExportDXF/DWG: Please allow data visualization for viewports as 2D graphics in model space

Klaus Lüttich

There is no data visualization possible when you export viewports as 2D graphics in model space.
Wish that this would be possible.

VE-104317

KLS: Hatch rotate in object

Klaus Lüttich

Currently hatches do only rotate in walls and symbols.
A bigger German customer does wish a third option that hatches do rotate in objects.
See video and testfile.

VE-104584

Export Excel should support database rows of worksheet

Klaus Lüttich

Guess you heard that a thousand times before but nevertheless I want to create a wish for that.
Database rows of worksheet like row 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 currently are not supported by their formula of sum up the items but only by their result.
See video. Here those lines are added up and the customer wishes the added up too after export to excel.

VE-104583

Allow IF in linked text of title block

Klaus Lüttich

Please allow IF in linked text of title block (Edit Custom Linked Text dialog window).
This works with toll data tag but not with title block.

VE-104579

KLS: Edit data from referenced worksheet directly

Klaus Lüttich

Worksheets can be referenced to another worksheet. A cell, e.g. text, is referenced into another worksheet. If you want to edit this text, you cannot do this in the (destination) worksheet. Here you only see the formula with XLOOKUP. You have to open the source worksheet to edit the txt.
Wish that you can do this directly in the destination worksheet.
See video and testfile.

VE-102657

KLS: Dimension; Show Elevation should support Story Level

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the Show Elevation option of dimension (SIA required) only supports one level.
Wish that the story levels are supported.
Customers want to dim e.g. a window elevation based on finish floor.
See Testfile and Video.

VE-101561

KLS: Reference Marker, please add viewport name to parameters to link with

Klaus Lüttich

Currently you can add drawing number and sheet number as linked parameters to reference marker. Customers do wish to add the viewport name.

Please see video.

VE-104525

Energos: Please add test method GEG

Klaus Lüttich

For all building projects for which the building application was submitted by 31 October 2020, the old energy saving law still applies - i.e. EnEV and EEWärmeG. For building projects with building application or building notification from 01 November 2020, the GEG is applicable.

VE-104492

KLS: Enhancement of georeferenced images from Vectorworks

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
Vectorworks lets you export georeferences images (geotiff) like tfw-file.
These files do use a comma as separator with numbers, like 10,5.
As you know in Germany we do use different separators for numbers, like 3.100,5.
You see the thousand separator and the decimal separator is different.
This could lead to problems with other softwares like Geomedia which cannot import the exported file because Vectorworks used the comma separator as decimal separator.
The wish is that you can select the separator on export in Vectorworks.

See:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_file

Localization
When writing world files it is advisable to ignore localization settings and always use "." as the decimal separator. Also, negative numbers should be specified with the "-" character exclusively. This ensures maximum portability of the images.

Gruß, Klaus

VE-104491

KLS: Section Lines adjust to crop of Viewport like grid lines do

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
grid lines do adjust themselves in a cropped viewport in case they exceed the crop. The grid lines are automatically adjusted to the crop in annotation area.
Section lines are also in annotation area but they do not get resized in case they exceed the crop. Customer has to resize them by hand.
When you resize the section line in annotation area this has no effect to the original section line on design layer.
So there is no danger when they would get resized automatically like grind lines.
Wish that the section lines do have the same behavior like grid lines in a cropped viewport.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-104454

KLS: Set data visualization settings to multiple items

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
the situation here is two source files referenced to a master file.
Using data visualization runs into the problem, that classes with identical names in all three files are listed separately in data visualization.
See screenshot. For example you find here Klasse 1, Klasse 1 (referenced from file1) and Klasse 1 (referenced from file2).
Customer has to set data visualization settings for alle three classes separately, which is somehow cumbersome when you have many classes.
This wish here would be, that you can select a couple a classes and then make your settings for all these selected classes at once.
Or maybe an option to transfer the settings of one class to others.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-104455

KLS: Purge Colors with identical RGB value but different color name

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
especially the black color causes problems when a document gets purged.
You have three or four times the very same black color with RGB=0,0,0 but with different color name. So this black gets listed a separate color.
The wish would be, that you can purge those colors with the identical RGB value but different color name. Maybe a dialog opens to ask you which color name to use.
Gruß, Klaus

VE-104416

KLS: Wall end cap on top and bottom of wall

Klaus Lüttich

A wish about a functionality which exists in ArchiCAD and should be adopted into Vectorworks.
Wall end caps currently are possible on both ends of the wall. Wish wall end caps on top and bottom of a wall.
Please see video from ArchiCAD and testfile with this situation in a customer file.
ARCHICAD BIM: Komplexe Profile I - Attika
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rowz4fWECo4

VE-104394

KLS: Import Geojson directly without converting in shape first

Klaus Lüttich

Geojson are often used by our customers by Arcgis online. Import is only possible when converting into shape format first.
Wish a direct import into Vectorworks.
Link: https://doc.arcgis.com/de/arcgis-online/reference/geojson.htm

VE-104422

KLS: Asymmetrical Scaling of Symbol

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
here is a customer file in which the asymmetrical scaling of extrudes in a symbol is not working.
Guess it is not a bug.
But at least it is a wish that asymmetrical scaling should create better results.
See video and testfile.

VE-104421

KLS: Constrained dims should be possible in Section Viewport

Klaus Lüttich

In a sheet layer viewport it is possible to create constrained dimensions in annotation area. If the object in design layer is moved the dimensions in annotation area get moved too.
This does not work with section viewports.
Please make this work too.

VE-101774

Worksheet: Dimension in format cells should offer selection of unit

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the dimension units (length, area & volume) are always related to the document units.
It is impossible to have e.g. centimeters in the drawing but meters in worksheet.
Please add an unit pop up to the dimensions in format cell.
See screenshot.

VE-104417

KLS: Scale images in Section View of Section Viewport

Klaus Lüttich

See video and testfile.
Currently it is not possible to scale an image in section view.
We think, when it's possible to map an image in this situation, then it should also be possible to scale it.

VE-104384

KLS: select end point of leader line of data tag

Klaus Lüttich

Please allow to select the end point of leader line of data tag.
In Vectorworks 2022 this was possible with space object and space label.
Since Vectorworks 2023 the space label is replaced by data tag which does not provide this option.
Please add this option to select the end point of leader line to data tag.
See video.

VE-104383

KLS: Data Tag aligned to edge of geometry

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

currently data tag can be aligned to walls or parametric objects only.
Wish that data tag can be aligned to edges of other objects, e.g. polyline.

This wish comes from a customer of us who does shape imports. The imported objects are contour lines. The height of those line are displayed bay data tag. The text is always horizontal and it would be fine when the text gets aligned.

See testfile and video.

Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-104341

KLS: Combine publish sets

Klaus Lüttich

Currently customer can create publish sets.
But you can publish the sets only one by one.
You have to load set by set and publish them one after the other.
Wish that you can publish all saved publish sets with one mouse click.

VE-104340

KLS: Data tag in SLVP get also scaled when text get scaled

Klaus Lüttich

Customer do use sheet layer to arrange their plans for printing or export.
Often they do change the sclae of the viewport.
And so it can happen, that text gets too small.
No problem, you can scale the text in viewport settings.
But this only changes the size of text and data tags do look deranged after that.
Wish, that data tags get scaled by that text scale too, so that they look proper again.
See video and textfile.

VE-104318

KLS: Add value to multiple values

Klaus Lüttich

This is a general wish for all objects.
For example a group of windows with the same width. Here you can add a specific value to the existing width, e.g. + 10".
But if the windows do have different values of width, you cannot add a value like + 10", so that every single value gets this value added.
You only can set a specific value to all objects.
The wish is, that you can add a value, so that every single value of this group gets this value added to its present value.
Maybe using a joker like * + 10".
See video.

VE-104319

KLS: Replace labels of grade by data tag

Klaus Lüttich

Like done with space object please add data tag to grade object.
The objects labels should be replaced by data tag.

VE-101651

KLS: Name of duplicated plant in plant style should not be Untitled

Klaus Lüttich

Duplicate a plant style in Resource Browser. The new name is the original name plus a suffix. Do the very same thing in a plant style and the new name is Untitled.

Wish that the name is also original style name plus suffix.

See Video.

VE-104257

KLS: Add style name to Select Similar Tool

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
it is not possible to select objects by their style name.
For example insert windows with different style.
I wish to select them by object type and style name, so only windows with the same style get selected.
Please add style name to this tool.
For wall, slab and roof this is already present. But not for other objects.
Gruß, Kaus Lüttich

VE-104263

KLS: Modifying Grade objects in 3D view

Klaus Lüttich

Customers wishes to modify grade objects in any 3D view.
Currently those blue modification points are only available in 2D vie, but missing in 3D.
Also the customer suggests to support the newly introduced (Vectorworks 2023 SP4) 3D dragger.

VE-104209

KLS: Table and chairs; make number of chair more intuitiv for round table

Klaus Lüttich

In case of a round table you always have to divide the number of chairs in 2 at the end and the rest on the side of the table.
The number of chairs at the end of the table must be 0 or 2. No other number possible.
This is not intuitiv for customers. Please make it more intuitiv so the customer must not split the number of chairs in 2 and the rest.
See video and testfile.

VE-104199

KLS: Add Shaded to Export Panorama

Klaus Lüttich

Possible to add Shaded to render mode of command export panorama?

VE-104213

KLS: Changes source of one ref. viewport

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

customer creates about ten referenced viewports from the same source file.
Now he wants to changes the path from one of these viewports to another source file.

To do this he has to delete the ref. viewport and create a new viewport from the new source file.
The viewport will have afterwards the same content.

For the customer it is cumbersome to delete and create that ref. viewport.
He wishes to change the path of that one viewport to a new source.

Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-104207

KLS: Title block; option use ALL CAPITAL for project data

Klaus Lüttich

Some customer do write their project data in capital letters and do wish an option to turn all those project data in capital letters regardless if they are lower or upper case.

VE-104169

KLS: Class assignment also to symbols

Klaus Lüttich

Currently class assignment only affect objects and groups, but not symbol and their subparts.
Wish an option that symbols are affected too.

VE-104138

KLS: Attach Record to wall

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
a custom record can be attached to a window or door style in resource browser.
If such a window or door is inserted in drawing, the customer record is automatically attached.
This is not working for wall style.
Wish that a custom record can be attached to a wall.

VE-104099

PDF/X

Klaus Lüttich

Customer do wish PDF/X format.

VE-101591

Existing tree: Please allow detail level

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the symbols of existing tree do not allow the use of detail level. There is no possibility to change the existing tree symbols by detail level. Please allow the use of detail levels for existing tree.

VE-101630

KLS: Highlight Hardscape when editing surface modifiers

Klaus Lüttich

Currently when surface modifiers of a hardscape are edited, the hardscape itself is very difficult to locate. Customer have to guess where to place the modifiers.

Please highlight at least the hardscape or make it somehow visible when editing the surface modifiers.

VE-101631

KLS: Grade only to show elevation

Klaus Lüttich

currently the grade shows the elevation plus either the line or the slope. It is impossible to display the elevation only.

During construction the additional line and slope value might be helpful. But the workers on the construction site could get confused by this additional information. All they need are two point with the elevation value.

VE-102765

KLS: Hardscape; Add price to components

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that a price can be added to main and border area.
Wish, that a price plus unit like m2, m3 or running meter can be added to the components of a hardscape.

VE-104100

Graphic Legend, display multiple values each by each

Klaus Lüttich

Please see attached testfile.
In red circle you see "Mehrere Werte" (multiple values).
Wish is, not to display multiple values as text, but each single value.
It is just a wish.

VE-104080

Class attributes should provide full possibilities of attribute palette

Klaus Lüttich

I have to include the following request in JIRA:
Currently there are various attributes in the class settings that can be set as default for this class. However, options that are selectable in the attribute palette are missing here. An example is when using the fill "Image" the various setting options via pop-over input.See attached document and online help:
[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/Attributes/Mapping_image_fills.htm?rhmapfs=true]

The same applies to tile, hatch and gradient.

VE-104050

KLS: Roof: control over roof ridge line

Klaus Lüttich

Current Situation is that you do have have much control over a roof. It is created from a 2D Geometrie and you can change certain points to a gable.
Customer do wish control over the ridge line. They want to edit the orientation of the ridge.
See video and testfile.
In this file there are two roof faces. Drawing a polygon from the outline and creating a roof does not result in a same roof.
In this case the ridge line does not match.
Wish to have control aver the ridge line.

VE-104034

KLS: Data tag should show plant images

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
see testfile. Right side is a plant and left side a landscape area.
Customer do wish to display plant images in data tag.

See tag of plant on right side. Here you see the plant image which is represented by Homer.
With data tag only text is displayed but not the image itself.

The same goes for landscape area.

Gruß, Klaus

VE-104022

KLS: Add WSFunction to Space

Klaus Lüttich

Please add worksheet function for spaces to get the walls connected to a space object (wall style name).

VE-104023

KLS: Add WSFunction to Wall

Klaus Lüttich

Please add worksheet function for walls to get the connected space objects (space number, space name).

VE-104003

KLS: Changing order colors in color palette

Klaus Lüttich

Currently it is not possible to change the order of colors in a color palette like you can do it with design layers in Organization dialog window. Here you can grab a layer by mouse and change the order of the displayed layers.
Wish to be able to change the order of displayed colors in a color palette.

VE-103995

KLS: Space misses pen opacity

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
space object misses the pen opacity in space settings dialog window, graphic attributes pane. See attached screenshot.
Customer for example can set attributes of space object by class. In class settings you can set fill opacity and pen opacity separately, but only the fill opacity is set to both fill and pen of space object while the pen opacity is ignored.
Please add pen opacity to space object.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103984

KLS: Using Wall closure should respect insert location

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
we do wish a message plopping up, when customer activates option "Use wall closure" e.g. in Plug-in Objects Options dialog window.
Especially with our german windows the insertion location is not correct afterwards.
When using walls closure the insertion option must not be Wall - Centerline any more, but need to have in 99% of all cases be Wall Closure - Insertion Location.
Best solution would be that the insert location would automatically switch. But that is not always wanted.
So we wish a message dialog window telling the customer to take care of insert location.
See my video. I demonstrated it with a german version of Vectorworks.
Guess there is no need to send a testfile because the wish is for a message dialog window.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103962

KLS: Data visualization for referenced viewports

Klaus Lüttich

hi there,
the wish is, to be able to color referenced viewports on design layer in different colors.
Customers using lots of ref. DLVP want to be able to see them quickly for analysis.
The first thing that came to my mind was data visualization.
But that is not possible with ref. viewports.
It must not necessarily be data visualization. At least to color each ref. viewport would be helpful.
Workaround for the customer is to use ref. design layers instead of ref. viewport. Then customer can color ref. layer. But that is only a workaround. Better to color ref. DLVP.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103688

KLS: Park Spaces should also consider car length

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
please see video.
Parking space should consider the car length in case the spaces are angled. In that case a car would be partially on the street.
Wish an additional option to consider the car length.
At the moment customer has to calculate the appropriate space length himself.
Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103952

KLS: Better file and folder organization of resource manager

Klaus Lüttich

The resource manager quickly becomes very unhandy in bigger projects.
The folders in resource manager are limited to their assigned objects like symbols or walls styles. Impossible to put windows and walls into one folder like you can do it in explorer on windows or finder on mac.
Customer do wish a more OS-like resource browser in which you can organize the resource more freely and intuitiv and flexible.

VE-103935

KLS: Add access to plants of landscape area in legend

Klaus Lüttich

The new graphic legend tool in 2023 can show landscape areas.
But you cannot display the plants of the landscape area, e.g. the Latin name.
Wish to have access to the plants inside landscape area.

VE-103932

KLS: Activate item from resource manager in drawing

Klaus Lüttich

The function "Locate in Resource Manager" is pretty handy.
Wish the other way round.
Right click on item in resource manager "Activate item in drawing" should highlight or activate all instances of that item in drawing (if possible).
Additional a popup window showing the number of instances in drawing and where to find them (class, layer , coordinates, ...).

VE-103916

KLS: Palette from Other Palettes should stay active

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

when you select a color using Other Palettes, then the next time you want to select a color the colors from Active Document are displayed and not the previously selected palette.
Wish that the selected palette from Other Palettes would stay active.
I know you can make this palette active in Manager Palette.
See video.

VE-103912

KLS: Title block, north point and drawing stamp relativ to title block symbol

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,
a wish about title block.
Current situation is that you can insert and place a north point and a drawing stamp. The position of these two elements are fix. This means, when you change the page size, e.g. customer adds one viewport after the other and then the page gets too small to contain them all, then the title block symbol adjust itself to the new page. But the north point and the drawing stamp keep their fix position. The result is, that the customer has to move both elements manually.
Wish is an option so these two elements do adjust themselves relativ to the title block symbol.
See video.
(Sorry, automatically correction does not know the word north and replaced by not or note.)

VE-103904

KLS: Vectoworks Cloud conflict files

Klaus Lüttich

Wish:The Google and Dropbox can indicate for conflict files which parties play a role in the conflict. If a corresponding file is created in the Vectorworks Cloud due to a conflict, there is currently only the indication that it is so and not who is the originator.
Wish that it is also visible in the Vectorworks Cloud accordingly.

VE-103884

GIS: Secure WMS-service

Klaus Lüttich

@Vlado

A question about the GIS:
can we offer a secure WMS service? We have a username and password for testing.

Secured Service Link:
https://owsproxy.lgl-bw.de/owsproxy/ows/WMS_LGL-BW_ATKIS_DTK_100_E?

Username: FetzerStraub
Password: 20221206_fetstr

I tested it with a free service and it works, just not with a secured one.

Free service:
https://owsproxy.lgl-bw.de/owsproxy/ows/WMS_LGL-BW_SAT_Sentinel-2_2020_RGB_10m

Can you please help us.

I made a short video of how I do it:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ztm40kfj40nnw8/GIS.mp4?dl=0

Regards,
Viktor

VE-103875

KLS: Locus 3D should add. show height relative to origin

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the locus 3D show the height relativ to the active design layer. Switching to layers with a different height results in locus 3D schwing a different height in OIP.
Customer often do use the locus 3D for brief measurement.
So it would be fine when locus 3D would also show the height relative to Vectorworks origin additional to the height relative to the layer.

VE-103850

Line thickness by point also in decimal

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the values for line thickness in point are displayed fractional.
You can enter them decimal like 1,25 but they are displayed fractional like 1 1/4.
Wish ab option to decide whether to display fractional or decimal.

VE-103826

KLS: Wall closure at inserts own texture/material

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the wall closure at inserts uses the texture/material of the wall or wall component.
Customer do wish to apply an own texture/material for that.

VE-103817

KLS: Add elevation benchmark automatically in SVP when more layers visible

Klaus Lüttich

Wish that additional elevation benchmarks are added when more layers are set visible and Update button is pressed.
See video and testfile.

VE-103800

KLS: Please increase size of imported images

Klaus Lüttich

Along with more efficient PC customer do import images with bigger sizes.
The size in Vectorworks is limited.
Please find attached a georeferenced TIFF which is far too big to get imported.
Of course we told the customer to cut it down into pieces.
But this is often not so easy possible.
So here the wish to increase the allowed size or a way to cut the images into pieces.

I could not upload the the TIFF (about 2.5 GB).
So here the download link.
https://downloads.computerworks.de//146680.zip
Please download it and text me when done so I can delete it from our server.

Gruß, KlausLüttich.

VE-103797

KLS: Double Click symbol in other document should let you preserve folder hierarchy

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, only with drag and drop the folder hierarchy of symbols from other documents gets preserved.
Double click or Make Active does not preserve the folder hierarchy.
Wish that the folder hierarchy would be preserved too.

VE-103798

Text kinda of blurry when zooming

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

we really do have customers complaining about text getting kinda of blurry when zooming. They become dizzy, woozy and a headache (or even a migraine) when zooming all the day.
I promised to create a wish for better text representation when zooming.
I did a video so you see the blurriness.
It affects drawings with lot of text.
We already told the customer that there is preview mode when zooming for better performance.

Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103774

KLS: Hierarchical display of layers

Klaus Lüttich

Currently it is only possible to display classes hierarchical.
Customers do wish to have this for layers too.
This would enable them to blend out layers which belong together.
Filtering layers does help but better to have additional hierarchical display.

VE-103749

KLS: Hardscape components aligned to underground slabs (e.g. underground car park)

Klaus Lüttich

A hardscape normally has a slope away from the house in order water runs not to the house. A underground park for example could have annother direction of its slope which is to the house.
The hardscape with its components is above (on top) of the underground garage.
Wish, the lowest component of the hardscape (that one directly above the garage) should follow the slop of the slab of the garage. And the next component (second from bottom) should compensate the slope, so that this component follows the slope of the garage on its bottom and the slope of the hardscape on its top.

VE-103655

KLS: Data visualization more criteria in Display Criteria field

Klaus Lüttich

Currently in Display Criteria field only one criteria is allowed.
For example objects using record cannot be mixed with objects using Function.
The purpose is, that a wall with fire rating (objects using record, >record name>, fire rating) AND the wanted material (e.g. reinforced concrete) case be displayed by data visualization.

VE-103705

KLS: sheet layer tags should be filtered in worksheets

Klaus Lüttich

Wish that in worksheets customer can filter sheet layers by their tags.
Thus would be helpful in creating plan lists.

VE-103684

KLS: Option to select units in ifc-file on export

Klaus Lüttich

Wish from customer Knapp AG, which do have over 400 licenses (mixed GER and US).
They wish the possibility to change units in exported ifc-files.
Currently there is millimters for length and gram for weigth.
We know this corresponds with the ifc specifications given.

Knapp AG exports ifc and send them to a subcontractor who merges two ifc-files into one. And the other file has meters as unit.

So here the wish: Please allow customer to select the units in exported ifc-file or give customer the possibility to them from millimeters to meter and gram to kilogram.

VE-103654

KLS: Wall component attach to database

Klaus Lüttich

At the moment it is only possible to connect an entire wall to a database.
Customer wish to be able to attach only a wall component to a database.

Thus is needed in combination with data visualization. Customer only wants the wall components with e.g. different fire rating to have different colors.

(Related to VB-103626)

VE-103629

KLS: Auto-placement also for single objects

Klaus Lüttich

Currently auto-placement only works for selected eligible objects mode.
customer do wish that for single objets too.
For instance when using data tags without leader.

VE-103627

KLS: Save Select Multiple Data Visualizations as a Set

Klaus Lüttich

Wish that Multiple Data Visualizations could be saved as a set.
Currently customer has to select different data visualizations in dialog window Select Multiple Data Visualizations.
Switching to another set means to select them in this dialog windows.
Switching back means to select again.
Better to create a set which can be saved.

VE-103640

KLS: Migration Manager should consider custom colors

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the migration manager does not take care of custom colors.
Customer have to copy them manually from previous Vectorworks.
Wish that migration manager copies the custom colors.
2022 path: /Libraries/Defaults/Color Palettes

VE-103618

KLS: Floating data bar for NURBS enhancement

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the floating data bar for NURBS is different from the one for 3D-Polygons.
It provides for NUBS X‘, Y‘, Z‘, L, WPA, while it provides for 3D-Polygons L, WPA, ∆X‘, ∆Y‘, ∆Z‘, X‘, Y‘, Z‘.
Customers do wish the same floating data bar for NURBS like 3D-Polygons.

VE-103638

KLS: Option for viewport layer visibilities when creating/duplicating design layer

Klaus Lüttich

When creating a new design layer than this new layer is invisible in a viewport.
But when duplicating a design layer then it visible in viewport.

Both behavior do annoy customer, because when creating they want it automatically visible in viewport and when duplicating they want it to be invisible.

Please add an option so the customer can decide the new or duplicated layer to be visible or invisible.

VE-101635

KLS: Export DWG should support symbols with records

Klaus Lüttich

Currently symbols with attached records are not supported by export dwg. Customers can link text to symbol by an record. See attached testfile. This is pretty cool in Vectorworks, but it cannot be exported to DWG. Please make this possible.

See attached testfiles.

VE-103620

Enhancement GetSpaceNameForObj, GetSpaceNumForObj restricted to story

Klaus Lüttich

Please add option to limit or restrict to the same story for functions GetSpaceNameForObj, and GetSpaceNumForObj
If spaces are on different stories there should be an option to limit to the same story.

VE-103619

Enhancement GetSpaceNameForObj, GetSpaceNumForObj filter by space styles

Klaus Lüttich

Please add option to filter the functions GetSpaceNameForObj and GetSpaceNumForObj by space styles.

VE-102190

KLS: Add stacking order of sheet layers to publish

Klaus Lüttich

Publish only let you sort plans, especially sheet layers, alphabetical. Well, customers do wish do have the stacking order they are used from organization dialog windows.

Please add that stacking order of sheet layers to publish. See video.

VE-103591

KLS: Links inside worksheets

Klaus Lüttich

Please make links for worksheets like you can do it in excel.
customers works with worksheets in Vectorworks and with excel sheets in MS Excel and misses the possibility to have (or create) links in worksheets like it is done in excel.

VE-103580

KLS: Rendermode Sketch for Worksheet Images

Klaus Lüttich

See Video.
Wish rendermode sketch for images in top/plan inside a worksheet.

VE-103571

Chain dimension entering data by floating data bar

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there

here is a wish from a customer.
Customer creates a chain dimension by typing in the values using the floating data bar.
As long as the mouse pointer is in line with the chain dimension, this workflow is working.
The moment the mouse is not in line, the value is not correct. I know, this is WAD.
The wish is to lock the mouse to be in line with the chain dimension.
See video and testfile.

Gruß, Klaus Lüttich

VE-103566

Overall progress status indicator when updating viewports, render, geometry, lights...

Klaus Lüttich

Wish that the overall status of updating sections and renderings is additional shown.
Currently only the progress of the current process (section, geometry, light, render, etc.) is displayed. Between two processes there can be a break so that the customer does not know if all processes are done or there is still one coming. An overall process indicator would make things much more clearer.

VE-103563

KLS: Wish a smart Duplicate Array

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the command Duplicate Array is duplicating and arranging objects. After the command was processed, the objects cannot be modified any more. Customer have to delete and reuse the command.

Wish a smart version of Duplicate Array so that you can modify the objects like changing the number of duplicates or changing the offset of the objects.

See AutoCAD https://knowledge.autodesk.com/de/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/DEU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-07CB282A-2C71-46FE-937F-BC3DFB2C068B-htm.html

VE-103517

KLS: Edit Symbol in VP Annotation

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation: Imagine lots of sheet layer Viewports in a drawing. Customer has additions to all of the viewports, which are the same. So he choses a symbol for that. But when he has to edit the symbol in annotation area then the other objects are not present, which makes editing very difficult.
Wish that the other objects of the viewport would be at least grey und able to snap.

VE-103498

Stair CW; Riser width equal to Tread width

Klaus Lüttich

See attached file. Riser width is smaller than tread width.
Wish that Riser width is equal to tread width.

VE-103485

Stair CW - Warning triangles in preview should provide more infos

Klaus Lüttich

When there are conflicts in the preview of a stair in stair setting dialog window, then only a warning triangle is displayed, but no further informations.
Some customer do not find the cause of the warning triangle.
In this special case we had a customer whose warning triangles habe been a matter of "Use minimum/maximum values". Difficult to find.

So the wish is, that the warning triangles should provide more infos.

VE-103486

Stair CW: Min inside Tread Depth should shoe effect with circular stair

Klaus Lüttich

When creating a circular stair, sometimes it is requested that the inside tread depth should have a certain value, e.g. 20 cm.
Currently it is impossible to define a certain value for inside tread depth.
Only a min inside tread depth is possible which in many cases does not allow to insert a certain value.
Wish to be able to define a certain value for the inside tread depth.

VE-103457

Split tool - Splitter objects automatically closed

Klaus Lüttich

Currently objects do have an open edge after the use of split tool.
Wish an option for the split tool, that the splitter objects are automatically closed after being splitted.
This would save customers who often use this tool some mouse clicks and therefore time.

VE-103456

Better quality for Export VGX

Klaus Lüttich

The quality of export vex is rather poor compared to 360° Panorama (export panorama) of Vectorworks.
Please enhance the quality of vgx.

VE-103438

Reshape tool should work for rectangles too

Klaus Lüttich

Currently it is not possible to use Hide or Show Edges mode with rectangles.
Customers do have to convert a rectangle into a polygon themselves.

Wish that a rectangle automatically becomes a polygon when the Hide to Show Edges mode is used on a rectangle.
The same with Change Vertex, Add Vertex and Delete Vertex mode.

Please see first mode, which is Move Polygon Handle mode. Here a rectangle automatically gets converted into a polygon.

(Related to VE-93360)

VE-103434

Organization, Viewports pane, option Visibilities - please add filter

Klaus Lüttich

Please add a filter for classes and a filter for layers to Organization dialog window, Viewports pane, option Visibilities.
Here you can only filter the viewport name, but not the tons of classes and layers.

VE-103394

Psets missing in criteria dialog

Klaus Lüttich

Currently a field value can be selected in criteria dialog of custom selection or worksheet.
But when the record is defined as custom PSet, then the criteria dialog has no access to the fields.
Please add the IFC PSets, which a records in the end, to the criteria dialog.

VE-103403

Offset tool work on outline of multiple objects

Klaus Lüttich

Currently offset tool works with multiple objects, but every single object get an offset.
Wish that the outline of the objects would get one single offset.
See video and testfile.

VE-103397

Ref Viewport, please add option to update class visibilities from source

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that if you add classes to the source viewport then you habe to set all those new classes to be visible in destination viewport.
In many cases the changes to the class visibilities in source doc. is too big in number, that our customers better delete and create a new ref. viewport than to change the class vis. by hand in ref. viewport.
Wish an additional option in New Reference or Edit Reference dialog like "Update Class Visibilities"

VE-103368

Export PDF also in grayscale and black & white

Klaus Lüttich

Please provide an option in export PDF to export in grayscale and black &white.

VE-103293

Worksheet Function: Please add length and width to roof face and roof

Klaus Lüttich

Roof provides only the area but not the length and width.
Customer do wish to have also the dimensions of a roof.

VE-103254

Saved Views: Enhancement for sheet layer viewports

Klaus Lüttich

Customers coming from ArchiCAD and Reit do wish that Saved Views should works for sheet layer viewports too. Especially for classes and layers in VP.
With this, changing classes and layers visibility in viewports are very easy done when multiple layouts are assigned to a saved view.

VE-103230

Multiple view pane zoom in all view panes by pressing a key

Klaus Lüttich

When objects selected, zooming to objects should affect all view panes and not only the active view pane e.g. by pressing a key while zooming.

VE-103186

KLS: Elevator; Please add parameter wall opening width

Klaus Lüttich

Our elevator provides a parameter door width which is for the door width of the elevator AND the wall opening.
Wish, that these two openings are separated.
So please add a parameter wall opening width.
See video and testfile.

VE-103185

KLS: Camera path; add option change camera view in z direction

Klaus Lüttich

Currently in top/plan you can change th camera view to left and right easily with the mouse. In front view you can change the camera view in z direction. But by doing this the camera also goes to left or right.
wish an option to change the camera view only in z direction.
See video and testfile.

VE-103178

KLS: Rendering options should have option use light

Klaus Lüttich

All the renderings like shaded or Renderworks do not have an option to consider light.
Please add an option Use Light to the rendering options.

VE-101265

KLS: Chain dim opacity pen an fill not separated

Klaus Lüttich

Single dim has fill and pen opacity separated while chain dim has them linked. Please allow separate opacity too.

See video and testfile.

VE-100385

Spotlight: Fixture Mode in Instrument Summary

Klaus Lüttich

Our german Spotlight customer do wish to have an additional check box "Show Fixture Mode" in Instrument Summary Settings dialogwindow.

Please see attached screenshot FixtureModeinLegend.png.

VE-102896

Enable the use of colors in lists, e.g. layer list

Klaus Lüttich

In case of long layer or class lists customers do wish the possibility to use colors for better structure.

VE-102912

KLS: Stitch and Trim Surfaces should also support 3D polygons and meshes

Klaus Lüttich

Stitch and trim surfaces tool supports nearly every 3D-geometry except for 3D polygons and meshes.
Therefore the wish, that these objects get supported too.

VE-102698

KLS: Thousands separator for all numbers/units

Klaus Lüttich

Currently a thousand separator is only for dimensions and in here only for length.
Wish to have a thousands separator for all dimensions or numbers in Object Info Palette and especially for worksheets.

VE-102704

KLS: Custom ID tag for Existing Tree

Klaus Lüttich

At the moment customers can only create an ID Tag of an Existing Tree from predefined items.
Wish an option "Custom" to assemble a custom tag from a list of items.
See screenshot.

VE-102700

Import 3D warehouse sketchup

Klaus Lüttich

Just like import texture or Mosa import customer do wish a import from 3D warehouse sketchup.

VE-102856

Double click texture does not switch active tool to texture tool

Klaus Lüttich

Behavior in 2021: Objects activated and double click a texture in resource browser assigns the texture to that object. The active tool gets not changed.
Behavior in 2022: Similiar to 2022 except that the active tool is automatically set to texture tool.

Customers do wish an option that the active tool does not get switched toi texture tool.

VE-102799

KLS: Add witness lines options to custom dim standard

Klaus Lüttich

In dialog window Edit Custom Dimension Standard there are not all of the dimension parameters from object info palette available.
Options witness lines visible and witness lines override are missing.
Please add those two options to custom dim standard.
See attached screenshot.

VE-102800

KLS: Export PDF in CMYK color space

Klaus Lüttich

Currently in Vectorworks only export PDF with RGB color space is possible.
Print shops often do use CMYK.
So customers have to convert their PDF-files by an additional software or maybe a pro enough to do this on Mac.
Wish an option for command export pdf to be able to export in CMYK color space directly.

VE-102785

KLS: Undo / Redo in View Bar

Klaus Lüttich

Customer wishes Undo and Redo as buttons in view bar, just like previous view and next view.

VE-102774

KLS: Roof element in building element list of Energos shown in drawing

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that a roof element in building element list of Energos could not be shown in drawing as it is, as that specific element. Because it is part of a roof , the entire roof is shown.
Wish, that that selected roof element part would somehow been made visible or highlighted or colored or whatever, so you can see, which roof element.

VE-102764

KLS: Autosave enhancement, exclude unsaved documents from autosave

Klaus Lüttich

Wish an option to exclude unsaved new documents (Untitled 1, Untitled 2, …) from autosave.
Some customers of us do work like saving in the background (option confirm before save off) every few minutes und testing parts or preparing symbols in new untitled documents. Pretty soon there’s a message plopping up, that you first have to save this untitled document before it can saved by backup copy. If you work with those untitled documents only a short time for testing or preparing symbols, and you create man of them just when you need them, then this message can be very annoying. So the wish for an option to exclude unsaved documents from backup. Once they are saved, they can be backuped. But only then.

VE-102762

KLS: Make full name of textures visible in dialog window

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that a texture name is cut and not fully visible in dialog windows. This is because the field for textures is way too small.
But this would not matter if the full name gets displayed when the mouse is over the texture for a few seconds.
Wish that the full name would be displayed like it is already done in resource browser.
Please also see attached video.

VE-102755

KLS: Window half in wall and half in roof

Klaus Lüttich

Currently a window has to be either in wall or roof.
It is not possible to create a window which is partially in wall and roof.
See attached Screenshots and testfile.

VE-102747

KLS: objects in roof should be equal to objects in wall

Klaus Lüttich

Objects in a roof are difficult to handle.
Wish, that objects in a roof e.g. window is handled like an object in wall.
So she thing to insert these objects and to move these objects.

VE-102745

KLS: Roof should show height lines

Klaus Lüttich

Wish guide lines which show the height of the roof e.g. 1m, 1,5m, 2m, 2,5m, ...
See attached screenshot.
Red object on the right is a section of the roof. At certain point of height customer wants a guide line to be in the 2D-drawing.

VE-102715

KLS: Data Tag align to lines

Klaus Lüttich

The data tag option "Align to Walls / Objects" works pretty fine for walls and rotated objects, but unfortunately not for lines.
Please make this option work for lines like it works for walls.

VE-102703

KLS: Lock selected cells in worksheet

Klaus Lüttich

Here's an enhancement for worksheets.
From time to time we do have customers who wish to lock/unlock selected cells in a worksheet to protect them from editing.

VE-102702

KLS: Viewer should support textures with Shaded rendering

Klaus Lüttich

I know, that the Viewer does not support Renderworks, but at least it supports Shaded rendering.
In many cases this is kind of worthless, because no textures are supported.
So here my Wish, that textures are supported, just the same as in real Vectorworks.
It is difficult for us to explain customers, that the shaded rendering is worth nothing.

VE-102701

KLS: Improved connection of walls to roof

Klaus Lüttich

The connection of walls to a roof could be improved.
Currently only one edge of wall is connected to the roof. It remains a triangle of thin air.
See testfile.
The connection should be diagonally.

VE-102699

KLS: Columns in walls

Klaus Lüttich

Currently it is not possible to insert a column into a wall.
Is there any reason for this?
Please make columns to be inserted in walls.

VE-102683

KLS: Purge function for data visualization

Klaus Lüttich

As you can import data visualization from other documents it would be fine to have a purge buttom in order to clean up the imported data vis., e.g. when classes are criteria and classes in the list do not exist in current document.

VE-102682

Make Section line text point available again

Klaus Lüttich

See Bugreport VB-177909. We were asked to create a wish for that.
Short Description: Since the reengineering in 2021 the text field of a sction is part of the layout and does not provide a blue modification point in order to move the text.
Thus is wished as an enhancement.

VE-102605

KLS: Better interaction of 2D- and 3D-objects when drawing

Klaus Lüttich

In many situations you need to create an auxiliary line in order to find snapping points.
See Video and testfile with such a situation in which an automatic created helping line would be useful.

VE-102602

KLS: Worksheet formula, SUMIF

Klaus Lüttich

Please create a formula SUMIF like EXCEL has for Vectorworks worksheets.

VE-102563

KLS: Select Similiar should support object styles

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the tool Select Similiar (that magic wand) only supports object style for walls, slabs and roofs.
Wish that styles of every object would be supported.
And not only plug-ins in US-version of Vectorworks, but also our german window and door.

VE-102559

KLS: Title block 3 lines when editing Project Data defaults

Klaus Lüttich

In Manage Project Data dialog window multi line text is displayed in one which, which is okay. But when you click Edit to open the Edit Field dialog window there is only one small text field.

Wish to have here 3 lines, so the customer can type a multi line default value with line feed like it is displayed in Title Block Border Settings dialog window, Project Data pane.

See video and testfile.

VE-102445

KLS: Note and Elevation should be locked to Dim Value

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation is, that the Note field (non SIA) and Elevation field (SIA) are not locked to the dim value. Move dim value up or down and the note / elevation will be mirrored at the dimension line. This could result in a great gap between dimension value and note / elevation value.

Customers wish an option to lock the note and elevation to the dim value, so that both are moved the same way. See video.

VE-102284

KLS: Rotate tool; rotate duplicate with alt key

Klaus Lüttich

Move by points tool let you move a duplicate by pressing alt key in Move mode.
Wish that Rotate tool would provide the same in Standard mode.

VE-102168

Short for methods of Move by Points tool

Klaus Lüttich

Customer do wish shortcuts for the methods of move by points tool.

I know it can be done using Shift+M for the tool and U for the methods. Or using smart cursor. But all that is one click too much. Customer wish to apply a shortcut to a method directly. This would be then only one click.

VE-101617

Subdivision - Please allow scaling of texture

Klaus Lüttich

Subdivision objects do have none settings of textures. Look at extrudes, here you can scale textures and other settings. Please allow at least the scaling of textures for subdivison objects.

VE-101854

Enhancement of standard views

Klaus Lüttich

In Vectorworks the standard views are presented to the user by a pop-up, which is not very intuitiv. Have a look at AutoCAD and its View Cube. Is it possible to have something like that in Vectorworks? See screenshot.

VE-101620

Send to C4D - C4D-version can only be selected one time

Klaus Lüttich

Command Send to Cinema 4D let you select the C4D-version. But only one time. Once selected you cannot select another version when you invoke the command. You have to close and restart Vectorworks in order to select another C4D-version.
Please let the customer select the C4D-version every time the Send to Cinema 4D command is invoked.

VE-101837

Temporarily rotate plan

Klaus Lüttich

The view bar of Vectorworks at the top let you rotate a plan easily. This is a great issue.
But customers do miss the possibility to rotate a plan temparily by a certain angle for a short time and to save this value for further need.
We know this can also be done by Saved Views, but that is not what we want.

It would be nice, if working on plan details you can click in "Rotate Plan" and a dialog opens to click on a self-defined angle. After working with that temporarily angle the next click in this dialog should bring you back to the previous angle.

VE-101766

KLS: Tape Measure tool separate rounding precision

Klaus Lüttich

Please give the tape measure tool a separate rounding precision from the dimensions.

VE-101689

Enhancement solids: Preview of the result

Klaus Lüttich

Customers are missing a preview of the resulting solid(s) when using add, subtract, intersect oder section.

VE-101687

Enhancement solids: Intersetcs solids without deleting

Klaus Lüttich

For Example two objects do intersect with each other, but do not get deleted. The Result are three individual solid bodies.

VE-101688

Enhancement solids: Should also be a tool like Sketup

Klaus Lüttich

The solid operations in Vectorworks are presented to the customer only as commands.
Wish it would also be presented as a tool like for example Sketchup does.

VE-101531

Enhancement Worksheet: Hide and show columns

Klaus Lüttich

It would be nice to hide and show columns in a worksheet like in Excel.

VE-101618

Solids to work in Sections like extrudes

Klaus Lüttich

Extrudes on walls do not have a line while solids do have.

Please see video and testfile.

VE-101556

KLS: Enhancement of Coincident Objects

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

at the moment coincident objects can be selected by short key J and click on the objects. Unfortunately you only see the object type like e.g. five times polygon. This isn't helpful for the customer and it's not very intuitive.

Please add some more infos to the list other than object type. For instance the class.

VE-101555

KLS: Dimension, please add Rounding Base

Klaus Lüttich

In Units dialogwindow customers could select the Dimension Rounding Base (5, 2.5 or 1). This seems to be a global setting. Many customers do have the detail and construction planning in one document and do wish to be able to set the dimension rounding base for each dimension.

VE-101533

Enhancement Worksheet: Different text styles in one cell

Klaus Lüttich

It would be nice to have different text styles in one cell of a worksheet, e.g. alle text is plain but one word is underlined.

VE-101532

Enhancement Worksheet: Autonumbering of rows

Klaus Lüttich

It would be nice to be able to autonumber rows of worksheets like it could be done in Excel.

VE-101526

KLS: IFC-Dats of Wall contains not the material in IFC-Dat materials

Klaus Lüttich

Wall components could have material definition since Version 2021. If such a wall gets exported by Export IFC to Solibri, those materials are shown in Solibri in tab materials, when the wall is activated. In Vectorworks the materials are not shown in ifcWallStandardCase pset materials. The list here is empty. Please list the mterials in this pset material too.

See attached Screenshot.

VE-101395

KLS: Saved Views should have the active class centered in Nsvigation palette

Klaus Lüttich

When using saved views the defined active class (in saved view) is not centered in naigation class. Customers always need to scroll through the navigation palette in order to find the active class. Wish an option, that the defined active class is centered in navigation palette.

See attached video.

VE-101284

KLS: Surface of Space Object

Klaus Lüttich

Hi there,

customer so wish the possibility to get the surface of the volume of a space object.

See attached testfile. You can get the volume and the area, but there is no way to get the area of all surfaces. Only possibility is to dissolve the space object to polygons.

VE-99469

KLS: Integrate fit walls to objects in OIP of wall

Klaus Lüttich

Current situation: Walls top bound and wall buttom bound are displayed in OIP. If e.g. the top of a wall get constrained to a roof object is not shown in OIP. You do this with the command Fit Walls to Objects.
The customer does not really see, that the top/bottom bounds are overridden by Fits Walls to Object - command.
Wish, that the Object Info Palette would show, that a wall is constrained to an object and maybe an option to get directly to the Fit walls to objects dialog window.

Please see Video

VE-99734

KLS: Recess at wall end

Klaus Lüttich

Currently it is still not possible to create a "real" recess (or projection) at wall end. There is still a little amount of wall left.
Wish to create a real recess at wall end (and of course wall start).
Please see video.

VE-99598

KLS: Stake object custom style

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the style of a stake object is predefined like Triangle or Circle Cross.
Well, wish to be able to select a custom symbol as style and not one of the predefined style.
So the wish is, that customers could use their own symbols for the style of stake objects.

VE-100866

Replace Symbol should display full name of symbol to replace with

Klaus Lüttich

The dialog window of Replace Symbol lacks to show the full name of the symbol to replace with.

Symbol names are usually not short but can be longer. And often the names of several symbols are identical but the appended suffix.

It would be nice to display the full name of the chosen symbol or at least to show the full name when the cursor hover over it.

VE-100860

Better separation of construction in design layer and layouts on sheet Layer

Klaus Lüttich

Here is a wish from a customer about construction and layout.

I draw a lot of competitions and therefore use a lot of image fillings. This graphical ability is a great strength of Vectorworks. But it has the following weakness:

I want to work in such a way that I display the image fills by overriding class attributes or by data visualization in the layout, which is a Sheet Layer Viewport: In the spirit of BIM, I want pure geometry on design layer and different display modes in the sheet layers (including image fills). Also for performance reasons. In conclusion a clear separation of geometry and (flexible) display.

In Vectorworks, however, the size of image fill tiles (in mm on the plan) can only be controlled at the level of individual objects:

<Bild02154_1>

But this is not suitable for the working method above, because I have to work with image fills already on the design layer and for the definition of the image fill tile size I have to edit every single object first. Overriding class attributes in the sheet layer does not allow me to control the image fill tile size.

Therefore, it would be extremely helpful to define the image fill tile size on the level of the imported image (i.e. globally for the entire document):

<Bild02154_2>

Also it be nice to control this additionally by class definition:

<Bild02154_3>

For 3D materials there is the global setting option "Size":

<Bild02154_4>

It would be great if this method could also be used for image fillings!

To solve this problem, I use mosaics as a workaround, in which I create tiles of the desired size, filled with image fills. However, this leads to considerable performance problems in layout areas and results in annoying intermediate steps (creation of mosaics).

VE-100676

CW_Space - Space number enhancement

Klaus Lüttich

Since "VB-169599 KLS: Space number formatted as text" ( "Hi there,
it seems that the space number is not formatted as number, so you could use it as criteria in a worksheet like bigger as, bigger or equal and more. Instead it seems to me, that it's formatted as text, so the comparison is not the number itself but digit by digit.
Please see video and testfile." ) is works as designed, I want to log this as an enhancement request.

I talked to our specialists (Frank Sänger) to find a workaround for this topic, but there seem to be none. So we decided to create at least a wish.

Video and testfile see related Bugreport VB-169599.

VE-100683

NURBS Surface enhancement

Klaus Lüttich

The following wishes are from a german "power-user" with NURBS.

I daresay, it is still cumbersome to connect NURBBS surfaces and there's a lot of space for improvements.

Attached is a testfile from a customer of us, where he tries to connect two NURBS surfaces to one surface.
Connecting them only works with the "Merge" tool (kinda of poor documented).
It requires some annoying trial & error to merge two NURBS to a single NURBS.
The reason why it sometimes works or doesn't work is a mystery... often it does not work at all.

And when finally connected, the snap points of this new connected NURBS first are not visible. Only when this NURBS is e.g. moved, then the snap point get visible.

The customer proposes the following enhancements:
- Allow any type of NURBS surface connection (even complex non-planar surfaces)
- Connection of NURBBS surfaces should also be possible by menu command (e.g. menu Modify/Add surface)
- NURS surfaces cannot be created directly, but only converted to surfaces.
It is annoying to convert each NURBS surface one by one, while converting multiple object to NURBS curve is possible.
- Please allow the conversion of multiple objects to a NURBS surface too.
- It would be cool to have a tool to create NNURBS surfaces
- Another idea/enhancement would be that the commands in menu Model Add Solids, Subtract Solids, Intersect Solid and Section Solid to use on NURBS surfaces. By doing this, Vectorworks should ask whether to create a solid or NURS surface.

VE-100677

Wall - Enable opacity in Wall Component Settings dialog

Klaus Lüttich

Well, the possibility to set opacity in Wall Component Settings dialog and in Wall Attributes dialog is missing. Especially when customer do use class attributes with opacity set, then the opacity is missing, when setting a wall component to class style.

Customers do wish to set opacity in these dialog windows. I do attach a video and a testfile to show an example.

VE-99600

KLS: Data Visualization also for referenced VP

Klaus Lüttich

Currently data visualization only works for viewports in the same document. It does not works for referenced viewports from other documents.
Well, in bigger projects, customer do split the project on multiple documents.
In these cases it would be fine to allow data visualization for referenced viewports.

VE-100500

Publish pages of Sheet Layer as separate PDF

Klaus Lüttich

Pages of sheet layer are always exported as one PDF. Eventually it has multiple pages but in the end it is only one pdf.

See video.

VE-100501

Smart Cursor snaps not to all points in SLVP

Klaus Lüttich

Please see the video.

The smart cursor does not snap to all possible points in a SLVP. It works in the desing layer (of course) and in a DLVP.

Well if I first create a DLVP and then from this DLVP a SLVP, then it works too.

In this example it is circles representing drillings which cannot be dimensioned in the annotation area of a SLVP.

VE-99893

KLS: Textures assigned to Object or Selection

Klaus Lüttich

Currently texture are assigned to the object only and not ot a selection of objects in order that the texture fits perfectly.
Example Window in a wall. Please see video and testfiel.

VE-99487

Proxy Server Vectorworks

Klaus Lüttich

This wish revolves the topic about "proxy server" and using them in conjunction with Vectorworks.
While currently someone is able to configure a proxy server with Vectorworks via the „VWProxy.txt", it't not really intuitive and ease to do.
Also it buries something, a little dangerous. The fact, that the user name and password is stored in a simple text file, visible to basically anything.

To defuse this, there are multiple things which can or should be done.

- First of all, there should be an user interface in the settings, unifing all related options and alows to easely setup the proxy server.
- Automatically applying the proxy server configured in the system, would simplfy the process and remove the need to act upon this in the first place.
- Supporting "SOCKS proxy" should be considered, because there are common in bigger companies.
- The configuration should be stored encripted or at least obfuscated, so other applications or users can read it directly.

The need to edit/create a text file in an arbitrary location for the user should not be required.

VE-99466

KLS: Override color or attributes of symbols

Klaus Lüttich

Currently the color or in general attributes of symbols could not be changed when inserted into a drawing.
The attribute palette shows no effect on symbols.

AutoCAD let the customer change the attributes of symbols (blocks). Customer could define one block and later change the color, so that e.g. one block is red and the other is green.

Wish to somehow override the colr (attributes) of symbols and the color (attributes ) of objects inside the symbol-container.
Just like AutoCAD let their customer do with blocks.

VE-99465

KLS: Custom dim name's not long enough

Klaus Lüttich

The name of a custom dimension could only have 20 characters. Longer names are not allowed.
Customer often do use meaningful names and then 20 char is too short.
Wish to enhance the limit to at least 50 characters.

VE-99444

KLS: AutoScroll poor on 4K-Displays

Klaus Lüttich

Working with Vectorworks on Full-HD or even 2K-Displays ist pretty well.
But 4K-Displays or higher are a mess.
The workflow is rather poor than well.
This time we have a customer complaining that the autoscroll at the edges of the drawing area is working very poor on 4K and higher.
We would appreciate, that higher resolution of displays would be better considered in development of Vectorworks.

VE-99450

KLS: Publish enhancement of Naming scheme

Klaus Lüttich

Publish let customer define a custom naming scheme. Date could be part of the naming scheme, e.g. Publish Date or Current Plot Date. Date format ofter has dots to separate day from month and year. This is sort of awkward because dots should not be part of a filename except for the extension.
So, wish to define the date format used for the naming scheme in publish command.

VE-101971

Publishing more smoothly

Kjersti Monsen

Hi

After transferring from working in archicad for 5 years to being a newbie in vectorworks, there are many "features" I miss. I am trying to outline the most important ones that would speed up my workflow.

Publishing - this was integrated in the overview palet - similar to the navigation menu in VW. Here there was first the model (in scale 1:1 - another thing I miss), saved views (in scale) similar to layers, only layers were dealt with separately in archicad, layouting (similar to view layers), and finally a publisher. They layouts could be grouped ( ! ) and were linked to the saved views. These groups could further be linked to the publisher and be automatically updated once changed in the layout set (! ). In VW I feel you need to make the same change about 5 places in order to cover it, something that encourages a very linear workflow which I am not used to.

In my previous office we expected very last minute changes, therefore the "bim method" of setting up drawings and publisher sets were vital in early stages of the process in order to speed up - and open up for - changes in the later stages. I really miss this and feel it should be possible in archicad through minor changes in your interface and script.

Feel free to ask clarifying questions,

VE-101994

VW22 assign shortcut to rotate plan

Kjersti Monsen

Hi

I have just started using the beta version of VW22 and already missing the shortcuts I had assigned in VW21. I have managed to set most of them (such as rotate, move, measure) however, rotate plan doesnt seem to be controlled in this pallette - where can i manage this key? (and why is it not transferred from VW21 - it was standard there, so i had no idea it was found in view - rotate plan)

I hope there is a quick fix to this issue. I use this command a lot.

VE-101860

groups of classes

Kjersti Monsen

I would like a setting for "groups of classes" - once I have decided all the visible classes for e.g. a plan then I can get this group of classes as "plan-detail" and then set this to a plan view. Then I can apply the same group of classes for all plan views of each floor. If at a later point in the process I wish to add or remove a class from a plan I can easily apply this to all my viewports through updating the group of classes.

Would save some time - especially if one operates with multiple floors!

VE-102801

Spotlight truss symbol import problems

Kevin Linzey

When a user is importing truss symbols in an existing file, truss objects do not correctly refresh to reflect the new symbol definition. This affects both the truss objects displayed properties in the OIP and attached records.
The truss symbol definition in the file resources will correctly display the changes but all existing truss objects in the file will not have their OIP properties updated to reflect the changes, both in the shape pane and in the data pane.

VE-101685

When submitting to a project file EDU users should be warned that the project will be watermarked.

Kevin Linzey

Start a project file and a working file with a pro license.
Add a user with an EDU license.
Have the EDU license make a change and submit the the project file.
Refresh the pro user's working file.
The pro user will get a message that their file will be watermarked is they accept the changes.
The only way to fix this is for the user to reject the changes and replace the project file with their working file which may result in the loss of changes form other users.

When submitting to a project file. that is not already watermarked, EDU users should be warned that the project will be watermarked.
Alternatively, or additionally, it could be an admin option to not allow any submissions from a watermarked working file.

VE-100955

Can not set By Class Attribute in Color, Line Weight or Marker pop-ups with dialog controls

Kevin Linzey

From the attributes pal you can set a Color, Line Weight, Marker etc to be "By Style" but in the individual controls used by dialogs this is not possible. This causes some very creative things to be done with dialogs in order to support class attributes.

Reading T02155 reminded me of this issue, so this may be more of a VE than a VB.

VE-100845

Lighting Device: Spotlight Prefs - Modify Lighting Device Color should support mutiple classes

Kevin Linzey

Modify only geometry in the class option should support multiple classes and/or the option to modify all classes except.

The setting is also modifying the rotation outline for moving lights which users don't want.

Need to investigate if telling the users to only modify the "None" class is enough with our content to solve the problem.

VE-104717

Graphic Legend issues

Kevin Lee Allen

Not sure if these issues have to do with conversion, operator error, bugs, or whatnot.

On sheet 14 there are five graphic legends making one. When I select multiple cells/legends on the right I have the option in the OIP for a fixed width, yet no way to set that width?

Also, all in that stack show images, BUT they do not appear in relative scale to one another?

Should I be able to do this using the new inventory system?

VE-102279

request for import psd image file

Kevin Lee Allen

the psd image file format cannot be imported into VW. It would be great if that file format was supported.

ORIGINAL BUG

Image Prop Failures

I had been having no issues creating image props in the attached file. I had no issues then editing the image prop textures t change them. I now Fid I cannot do that with the attached file. TH image prop texture is called swirl tree.

VE-105224

Rigging Connector Object

Kevin Lee Allen

The purpose of this task is to find an integrated solution that allows users to add meaningful connection geometry between *Rigging loads* and {*}Rigging objects{*}. This would be in the form of a new object called a {*}Rigging Connector{*}.

Details in the form of the VWX Task Document attached.

VE-104996

Color Palettes need love

Kevin Lee Allen

Some of this is based on my own needs and experiences, some based on conversations with others over the years, some is from the conversation this thread;

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/110559-importing-a-colors-from-one-file-to-another/#comment-481276]

Existing color palettes seem to be stored as XML files, so hopefully none if this means reinventing the wheel. That's never a good approach.

I would like to be able to create and name colors.

I'd like to import colors and name/rename them.

I would like to be able to delete colors and replace a color I am deleting with a new color. So, if I have six reds (red1, red2, etc) if I delete one VWX should off me a dialog to replace that color. Think symbols. This is especially true when multiple colors can have the same definition. VWX should be able to figure that out.

I need to be able to import a color and rename, so PMS xyz might become client blue XYZ

I'd like to readily delete colors from a. document

I often need a color to do many things; a solid fill, multiple textures. It would be ideal to do this with one color definition. This might involve some wheel reinvention, so...

It has been suggested that color and palettes be resources. That makes some logical sense, not sure how that impacts the complexity of the engineering.

Purging colors should be simpler

I am sure I could edit or create my own XML files, but computers are supposed to make things easier

VE-104895

Graphic Legend Size

Kevin Lee Allen

I will, on one sheet, create several graphic legends, tied to different Sheet Layer Viewports on different sheets, but want them to display as one legend. This provides an inventory to the construction shop. The GL auto sizes the legends. I need to be able to specify, ideally height and length,and then be able to snap them together into one visual element.

VE-101024

Truss Cords act as magnets for Lighting Devices

Kevin Lee Allen

When adding lighting devices to a truss system/hanging position each cored should 'magnetically' attract the lighting device. As such, enact or any cord could be used for hanging.

VE-103570

Integration with Adobe Substancen;t it also with with VWX,

Kevin Lee Allen

I haven't experimented with Substance, but if it works with C4D, shouldn't it also work with VWX? Seems like this might be very useful.

VE-103432

Link Reference Marker to Drawing Label

Kevin Lee Allen

So, if I create a section viewport, the viewport, it's drawing label and the cut line marker are linked. When the document is exported/published to PDF, this acts as a hyperlink.

However, If I want to reference a view, not a section view, the link is not automatically created. So, I might have a plan own one sheet and an elevation on another. I use a Reference Marker object to say "Hey, go look here!" Then I gets a sad, 'cause no link. I can manually create the link, but I have a computer???

I can't see why this shouldn't be automatically, but perhaps it is a switch in the OIP. Possibly an option to create a link NOT the link indicated. So, a reference marker that reads drawing A on Sheet 4, might actually like to drawing C on sheet 72. Although I can't see why.

VE-103327

Need Greater layout control over worksheets

Kevin Lee Allen

As an example, and there are others, My Index of drawings is longer than my sheet is tall. I need to be able to break that into pieces.

Currently that mean multiple insertions and then geometry to block out parts of the report. Clumsy at best and one more thing to remember to fix.

A wrapping function of some type is needed. That should include having the header repeat with each element and/or having a wider header.

I adobe Illustrator and InDesign, when text is inserted it creates a container. The container can be made wider, longer, or shorter. When the text (given font and size, etc) no longer fits in the container, there is a graphic indicator in the lower right of the container. Clicking that indicator changes the cursor to the insertion cursor and the overflow text can be inserted elsewhere.

This seems ideal

VE-100310

Schematic Views Graphics

Kevin Lee Allen

In some ways, Schematic Views is terrific, in other ways it fails to produce the desired results.

First, I love being able to create a light plot/design in 3D. THat's terrific.

However in the attached VWX file and screen shots, the resulting graphics aren't appropriate for a light plot. I've begun here with a simple vertical boom or form pipe. In the VWX file, I placed the units in 3D vertically, Terrific. However, the schematic views do not provide the graphics needed for a light plot.

Frankly, the schematic view needs to also generate an old school 2D Plan that can be moved in space. Just suing the schematic views there will be graphic inconsistency between the top/pla look of the lighting instruments and the schematic views of the same. In the VWX file there is no way to graphically differentiate the type of unit.

While a 3D label legend or a Data Tag can indicate the unit type, in this case, specifically the focal length of the lens, that will slow down even the most experienced electricians during a load in. It will be even more challenging for students or otherwise inexperienced crew.

Adding the Unit to the legend increases the overall size of the Legend and clutters the drawings.

The screen shots show the same rig, laid out in top/plan. Schematic view should offer this option. Similarly, in the second screen shot, I have rotated that image so it approximates an isometric view, another oft used convention for showing the bottom of the base properly located and then the verticals off to the side.

thanks!

VE-103257

Graphic legends need greater control over cells

Kevin Lee Allen

VE-103258

Graphic Legends need class control

Kevin Lee Allen

for example, I have a single symbol that represent several different types of walls panels (stage flats). Different elements are visible in different views using class control. In the symbol, all elements are visible, so they are all visible in the Graphic Legend. I need to be able to turn some off in specific cells.

VE-103256

Graphic Legends need Columns

Kevin Lee Allen

an d user specified column breaks.

VE-103259

Column and Row COnrol in Grap[hic Legend

Kevin Lee Allen

VE-100797

Orbit Rotation

Kevin Lee Allen

This is combination Bug and VE. I have not generally had the need for this type of rendering, but...

I wish I had saved the file in more iterations, but I am attaching a VWX file and some MOV files.

This tool is too limited and minimally intuitive. One example is the Cloud Render button, which is not mentioned in the documentation. Similarly, searching "orbit" shows no results.

The Orbit animations use the RW Style "Realistic Exterior Final" which I have modified. On the first sheet layer, the render on the right uses the same style. The render and the animations do not match.

I have found it a challenge to edit the path here. In fact the path currently shown is a combination of edits known and unknown. So, I placed the Orbit and VWX arbitrarily created the path. I find no way to draw a circle and create the orbit. I do have to look back now on the newer v2020 tools, pretty sure I can do there, but not sure about the cloud render option.

Initially, I did not edit the path. I clicked through the keyframes looking to data fields to places the NURBS points. Then I rendered and was looking for s smooth animation at one consistent elevation. That was not the results.

I'd like to be able to edit this camera as I can edit other cameras. I do not find a way to change the camera angle, only the focal length. I would like to be able to use camera effects. I don't think the preview matches the output consistently.

I'd like the MOV render to look like the still render.

This file has other experiments included, I left them as they may impact the testing results, but the visible design layers are what I have been working with to produce the animation.

The progression, and different paths is seen in the numbering of the mOV files.

VE-102855

Improved 2D Graphics for Auto Hybrid

Kevin Lee Allen

I don't usually use the auto-hybrid function as I can't control the 2D graphics. Today I decided to try again and am reminded of some issues.

Simply the user needs to be able to access the graphic attributes. Perhaps that mean adding functionality to the Class definition. IO do not think a universal or set of document preferences will do the job.

Here is my example. I have a studio full of sets. The set walls or 'flats' are simple extrusions. They have assigned classes that control the look. That might just be a paint color using an Attribute Texture, otherwise the wall would have a white fill.

The extrude is likely 3" by some width that will fit in a truck, railroad car or through a loading door by the height. It may have a 'reveal' on one or both ends for additional thickness, that part of the flat is likely 3/4" or 1" wide. In plan, I probably want the fill to be black or a hatch with a stroke.

If I change the color of the Class fill, the wall might render black. Yes I know I can and should do a Class Override, but I render, A LOT on Design Layers as part of my process and I am certain I'm not alone.

I can and do draw he 2D and 3D as needed, but if I could control the results, the auto hybrid would save time as any design evolves.

I have not begun to use "Materials" as I don't think the initial iteration suited my needs. I expect the materials function will evolve and will be of use to me. It might even convince some fabricators to embrace VWX. I hope that the auto hybrid can also embrace materials.

VE-102214

Deform tool should work on Groups

Kevin Lee Allen

'nuff said.

VE-101964

Require Resources to be checked out in Project. Sharing

Kevin Lee Allen

When editing symbols in a Project Sharing Environment, they are not checked out, so multiple users can accidentally edit at the same time.

Check out should be required and automatic as it is with other objects.

Similarly, the same should be rue of other resources.

VE-101662

Ben d Tool Improvements

Kevin Lee Allen

It. would be really nice if the Bend Option of the Deform tool could a)bend symbol, b )bend Groups and c) have an option where an object could be selected, along with a curve or circle, and the bend apply to the object using the curve. 2D or 3D.

VE-101876

Anchor drawing label to the viewport crop

Kevin Lee Allen

This is for projects in development. Specifically for Entertainment Design, but I can also see the need in Architecture and Landscape design.

When objects are added outside a crop, drawing labels need to be constantly adjusted. Aligning the drawing label to the crop object would save a ton of time and clicks.

To implement:

1, Add check box to OIP (under the Crop Visible checkbox) to Link Label to crop? Checking the box reveals the standard 2D placement grid.

2. Add the options to the Create Viewport Dialog with the option to add the Drawing Label.

3. Offer the option when manually lacing a Drawing Label, as well as in the Drawing Label OIP.

VE-101743

Scale GUI

Kevin Lee Allen

This discussion has appeared on the Forum, and it often comes up in conversation with other users. I thought it was a system issue, but I found this preference in Adobe Illustrator today.

I have not been able to make this AI preference work singly trackpad, but the discussion came up again today on the VWX Forums. The illustration is enlightening.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82023-palette-text-sizes-on-screen/]

VE-101740

Lighting Devices hang incorrectly

Kevin Lee Allen

In the attached screen shot, the highlighted unit on the left is, to me, the correct way a device should hang on this truss. The unit on the right is how the unit actually hangs. The unit on the left was manually adjusted.

The device should attach to the truss as it would in real life.

VE-101150

Tabs in Lighting Device Dialog should communicate

Kevin Lee Allen

This should be Bi-directionally and include the OIP.

If I have a Lighting Device in a document and assign a color and gobo, they should appear in ALL of the relevant Tabs. Where inappropriate it would be nice to see a warning. However, if I have a conventional fixture, the color should appear in the Color Wheels Tab, same with a gobo and the Gobo Wheels Tab. This information should be sent to Vision Iva ESC or MVR.

If I add a gobo, there should be a warning about changing or replacing a gobo.

If I want to assign a gobo from a gobo wheel to a fixture for rendering I VWX, assuming I am using a more, the image files for those gobos should be automatically imports.

Same with colors on the wheel, and the OIP should recognize the color identification number.

VE-101149

MVR should include information from Conventional Fixtures

Kevin Lee Allen

MVR should export focus, color and gobo from the Light Information Tab/OIP of the Lighting Device.

Not sure if shutters are sent, but if not, they should be sent as well.

VE-101084

Materials for Entertainment

Kevin Lee Allen

There's a whole of things I think I'd like to be able to do with Materials in the entertainment industries. Of course, this has a lot to do with scenic design and fabrication. Materials, it would seem, ought to be able to help create build lists, inventory, cost estimates, and send weight information to Braceworks.

I'm attaching some drawings with some notes here.

The file Platform.vwx is a standard 4/8 platform. It's shown with 5/4 framing (usually 5/4x6) but could be 2x6 or 3/4" by 6 or some other. The deck is likely 3/4 AC Plywood, but could be some other plywood. The platform includes rotolocks aka coffin locks to attach, they each have a weight. There would usually also be nailing blocks of the framing material in each corner. The whole thing would be painted for fireproofing, that has a weight.

The deck might have carpet and there might be a layer of homosote or some other soundproofing.

This drawing also shows a system for supporting these decks, but they might also be supported by a 'gate' which would be a 2x4, steel, or aluminum construction much like wall framing. Som having these materials and linking to braceworks would be useful.

These deck pieces might be bolted together and rigged to fly.

The file Flat frame shows a typical back of a film/television/stage flat. I think it's 4' by 12' but could be any size. Framed in 1x3, 1x4, 5/4 stock. steel or aluminum. Covered with 1/4" fir plywood, luau, or MDF. The material might be primed from the mill, our covered with muslin/canvas and painted or given another treatment. Could be stucco, which for the stage might be sawdust, joint compound, flexible glue and whatever is laying around.

Again, possibly rigged to fly. Possibly having a 'jack' or sport added or hinged to the back. Nailing blocks not shown ion the drawing as I recall.

So, any size, any shape... not always geometric. Organic shapes like trees, or distorted architecture are usually framed with as much geometry as possible, but then 3/4" plywood 'gussets' are added to the frame to support the details.

We see this kind of work in concerts, trade shows, corporate events and musical theatre

Often this is 2D work painted to appear like 3D, also seen in commercial signage.

I've attached some images and a PDF and can provide additional information.

Taking this a step further, Organic caved sculptural scenery (think a Grecian statue) might be modeled using SubDivision, then hollowed out for an internal frame. Blocks of Styrofoam attached to the frame and then carved by artists. Or eventually 3D printed.

VE-101069

Hooist Tools/ Hoist ToolsRigging Content Organization

Kevin Lee Allen

I'm sure this is not limited to Rigging Content or the Chain Hoist used as an example here. I know I have seen issues with other content as well.

From the Resource Manager, reveal the default content. and then Hoist Tools; there are almost 30 orders revealed. Some content is organized by function: scenery, audio... other content is organized by manufacturer, still more by both.

The invaluable search function aside, this long list makes it difficult to find the most appropriate content. Different users and types of users have different needs. All content should be organized for ease of use. Especially for multiple users.

As a set designer, I might want the scenic symbols, but not care about the manufacturers. The TD or engineer might want to readily swap generic symbols for specific brands, the shop might ant to swap all for the what they own.

Yet, scenic is way at the bottom, and by the time I get there, my eyes have glazed over and I'm bored.

Maybe folders;

Function

Manufacturer

Block and Fall

Dead Hung

Others?

Perhaps a user survey would be a good idea?

Listing this one instance, but it seems a root issue with organization. One that just grows and needs a massive overhaul.

VE-101021

Add position name data field to Truss/System

Kevin Lee Allen

This is a band-aid, but it would be really useful to have a user defined data field for position until such time as the container functionality of a hanging position can be merged into the braceworks functionality.

VE-101017

Allow Change of view while in Focus Command

Kevin Lee Allen

When suing the Focus Instruments Command, it would be useful to be able to change views from the View Drop Down in the View Bar.

VE-101023

Select Position from Select System

Kevin Lee Allen

If I have a truss system selected, I ought to be able to, with one click, isolate the associated hanging position.

VE-101026

Merge the Truss/Braceworks functions with Hanging Positions

Kevin Lee Allen

Trusses need to be containers in the same way that hanging positions work.

VE-101025

One Truss might be four hanging positions

Kevin Lee Allen

Assuming a square or rectilinear truss, any chord of a truss should be able to be considered a hanging position. While the whole truss might also be a position, or the whole truss might be the position, each chord might want it's own position summery and numbering system.

VE-101022

Select System from Hoist or other objects

Kevin Lee Allen

If I have a system of truss, hoists and gear/weight, any object ought to include the "Select System" button in the OIP

VE-101019

Constrain Beam and Field Angle on SLD

Kevin Lee Allen

Beam and Field Angles on Lighting devices should be contained by what the fixture can actually do. So, if a unit is 26°, these fields should be locked. If a fixture can zoom 7° to 50° I should not be able to to set the B&F to 70° but I can.

Conversely, I like that I can add gobos to any type of unit as that allows me to render a soft focus.

VE-100994

Creating Renderworks Styles

Kevin Lee Allen

There should be additional ways to create Renderworks Styles.

If using Custom Renderworks, the dialog should have an option to save as a Style.

That option should be available in the drop down in the OIP.

I'd like to right-click on a SLVP and be able to save the remder settings as a style

VE-100939

Batch Rename Selections

Kevin Lee Allen

In Batch Rename-Classes, every should not be checked when entering the dialog, and/or the opportunity to Alt/Option-Check should exist to turn all on or off.

VE-100976

Class and Layer Mapping Improvementsh

Kevin Lee Allen

If I can actually do this please explain.

I'm going to specifically address the classing of Lighting devices. I have other issues, but this is one perfect example. I am sure there are folks in other industries who can speak to other standard Classing and PIOs.

This is about engineering and not the work of the content team.

I would like to be able to open a stock template file add/create the classes I'd like to use. Happy to enumerate, but I know everyone will have a different answer. In turn, I would like to remap the standard classes to my own and delta most all of the standard classes. At a minimum, I need to be able to refine the classes.

The end result would be that the next time I brought a lighting device into this file, the classing would automatically remap.

This would not eliminate all redrawing or customization, but it would go a long way.

Tangentially, it would help if there was consistency to way the stock elements are classed to begin with. That would be another, longer conversation and be different for many users, but one basic concern would be the 2D and 3D NOT h=use the same classes.

VE-100974

Lighting Devices should conform to truss angles

Kevin Lee Allen

In the attached files, when hanging devices on the vertical curved truss arches in the front view, the angle of the devices in the front view should match the truss chords as they would actually be hung.

VE-100973

Control Groups for lighting Device Focusing

Kevin Lee Allen

The New Focus Lighting Device tools/command could really use control groups. This would be beyond simply using the normal Group Command.

For Example, if there is an array of device on a position/truss that might generally act in unison, it would be great to be able to assign them to a group as possible on a console. In turn, with one selected, a select control group button in the OIP would often save a lot of mousing around.

VE-100635

Fills in Draw Beam Objects

Kevin Lee Allen

First of all, not sure if there is a proper name, but when a Spotlight lighting Device is focused and Draw Beam is selected, VWX draws lines indicating the Beam and Field. Nice,, but could be better for understanding and presentation graphics when required.

Others might ant color, hatch or tiles, but I'm thinking gradients. Ideally a transparent gradient from (in my case) not 100% to not 0% so I can better visualize and yet still see objects beyond the beam. The angle of the gradient should, in my mine follow the center line so that one 'end' is at the source and the other at the Focus Point.

These should be c=visibke in wireframe and hidden line renders for down planes. Maybe also an OpenGL Option?

The eyedropper/paint bucket tool should function with this ability.

Please add the ability to link the gradient to the light properties, like an object attributes texture. So that a Light with R29 could produce a 2D graphic gradient for X% to Y% with the user choosing the start point. Thinking this would mean almost solid color at the source and almost translucent at the end. Others may want something else.

Taking this one step further having the ability to have gradients saved with specific gel colors would be appreciated. Although kind of exists, if the gradient automatically named itself with the color would be a help.

VE-100634

Gradients Usage and Controls

Kevin Lee Allen

The ability to manipulate gradients in Adobe Illustrator is vastly superior to the controls given in VWX. The Gradient dialog accessible from the Attributes Palette should become a fill widget in the oIP with live previews.Having to hit preview adds a click. The Gradient Palette in OIP is a good model for the Widget.

AI also has an interactive Gradient tool. VWX could use this too fr gradients as well as other fills. Click and large to determine start and direction. Very Handy.

VE-100633

Project Sharing Management and Functionality

Kevin Lee Allen

-Ability to assign layers to project members, so only admins, and those designated by admins can check out certain layers. Similar to an extension of master layers.

For example, on an entrainment project selecting to check out an object that includes a C-Clamp symbol affects much more than might be intended.

Add the ability to set layer color override in multiple viewports at once, on one or more sheet layers. Using either the Navigation Palette or organization dialog.

Add the ability to run a report to find Resources that might be broken or heavy and impacting the entire project. Groups count, polygons counts, etc. In entertainment, we do not have office standards, so one user might break the entire project file inadvertently.

VE-100272

Allow New Styles in Tool Bar

Kevin Lee Allen

Although I am thinking specifically at this moment of the Data Tag Tool, and Title Blocks, there are many places where others might agree.

In the Data Tag Tool, when selecting the Tool, I would REALLY REALLY want the option to create. new Tag Style right then and there.

I'll come back to the interface for this tool soon, but the usefulness of Data Tags is obscured by the navigation required to make critical changes in the Data.

VE-99973

Video Camera Display

Kevin Lee Allen

It seems that when a Video Camera is activated, the graphic representation in plan or top/plan shows only as a Loci. It would be better if the camera/lens/stand displayed.

VE-99925

Turn off Classes with no visible object in a Viewport

Kevin Lee Allen

On large projects, with many cooks, there tend to be a large number of classes and in show business, we're just not good at organizing and communicating that stuff.

I'd like to be able to select a SLVP, go to the OIP>Classes and have the option in that dialog to turn off any class that isn;'t used in the VP.

For Instance, if there is a VP without furniture, this feature would turn off the Furniture>Main class without me have to see if its needed or not

VE-99924

Turn off Classes not seen in a SLVP

Kevin Lee Allen

VE-99928

And one more TB enhancement in a Project file.

Kevin Lee Allen

Users should be Abel to Check out a sheet layer without s=checking out the TB object.

A Command Like "Check out all Viewports" on this Sheet.

VE-99926

Title Block Checkout and Project Files.

Kevin Lee Allen

This is for Admin control and User control.

When checking out a sheet layer, the Title Block object comes along. When one title block is checked out, they are all checked out.

There ought to be options for checking out the TB Sheet Data and Project Data. Project Data likely only accessible by an Admin or with the permission of the Admin.

Similarly, Admin ought to be Abe to force the release f the project data throughout

This missing feature happens the creation of new sheets.

VE-99923

Additional Admin Control for Project Files

Kevin Lee Allen

Admins should be able to see exactly what resources are checked out to which user, not just Layers.

For instance, If SLVPs are Checked Out, Admin should be able to see and force release. The same should be true for any checked out item. Ideally viewable in a hierarchy with a discloser arrow.

VE-99922

Layer Colors, etc in Section SLVPs and Hidden Line Render

Kevin Lee Allen

Title pretty much says it all, but Hidden Line render should allow for colors to be visible/show Layer Colors. Also Color Overrides for Layers and classes to be visible in the rendered VP/

VE-105194

Better Import Compatibility with Rhino Files

Kesoon Chance

Imported Rhino files need a lot of reworking to be useable in Vectorworks,

Can we improve this by reducing some of the mesh triangles are asking it to covert to VW objects?

VE-105195

Slanted Curved walls

Kesoon Chance

After a customer visit, the user explained that his workaround was creating auto hybrid objects from solid modelling. This can be time-consuming for the user to set up.

VE-105185

convert to parametric

Kesoon Chance

After meeting with a customer, who has created his own countertop tool (basically a solid model) - He was wondering if there was a way to convert a solid model into a parametric model.

or at least turn a plan drawing into a model (i.e. a countertop). His tool converts that plan drawing into a solid model but to make changes he has to ungroup and redo the process.

VE-105085

Design Layer Groups

Kesoon Chance

After a customer visit with Steve J, Martyn H, Luka S and myself - One of the high requests from the customer was the ability to create groups for the design layer for better management.

Below are examples of how other software manages this...

- Autocad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqFrDynenC8
- Revit https://www.cad-notes.com/group-revit-views-by-category-or-sub-discipline/
- Photoshop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB8TjWE-ejg

VE-104837

Data visualisation legend style

Kesoon Chance

I am not sure if this is in the works already but I couldn't find anything in the Help Menu.

Is there a way to set up the layout of the legend so it is always the same i.e. horizontal with the 4 columns instead of a vertical list?

If not perhaps its time that we made this a style, like a drawing label or the graphic legend itself, so we can have some pre-formatted layouts and graphic standards

VE-104196

Bay Window Creation

Kesoon Chance

At the moment, creating bay windows is very much a manual process. Is this in the plans for being more automated in the window tool?

Whether on straight but angular walls or set on an arc wall. The process takes a lot of manual symbol building.

I also found many forum posts, discussing this issue.

Thanks, Kesoon

VE-104291

Texturing Tool Default Control

Kesoon Chance

Feedback from the Open house event 2023

The texturing tool default should be auto-align and not UV mapping as it messes up the texture on certain objects.

VE-104293

Batch texture creation

Kesoon Chance

Requested at the Open House event 2023

At the moment we can batch import images into Vectorworks as an image or an image resource, with the ability to still adjust each image upon import, however, some users have expressed that it would be useful to have a batch texture creation of images.

VE-104292

Fit to Object option for Textures

Kesoon Chance

Feedback from Open House event 2023.

I believe some design software have this option already but a fit-to-object option for applying a texture to an option, so users do not have to fiddle around with the attributes mapping tool.

VE-104253

Gridlines on Camera view

Kesoon Chance

To help users generate better images, it would be useful if the camera tool was able to show grid lines so the user can create better compositions.

VE-104195

Custom profiles: Radius on sill

Kesoon Chance

I think there needs to be a way to set profile shapes of sills so that users can add radius to the shapes if needed.

This has also been requested by customers.

Example in the image attached.

Currently, you have to manually add this shape in the section viewport annotations.

Best,
Kesoon

VE-104021

Stacked Wall Components

Kesoon Chance

Recently, I was with a large interior customer [Starbucks] doing training with 24 attendees and one of the main requests was to display aligned stacked components on walls.

I know there is a Wall development task but is this close to being in development or high on the list?

[~mpanzer2]
[~mhorne]

Many thanks,
Kesoon

VE-104056

Manage Revision Data fields

Kesoon Chance

One of our customers has requested the ability to edit/add/manage the Revision field - so they can better manage their revision and checking procedures.

Images below.

Best,
Kesoon

VE-103546

Renderworks background flexibility for Design Layer saved views

Kesoon Chance

Hello,

Going through my project and exploring the new Shaded improvements - I realised that I couldn't adjust the renderworks background per design layer saved view - there were some visuals I wanted to have a white background and others where I wanted an image background.

We can adjust the rendering style per design layer saved view so it would be good that the next logical step would be to change the renderworks background used per saved view.

Examples attached.

Thanks

VE-103454

Single Cladded wall type (tv/Film industry)

Kesoon Chance

I am hoping you can help with any suggestions, for the tv/film industry. I have created a wall style which can be graphically shown as a 'full structured wall' and 'single clad wall/ prop wall' by adjusting which class it sits on. However, it doesn't seem to allow for wall caps to be shown.

It would be great if we could develop the wall tool to allow for wall caps to be shown on a single cladding wall

Video and file attached.

VE-102858

Screen Aligned Annotation for Design Layers

Kesoon Chance

Over the years I have had a few requests from the scenic world for screen aligned text, so as you are rotating around the model your text is still facing the screen.

This has been brought up in conversation also a few times for industry specialists having to do workarounds or change workflow for presentations.

Here is an example of what currently exists with SketchUp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpNbq10UpFo&t=39s

Attached also is a file with 2 different workflows:
- Spotlight 3d legend - This allows you to set the rotation of the text i.e right iso/ left iso
as well as screen aligned etc. If viewed from a back view text is not flipped
- Data tag
-Callout tool

Ideally if we could get it to work similarly to SketchUp with the screen aligned element for the leader line as well. Or incorporate a more automated version of the spotlight screen aligned legends into the data tag and callout tool.

Many Thanks.

VE-102726

Renderworks Camera need to be associated with renderworks styles

Kesoon Chance

When you set a render setting to the camera that default setting is brought over to the viewport.

However, those initial setting do not allow for a render work style to be associated with the camera. so that users can save these as a resource in their templates.

** requested by the user

VE-102725

Web Palettes within Vectorworks needs to be dockable

Kesoon Chance

An example of a web palette that needs to be dockable and allow us further access to Vectorworks whilst being active is the 'BImobject' web palette.

If I want to import multiple symbols from the same keyword search - I would need to active bim object each time and reenter the keyword then scroll to where I left off.

It's a lot of clicks and typing and not very efficient.

If there was a way to pick up from where you last browsed a keyword and also import multiple objects at once (add to cart feature maybe) that would be great.

VE-102535

Data Tag Eligible Objects Detection Improvement

Kesoon Chance

The data tag is currently counting for eligible only the objects that have all the required data in them.

I have a set of data tags that have multiple records assigned to it and it no longer finds eligible objects in the 3rd mode of the data tag, because the symbols do not have all the records attached.

It would be great if we can improve this with the ability to include the data tag style attached records in the eligible object check.

Image, File and video attached

VE-102298

VW2022 Alert needed for when creating a incompatible shape to work with the Reshape tool

Kesoon Chance

I spent several minutes trying to figure out why the 'moves edges preserve area mode' on the reshape tool wasn't working with certain space objects.

After logging a Jira Bug ticket, I found out it's working as designed because the angles on the opposite sides of my shape do not match up.

This could potentially frustrate users if they don't know why the tool isn't working on a certain shape so I recommend that an alert is needed when the shape is not compatible with the mode.

Related to VB-182031

Thanks

VE-101735

None fill on images removing more of the white background

Kesoon Chance

Setting an image with a white background to none, only removes the whitest 'white' and leaves other whites present, It would be good if we have more control of this.

In addition, it only picks up white, the user with another colour in the background as no way of removing that fill.

They would have to take this into Photoshop to remove the excess white background and add a transparency layer whereas programmes such as Powoerpitn are able to allow the user to draw around the area they want to remove from the image.

VE-101711

Class filter needs more criteria option

Kesoon Chance

Users want to be able to create a filter list with multiple criteria.

On workflow is to check the class criteria on the design layers, a single criteria is for the most part fine. However, when filtering on a design layer viewport, one customer requested the ability to edit and filter with more criteria.

VE-101680

There needs to be a Hyperlink Function in Worksheets

Kesoon Chance

Many designers use hyperlinks in the schedules for referencing specific manufactures or aspecific objects.

This is common with designers getting takeoff information on the furniture/window/door objects etc.

A frequently created schedule for interior designers is an FF&E schedule (furniture/fixtures/electrical) and on these schedules is a commonly used field for manufacture URL/website). This allows the designer/buyer/builder and client a quick visual of the actual product.

I am aware of the hyperlink tool however this does not work with worksheets. If I create a hyperlink within a worksheet, on a sheet layer I am not able to access it as a hyperlink, however, if I export it as a pdf it identifies as a hyperlink.

If I export this worksheet as an excel worksheet, excel does not pick up that it is a hyperlink text, which would give the user more work to manually adjust these as hyperlinks before sending them off.

If I copy and paste an Url on a sheet and export this to a sheet layer, the pdf picks up that this is a hyperlink.

If I import an excel worksheet into Vectorworks, Vectorworks does not recognise that the text is a hyperlink. It also does not bring the text, if the hyperlink was created with formula instead of the hyperlink tool in excel VB-177338, so there are lots of issues with consistency.

The ideal outcome would be to allow hyperlinks to be clickable from the worksheet palette and also transfers to and from Excel.

Thank you.

VE-101509

Resizing/Rescaling Default symbols Asymmetrically

Kesoon Chance

Hi,

It would be good if we had the capability to resize/ rescale a default symbol i.e sofa.

The workflow would be to place a vectorworks default content in at a specific dimension, then source a actually product that size or get something custom build to your design.

The issue is that currently it takes a lot of guesses to get the asymmetric rescale factor to the correct dimension. With the scale object tool you can resize geometry by a specific distance but not asymmetrically.

One of our other specialist mentioned that Autocad has a 'Stretch command which effectively does that to a selection in drawing.'

which would be very useful.

video and file attached.

VE-101438

A way to export saved views in a report/Spreadsheet

Kesoon Chance

The Product Marketing team frequently uses saved views to demonstrate our projects, It somethings we have to split files up and make changes to one then later the other.

As we are telling users to use Save views more, It would be useful if there was a way to export the saved views in spreadsheet so that it can be easier to map names to other files.

Similarly to how class mapping works or just being able to pick up saved views from a custom report function.

VE-101459

Need the ability to add images (bitmaps) to a spreadsheet

Kesoon Chance

'Images' at the moment is based on the look of the viewport - However from working with a client a few months back. One of their requirements was to have an 'actual image of the product not a render' in their sheets. A way around this request for us was to add a bitmap to the 'top view' of a symbol but on a seperate class to the actual models top view. So in the spreadsheet with the right class on we had the 'actual image instead of the rendered image.

in the file attached.

Sht 1 - there are 3 options displayed.

The Option I am describing above is option 2/live version

Kind Regards,

VE-101409

Image import dialogue window - Importing multiple images at once

Kesoon Chance

At present using File > import> image, users can only import one image at a time which can take a long time if they are using multiple images.

Not a lot of users are aware that they can drag and drop images. You can drag and drop multiple images at once, BUT there is a separate dialogue window after each image imports, which creates unnecessary extra clicks.

What I propose is on the first image import dialogue window there should be an option to

"apply to all images on this batch import"

Once that batch import has been completed users would have to tick the option again for their next batch 'drag and drop import'

Thanks,

Video attached of issue.

VE-101169

Automatic Profile Line of entire section

Kesoon Chance

Hi,

A feature that has been requested by multiple (tv/ film designers) would be the possibility for there to be a automatic dark profile line around an entire section. This would be separate from the current 'add profile command in advance properties' which only works for cutting directly through objects.

This is a common practice in the FIlm/tv Industry.

Thanks

VE-101188

Toggle backwards Key

Kesoon Chance

Hi,

I had a request from a training user to maybe add a toggle key (perhaps *Y*) to toggle backwards when going through a tool modes. Instead of having to use U or I to go all the way back to the beginning.

Thank you

VE-101187

Publish Command to Export Viewports

Kesoon Chance

Hi

I have had a users request to be able to export viewports through the publish command as separate images.

VE-101074

T02075 - Image style transfer needs more editability/controllability

Kesoon Chance

Hi

I think it would be good to add some aspects of how image effects in controlled using sliders within vectorwokrs to adjust how strong the image style transfer affects the origanl image in the cloud stylise function.

it could be as simple as low transfer > high/strong transfer slider option

VE-100397

Interior Design Related - Wall features - Recess/projection

Kesoon Chance

Recess/projection needs to be made easier to edit walls. As it is now a big trend to have cut outs in walls. Perhaps a whole redo of the command. It is a lot more long-winded to do a small recess on a wall than it is to quickly do a solid subtraction. I think it is a very useful tool but very underused because of its functionality.

VE-100402

Interior Design Related - Wall reshape

Kesoon Chance

Ability to adjust wall points by components just as easy as it is to move the points of the overall wall.

Also when i move the overall wall peak point, the textures lose the mapping. Image attached - It would be great if it could keep its mapping

VE-101037

DataTag Placement on Insertion

Kesoon Chance

Video Attached,

It would be great if users could place and rotate data tags on placing them, similar to how a symbol insertion works.

VE-100986

VW2021 - T02136 - History Modelling Menu Command

Kesoon Chance

I really love what has been done to the history modelling - In terms of editing the features and solid seperately and fairly quickly - one thing that i think doesn't flow well or should be in a better position is the Modify>Top level

The ability to exit quickly to the top level should have a bigger impact on the process whether with a shortcut or that command needs placed on the object info palette for quicker accessibility.

VE-100978

Class override - Line Offset Flip (Starbucks)

Kesoon Chance

Hi

We have a customer (Starbucks) who are looking for a solution in making their wall finish annotation a bit less manual.

Currently on their wall finish plan - It showcases their components, which are controlled by the material(texture) on their classes.

On many occasions they may have 2 or 3 different finishes on a finish wall, i.e. wood + Wallpaper + paint. Those finishes tend to have a 5mm component thickness.

To quickly showcase to the builders the different finishes, Starbucks would manually create coloured dash lines in the viewport annotation and use a section-elevation line symbol as a way to start creating a key/legend ( they this marker because it is quick to input the number and set the direction of the symbol) - some side effects of this is that they also get the red chain symbol that they do not want.

We have thought of a way to speed this process up slightly but that also comes with some drawbacks;

New Process: Create different coloured line types (component) with varied offsets and use class overrides to over the pen style of one side of the wall (left or right within the wall style dialogue box)

Issues: Starbucks sometimes uses double walls, which means that the same component is on either side of the way, i.e Wood-Render-Core-Render-Wood, which means that using the class override with the default wall offset wouldn't work as you can't flip the side the line is being offset for the second component.

Maybe we could have an enhancement which would allow them to flip the line offset on a viewport.

Or if there's is any other workflow suggestion (please see free to mention).

VE-100400

Interior Design Related - Mood Board creation

Kesoon Chance

Is there a way to involve Pinterest in mood board creation - with it keeping track of the source link?

VE-100517

ClipCube Viewport

Kesoon Chance

When creating a viewport with a clipcube activated. The clipcube boundaries should be the crop for the viewport, instead of having to manually create a crop also.

VE-100406

Interior Design Related - Updating Bath/Shower

Kesoon Chance

At present the Bath/ Shower tool is very limiting and basic -

Here are a few ideas to update it;

- add the ability to add a door style
- flexibility on the number os surrounds and where they go.
- Ability to render separate components of the shower/bath by component possibly.

VE-100398

Interior Design Related- Blinds/Curtains creation

Kesoon Chance

Option on windows to add blinds/curtains and control similarly to how the Spotlight soft good tools controls the pleating on the drapes.

VE-100403

Class Mapping feature update

Kesoon Chance

Class mapping - tells you one object will be delete but there’s no way to find out which object or from what class.

This needs to be more transparent

VE-100401

Interior Design Related - Colour Palette update

Kesoon Chance

To would be great to have the ability in paste the Hex Colour and it updates to the correct colour immediately. at present you have to manually scroll to find the colour code or use the colour picker.

Image attached

VE-100399

Interior Design Related - Hangers for section view?

Kesoon Chance

Clothes rod tool to include standard hanger symbols for elevation views would be helpful for retail designs

VE-100396

Interior Design Related - Grass texture

Kesoon Chance

Improvement on rendering speed for grass like carpet textures

VE-100395

Interior Design Related - Trace Bitmap- Image Import

Kesoon Chance

*As one of the most common steps for a interior designer - its often to trace around images to get the 2D vector lines for the sections/elevations so with that these may help speed up there workflow and reduce crashing # Improving the quality of the command ‘Trace Bitmap’
# Add the option on importing Images - to trace bitmap to a new design layer. This may be in the same window when asking if you want images to be used as a texture or image.

VE-99604

Request_Information update of TOV document

Hitoshi Takeuchi

Information offered in TOV is scarce and is troubled because there are many differences with the program.
We hope that the information reflection from a program to TOV is carried out immediately to verify a new feature in a timely manner.
Under the present conditions, We must suppose the function that is not written in TOV from a program.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Kentaro Takesue
A&A

VE-99602

Request_Person in charge is assigned of Bug report

Hitoshi Takeuchi

When Bug report is created, I demand that the person in charge is assigned immediately.
I am troubled whether it is reserved whether we are overlooked without understanding a reason.
I hope for immediate improvement.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Kentaro Takesue
A&A

VE-99586

Request_Strict Presentation of VCS schedule or roadmap

Kenichi Ando

Request_Strict Presentation of VCS schedule or roadmap

Always present at least a half-yearly VCS schedule or roadmap. We can not predict the assignment of people or the schedule of work.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

VE-104467

Navigation Single Click for Saved Views

Kelvin Humenny

Why do we have to double click to go to a saved view? It would flow so much better if I could just click the view I want once, like I can with the drop down menu.

VE-102496

Ability to Control Site Models Within Viewports

Kelvin Humenny

I think it would be very useful to have the the ability to control "existing" and "proposed" in separate VPs, to display the model like I have in the attached screenshot, which I had to reference 2 separate site model files plus the one in the file for 3 separate versions.

And if this was possible I'd also request one or two more options for display of the site model, maybe "existing", "proposed", "option 1", and "option 2"?

VE-104216

Hardscape: 'Simplification Tolerance' increase could cause self-intersecting geometry when holes are near the boundary (orig: Create Object from Shapes... Hardscape over fills Closed Polyline).

Kelly Brandon

This might be a limitation due to the complexity of the polyline? There is definitely a work around, breaking the Polyline up into two closed polylines and Add Surface after creating the Hardscape results in the correct results.

This was first noticed working in Vectorworks 2024. Exported to VW2023 SP4 and seeing issue there as well.

NOTE: In the video take note of the Beta Undo 4 Alert when selecting the Hardscape Style in the Hardscape Preference Window. This is only seen in VW2024. If needed, I can submit a separate VB for this issue. Not 100% reproducible.
# Open attached file
# Select complex polyline (exampled in screen shot)
# Use Create Objects for Shape... (Right Click menu)
# Hardscape Object Settings Used:
** Configuration: Boundary
** 3D Type: Slab
** 3D Configuration: Planar Pad

VE-102877

House Rigging Point Symbol made active in Resource Manager does not activate House rigging Point Tool

Kelly Brandon

# Start with a New vwx file
# Activate the House Rigging Point Tool
# Select a Symbol from the drop down Resource Manager in Tool Bar
# Inset House Rigging Point
# Go to Resource Manager
# Double click on the House Rigging Point Symbol that was just inserted (or Vectorworks Libraries>Defaults>House Rigging Points)
# Insert symbol
# Note the different when inserting as well as the OIP - this symbol is a 2D/3D Symbol and not a House Rigging Point

Video attached to help clarify. I have filed VB-186443 for the issue with House Rigging Point Record Format not attaching when inserted using the House Rigging Point Tool.

I see both issues going back to Vectorworks 2019, possibly farther.

VE-102292

Vision DMX Recorder needs higher color contrast for active button

Kelly Brandon

The Vision DMX Recorder currently has very little color contrast when a button is active. For example: look at the two snapshots provided. The Play button looks barley different, yet one is of the Play button clicked 'ON' and one is of the Play button clicked 'OFF'.

Simply making the active color a higher contrast to the inactive color is all that is needed. Since the Play and Record button are both used to start and stop these action, knowing that the button is ON or OFF with a quick glance would be very helpful.

VE-101633

Adding a HOME option in Vision in regards to Focusing Conventional

Kelly Brandon

I included two images:
# Conventional fixtures positioning when a newly exported ESC or MVR file is opened in Vision
# Those same Conventional fixture focused in Vision using "Focus Selected Lights Here" (found in right click menu) and arrow keys

I thought it might be nice to see a "Home" option that would bring the selected focused Conventional to their starting position. This is difficult and time consuming to do using the focusing methods currently in place.

VE-104983

Layout Constraints for Title Block Border Styles

Keith Ragsdale

A request for Title Block Border Styles. Within the Title Block Layout editor, would be great to introduce *Layout Constraints* similar to those found in Data Tags and Graphic Legends. The feature would enable graphic elements like lines or rectangles to adjust to dynamic/linked text.

This would be an advantage/benefit because the actual text values for associated parameters within the Title Block Manager varies. Another key example includes the lists for issue and revision data within the Title Block Border. The goal would be to have the graphic elements within the title block automatically adjust to accommodate added text information as the project develops over time.

VE-104979

Please add Gate mode to Railing tool

Keith Ragsdale

Generally, raised decks with railings sometimes have gates for safety and security. You can Google “railing with gate” to find many examples.

Furthermore, I also envision users wanting to deploy railings for various types of screens, such as those used to “hide” mechanical equipment. Plus, designers often use architectural wall screens to subdivide spaces for privacy, safety, or security, whether exterior or interior. In each case, an operable (“open-able”) segment is required for access or egress.

VE-104965

Railing Tool: Show Direction When Selected

Keith Ragsdale

It occurs to me that the Railing tool has similar functionality to the Wall tool in that they both can be created from 2D geometry and they both have a direction (a start and an end) and an orientation (an outside [left] and inside [right]).

However, while the resulting wall provides visual cues for indicating its direction (the blue arrow at the start of the wall), railings do not.

In my opinion, railings would benefit from having visual cues for assisting the user in determining the direction/sequence of clicks (when in Polyline mode) and in determining the offset direction, whether a positive or negative value is appropriate to achieve the desired result.

VE-104082

"Cursor Position Mode" for Flyover Tool

Keith Ragsdale

The title is by Josh Loy. The description comes from Tom White: "What I want to be able to do is hold CTRL and middle mouse wheel to flyover and basically wherever my cursor is when I have triggered this command I want that to be the point at which I orbit around."

This request was also prompted by a customer who felt SketchUp's flyover was better — more user-friendly and functional. Like Tom (above), the customer wants to activate the flyover tool and “orbit” relative to the last cursor location on the screen — that is, without having to set or reset the mode each time, which is necessary, even with Interactive Origin Mode selected. Try it yourself. You’ll notice that the Interactive Origin isn’t aligned with the cursor position in the same way zooming functions with the middle mouse wheel. If we can “zoom” toward the position of the cursor, why can't we also "orbit" around the last cursor position?

VE-103503

Constrain 2D component wall lines at wall-closure-at-inserts profiles

Keith Ragsdale

Recently prompted by a customer’s technical support/training request, I’ve taken up an issue regarding the graphic representation of the sill and head conditions at window insertions with splayed wall profiles. In top/plan view, there are lines that would seem to indicate the face of walls at the head above and sill below (such as at a cased opening). These are classed by default as Ceiling-Main (so, head condition), but with that class off, one can get similar lines by going into the OIP with the Window In Wall selected, and under Visualization, check "Draw wall lines."

But this is the issue: In either case, when the wall-closure-at-inserts profile is set to splay or round, these lines break, such that a gap appears adjacent to the length of the splayed or rounded profile. However, while I initially assumed this could be a bug belonging to the wall-closure-at-inserts feature, I now suspect this could be an enhancement because the lines in question belong to the 2D components of the plug-in object. In fact, I can "solve" the matter by editing the 2D components of the plug-in object and extend the lines to close the gaps.

The caveat, of course, is that by editing the plug-in object, it is converted "to a user-provided component that will no longer be updated by the plug-in object" (according to the popup dialog). On a project, I suppose one could edit the plug-in object style to have the changes extend throughout, but that also assumes one would know that wherever a particularly window (for example) was inserted, you would also have the same wall-closure-at-inserts profile settings applied.

In sum, I think the current workflow would be: to maintain active components, don't edit 2D components to suit graphic preferences until the design is fixed (that is, no more changes are expected). An enhancement would be that the gaps and other similar graphical glitches would be avoided by, at the very least, being able to constrain 2D component wall lines at wall-closure-at-inserts profiles.

VE-102341

New worksheet function

Kazutaka SATOH

Customers need to use Data Tags for display finishing and furring of exterior and interior in their drawings.

Although Vectorworks 2022 allows customers to use worksheet functions in Data Tag but they doesn't include "Number of Component".

So customers cannot make any Data Tag styles to get interior finishing automatically because number of component is different depending on wall styles. They have to input number manually.

If worksheet has a function to get number of component like "GetNumberOfComponent" or "NumberOfComponent", customers can make Data Tag Style and their workflow should be streamlined.

e.g.)
#WS_ComponentName(NumberOfComponent)# : To get interior finishing
#WS_ComponentName(NumberOfComponent-1)# : To get interior furring

VE-102017

All Resources in Resource Type popup of Resource Manager should be always top in the list

Kazutaka SATOH

In English version, "All Resources" has "A" as an initial character. So "All Resources" is always top in the list. But Japanese version "All Resources" is "すべてのリソース" and "Renderworks Style" is "Renderworks スタイル".

Therefore, "Renderworks スタイル" is placed above of "すべてのリソース" because "R" is higher priority of the list than Japanese characters.

"All Resources" should be always top. And it is better that a separator is placed between "All Resources" and other items.

Now, we add "*" to "すべてのリソース" for fixing this issue. This is not smart.

VE-101997

Search feature in-document text

Kazutaka SATOH

Users want to search text information in files on Cloud Services.

e.g. Symbol names, Text objects, Texts in Callout object, Layer names, Class names and so on.

Not only .vwx but also .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, .pdf and .txt.

Box can search texts in files.

VE-101998

Tags on Cloud Services

Kazutaka SATOH

Tags on Cloud Services let users organize items without using folders.

Tags on the portal site, and Nomad and Finder (or Explorer).

VE-101970

New Function for Worksheet (Count Components)

Kazutaka SATOH

If worksheet function can count number of components of walls, slabs and roofs, it will be used for Data Tag and provided as preset Data Tag style for exterior/interior finishing.

e.g. ComponentCount() returns number of components.

If this will be implemented, users will be able to use this in Data Tag style below,

e.g.
#WS_ComponentName(ComponentCount)##WS_ComponentThickness(ComponentCount)#
#WS_ComponentName(ComponentCount-1)##WS_ComponentThickness(ComponentCount-1)#

I believe this is very flexible.

VE-100857

Wish: Save data calculation on view port rendering progress

Katerina Panagiotakis

When canceling a rendering in a viewport,

(if there are no design layer changes)

continue rendering where rendering was stopped

or - have a pause button.

Sometimes I need to restart a rendering after hitting cancel.

if the rendering is halfway through, after a cancel and update again... the rendering process currently starts from the beginning.

VE-101501

wish: Space Label control unit dimensions

Katerina Panagiotakis

I wish there was a parameter to control unit dimensions in space objects, as there is for dimensions objects. for example:
# round units units to nearest inch, ¼ inch, ½ inch etc.

VE-100982

wish: send rail/fence station posts to Site Model

Katerina Panagiotakis

beta release 553387

i wish the fence rail tool posts would be able to 'Send to Surface', as a nurb can be set to the top of the surface of a site model.

currently the tool does not follow the contours.

attached: file with railing and site model. with railing selected....

command: AEC/ Terrain/ Send to Surface

result: entire railing object goes to top of surface, but posts do not follow contour of site model

VE-101502

wish: Design Layer Viewport - Send to Surface, of site model

Katerina Panagiotakis

Uncertain if this is a bug, and filed as a wish...

wish to be able to send the design layer viewport object to the surface of a site model with the - Send to Surface command

steps:

select Viewport in design layer

select command...

File menu... AEC/ Terrain/ Send to Surface

result: viewport sits at top of site model surface.

VE-101133

Shadow on vp rotation, to maintain direction if vp rotated

Katerina Panagiotakis

wish if a view port with an OpenGL rendering (showing shadows)

when rotated, would maintain the direction of the shadow.

step:

open file

observe duplicate viewports (one rotated 90 degrees)

observe shadow direction of one viewport to the other - shadow direction is different

duplicate issue: duplicate one of the viewports

rotate duplicate viewport 90deg

notice direction of shadow is not maintained

VE-101634

Rendering setting - show no texture except to show glazing

Katerina Panagiotakis

For conceptual design purposes in presentation, it would be helpful to have a rendering setting which turns off all textures... except the texture of glazing. this would be a better representation of massing and light.

if glazing is not transparent (texture shown), then the window or door appears as a solid and takes away from the design concept.

thank you!

VE-101343

Hide door swings on other layers

Katerina Panagiotakis

When overlaying 2d plans, to see objects below, it would be an improvement if door object swings would not be visible. I mistakenly didn't catch a door opening below, and the client had thought I suggested a window from the second floor was a door out.

example is seen from clipped sheet layer vp view : Second Floor.
Door on 1st floor is seen as door opening on second floor by window.

i am listing as a minor issue, because there is a work around to overlay viewports and switch the bottom layer to 3d view.

note: I have a number of other bugs to file. I'm in Greece momentarily with bad internet and will send as soon as the speed upload allows on my mobile. Thank you

VE-101134

edit class of multiple duplicate viewports

Katerina Panagiotakis

wish to edit class attributes of multiple (duplicate) viewports selected.

the option to edit a class, disappears from the class dialog box of the viewport, if more than one vp is selected.

if would be nice to have this feature if duplicate viewports of the same, were selected.

steps:

open file

vp is selected

duplicate viewport, by holding option and dragging

select both viewports

select classes on object info palette for viewports

the edit classes button is not available

VE-101068

T02093 - issues when Landscape areas interacting with site models

Katarina Ollikainen

Problem:

At the moment you have to assign every single landscape area to a site model (unless the site model is set to react on-site modifiers on ‘all layers’, with is hardly ever the case in a real project). This gives you A LOT of extra work, as you can only do it via the OIP after the landscape area is placed.

The number of times there is more than one site model in a file is very low - mostly you work with only one site model, especially as IFC export only allows for one site model in each export.

The very small amount of times you’ll have more than one site model doesn’t justify the BIG possibility for the landscape areas to interact with the wrong layer or the site model settings not allowing it.

Suggestion:

* Could the landscape area be assigned to a site model, NOT the Design layer where the site model is placed?

* The landscape area should automatically be assigned to the site model over which it’s placed in 2D (this makes sense - if you’re drafting and draw the landscape area on top of site model A, there would be no reason for it to react to site model B - if there are two site models over each other, that’s the only time you should have to go in and manually reassign which site model the landscape area should interact with. This could then be done via the OIP.
* If the site model settings don’t allow this, a dialogue box should come up to inform about this. At the moment, you’re left to figure this out by yourself, and as this is a new feature, MANY people will have issues with this.
* If there is no site model in the file, or you’re drawing the landscape area over ‘empty space’, the assignment should go to ‘None’ (also for when you place landscape areas in raised beds or planters which are not ‘filled’ with landscape area). You would then use z-values to place the landscape areas properly.
* You should be able to report on the landscape areas sorted on what site model they’re interacting with.
* You should be able to report in the data tags on what site model the landscape area is interacting with

* If there’s no possibility to change things this way, at least you should be able to appoint the site model in the landscape area tool preferences, not having to wait until its placed to assign it.

[~tslatter2] [~tkostreski2]

VE-102329

Can't use localised mapping of line types on Landscape areas

Katarina Ollikainen

This is really an extension of VB-177462.

At the moment, you can't use the localised mapping of line types on LAs - even if you're setting it up in the polygon you then convert to a LA, it reverts to original size when converting.

After it is a LA, there's no way to adjust the size of the line type.

This ought to be steered by the style, just as the fill.

VE-102679

Option that allows choosing between Mature, Designed or Installed size for the Plant style specification

Katarina Ollikainen

In the 'Edit Plant Style' dialogue, on the 'Size and Spacing', we set up the insertion size (spread and height).

Below each of the fields, it says at the moment 'Mature Spread' and 'Mature Height'.

This is not what you put into these fields. You put in insertion size (i.e. the size of the plant at planting _or_ the size used in the design (which is not the same as mature).

Mature size is only extra information about the plant, found under the 'More data' tab, and has nothing to do with the size you set up your plant style as.

This is most obvious when looking at trees - an oak could have a mature spread of 40m+, but you'd never place the tree at that size in a scheme (it takes hundreds of years for it to grow to that size).

Can we change this to 'spread/height at design/insertion' or similar?

[~tkostreski2], [~bgoff] - do you have a suggestion on naming?

VE-101655

Eyedropper doesn't work on Landscape areas in 2021

Katarina Ollikainen

I'm writing this Jira after a meeting with one of our clients, FPCR - not a big studio, they have around 25 seats. We finally got them to move to 2021 and most is well received, but they have an issue with the eyedropper tool. The (main, not the built into the LA tool itself) doesn't work on landscape areas in 2021.
I did file this before, T02093. The response I got was that it works as designed and that it doesn't work on other things, so why should it work on Landscape areas.

However, working with landscape and working with buildings require very different workflows, and I don't see why we should remove a good tool for the Landmark people just because it's not a way to work in Architecture.

In one project you might have hundreds of landscape areas and maybe 20-30 different mixes, which often aren't repeated to other projects. It is a very useful workflow to be able to 'drop' the content from one LA to another instead of having to go in and replace the style - often it's much easier to work with unstyled landscape areas. It requires many more clicks to replace the style via the OIP.

It is the same with plant styles - you can very easily have 100-150 different plant styles in a project (even in small garden designs) and this creates very different workflows than if you have a handful of styles of walls/slabs/windows etc. Anything we can do to streamline the work should be protected and not removed to fit in with other disciplines.

VE-103428

Site modifier creating unexpected results

Katarina Ollikainen

This is a very simple site but with quite even triangulation.

Grade limit is present

One single site modifier

I would expect the site modifier to create a smooth transition between the grade limit and the pad on all sides. Instead, it starts halfway from the grade limit and is also creating a center peak along the pad (where I would expect a smooth edge).

This is an extreme model (I created it to check projected vs surface area for Landscape areas), but I don't see why it should create this result

VE-102321

Ability to edit 2D attributes of a Landscape Area

Katarina Ollikainen

There is no way to change the 2D attributes of a Landscape area after it's created. You can change if you want to see plants or not, but you can't change the colour/gradient/hatch/image.

If you're going in to change the 2D component via the Resource Manager, and use the 'Edit 2D component', you come into the 'normal' window for editing PIOs 2D components. If you make a change, you'll then only get a square as a 2D view every time you create a new LA instead of the shape you're actually drawing. You have actually created a separate '2D look' for the LA, based on the sample rectangle seen in the RM.

The only way to do it today is to un-style the LA, change the colour, and create a new style - a bit convoluted.

VE-100930

T02093 Inconsistencies in naming of Landscape areas

Katarina Ollikainen

There are several inconsistencies in what name a landscape area gets when created.

It would be nice if you could just get the name of the style, just like with the Hardscape styles.

(This issue shouldn't occur, especially as the name of the area now is a part of the style. If I want to avoid this at the creation of the landscape area, I have to convert it to unstyled)

*Basic landscape area:*
* First time drawn - just the style name
* Second time drawn - style name plus a number (-1)
* Created with bucket fill - Style name and the warning ‘Name is Not Unique in the Document’ is coming up
* Created from shape - style name plus number (-2)

*Landscape +without+ components:*
* First time drawn - style name plus a number (-1)
* Second time drawn - style name plus a number (-2)
* Created with bucket fill - style name including the number of the first area drawn, and the warning ‘Name is Not Unique in the Document’
* Created from shape - style name plus a number (-3)

*Landscape area +with+ components:*
* First time drawn - style name
* Second time drawn - style name plus a number (-1)
* Created with bucket fill - Style name and the warning ‘Name is Not Unique in the Document'
* Created from shape - style name plus a number (-2)

VE-103080

T02274 - Adding vertices on long. profile

Katarina Ollikainen

When you're working on the detailing of elevations for the longitudinal profile, it would be so useful to have the numbers of the vertices visible along the line. If you don't assign an elevation correctly immediately after creating a new vertex, it will be a guessing game to find it back.

VE-105148

Partner Products - easier to change login details

Katarina Ollikainen

Currently, if you want to change the login details for PlantPartner, you must reset your user folder - it gives the user a lot of extra work and should be possible just by not checking the saved credentials and then log in using new ones.

VE-103838

When referencing a DWG - having the ability to ignore refs to that DWG

Katarina Ollikainen

It would be beneficial to have the ability to ignore xrefs into a DWG that you referencing into a vwx file.

The size of xrefs are often the bane of a Landscape Architect's life - they're destroying the agility of the file, and you often have dozens of xrefs into the same file.

Anything that can help with this would be welcome.

VE-102196

IFC improved workflow - ability to copy data sets

Katarina Ollikainen

Setting up IFC mapping for a project is quite time consuming - the ability to copy selected IFC data sets from one entity to another in the Data manager would reduce the time considerably.

[~mhorne]

VE-103337

T02286 - You can't see what Laubwerk representation you've chosen when in Plant tool

Katarina Ollikainen

The Laubwerk dialogue ought to have a field showing the plant currently chosen for illustration. You don't always use have a tree that fits your specification and you have to go with a proxy - then, if you want to go in and change the image, you have to guess what you're using.

VE-101671

Parking area markings

Katarina Ollikainen

In UK, handicap parking bays have to be 2400x4800mm with a handicap isle of 1200mm on the side. This isle have to extend to behind the parking bay as well (towards the road) and be marked.

It would be good to have the ability to set this in the tool instead of having to do it manually.

See screenshot

VE-101676

Landscape areas automatically assigned

Katarina Ollikainen

If there's only one site model in a file, the landscape areas should automatically be assigned to this site model. At the moment, for every LA you're creating you have to do some scrolling in the OIP and then two clicks. This is a lot of clicks if you have a hundred LAs... (It's still an extra moment even if you collect them all after you've created a number of them and then assign them in one go). Normally you only have one site model in a file - the few times you have two on top of each other - rooftop garden with undulating surface - you can manually select what site model they should interact with)

Also, there has to be a 'none' alternative (unassigned, the default at the moment) - sometimes you have to just add a LA with a z value different to the site model (for raised planters, rooftops without a second site model etc.).

VE-101677

Landscape areas have to react to changes in levels

Katarina Ollikainen

The landscape areas doesn't follow changes in levels after the site model and the LA are connected. If you have to change any contours/levels/site modifiers post LA creations you have to either disconnect the LA fully from the site model layer and disconnect the site model from the LA layer, and then re-connect it OR you have to do a reset of all plugins.

The cut of the LA is following the changes and is reflected in the C&F, so the connections is sort of there, it's just the components and the plants that doesn't follow.

This is not a sustainable workflow. You can have hundreds of LAs in a file. The time it takes for the recalculations of these things is immense - it can range from a minute for one single LA to 10/20/30 minutes for more complicated ones.

The vwx file I've attached is the demo file we've been working on - this is a small project and I've spent hours waiting on updates. Imagine a new housing estate. Play with it and see how long to'll take to update the LAs if you have to raise the level of the site with 100mm.

The only thing that follows site model level changes is the texture bed - this follows the site model, independent of if it's applied to existing or proposed site model.

VE-101707

See Landscape Area content in Resource Manager

Katarina Ollikainen

When you're looking at a plant in the Resource Manager, you can see the data attached to it.

It would be good if this worked for Landscape areas as well, especially for the plant content.

Today, you have to go into edit to see what plants or components are included. This is cumbersome if you have a dozen or more LAs in a project and are looking for one specific.

VE-101714

Alternative for placing of plants in Landscape areas

Katarina Ollikainen

Can we have an alternative for the plant placing in Landmark where no plants are extending outside the planting bed edge?

Even if you'd place the plants so they spill over in real life, this sometimes doesn't work for models. The screenshot shows what's happening.

This is not an issue unless the plants extrude into/through other objects, as here, but it would be good to have the option to ensure they 'paint inside the lines'.

This could be a tick box on the tab for graphics, saying 'keep plants fully inside planting bed edge' (unless the suggested changes to the UI are going through). See screenshot.

VE-102086

Allow for equal diameter top and bottom on B&B Root ball

Katarina Ollikainen

A B&B root ball is not always in a tapered configuration.
At the moment, if you put in the same number for top and bottom diameter, the root ball doesn't appear. It would be good to be able to put in the same number, especially as a B&B root ball often is shaped like a - ball (no pun intended...) and a cylinder would be a better representation of it.

VE-102277

Site modifier 'fit to object' must be editable

Katarina Ollikainen

This is one scenario I can think of to demonstrate where the fit to object could be useful. You have steps in almost every project.

I first created the steps, then manually added a 3D poly along the inner corner of the treads. Then, I offset it to half the height of the riser, and adjusted it at top and bottom.

Then the normal - DTM-class and adding to the site model.

This is very laborious (and here I haven't even created a bottom pad for the steps, only the upper edge). If we could use the fit to object for these situations, we could save so much time.

However, the created site modifiers must be editable - to have the soil to come to either the top of the stairs OR the bottom of the raft would be totally useless. I'm not sure it's possible to create a tool which is precise enough to use in real situations without tweaking. This is a theme which comes up in all parametric tools - they are good at what they're doing, but not good enough to cater for precise design. We must be able to adjust the results, otherwise it just becomes clunky.

VE-102280

Localise the Existing tree tool with BS5837 fields

Katarina Ollikainen

At the moment, you have to use many of the extra fields in the Existing tree tool for standard info according to BS5837.

Can we create a localised version of the settings, so the report has appropriate fields to map to.

VE-103167

T02284 - Hedgerow configuration is missing

Katarina Ollikainen

When specifying hedgerows, you say (for example):

5 plants/m, staggered rows,

or

5 plants/m, single row

or

10 plants/m, double row

Right now we can't specify the 'row style' and there is no way to add a note to the hedgerow either.

Can we either have more selections in the drop-down or a second field where you select row type (which isn't visible when you select area).

VE-103515

Site model colour to reflect elevation - each interval clearly specified

Katarina Ollikainen

For LVIA analysis (Landscape Visual Impact Analysis), you need to supply a 2D plan of the site with elevations clearly separated in interval bands. For this, color is the best alternative instead of only looking at contours.

Today, this is a totally manual process if you want to do it in Vectorworks, and hence many practices are moving this to different software.

A user could set this up similarly to the slope analysis - specifying the number of bands, the intervals, and what colors to associate with them.

It would also be useful to have an automated key, similar to how the DataViz is showing applied attributes.

It would also be good to have the same effect as 3D graphics. This would help for the analysis stage for large sites.

Attached is an example of a large site with elevations in 10m bands

VE-103898

More specified/searchable resources in the Resource Manager

Katarina Ollikainen

None of the Landmark objects our users are working with daily are easy to find in the Resource manager.

Users find this very counterintuitive, as some objects are specified, and others are not. For example, you can't search for a style object such as 'Plant' - you'll get all pots and planters included. You can do this for walls, as you have this option in the dropdown at the top.

I understand it can't be easy to cater for all style objects for all industries, but it would help if you could select to look at more specific objects, such as Plants, Landscape areas, Hardscape, etc., in the top dropdown menu. (I take for granted that it must be possible to search for these objects, just not as a user right now).

VE-100184

Plant Catalog - improvements of content and presentation

Katarina Ollikainen

In the Plant Catalog, we would like to have the plant spread and height in metrics instead of feet and inches. The data ought to be localised instead of converted as it otherwise converts to very uneven numbers, which then has to be adjusted manually.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-101762

Access to the settings dialogue when creating LAs from shapes

Katarina Ollikainen

I don't know if there's a reason for this, but when converting a shape to a Landscape area, you can choose between keeping or deleting the original shape, but you can't access the settings dialogue (that option is greyed out), as you can when converting to a hardscape.

Instead, you have to ensure the preferences are perfectly set up in the LA tool, as this steers what the LA will look like.

is it possible to have both?

VE-100192

Present Landscape areas better in worksheets

Katarina Ollikainen

Today, you can't sort landscape areas alphabetically . If you do, all the Landscape area names gets listed in one group and the plants get thrown together. You loose the information on which plants belong to which landscape area.

It would be good to be able to sort them, just like anything else in a worksheet.

This is a critical part of the workflow - as landscape architects usually works with landscape areas they must be able to present the data in a way which suits them, not being dependent on in which order they created the different areas.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100197

More scope to specify how data tags (and/or landscape area tag) are placed

Katarina Ollikainen

The landscape area tag seem to stick to the bounding box of landscape areas.

The data tags seems quite often not to reach outside the landscape areas.

Can we find a system to specify the tag to be placed in a certain angle AND distance from the edge of a landscape area?

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100223

Ability to create cutting plans from hardscape areas

Katarina Ollikainen

The new align hardscape ability is fab - have had so many exclamations of 'yes! fantastic!' when showed to users.

However, the question following this is then: How do we use this to make a cutting plan?

Depending on hardscape material, this can be a very important point to relay to contractors. Any area with large(ish) size pavers will have cuts on the diagonal if you have a hardscape area which is sloping in more than one direction. If you can show these cutting lines, and the hardscape area style pavers are correct sized (with the correct joint) and lined up correctly, you could then use the hardscape for the really time consuming job of creating the cutting plan.

VE-100190

Have volume in landscape areas

Katarina Ollikainen

Today the landscape area is only a container for the plants. Even if VW is shipped with a few basic ground setting (mulch, turf area, etc.) this is just represented as a texture bed.

A planting bed has a volume, just like a hardscape and we need to be able to show this, and for BIM this becomes even more important. Also, to be able to produce a correct cut and fill calculation of a site, you need to include the planting areas. They can be hundreds of square meters and often a minimum of 300mm deep.

It would be good to be able to add things like soil improver, compost and mulch to the landscape area, just like you add materials to a hardscape. However, they would also need to be able to be sculpted (like mounds, for example) or to follow existing contours. Maybe a reversed spoil heap?

(Maybe this also would solve the issue with landscape areas changing registered square meter area when exported as ifc and checked in Solibri?)

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-102963

Tag system for ifc objects

Katarina Ollikainen

Today we have the GUID assigned to objects at ifc export. This works well - however, when you do so many edits to an object (for example a set of stairs) that it's better to create a new one, you'll lose the traceability as you then get a new GUID for the 'same' object in the model.

Revit is resolving this by having a tag system and the tags are transferrable from one object to another.

It would be fab to have a transferrable tag/ID system for Vectorworks objects as well. Don't know if this would have to be separate from the GUID (for the GUID to comply with BIM360's 'rules') or if it could be the same.

[~mhorne]

VE-102272

Global width tool

Katarina Ollikainen

A Global width tool (as in Auto CAD) would be immensely useful for Landscape Architects as you work a lot with paths and roads.

It would be a result similar to the Double line polygon tool, but you could manipulate it from the centre line.

You set the width, draw the line and when you need to amend the path, you only have to move the vertices of the centre line, not amend the other edges.

It would also be necessary to be able to convert it to a polygon when done, as you could then use it to create objects from shapes, i.e. converting to hardscape/landscape areas

A better name would also be fab. Global width is very non-descriptive

VE-101976

Improved cut & fill for site modelling and a 'fill' mode for site model

Katarina Ollikainen

At the moment, we don't have cascading calculations for C&F volumes - this means that you can't separate a project into phases.
Most of the time, you'd grade a site first, then excavation for things like planting, hardscape and foundations. You would also create excavation pits larger that building footprints, which are later filled in.
At the moment, all these stages are bundled into a total 'net sum' C&F. It would be great to be able to separate stages, especially if we're looking at producing machine control files.

For this, we would also need a 'fill' mode for the site model, where you can fill up a previously created 'hole' or 'dip' and get the volume for the fill, as well as be able to control what material the fill is (site model components). This would also resolve the issue with freeboards in drainage calculations for water runoff ponds.

VE-102361

Convert the 'create objects from shape' command to a tool

Katarina Ollikainen

Can we convert the command to a tool in the main palette, where you can do the same thing as today, but it's much more obvious for the workflow. It would get a much more prominent place in the workspace and it's something everyone would benefit from.

For the landscape workflow, the absolutely easiest way of working is to draw things with polygons, Polylines, circles, rectangles etc. and them convert them to hardscape and landscape areas when you get to the design development stage.

At the moment, the command is very hidden and many users never find the command, even for the landscape area where you have the bucket mode for the tool (which does the same thing).

This wouldn't require a change for users who like to draw directly with the parametric tools, but it would make more people aware of the fantastic workflow they're missing.

We could still have it available from by right-clicking as well, if users would prefer do access it that way.

[~bstanchev]

VE-102273

Ability to rasterise only the geometry of a PDF plan

Katarina Ollikainen

Rasterising is good, but it doesn't sit well with text. We should be able to rasterise only the drawing and leave the text alone. Have no idea off this is possible, but it's a request from some of our clients.

VE-102275

Ability to get elevations and spot heights of objects in viewports

Katarina Ollikainen

Hopefully we can get the x/y function to work in viewports (see VB-177337)

BUT, it would also be very useful if we could have access to elevation values in the viewport. To be able to add all presentation level data in sectional viewports and over site models in top view instead of in the model area would be fab.

This could be both elevation points on the site model, elevations of hardscapes, top levels of walls and other objects (all in ASL, height above sea level).

VE-101610

A file-wide selection point for image prop/generated solids

Katarina Ollikainen

As many Landscape Architects now work in BIM, it would be good if we could easily switch a whole model from image props to generated solids for plants, and even to a very simplified 3D version (read lollipop trees) for IFC export where look is not the main issue.

You have to produce different plants depending on where you are in the project – high detail plants for visualisations, light simple 3D geometry for IFC export. At the moment, the only way to do this is to either produce two sets of plants (NOT a good solution) or setting up all plants with both 3D geometry and image prop and separate them with classes. This leads to a lot of ‘turning on and off classes’ depending on what you want to produce.

At the moment, you can turn off plant details in 2D via View > Show > Show or hide plant details. It would be good to have the same system for 3D – a central switch for what’s visible in the file.

Maybe have a few _very_ simple generic solids for perennials/grasses/ferns etc. as well as what we have today for trees, that are automatically assigned depending on Category, _or_ that you could choose from in the plant preferences when placing the plants (or later via the OIP). The ability for manual override of the assigned geometry would be good.

This would also be useful for elevations and sectional elevations, as you today can’t use hidden line on image props, and we don't have the ability for 2D front/side views for plants. However, the main use would be for the 3D model, not for output of drawings.

VE-102186

UI improvement - Colour all style dialogues

Katarina Ollikainen

I think it would help our users to know where in the program they are making a change if we colour all style dialogues in a single stand-out colour.

For example within the plant tool, users are always confused if they're making a change to the style or to the instance. If all style dialogues had (for example) a green tint or border instead of the standard, our users would very quickly learn to associate the colour with 'style'.

This works very well with the 'edit yellow border' we already have.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-102198

IFC workflow enhancement - incorporate the IFC Data mapping into the Data Manager

Katarina Ollikainen

The IFC Data Mapping is a great tool for working with mvd files - can we incorporate this into the Data Manager?

I understand that BuildingSMART were at one time phasing out mvds, but have changed their mind.

In Norway, mvdXML is what now (from a National level) steers what data is supposed to be included at what phase of a project.

[~mhorne]

VE-101672

Spot heights for walls

Katarina Ollikainen

Landscape walls are often varying in height along their run. They're also not created at a set height, but instead follows the surface of the site.

It would be great to be able to get spot heights for the wall, relative to the site model surface and also from the base of the wall.

If this would be a stake, the ability to decide between full height and from site model would be great.

If it was built into the wall tool itself, maybe a choice of getting a (full) height at each vertex?

You can use the dimension tool but it becomes cumbersome to get it exact.

To be able to measure height over ground for a wall is very important, especially when designing retaining walls - there are strict regulations for how tall the wall can be before you need a structural engineer to draw it.

I've tried to use the bench mark, but it gives the true heights (so if the ground level is at 42.2m and the wall 2m, the bench mark would show 44.2m. It's not either useful to use the control point mode, as the control point would have to move for each point of measure (as the ground is undulating (At least, I haven't got it to work -there might be a way I haven't found)

VE-100179

Page break for worksheets to fit on A4

Katarina Ollikainen

Plant schedules are often longer than an A4 sheet (which they have to be printed on). Today there is no way to break up a worksheet and distribute it over several pages without making duplicates of the worksheet and then carefully adjust it to display different rows for different sheet layers. This also means that you have several sheet layers for a single schedule.

If you instead changes the size of the sheet layer to accommodate the whole worksheet, there is no way to guarantee that no rows are lost when broken up for printing.

It would be fab to be able to keep the worksheets in VW all the way instead of having to export to Excel to create a schedule for nurseries or clients. As soon as it is exported, there is a chance that changes in the drawings will be forgotten and not updated.

A caveat - the whole schedule has to be able to fit under one sheet layer number - it wouldn't make sense to have several sheet layers for one schedule.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-101761

Ability to create all styles via the RM

Katarina Ollikainen

It would be good to be able to create all new style resources from the RM. For example, Landscape areas can not be created in the resource manager at the moment (the same with any other style object, like Data tags, Hardscapes etc.)

Apparently, this inconsistency creates a bit of confusion for training - if you can create a wall from the RM, why not a Data tag or a LA?

VE-101674

Import/Export Geopackage

Katarina Ollikainen

Most ecologists are using QGIS as it's free. The best file format to work with (import and export) is Geopackage - it's like shape files, but instead of having separate files produced for points, lines and areas etc., it includes it all into one file.

As Biodiversity Net Gain is becoming law in the UK this autumn, Landscape Architects will have to collaborate with ecologists on a regular basis - Geopackage would be very useful a a format.

VE-101675

More columns in General Notes and Callouts (as Keynotes)

Katarina Ollikainen

General notes is a great way to display information on a drawing, as well as the callout tool.

However, often it requires a third column of information. At the moment this has to be dealt with manually and 'stitched on' to the side of the general note - not easy to get right.

It would be great to have the ability to add at least one more column.

VE-101673

Header and formatted text in callouts

Katarina Ollikainen

Often you need to create one-off call-outs on a drawing. It would be great to be able to use headers and formatted text inside a callout. At the moment you have to create that kind of text in a text block, create a 'background surface' with the look you want (rounded corner etc) and a leader - this isn't very streamlined, especially when you then have to adjust positions.

Again, there might be a way that I haven't found...

VE-101581

Create offset of text in text blocks

Katarina Ollikainen

It would be great to be able to decide on an offset in text blocks and add a text frame, just like in the drawing label. InDesign has this feature, where you can add a text frame which can be used both to get a bit of space around the edge of the text, as well as adding attributes.

We can align the text, but not control the amount of space to the edge. Often you end up with creating an extra box with white fill around for it not to look so cramped.

VE-101359

Make the Internal Origin visible by default

Katarina Ollikainen

At least 60% of all issues our support team is dealing with are related to origin issues.

In my contact with our users, this is the biggest stumble block. The first thing we do is turning on the internal origin so it's visible and we're trying to drum in the importance of staying close to it all the time. Why isn't the 'Pale Blue Dot' (LOVE Carl Sagan) visible by default? It doesn't make sense that something so important has to be manually turned on.

It won't resolve any issues by itself, but it would be one more step towards us emphasising how important it is. If someone doesn't want it visible, let them turn it off.

VE-101136

Bounding boxes in viewports cover other items

Katarina Ollikainen

As more and more Landscape architects are moving over to BIM, they're implementing the idea to annotate in the viewports instead of in the model area.

If you have a planting plan, it's more the rule than the exception that you can't reach all the plants as the bounding boxes for groups are so large in the viewports. In the design layer, they're separate boxes around each not connected plant (see attached mp4).

If you do the annotation in the design layer it works better, and you can also use the B key to reach 'below'.

At the moment, the only way to deal with it is to turn off the class of the top plants, annotate the plants below, exit the viewport, turn on the classes again and go into the viewport and finish the tagging. It's not a very elegant workflow.

To use the multi-tag is not an option as there can be dozens of tags for a single bed and it's almost impossible to get some kind of order on them (that looks acceptable) this way.

It would be fab to be able to reach things with the B key even in the viewports, but if this is not possible, at least make the bounding boxes smaller.

VE-100189

Ability to show mature spread of trees as a separate view

Katarina Ollikainen

Today, city planning requires that the developer can show how big percentage of the site will be covered by tree canopies when they are fully matured.

It would be good to easily be able to show this in a top plan view and present it in a worksheet, without having to place the trees with mature spread in the masterplan. It doesn't have to pretty, just a visual of how large the trees will be when fully grown.

This is one way we could align the software with changes in requirements for a greener approach to planning and support of biodiversity.

VE-100186

Be able to specify a root ball on new trees

Katarina Ollikainen

*It would be very useful to be able to specify the rootball on new trees (as well as existing). This is crucial to be able to use the ifs data in a clash detection scenario for BIM.*

It would have to be a solid, (like the mesh solids today for existing tree canopies and trunks), so you can model root management systems, irrigation systems, soils structure systems and guying systems around it as well (and so it shows up in BIM clash detection to avoid issues with pipes and other services).

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100183

Ability to specify mixed hedging

Katarina Ollikainen

*Hedging is usually specified in 'units per linear meter - single or staggered rows'. Because of this, it would be good to be able to specify mixed hedging like this in VW*. The only way to specify mixed hedging today is to create a landscape area with the mix and I have spoken with many Landscape architects who finds this very confusing.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100198

Changing how the Existing trees are categorised to follow BS5837

Katarina Ollikainen

The British standards require existing trees to be categorised according to a certain system, group A,B,C and U, depending on quality. The classes A-C are then divided into subclass 1-3, depending on qualities.

It would be good to have these categories set up in the existing tree tool, available for both manually created trees and imported tree surveys.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100200

Tree root on existing trees

Katarina Ollikainen

Existing trees needs a 3D representation of the rootball, which is possible to specify just like the canopy for uneven spread.

It would also be good if you could compensate for slope, so you get the correct top view plan area of the rootball (just as a Landscape areas adjusts its sqm on a slope).

The rootball is crucial for BIM clash detection.

VE-100182

Ability to edit plant data in worksheet

Katarina Ollikainen

Data is not editable in the worksheet for most of the important fields (the ones which would change from job to job - at the moment you can change the fields related to the plant characteristics, not things like price). You also have other issues with this – if you change a price in the worksheet, it won’t change in the plant style. If you then change the price in the plant style to a third value, this then doesn’t push through to the worksheet. The worksheet keeps the price you entered there.

If you're using the Plant Catalog, none of the changes you've done in the worksheet are pushed to the Catalog, unless you open each individual plant style and re-save it. This defeats the use of the Catalog for more than a way of importing data to VW.

*It would be preferable to have a system where you can edit or add data to the plant styles via the worksheet and this is then automatically pushed to the Plant style and Plant Catalog as well. The system must make sense, so it reacts the same way to changes in all instances.*

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100187

Have a solid 3D representation of all plants

Katarina Ollikainen

The Plant Styles needs a solid representation in 3D. Without it, you can't see plants in sections and elevations unless you use open GL or Final RWS (image props doesn't show in hidden line modes which would be preferable for sections).

This will add several steps in the workflow when creating drawings and a big risk for errors if you have to manually add 2D images of plants in the viewports. For architects, plants are a nice addition to give ambiance - for Landscape architects and garden designers, they are the stars of the design and need to be treated as such.

This is for all plants, not just trees. To be able to use any of the artistic modes for rendering, you need volume for all.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100195

An automatic series of Plant IDs

Katarina Ollikainen

Many designers doesn't use the plant ID for their workflow - it is just something you 'have to' fill in to create the plant style. Could we have the choice of a setting to chose a specified series of Plant IDs, just like the identifier of Existing trees, with a prefix and a number sequence?

Or could we just chose to avoid the ID altogether, if desired? If you use the Latin names on planting plans and schedules, and the plant style is steered by the plant style name, if would be good not to have the issue of an ID (if you chose not to use it)

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100188

Ability to chose included fields for the plant data

Katarina Ollikainen

*There are many different needs for different plant data, and the ability to chose which plant data fields area visible in the plant style would be fantastic (just like you can chose which fields are visible in the title block manager).*

Today, there are different templates for different areas of the world, depending on what's required. This way you could have the same template, with all fields available for everyone, and the individual studio could turn on or off the fields according to how their workflow and design criteria requires access.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100194

A 'hidden' identification for plant styles

Katarina Ollikainen

To avoid the issue with plants disappearing from a landscape area if the Plant style name is changed, you could have a hidden identifier for each plant which connects the plant to the landscape area. That way the user could change all available names and fields but not loose the connection.

If this is not possible, at lease a VERY BIG warning should flash up if you try to change a Plant style name, saying something like 'If you change the Plant style name, all earlier instances of this plant style in any landscape areas will disappear'.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-100596

Issues when changing classes with class attributes

Katarina Ollikainen

# Create an object and give it a class with class attributes.
# Change the attribute so it's not class-related anymore.
# If you then try to change to a different class with class attributes, you have to change the attributes in the attributes palette to class attributes.

This creates confusion as the class attributes would automatically be applied if it didn't have an amended class attribute. I think it would be more intuitive if the class attributes were applied automatically even in this situation.

VE-100201

Improve the worksheet looks

Katarina Ollikainen

It would be good to be able to format individual cell boundaries and fills. At the moment all rows under a data header row has to have the same formatting.

We have also had requests for being able set the border of unused cells as well as the main border around the worksheet to white, and thus invisible.

[~tslatter2] [~mhorne]

VE-99709

Extract surface is not associative

Karthick Chilaka

When we use the extract surface tool and extract a face by clicking on the face of a solid model, we should be able to make the extraction associative.
Currently when we modify the solid model, the extracted surface does not update. I have attached a sample case.

VE-99710

Taper Face operation should be editable.

Karthick Chilaka

Currently when we taper a face, we cannot edit the operation. We should consider this as a future enhancement.

VE-99706

Need the capability to associate a sketch or working plane with a planar face of a solid model

Karthick Chilaka

This is a much needed enhancement to our 3D-Modeling capabilities. Currently, we do not have the ability to associate a sketch plane (i.e working plane) with the planar face of an existing solid model. This is the most common workflow in 3D CAD. Users want to add features to a solid model by sketching on its planar faces and adding extrudes or subtracting holes. Currently, if the user modifies the first extrusion (change the height for example), the second extrude cannot be booleaned with the first one.

Other CAD programs provide this associativity.

VE-103138

Temporary ignore Vectorworks user settings folder at start

Karsten Wirth

We often have the situation that a customer describes a problem with a certain tool or that he can´t start Vectorworks anymore.
In most cases we find out that either a problem with his customized workspace or an incorrect entry in one of the SavedSettings.xml documents was responsible.

As soon as these are removed from the user folder or renamed, the problems are gone.

It would therefore help the support if there was a way to temporarily prevent Vectorworks access to the user settings when starting the program.

The support would immediately know where to look.
In addition, customers could also attempt this themselves outside of support hours.

VE-102655

Info message when export to older Vectorworks format

Karsten Wirth

Sometimes customers are using the export to older Vectorworks file formats to work together with collegues which are using older Vectorworks versions.

They do not recognise that this can result a loss of information in the older Vectorworks version, if they try to edit objects (with unvisibile records) from a newer Vectorworks version.

It would be an advantage if there would be a info dialog while exporting to older formats.

VE-100948

Hoist Hook Rotation Option

Justin Van Hassel

It would be nice to have the option in the OIP to rotate the hook of a hoist to better visually connect with the rigging element of the truss. Currently the truss picks and slings have different connection methods and sometimes the hook stabs the rigging instead of going through it like it would do in the real world.

In order to do this now the user has to enter the 3D hoist geometry and rotate the hook themselves or the default content would need to have two versions of each hoist.

VE-99513

Vision - Sort fixture types in Scene Graph alphabetically

Justin Munson

Not sure what sorting Vision is using to list the fixture types in the Scene Graph (it seems random), but I think it would be more useful to the user to list them alphabetically.

VE-99511

Vision - Remember resized tool window size

Justin Munson

When using tools that popup a window, Vision should remember the size of the window if the user resizes it. Window sizes should also be remembered between Vision sessions.

This should apply to all window popups including...
- Add Instrument Tool (this probably should be larger by default)
- Add Object Tool
- Vision Preferences
- Document Preferences
- Patch Window (should be re-sizable)

VE-99290

Group spotlight parameters within an expandable/collapsible dropdown

Justin Munson

In Spotlight Preferences > Lighting Device Parameters, you can rename/reorder/enable parameters which show in the OIP with a Lighting Device selected.

When selecting "New...", I would like to be able to create a new type called "Group". With this new group, you'd be able to nest lighting device parameters within it.

In the Object Info Pallet, these parameters would appear in an indented group with a heading name and small arrow. When expanded, it would show all parameters within it. When collapsed, just the name of the group.

VW should also remember all groups expanded/collapsed state, even after a lighting device is not selected or after restarting VW.

VE-102139

Omniverse Link

Justin Hutchison

Omniverse is another partnership opportunity like Lumion, Enscape, and Twinmotion....

VE-102138

Import/Export USD

Justin Hutchison

New Apple phone software can digitize 3D objects in USD format......

VE-102135

Tumble camera

Justin Hutchison

It is convenient to be able to see a model from many orientations by using the flyover tool. This task proposes a convenient and fun flyover sticky mode button that automatically performs this action.

The new tumble mode button initiates tumbling animation which lasts until the mode button is toggled again, the tool becomes inactive, ESC is pressed, or a dialog becomes active. The tumble path is a sine wave on the surface of an virtual sphere whose center of rotation is the flyover anchor point (which depends on the active flyover mode). Note the anchor point does not have to be in the center of the view, or even in-view.

Bonus feature: A 'create animation' button in the preferences can be clicked to have an Animation Path object created for the tumble.

!image-2021-07-21-14-23-55-924.png!

Some new preferences are added to the Flyover settings dialog:

!image-2021-07-21-14-24-18-543.png!
* The "horizontal speed" controls the horizontal speed of motion. Positive values indicate clockwise rotation (when viewed from above) and negative values indicate the opposite.
* The "vertical speed" slider controls the vertical speed of motion. Positive values indicate moving upward initially and negative values indicate the opposite.
* The "min angle" and "max angle" (theta in wikipedia's '[spherical coordinate system|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spherical_coordinate_system]' diagram) controls how low/high the tumble path will oscillate. The range is -90 to +90 degrees.
* An optional "start angle" may be provided. If unspecified (or unchecked) then the start angle depends on the viewing angle when the tumble is initiated (capped between the min and max specified angles)
* A Preview/stop button. The preview uses the tumble parameters set in this dialog and those parameters can change and be visualized interactively. The preview will stop when the dialog is closed.
* Bonus: Create Animation Path button to create an Animation Path object that users can edit.

When the tumble animation is active, the next action will stop the animation. That includes bringing up a dialog, switching to a different tool, boomerang to Pan tool, click to start a flyover, switch layer, change class visibility, switch render mode, etc.

VE-102217

Hide 3D WP axes when aligned with Working Plane

Justin Hutchison

source https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-98776

In vw2022 the working plane immediately shows when switching to a 3D view. Extra steps are required to hide it. This task makes the working plane display rules in 3D more consistent with the 2D rules in effect making it slightly more difficult to discover the working plane but giving a clean view when going to 3D and gives consistency to the working plane in 3D and 2D.
The red/green/blue working plane axes will be hidden in 3D views when the working plane is aligned with the layer plane. The "Select Working Plane" menu item must be invoked to select the working plane in order to move/orient it.

VE-102129

Remove deprecated checkbox

David Lopez-Gutierrez

The SLVP Advanced Viewport Properties "Render Gray Layers Transparent" option is meaningless now-a-days. This task removes the checkbox.

!image-2021-07-21-14-14-16-483.png!

VE-102118

VGM Textures in Vectorworks Viewer

Justin Hutchison

request https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101540

VE-102141

VGM Reprojection Accelerated Navigation

Justin Hutchison

prototype video [https://cloud.vectorworks.net/links/11ebb99f4cc508c28fce0e8109945acd/]

prototype source [https://cloud.vectorworks.net/links/11ebb99f220b09928fce0e8109945acd/]

Navigating (pan/zoom/z-axis rotation) in an orthographic projection has a significant FPS improvement opportunity. For small delta navigations most of the pixels in the previous frame are shifted, stretched, and rotated but otherwise mostly unmodified in the next frame (assuming no view dependent material are in use such as reflections) allowing for an inexpensive blit operation to be utilized instead of a more expensive standard render. This task detects this sItuation and uses it to improve ortho navigation performance which affects Sheet Layers, Design Layers in Plan, and Design layers in 3D ortho views.

The algorithm is as follows:
# SyncCamera is called followed by RenderScene
# if camera modification is not compatible with reprojection
# standard render and go to 6

# the previous recorded frame is textured mapped to the current frame buffer via a screen aligned quad that has been transformed to the correct place
# the next pseudo random NxM rectangular screen aligned window is used to construct a view frustum used for culling and also set as the scissor rect for the frame
# optionally all the NxM windows where there was nothing reprojected could be included for culling and stenciled in instead of scissor rect'd, since they could be disjoint areas

# standard render within the scissor (or stencil) area over top of the previous frame blit
# copy current frame to be used in next frame

This algorithm gets its performance by dividing the viewport into NxM pixel sized rectangles and cycling through each one every frame to draw the objects in the chosen rect instead of all visible objects. the order cycled through should be random to obfuscate an observable pattern. over several frames all of the NxM rectangles will have been visited and the result will look as if a single standard render had occurred. The cost to render an entire frame is amortized across several frames. This means RenderScene needs to be called many consecutive times if navigation pauses (e.g., one mouse wheel click should spam 60 sequential calls instead of a single one). The NxM size is a tradeoff of FPS vs artifacts in the generated frame. if NxM is the size of the viewport then rendering will function as it would without reprojection enhancements and no artifacts will be visible. The artifacts appear as video compression noise.

no ui changes are necessary for this task

test this task by navigating in ortho via pan and mousewheel zoom and interactive zoom and with view transitions for FPS improvements and image correctness within acceptable artifact levels.

VE-102115

Default Shaded Preference change: Curve Tessellation to High, Shadows to On, AO on

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101264
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101833
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/82699-round-walls-extruded-as-straight-lines/
]GDC 6/9/2021

VW2022 defaults Shaded render mode Curve tessellation (Detail) to Low and Shadows to off which makes curved surfaces look bad/faceted and missing shadows which are defaulted on in competitor applications. This task takes the bold step of defaulting the Shaded curve tessellation and Shadows quality to High for new files so renderings look better by default.

The tessellation quality is a tradeoff of resources (navigation performance, processing, memory) for image quality. The setting should be high unless that would cause a significant impact. There are a number of factors that would lead a user to turn down the quality but GPUs are better than they once were. VGM has mitigating optimizations such as geometric LOD to reduce the FPS impact of higher tessellation options.

This task also uses a new educational alert (with 'do not show this again') describing the pros/cons of adjusting the Shaded Detail quality which appears the first time a scene with curvy geometry is rendered in Shaded. The boolean indicating that the alert has been shown is a VW pref.

Q & A
# Does this task impact existing files?
# No. This task only affects new files

# Can the default tessellation quality be chosen at runtime based on GPU performance?
# When a new file is created, there is nothing to render so Very High would work fine at that point. The optimal value for tessellation quality depends on how many curvy objects are in the scene, where in the scene the user is looking, whether Shadows is on, amount of VRAM, and other factors.

# Can the "Detail" label in Shaded Prefs be called Curve Resolution or Curve Quality or Curve Detail?
# Yes, and it should be

VE-102117

Clip Cube Resize Improvements

Justin Hutchison

request: VE-97598 Ability to resize the Clip Cube while in 3D Ortho views

# The Clip Cube faces that are nearly face on with the viewing direction in an orthographic view are nearly impossible to push/pull because the resize code is not special cased. This task will allow such faces to be pushed/pulled by dragging the mouse up to push away and down to pull toward the viewer.
# The Clip Cube faces that point away from the viewer cannot be selected to push/pull because the resize code is not special cased. This task will allow the back face to be selectable so it can be pushed/pulled without the user having to change the 3D view first.
The CC resize code will check if the CTRL key is held down. While CTRL is held down the furthest face under the mouse cursor will highlight instead of the closest. Clicking while CTRL is held down will select the furthest face to be resized.

No UI changes are needed for these minor improvements

Q & A
# When holding CTRL in an ortho front view, there is no feedback to distinguish whether the front or back face will be selected since they overlap exactly. Should there be some distinguishing feedback?
# um..probably...thinking...

VE-102145

Geometry Eviction

Justin Hutchison

test file: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-120081

VGM will accumulate higher LODs over time but it never evicts geometry to free space for more relevant objects. This task enables VGM to do that.

Eviction has been attempted several times but proved difficult due the the streaming and threaded nature of VGM. This task describes a simple implementation to achieve VGM geometry eviction:
{noformat}
<more work here> timestamp octnodes when they are rendered
Timebox the eviction process
RenderScene can look through the sorted list of least-recently-used octnodes and determine if it is appropriate to evict. If so then
(timebox) loop over each meshpart and, if safe, build a changelist of Deletes for the mesh's GO (check that a mesh-part of the object is not being tessellated or otherwise being used)
append an AddObject change to the changelist to have the object re-added – which will be streamed back in when the view frustum passes over it again {noformat}

VE-102300

"Pixels per point" size control for point cloud objects

Justin Hutchison

source: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/56981-point-size-control-for-point-clouds/]

Sparse point cloud data is hard to see in Vectorworks. It displays at 1 pixel per point which is very difficult to see/use when zoomed up on a sparse area of a point cloud. This task adds a "Vectorworks Preference -> Display -> Point cloud pixel size" preference (defaulted to 1) and a checkbox on Point Cloud's OIP -> Render tab called "Custom pixel size" that when checked allows an override to be entered.

The rendering of point clouds will use their specified pixel size per point.

VE-102122

Fix tab order in Renderworks Bump Edit dialogs

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-100479

VE-102147

Backface Tessellation Removal

Justin Hutchison

Backface elimination is an optimization for many graphics engines in cases where the backside of a surface isn't meant to be looked at. Generally it is not expected that a solid object or a closed mesh be viewable from inside of those shapes. For rasterization, backface culling can improve FPS by reducing the number of pixel shader invocations. There is no indicator from VW tessellation of whether the back sides of meshes need to be visualized or not. This task proposes adding a "Show back sides" dropdown at the bottom of the OIP's Render tab for many object types with the options of "Use Document Preference", "Never", and "Always" with the document preference defaulting to Never for new files and Always for old files.

A new bool VGM::IMeshData::ShowBackfaces() = 0 could be added as a way to pass the information to VGM

This task does not address fixing all meshes in VW such that they are wound correctly. That would be a separate, more difficult task.

VE-102123

Locate Light on Document

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-180470

When double clicking a light from the Visualization palette (or choosing Select On Document) the view is centered on the light. There is no option to select the light on the document without also changing the view. This task proposed changing the default behavior so the view does not change when "Select On Document" is invoked and proposes adding a new "Select and Fit" option that simulates the old behavior.

!image-2021-07-21-14-02-49-672.png!

VE-102128

Mesh and Subdivision OIP field for Clip Cube

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-131719

Mesh and Subdivision objects are treated hollow for the purposes of Clip Cube. This task adds a "Treat as solid for Clip Cube" dropdown on the Render tab of those objects with the options of "Use Document Preference", "Yes", and "No". The Document Preferences will have 2 new checkboxes: "Treat Mesh as solid for Clip Cube" and "Treat Subdivision as solid for Clip Cube" both defaulting to "No".

VE-102119

Shaded "Detail" setting should be renamed

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101263

status: completed in 604803

In the Shaded Options dialog, the "Detail" field is not clear and not consistent with other parts of Vectorworks. It should be called "Curved Geometry" and its help-text clarified.

!image-2021-07-21-13-59-14-077.png!

VE-102126

Align Working Plane to Clip Cube

Justin Hutchison

request https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101369
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-100302

prototype video [^workflow1.mp4]

prototype code in shelve 599215

Left click to select the clip cube, then right click a highlighted face to get to the context menu Working Plane -> Align Working Plane to Clip Cube Face

VE-102130

Publish 3d Panorama

Justin Hutchison

request https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101285

VE-102218

Improved Import

Justin Hutchison

source https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97237

related https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102061

When importing an object, like obj, it may come in out-of-view making it look like the import failed. Presumably users will want to see the object they just brought in next so this task does a fit-to-view after import completes successfully for all imports.

Alternatively this task proposes a Vectorworks Preference -> Display -> fit to objects after import that is on by default

Users may want more from an import:
* import a thing and I want to place it (either center it at next click, or put file origin at next click)
* import a thing leave coordinates exactly as they are in the file
* import a thing and re-orient the coordinate system to match VWs (Z up vs. Y up, Left handed system vs Right handed)
* import a thing and then focus the view onto it

Completive analysis by Shengxi :
*SketchUp* * Import a 2D/3D DWG file: fit to object after import, place object at origin
* Import other file (SKP/3DS/Image file) : activate the insertion mode (specify insertion point on click)

*AutoCAD* * Import a PDF (2D) file: fit to object after import, place object at origin
* Import a 3DS (3D) file: will NOT fit to object after import, place object at origin
* Import an image file/referenced file:

* activate the insertion mode (specify insertion point on click)
* allow manual coordinate input for insertion

*REVIT* * Import CAD/SKP/3DM file: provide choices during file import:
* Auto - Center to Center, (will not fit to object after import)
* Auto - Origin to Origin, (will not fit to object after import)
* Manual - Origin, (specify insertion point on click)
* Manual - Center, (specify insertion point on click)

* Import an image file: activate the insertion mode (specify insertion point on click)

VE-102221

Status History

Justin Hutchison

source: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102090

Users are provided text and progress feedback in the status bar area but it has some limitations.

Sometimes the progress is overridden too quickly by a new action and user doesn't have time to read the message.

It may be useful for users to look back in the log to remember what they had done earlier. A historical log would be helpful.

Also, it may be useful for users to know how long operations took so they could diagnose performance issues better.

!image-2021-08-06-08-42-07-306.png|width=936,height=847!

This task proposes to upgrade the status control on the status bar to provide a history that is saved with the file, a clear history button, and timestamps on status that has progress.

One implementation is that when the status bar message is first set a timer is started. When the status changes again a time diff is calculated and that first message is added to the log with the time delta, assuming the message is not empty. This technique automatically captures scenarios where the text message changes as the progress advances

VE-102142

Zoom Transition Animation

Justin Hutchison

Prototype video [https://cloud.vectorworks.net/links/11ebb9a1bd3255f485ba12bd733fbe07/]

This task gives flash and a modern upgrade and sense of quality and performance to Vectorworks. In Vectorworks 2022 a single mousewheel tick jumps the view in or out by some amount. This task would have that view change animated over some small time period. the animation can be interrupted by a subsequent interactive navigation. When that happens the view jumps instantly to the final frame of the previous animation and starts a new smooth transition.

a new checkbox labeled "zoom animation transition" will control this new feature located in display preferences below view transition animation checkbox. Alternatively, these 2 checkboxes can be grouped under "transition animation" with "saved view" and "zoom".

!image-2021-07-21-14-30-36-643.png|width=582,height=431!

VE-102150

Large Point Cloud Handling

Justin Hutchison

Importing an 80GB pts file into Vectorworks takes 40 minutes, which is unreasonable. Only a fraction of the points can be brought into VW anyway, uniformly decimated. This task introduces a new method for working with huge point cloud files.

This task introduces a new VCS command to generate LOD files from any sized point cloud files:

!image-2021-07-21-14-40-21-932.png!

This Generate LODs command generates many lod files. Each lod file references points in the original file (one implementation) and occupies a partition of space. The order of the points in the LOD file are such that reading half of the file gets a nice uniformly distributed half-resolution set of points for that partition. For example,
{noformat}
bunny.pts ->
    bunny_1.ptslod
bunny_2.ptslod
    …
    bunny_<partition of space number>.ptslod{noformat}
example of ptslod file:
{noformat}
bunny_1_1000.ptslod ->
    2342
    2811
    3081
    4198
    8811
    9010
    …
    <byte offset into the pts file>
    …
    <min x y z> <max x y z> <number of points referenced in this file>{noformat}
each entry (point) is a uint64 or 8 bytes vs 27 bytes per point in the binary pts file. Alternatively, the file offsets could be diffs and encoded with variable number of bytes to further reduce filesize:
{noformat}
0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF <--- delimiter- next byte sets the size of offsets
  8 <--- offsets are 8 bytes until next delimiter
  23432112 <--- indexing 'current offset' += 23432112
  0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
  1
  34 <--- indexing 'current offset' += 52
  52
  34
  200
  198
  0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
  4
  8372
  4872
  ....{noformat}
Alternatively, the file could contain the position and color of each point (larger file size, faster load time)

Pseudocode for Generate LODs is as follows:
{noformat}
void main(ptsFile, minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeaf)
// make the root LOD file, which just indexes every point in the ptsFile
// the LOD file has the extents and count of number of points at the file end
file rootLODFile;
minP, maxP, numPoints
for_each point in ptsFile
rootLODFile << byteOffset;
minP = min(minP, point) maxP = max(maxP, point)
numPoints++

// put useful info at the end of the file
rootLODFile << minP << maxP << numPoints
SubDivideOrDecimate(numPoints, ptsFile, rootLODFile, minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeafNode);

void SubDivideOrDecimate(numPoints, ptsFile, lodFile, minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeafNode)
// either subdivide this octnode into 8 more LOD files or
// build decimated versions of this octnode file
if( numPoints > maxPointsPerLeaf)
SubDivide(ptsFile, lodFile, minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeaf);
else
Decimate(ptsFile, lodFile, minPointsPerLeaf)

void SubDivide(ptsFile, lodFile,
          minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeaf) // make 8 new files-- octnode children of 'lodFile'
file childrenLOD[8];
size_t childrenNumPoints[8];
minMaxP = readAtEndOfFile(lodFile)
for_each offset in lodFile
p = ReadPointFromPtsFileAt(ptsFile, offset)
index = ComputeChildIndex(p, minMaxP)
childrenLOD[index] << byteOffset;
childrenNumPoints[index]++
for_i 0 to 7
childrenLOD[i] << this_ones_min_and_max << childrenNumPoints[i]
childrenLOD[i].CloseFile
for_i 0 to 7
SubDivideOrDecimate(numPoints[i], ptsFile, childrenLOD[i], minPointsPerLeaf, maxPointsPerLeaf)

void Decimate(ptsFile, lodFile, minPointsPerLeaf)
numPoints = numberOfPointsInlodFile(lodFile)
PointCloud cloud;
for each point in lodFile
cloud.Insert(<point, byteOffset>) // this calculates a score for each point maybe
create decimatedFile
for each sorted point in cloud
// <insert code to do diff and variable-byte-length offset>
decimatedFile << point.absoluteByteOffset
decimatedFile << minAndMaxOfLodFile(lodFile) << halfNumPoints{noformat}

The PointCloud import will look for .ptslod files and if found then they will be shown in the new "LOD files'' field on the OIP. Entries in the LOD files can be multi-selected and their partitions of space made more/less dense together by pressing the up/down buttons. Also, partitions of space will be visualized in the drawing when selected:

!image-2021-07-21-14-47-44-210.png!

A new OIP field will control whether the pts and ptslod files are saved in the VW file or are referenced. By default, ptslod will be referenced and VW will only save a small cache (10k points) with the file in case the referencing data is misplaced.

Q&A:
# Can clip cube or isolate points or something better be used to pick desired partitions of space rather than guessing with the list box?
--yes. maybe a 'select visible cells' button on oip?
# How long does the new Generate PointCloud LODs take?
--a long time, depending on machine availability and number of points
# What does the LOD files field say when some of the ptslod files are missing?
--It shows in red
# Do the references show in the references tab on the navigator palette:
--yes

VE-102133

PBR material model

Justin Hutchison

request: Yana from Design Express at GDC 6/9/2021

Physically based rendering (PBR) of materials defines a simple to control material/texture system, looks good in real-time and offline renderers, and looks similar across disparate engines.

VE-102140

Convert to Clip Shape

Justin Hutchison

request https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-98796

This task expands the Clip Cube to be any arbitrary 3D solid shape via a new Convert -> Convert to Clip Shape menu command.

This task requires VGM back end, and front end changes. RW is already capable of using any 3D solid object as a clipping boolean.

Q&A
# Are these Clip Shapes a new parametric object "Clip Solid" that can be "Activated" from the OIP or alternatively chosen via View->Clip Solid just below Clip Cube?
--don't know
# Can more than 1 Clip Solid be activated at a time?
--don't know this either

VE-102149

Lossless Convert to Mesh

Justin Hutchison

request: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-180065

Textured objects converted to a mesh object with "Convert To Mesh" will lose their textures. This task improves the Convert To Mesh command such that the texture(s) are preserved during the conversion and the "imported uv" texture map type is set for the new Mesh.

See CExtendedMesh class for dealing with grouping triangles into faces, each face capable of being textured independently.

VE-102146

Better UV mapping

Justin Hutchison

request: yana from Design Express at GDC 6/9/2021

VE-102143

SDF Text

Justin Hutchison

This task reduces memory, stutter and complexity for navigating in files with large amounts of text and/or high LOD text (zoomed up close). It does this by using signed distance field (SDF) textures representation which contains a distance at each pixel (instead of a color) to a shapes boundary instead of holding just pixel colors. SDF textures may also hold colors or otherwise can be considered black on inside and white on outside, for example. Positive distance values indicate pixels that are on the outside of a shape and negative distance values indicate pixels that are on the inside of a shape. When scaling up a SDF texture, the textured quad doesn't appear pixelated or blurred as you would see when scaling up an image. Instead, a simple pixel shader outputs the "in" color when the SDF sampled distance is less than 0.

pseudo code for pixel_shader:

dist = bilinear_sample(sdfTexture, uv)

if abs(dist) <= 0.5

color = frame_color;

else if dist < 0

color = in_color

else

color = out_color (or discard)

This shader code like this mostly exists already in //depot/Engineering/VectorWorks/Mainline/AppSource/ThirdPartySource/VGM/source/Shaders/PlanarObject.frag.sc

Generating a SDF texture from an image of text can take some time. Also, the input image (of a sentence, for example) needs to be quite large and that can take some time to generate but the memory can be freed after the conversion. Generally a 4096x4096 image of text can be transformed into a 128x128 SDF texture with very good upscale quality. This would eliminate the need for VGM to do text LOD.

pseudo code for inefficiently generating SDF image from grayscale text image (>0 is "pixel on the letters' and <0 is "not on the letters"):

// for every pixel, find distance to closest edge

for each sdf_xy

normalized_xy = sdf_xy / sdf_wh

sdf[sdf_xy] = SpiralOutward(normalized_xy)

// find closest distance from 'center' to edge. negative return value

// means center is

SpiralOutward(center)

distance = huge_number

p = center

start_sign = sampleImage(center) > 0 ? 1 : -1

while distance == huge_number

end_sign = sampleImage(p) > 0 ? 1 : -1

if start_sign != end_sign

distance = DistanceBetween(center, p) * start_sign

p = SpiralToNextPixel(p)

return distance

sample implementation can be found here //depot/Engineering/VectorWorks/VGM/MainBranch/projects/shipping/tools/SDFTexture/source/SDFTExture.cpp

Using a compute shader to generate SDF from Image may be a good idea for performance. While not strictly necessary, one option to reduce processing time on file load is to cache the SDF texture with the text handle it comes from and save it to file.

The process of generating 4k text images and converting them to SDF would likely need to be backgrounded for files that have 10000 text objects in the model. 10000 single color text objects is 128*128*sizeof(float) * 10,000 is 655MB which is an acceptable amount of VRAM to use for text.

Keeping all SDF text at 128x128 resolution has another benefit which is that atlasing becomes trivial. Atlasing is where a single large texture, 8192x8192 for example, contains 4,096 128x128 sdf tiles and can reduce the number of draw calls which generally improves performance.

Q & A
# Does VGM generate SDF and have a function to get the image so Core can save it
--needs thought
# Is 128x128 really good enough SDF resolution?
--need to retest -- i seem to remember 256x256 being fine

VE-102148

Redshift navigation performance improvement

Justin Hutchison

This task brings high quality real time rendering to Vectorworks via Redshift RT. Redshift render styles will have a new checkbox called "Enhanced navigation", enabled for new documents, that uses Redshift RT for interactive navigation.

VE-102120

Background Tessellation Indicator

Justin Hutchison

Users never know if VGM is showing the final frame because it is a streaming system ---it shows what it has while working in the background. Users might feel more comfortable knowing when it has completed. This task proposes a spinning graphic in the bottom left that animates while VGM is doing background tessellation and stops when VGM is not doing background tessellation anymore, similarly to the rendering teapot.

This can be implemented in the Core tracking calls to CreateMeshData, e.g., CMeshDataProvider::CreateMeshData. It could be tracked in a less accurate way by tracking in TRegenerationManager::VGMTessellated. The graphic could go in a similar location to where the FPS counter shows.

VE-102125

Align Clip Cube to Working Plane

Justin Hutchison

request https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-100706

prototype video [^workflow_unconstrained_clip_cube.mp4]

prototype code in shelve 599261

rotate CC so bottom side is not parallel with ground

VE-102124

Clip Cube Option missing from Design Layer

Justin Hutchison

The Clip Cube has an option for SLVPs that doesn't exist on the design layer called "Cast Shadow from Removed Objects". This task adds a new "Clip Cube options…" menu command just below the "Clip Cube" menu item that brings up an options dialog that contains this checkbox.

!image-2021-07-21-14-04-12-002.png|width=305,height=729!

Q&A:
# there's only 1 option in the dialog? That's sad.
--We could put the color that are available from Interactive Appearance Settings here too

VE-102110

VW Search use popularity in ranking

Justin Hutchison

issue video [^2021-07-20 14-57-31.mp4]

First, VW search is great.

Second, the enhancement is if you select two extrudes and search "Group" to group them, the first option is "Convert to Group" followed by the more popular "Group" but it should be the other way around because "Group" command is a better match for a search of "Group" but also the "Group" command is more popular.

'Convert to Group' converts each selected object into a group. 'Group' groups all selected objects into a single group, effectively 'grouping' them which is likely more popular.

VE-99890

Clip Cube Palette

Justin Hutchison

This enhancement is about a new palette (like the working plane palette) for clip cubes.

VE-104692

complex line types corners improvements

Jürgen Keser

As you can see in the image "Bad corners with pen style.png" and in the .vwx file "Pen Line Type.vwx", many of the corners look very bad and this is not what our customers expect.

In the image "Good looking corners - how it should be.png" you can see some good looking corners and that is what our customers want to see in their drawings and that is what they expect.

We are reporting a request, but our customers tend to feel that it is a bug, and so it would be great if you could look at this problem and find a solution. (Although I'm sure it's a very complex problem to map all possible corners nicely).

VE-104095

Show Direction and Reverse Direction options for rectangles

Jürgen Keser

In VW 2023 we do have only the option to "reverse direction" or to "show direction" in the obj info palette for polygons / polylines. (Polygon.png)

In some situations it would be great to have this option also for rectangles. Right now, the rectangles are drawn anytime clockwise. In many situations (working together with gis software or show a line style correctly) we need an option to draw a rectangle counter clockwise. The easiest thing would be if you could implement these options in the obj info palette like for the other objects.

VE-102372

Record/Format redesign to replace DataSerializer

Jürgen Keser

As discussed in some meetings and mails in the last months, for us and also for other developers it would be a great benefit to have only one data type that stores all data of an pio. Here are some requirements and benefits of such a redesign:

* The Record/Format should allow hierarchical organization of parameters to be a direct replacement of the DataSerializer.
* The Record/Format should allow easy creation and management of parameter set repetition. That is a group of parameters, that repeat in an array like structure.
* Improve the performance by re-engineering the compact/decompact mechanism in the current implementation.
* Only one data structure instead of 2 (VWRecordFormatObj and VWDataSerializer)
* Backward Compatibility
* Get rid of undo problems caused of the usage of our own ComputerWorks data tag.
* Support standard tools like the Eyedropper tool as every tool has access to the data of every other tool
* All values of an pio will be available in the data manager and worksheets
* All values will/can be available/visible in the obj info palette.
* Clear structure of all data (including all attribute types)

VE-101358

Automatic conversion of ifc settings from ifc 2x3 to ifc 4

Jürgen Keser

We have here in DACH bigger VIP customers like I+B (https://www.ittenbrechbuehl.ch) using ifc 2x3 for older projects and now

they need a way to make an easy switch to ifc 4. One of the problems they have now is that all settings the’ve saved/created for

ifc 2x3 are not available in ifc 4. If they try to change the ifc version in the data manager, the error message (see the attached pictures)

came up.

Now we need here an workflow to make the switch from ifc 2x3 to ifc 4 very smooth. Enter all settings again are a huge effort for every

office and we want to support them in making this transition as easy as possible. To convert this we need a converter which converts all values directly to the new version ifc 4, which are available in the old and the new version. The user should then additionally get a dialog showing all values that could not be converted. In this dialog he should then have the possibility to assign a new ifc 4 value directly to the old ifc 2x3 values.

Such a converter would be a huge time saver for the large offices, as it is estimated that up to 80% are converted automatically and the user only has to revise 20%. The whole system must of course be set up in such a way that the converter can be used for future new Ifc versions.

VE-99881

Use Reshape tool to move custom object control points of our own pio's

Jürgen Keser

As you know the user is able to use the reshape tool to move points of dimensions (attached pictures in Dimension_VWInc_1.png, Dimension_VWInc_2.png, Dimension_VWInc_3.png). Now we have a few pio's like an own CW dimension with multiple modification points (attached pictures CW Dimension_1, CW Dimension_2) and we would like that the reshape tool supports also our pio's / modification points we've created with these sdk calls:

gSDK->CustomObjectControlPtsCreate(...)
gSDK->CustomObjectControlPtSet(...)

What we exactly need is:
- Possibility / Flag for a pio to support the reshape tool.
- Reshape tool will find all custom modification points if our
pio is activated in the drawing.
- If the user draws with the reshape tool a rectangle over one of these modification points and
move the point to another place our pio needs a new event with the information
which CustomObjectControlPt(s) is/are moved, the new AND the old coords of this points.

If this would work, the reshape tool could support all custom pio's.

VE-100015

use menu commands "Compose" and "Decompose" for CW pio's

Jürgen Keser

We have several pio's that should interact with these two menu commands.

Is it possible to get any info in the regeneration of our pio if this one is
selected and one of these 2 menu commands is called?

Right now we do not become any event in the regeneration code and I did
not found any property we need to set to get any info.

The result of that should be that our own dimension works like the dimension in Constraint Chain Mode.
Here you can split such a dimension in many several dimensions or you can combine many of them into one dimension.

VE-102470

Lack of information for error message

Julie Defourny

Hello,

This is a request from French support: a colleague from support has contacted me about an error message an client got, which was the following:

_There was a problem retrieving or storing your credentials. Please contact Vectorworks, Inc. or your distributor for more information on how to solve this issue._

After she had looked into this, it turned out that this problem was linked to macOS and not to Vectorworks, but it cost some time to find out where the problem came from, for the customer and our support service. I don't think this problem can be solved through translation. Would it be possible to make this message a bit more "precise", by adding a error code, so that it would be easier for the client and/or support to find the source of this error ?

VE-103300

Close gap between objects in 2D

Julian Wong

Often we need to model a 3 or 5mm bap between two materials (doors, stone joint, tiles etc) for correct representation in model.

However, in 1:20, 1:50 or 1:100 views, this gap would make the two lines look like a thick line. The correct representation of this joint would be a single line.

It would be great if all gaps of 'x' wide can be closed in viewports with a selectable option.

!image-2022-07-29-13-33-57-878.png!

VE-102739

Two-Point Perspective in Vectorworks (so it plays better with Enscape)

Julian Wong

In 3D visualisations, especially for interior design, we would ONLY use 'two point perspective'.

In this perspective mode, all the vertical lines are perpendicular to the bottom of page, this makes the renderings look a lot better.

Enscape has this perspective mode, which is very useful. But Vectorwork's lack of 'two point perspective' makes the process of working with Enscape cumbersome.

Currently, to achieve two-point perspective in Enscape, the Vectorworks workflow is as follows:
- we go to activate our 'saved views' in Vectorworks,
- Sync perspective to Enscape
- Check that we have the correct view in Enscape
- Then go back to Vectorworks to 'disable' perspective sync (Two Point Perspective in Enscape doesn't work with perspective sync enabled, and VW does not have Two Point Perspective)
If Vectorworks has two-point perspective mode, then a lot of steps can be saved.

VE-102732

Redshift Material and Lighting Control

Julian Wong

Currently, the quality of Redshift Renders that comes out of Vectorworks leaves a lot to be desired.
One of the issues is the lack of complete control over rendering textures in the way that Redshift will handle them.
It would be great if, just like Enscape for Vectorworks, we get a full version of Redshift renderer including ability to create textures and lighting just for redshift.
See enclosed window from a real redshift material editor.
This is critical as our model grows more complex, the link to Enscape, each time we launch it, becomes longer.
Redshift if used properly can significantly reduce that time spent to launch another app (time-cost issue)

VE-102709

Ability to create Viewport while Editing Object

Julian Wong

It is often necessary to isolate an object to produce drawings of this object.

We often isolate the object as a group or a symbol. However, inside the group or symbol view, one is not able to create a viewport of this isolated object.

It would be very useful to make this possible.

VE-102650

'Save and Commit Alert' for another user on Project Sharing

Julian Wong

*ISSUE 1 [ALERT ANOTHER USER TO S&C]*

In our office, our team keep requesting each other ‘_hey XXX, can you save and commit?_’

Rather than asking each other that (sometimes we work remotely which is even harder), can we have a button to ‘request user to save and commit'

Then we use have to press a button, choose a user, and the other person will get an alert to S&C.

*ISSUE 2 [ADDITIONAL S&C BUTTON NEX TO REFRESH]*
Currently it is quite cumbersome to navigate to Save and Commit via the File menu. I would be great to have a S&C button right next to refresh, where one press will get us the save and commit action.

VE-103959

Plant Tool - Create Plant Style from Selection Needs Better Default Settings : JBC

Julian Carr

Currently when you use the Create Plant Style from Selection command, all the parameters are set to By Style. This should reflect a more realistic set of choices as can be seen in the plant in the attached file.

Thanks.

VE-101376

Hardscape and Landscape Area Display Incorrect Thicknesses on Slopes : JBC

Julian Carr

When a hardscape or landscape area has a nominated 3D thickness, then that thickness should be maintained perpendicular to the slope. Currently the thickness is measured vertically, regardless of the slope, leading to inaccurate volumetric and cut and fill calculations. Please see attached video and sample file.

Thanks.

VE-103560

Hardscape 3D Options Produce Inconsistent 2D Appearances : JBC

Julian Carr

Please open the attached file and note the four Hardscape objects, each with a different 3D type. All are using the same Slab Style however and consequently should be displaying the Tile fill seen in the object on the left.

Thanks.

VE-104958

Add Image Component to Symbols and Image Capability to Data Tags : JBC

Julian Carr

This is a two part request that would ultimately allow images to be displayed in data tags.

*Symbol Enhancement*
Currently symbols have a number of different components (2D, 3D, Wall Hole, Wall Closure, etc). I am proposing that there be an additional component that would act as a repository for images. At least one, but hopefully two or three images would be allowed. An example of an image that might be stored could be a photograph of the product, sample of a fabric, QR code, colour, etc.

*Data Tag Enhancement*
Data Tags would then need the ability to display such images with the ability to control scale/size. Given worksheets and graphic legends already have the ability to display images, these entities should also be able to display symbol images.{*}{*}

Thanks.

VE-104872

Add Menu Command With Keyboard Shortcut to Make All Attributes by Class

Julian Carr

Adding this feature would allow this process to happen much more quickly.

Thanks.

VE-104871

Save Visualisation Palette Column Settings Between Vectorworks Sessions

Julian Carr

The visualisation pallet columns don’t save when VW is closed and reopened. It would be a bonus is they did and save a small amount of frustration.

Thanks.

VE-104507

Add Functionality to AddAssociation() Function in Vectorscript : JBC

Julian Carr

Currently in WinDoor we have the ability to display an overlay indicating the required clearances for disabled access through a doorway that also indicates the direction of approach:

!Screen Shot 2023-06-15 at 2.57.04 pm.png|width=330,height=309!

Every architect that does accessible housing here uses this feature, however we are planning for the gradual retirement of WinDoor in favour of the Door and Window tools. As part of this transition, I am programming a Vectorscript plug-in that can be overlaid on and associated with a Door object. It is called Accessibility Overlay.

This is all doable now except that an association cannot currently trigger a reset if the parent object (the Door) is reset. This is very desirable in this case so that if the Door is resized, moved or rotated, the associated Accessibility Overlay can reset to accommodate the changes.

The AddAssociation therefore needs three additional boolean arguments:
* Reset on parent reset
* Reset on parent move
* Reset on parent rotate

Something like this would do the trick:

{color:#0000FF}FUNCTION {color}AddAssociationN(
ioOwnerObj : {color:#0000FF}HANDLE{color};
inKind : {color:#0000FF}INTEGER{color};
EditReset : {color:#0000FF}BOOLEAN{color};
MoveReset : {color:#0000FF}BOOLEAN{color};
RotateReset : {color:#0000FF}BOOLEAN{color};
ioTargetObj : {color:#0000FF}HANDLE{color}) : {color:#0000FF}BOOLEAN{color};

I am sure there would be benefits for other users with the addition of this functionality also. Thanks.

VE-102589

Add Ability to Set A Default Class for the Plant Tool : JBC

Julian Carr

Users frequently want their plants to go into a predefined class that is controlled by the Plant style. Currently this is not possible so this VE is for that functionality to be added.

Thanks!

VE-103687

Add More Modern Options for Fastener Tool's Head : JBC

Julian Carr

With more and more people working in 3D now, there is growing demand for more common options to be available for fastener heads.

Currently the are Flat Head Socket and Button Head Socket for use with an Allen wrench, but there should also be square drive and Torx/Star drive in both Flat Head Socket and Button Head Socket.

I have attached a screen shot of some playground equipment being modelled by one of our Landmark users as an example.

Thanks.

VE-101323

Allow Data Tags to Work With Design Layer Viewports : JBC

Julian Carr

Many of our users are deriving great benefit from the use of Data Tags, however they hit a brick wall when trying to add them to design layer viewports, both local and referenced. They need to work in all circumstances, though I appreciate this is challenging once you factor in viewport crops and all the possible data that needs to be accessed. If this were to produce a performance hit, then the option to enable and disable it (a bit like PDF snapping) could be considered.

VE-102523

Datasmith Export - Add Support Decals : JBC

Julian Carr

Both Vectorworks and Twinmotion support Decals which are frequently used for signage in designs. The attached image shows an example of decals used in Vectorworks (at the top), then how it appears in Twinmotion (at the bottom). It would be good if this could be added to Datasmith Export.

Thanks.

VE-102590

Add Ability for Users to Set Plug-in Style Options Defaults : JBC

Julian Carr

Currently if you create a new plug-in style, you have to then select the style in the Resource Manager, right click and choose Edit Plug-in Style Options to set the default class. You cannot change these settings so it becomes tedious to have to access the options to set them for every style that is created. Please allow a way for the defaults to be set by the user.

Thanks.

VE-102519

Allow Pagination of Worksheet Data for Long Worksheets : JBC

Julian Carr

Commonly worksheets are longer that a single page and so when placed on a drawing do not fit vertically. This requires messy a workaround for users that involves multiple cropped viewports to the Worksheet Data object, that often need to be adjusted as the worksheet grows in length.

This VE would allow users to nominate a maximum height for the worksheet such that when that height was exceeded, the worksheet data would add additional pager to the right, in a similar way to how Project Revision History Worksheets are set out.

Options would need to include the addition of a header row on each page and also the distance between each page. I am assuming here that this would still just produce a single Worksheet Image object.

Thanks.

VE-102032

Extrude Along Path to Support Symbols as the Profile Object : JBC

Julian Carr

Frequently when doing detailed modelling of buildings, things like gutters, downpipes, ridge capping, etc utilise the Extrude Along Path (EAP) tool. As a design develops, these profiles can change but editing 5 or 6 EAP objects that represent say the roof gutters is very tedious.

If the EAP command supported the use of symbols, then one would only need to edit the symbol in order to change multiple instances of the EAP objects using that profile.

Thanks.

VE-101889

IFC Export: Allow Criteria Visibility to be Recognised

Julian Carr

An increasing number of our customers are using Revit and IFC export on large projects, where the project construction is either staged or the exports require different parts of the model to be exported separately. Sometimes this can be done using classes and layers, but other times using this method creates a huge blowout in the class and/or layer list and overly complicates the drawing organisation.

Consequently we have been using a simple record attached to objects to designate the stage that that component belongs to. We then use the criteria based Vectorscript Show() or Hide() procedures to temporarily show or hide geometry. This works very well with Revit export (export visible objects only), but does not work with IFC export with the same option selected.

This VE is a request to have IFC export recognise criteria based visibility.

Thanks.

VE-101636

Toilet Stall Needs to Allow Wall Height and Floor Clearance to be Set : JBC

Julian Carr

Please see attached video and Vw 2021 file.

Thanks.

VE-101244

Data Tags to Support The Display of Elevation (Level) on Any Geometry : JBC

Julian Carr

Architects and landscape architects frequently need to display the elevation or level of floors, slabs, paths, steps, roof ridges, tops of walls, etc. and all manner of other geometry and it should be possible for a Data Tag to do this and display the level of the object it is on, in a similar way to how the Stake Object works on a Site Model. This needs to work in a Top/Plan view because that is mostly where the spot levels are displayed.

We get so many requests for this and surprised responses when we say it can't be done.

In addition, Space objects need to ability to automatically display the level of the floor slab immediately below.

Thanks.

VE-101242

Vectorscript Routine for Displaying Resources in Worksheets : JBC

Julian Carr

In Vw 2021 there is a new procedure called ForEachMaterial(). With this call, it is possible to list Materials in a worksheet without need to have instances on the drawing. Given the data-rich nature of many resources and styles these days, it would be useful to be able to access all resource types in a worksheet, then have the ability to access any associated data fields. Something like this:

{color:#0000FF}PROCEDURE {color}ForEachResource(
resource type : INTEGER;
onlyUsed : {color:#0000FF}BOOLEAN{color};
callback : {color:#0000FF}PROCEDURE{color});

Associated, would be the ability to read and write to all fields in a resource.

Thanks.

VE-100511

Add Support for Importing Geospatial PDF Files

Julian Carr

GeoPDF files have been around for a number of years as evidenced by their support in Acrobat Reader (see attached movie) and also this Adobe Help page:

[https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/geospatial-pdfs.html]

Geo PDFs can be created using QGIS, ArcGIS or even Acrobat DC. Interestingly, the latter can also import shape files.

I have attached a GeoPDF to this request for testing purposes. It resides in Australia in GDA94 MGA Zone 56. I have also attached a shape file that the geoPDF resides in for testing purposes.

It makes sense that Vectorworks should support the import of GeoPDFs to help round out the GIS feature set. Note that our users will frequently get a set of files from their client or for a competition that might include GeoPDF files and they don't always have the option of simply requesting another image format that Vectorworks does support.

Thanks.

VE-101096

Create a Link Between Title Block Border and Publish Commands : JBC

Julian Carr

With large architectural or landscape drawing sets, a typical workflow is to create an issue in the Title Block Manager, then Publish the set of drawing that the issue was created for. This is frequently all the drawings in the project, but often enough it is only a subset of the drawings.

This means that once in the Publish command, you need to manually go through and pick the drawings with today's date then export the PDF. This is not so hard when only one issue was published, but if two or three different sets are issued in the one day, then the Issue Date column becomes unhelpful because it will put the same date beside any sheet that was published today, regardless of which issue set it belonged to.

What would be much easier would be a popup that listed all the various drawing issues for the project and when an issue was chosen, those sheets that were part of that issue got checked. An alternative would be to somehow link a saved TBM Select Sheets set, with the publish command, though this is a less desirable option as it would require saved sets to be created when they were otherwise not required (ie, the particular drawing issue was not likely to be repeated).

Please let me know if you need any further explanation.

Thanks,

Julian

VE-100545

Callout Keynote Identifier List Needs Alphabetical Option : JBC

Julian Carr

Please take a look at the attached screen shot of the Callout's OIP. When there are a lot of keynote legends, the list is jumbled (possibly in creation order) which makes it tedious and more error prone to find the desired legend. Please can the list be made alphabetical (optionally or not)?

Thanks.

VE-100512

Allow Sorting of Active, Open and Closed Files in Title Block Manager : JBC

Julian Carr

A number of our customers say they can't use the Project Revision History worksheet with multiple files because they are not able to sort the order of files. What they need is to have the files listed in numerical order, however what happens is that the list can only be sorted within each file so you end up with a mixture of sheet numbers that have no logic and are difficult to follow.

If there was a sorting column in the Title Block Manager Select Sheets dialog, then this problem could be overcome. Even being about to sort using the column header would be an improvement, however this is not permitted in hierarchical views. The sorting order would need to be saved as part of any saved set too.

Thanks.

VE-99929

Site Model Section - Long Section Improvement : JBC

Julian Carr

The attached PDF file shows an example of what we call Long Section through a driveway or road on a site model. With the improvements to roads that are proposed in Vw 2021, there will be more demand for this sort of thing to show the gradients and levels of proposed roads or driveways, so it would be good to see the Create Site Model Section command improved as well.

Thanks.

VE-101391

Door types - pivot door & multi slide

Juan Moscoso

Received a request from a customer:

It would be great to have the following 2 types of door systems in your ‘door configurations’.
1. off-set pivoting door
2. multi-slide pocketing*

_*extremely common and very popular. It’s really just a hybrid version of your pocketing doors and multi-slides._
_I highly recommend you add this to the VW library._

VE-101390

Roof attic - not solid

Juan Moscoso

In previous versions of VW, like VW 2014, the attic was a solid filled object. Now it simply adds a thin extrude to denote the separation between the roof and the attic.

End users want to see if there is a possibility of re adding this in a future version. For the attic to be solid once more.

VE-100337

Feature to create bullnose walls

Juan Moscoso

End user called in to tech about creating bullnose walls.

There is currently no specific feature that makes this process quick and simple.

VE-100903

Releasing memory when closing file

Juan Moscoso

Received a request from a user:

when I close a file, please clear the memory buffer. In order to release memory held by Vectorworks for the previously active work file, sometimes 20GB or more, I have to shut Vectorworks down and re-open it. There's no reason for that memory to be held in a buffer.

2020 SP4

VE-99777

Toilet stall Handicap symbol

Juan Moscoso

EU wants the toilet stall handicap symbol to not rotate when mirroring the stall.

Furthermore, user needs the turning circle to be adjustable within the stall.

VE-99525

Save palette positions after disconnecting screens

Juan Moscoso

EU wants the save palette positions to function even after disconnecting screens. So that when he plugs it back in, the palettes are back to their correct place.

VE-99406

Install libraries through command line

Juan Moscoso

Hello, we have a G series user that is requesting the following:

I’d definitely like to put in a feature request then to via the command line to download and install specific libraries. This way in a managed environment where we provide these installs in a central “Self Service” area we can have these libraries installed on a non-admin user’s behalf and avoid having to give full read, write, and execute to the Libraries folder.

VE-99458

Spotlight numbering tool not working as before

Juan Moscoso

EU is displeased with the changes to the spotlight numbering tool.

I am attaching snippets from the email thread below:

"Also having to hold the shift key before you click the first light that you want to hold the information of is just stupid. Can we change that back to being able to hold the shift key after you click on a fixture to hold the information you are working with?"

"The thing that was great about the last tool layout for numbering was seeing everything you were going to change at one time. Now if I want to do channel, address and circuit at the same time I have to click through every thing individually to see where the mistake is."

VE-99435

Simplified trusses in the Resource Manager

Juan Moscoso

EU needs to see the geometry of the trusses in the RM and not the simplified version.

EU wants to know if there is any easy preference or option that can be added to VW.

VE-104547

Task T02311 - Railing Bars extent

Juan Fabbiani

The Extent of the Top and Bottom Bars should extend to the Posts

VE-104071

BCF Manager Login timeout

Juan Fabbiani

When logging in into any of the server and by any reason the login fails the timeout seems to be to long mean time Vectorworks is liked out. Current wait time 1min 55sec.
A force disconnect button would speedup the process for a new attempt

VE-104072

BCF Manager Project Name display

Juan Fabbiani

A Project Manager may be working in more than one project at a time, currently there is no indication by the BCF Manager to which project the BCF issues are connected to

VE-104074

BCF Manager Reset to Default View Button

Juan Fabbiani

This button currently "Resets the drawing view to what it was when the BCF file was opened, using the current render mode" As a user I would expect this button to take me back to the active issue view, and button Set Current Render Mode: Wireframe or Shaded just do that without without reverting the issue view to it's original view

VE-101186

T01757 - Stair Material quantity calculations not right

Juan Fabbiani

The calculated Material volume and area for stairs is inaccurate

VE-104533

Task T02311 - Railing Infill Missing parameters

Juan Fabbiani

The New Railing Tool is missing parameter to control the Infill Bar dimensions at Top, Bottom, and Left/Right options

VE-104487

Task T02311 - Railing Shape and Profiles Dim control

Juan Fabbiani

To force the Shape/Profile symbols bonding box dimension on to the parameters of the width and height of the Handrail, Guardrail, Bracket, and Post when engaged and disabling the free editing of these parameters, when disengaged the parameters set by the user will remain the same without acknowledging changes of the Shape/Profile

This would allow for manufacture profiles to avoid any unwanted changes by the user and for simple shapes to maintain their dimensions while the user changes the shape

VE-104073

BCF Manager Multi Project support

Juan Fabbiani

A Project Manager may be working in more than one project at a time, currently switching to another project will cause BCF Manager to disconnect and the connection process has to be repeated each time a projects is switched

A way to keep multiple projects connected would be a well received improvement among Project Managers

VE-103380

T02303_BCF_Improvements Remember Password

Juan Fabbiani

In the new BCF task I noticed a drop on connexion to the BCF server some what often and having to retype the password every time, after a while this becomes annoying.

I understand that this happens because of the server's time out

The fix could be a a checkbox that remembers the password for the session on the BCF dialog. See proposed attached image

VE-99388

Select Similar for all Object Styles

Juan Fabbiani

Styles selection needs to be available to all objects

VE-99359

Door threshold not updating rough opening

Juan Fabbiani

When a threshold is added to the door the z offset is not computed into the the rough opening of the door
When adding a negative offset to the threshold an equal opposite positive number should be added to the rough opening dimension of the door.

Email from user

Wes & Juan,

By way of introduction, I have been a Vectorworks user for over 18 years, and a builder and designer for more than 50 years. I currently design in all 50 states of the US, plus several Canadian provinces. I am very actively involved with the industry at every level, having served as President of the Building Industry Association of Washington, and am currently Chair of the Environmental Issues Committee for the National Association of Home Builders. I teach building science.

I just spoke with Jeff Gering again about the door threshold/rough opening height issues, and he says you believe you have this problem corrected. The appearance on the software a few years ago of a few additional toggle buttons would indicate this to be correct; the problem is that these buttons do not do what they were intended to do, and never have. As near as I can tell, they in fact do NOTHING.

Please try this yourself, hopefully on a Mac, using VW version 2019, because that is my platform: On the Door Settings (General) menu, set a door size based on Leaf Size of 3’-0” wide by 6’-8” high. Then (on the Jamb tab) set your Jamb to 3/4”, with a 1/4” shim gap, and select the toggle button for “show shim gap on plan". Going back to the General menu, you should now have a Leaf Size remaining at 3’-0”x6’-8”, and if you toggle to the Rough Opening size at the top of the menu, you will have 3’-2” wide by 6’-9” height. Now try to add a threshold.

Go to the Threshold tab, click the “Add Threshold” button, and fill in your Threshold parameters. For the sake of discussion let’s use 1” as your threshold thickness. In theory, if I did not select the “Threshold Under Leaf” button, the threshold height would be deducted from the leaf size, and my rough opening size would be the same as it was. If, on the other hand, I select the “Threshold Under Leaf” button, the threshold thickness should be added to the over-all rough opening height. You have also added over the years a “Z offset” button, which could also be able to raise up the bottom of the door, but this button should probably be reserved for cases where you need to set the base height of your rough opening at something other than the floor or layer elevation. In either case, neither of these buttons actually causes the rough opening to add the threshold thickness to the total rough opening height, either individually, or in tandem.

While many “patented” door systems, such as Codel or Thermatru will use different dimensions for the actual for slab, all “standard” for manufacturers, both in the Commercial and Residential US market use very standard slab sizes. When a threshold is added, unless it is specified by the Architect otherwise, the threshold thickness is added to the standard door slab, jamb thickness, and shim gap to arrive at the final rough opening height. For interior doors, the sides of the jamb are typically shipped 1” longer than the door slab size, allowing a 1” gap under the leaf once the door is installed. In theory, I should be able to select “0” for the other five parameters of your threshold, and select 1” as the threshold thickness, and have a resulting rough opening height of slab size, plus jamb-thickness, plus shim gap, plus 1”, which in the case above should result in a rough opening height of 6’-10”. I should be able to go to the General menu, and toggle back and forth between the size reference “Slab Size” vs “Rough Opening”, and get the correct values for each. These should be exactly the numbers I will see on the Door Schedule. It is not, and never has been.

Please give me a call so we can get “to the bottom” of doors. Thank you,

Ted L. Clifton, President
Zero-Energy Plans LLC
(360) 969-2363

VE-102617

IFC Import improvements

Juan Almansa

I would be happy if VW would just import IFC Elements as proper Solids/Symbol/Mesh

and apply the IFC Tag to it.

VE-103545

Home Screen - Currently with VW 2023 SP0 you cannot select 'Check for Updates' from the Home Page, you have to first Open a file or Create a New file. You should be able to 'Check for Updates' from the Home Page without any files open.

Juan Almansa

Currently with VW 2023 SP0 you cannot select 'Check for Updates' from the Home Page, you have to first Open a file or Create a New file.

You should be able to 'Check for Updates' from the Home Page without any files open.

VE-102758

Add Multi - Threaded MVR Export

Juan Almansa

Report from the Forums:

_MVR Export is painfully slow because it is not optimized for multi-threading._

VE-101368

Create IFC files in the VCS

Juan Almansa

Hi,

since a while we can push our files into the cloud to have our pdfs published automatically. Or we can use it as a render farm. My wish is to have the possibility in a future update to do the same with our ifc files. after some time our files can get large and the ifc export might take some time. Being able to push a file into the cloud to have this process handled in the background would be a time saver.

Thanks!

VE-101529

Vectorworks updater should quit Vectorworks Software

Juan Almansa

"Ok, this doesn't happen often but it does seem odd the first thing the Vectorworks updater does is insist I did something wrong.

Maybe the Updater checker should prompt a save and then trigger the app to quit before launching an update. "

VE-100059

Adding the release notes for SP's to the Vectorworks Updater

Juan Almansa

Currently, users have access to the service pack release notes via tech bulletin or web link: https://www.vectorworks.net/downloads/notes/2019SP5_Notes

Would it be possible to add this link or information as part of the Vectorworks updater?

This wish has been requested in the last days for more than 5 users.

VE-100090

2020-GIS feature for Spotlight

Juan Almansa

The new GIS feature is only available on Architect and Landmark.

We have a good amount of users requesting for this feature to be part of Spotlight.

VE-99966

Framing Improvements -

Juan Almansa

numerous users complaining about how outdated and buggy is the framing tool and the lack of:
"(1) in terms of appearance in plan, would be good to also have an option to show a cross in the middle of a stud, instead of just a rectangular outline

(2) would be good to have an option to automatically insert insulation between studs"

See plug-in for SketchUp: http://design.medeek.com/resources/medeektrussplugin.html

VE-99965

Worksheets Improvements - Freeze rows/columns and more

Juan Almansa

A very popular Wish in the forum, please see: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64448-worksheet-improvements/

VE-104861

Spellcheck software wide

Joshua Schulman

Vectorworks should have spellcheck across the system. This is problematic, especially when writing Callouts.

Spell check is currently part of Revit and Autocad.

VE-101903

Objects in 3D planes don't respect adjust flipped text settings in top / plan

Joshua Benghiat

This may be by design, but Data Tags in particular, when not using leader lines, need an ability to mirror and also be in a 3D plane.

Potentially this needs to be solved by the Horizontal Position parameter in data tags applying to objects without leader lines, or for text objects in a 3D plane to have an Adjust Flipped Text parameters.

VE-100937

Label legends should include accessories when looking at the Lighting Device bounding box

Joshua Benghiat

Now that Accessories are part of the Lighting Device, when positioning text in label legends, Spotlight should include accessories when examining the bounding box. Currently, any text in front of the lens (or wherever the accessory is) is occluded by the accessory.

While this is technically a VE, I think this is critical if the new Accessory scheme is to be accepted.

VE-100915

Accessories need a clear way to choose which fields are linked and which are independent from the main Lighting Device

Joshua Benghiat

With the new Accessory scheme, we need a clear way to set which fields link to the parent device and which are separate. We may also need some distinction between Accessories/Devices and Static Accessories.

Static Accessories should never have control information. They should also always have the exact same position and unit number as the parent.

Accessories/Devices should have some connection for unit number — the standard is for them to be identical, but some electricians use a numeric or alphabetic suffix, n.1, n.2 or ns, nr, etc. (The latter for scroller, rotator…)

Channel numbers often are the same in modern consoles, but may be different. Having an option to link these would be good.

Circuits might be the same for an LED leko and a gobo rotator, but they would never be the same for a conventional and a rotator.

I know this is technically a VE, but I think it is critical if the new accessory system is to be perceived as a step forwards.

VE-100037

SDK: VWPolygon2D(IPolyDefPtr pPolygonDef) ignores holes

Joshua Benghiat

Creating a VWPolygon2D based on an IPolyDef will ignore holes in the iPoly.

It's possible that VWPolygon2D lacks the capacity to deal with holes at all — in that case I would propose adding VWPolygon2DObj(IPolyDefPtr pPolygonDef) as a constructor that utilizes IPoly2DMath::CreateHandle, and adding a comment to the SDK that converting from an IPolyDef to an VWPolygon will exclude holes.

VE-105103

Font Mapping Improvements

Joshua Benghiat

The Font Mapping dialog hasn't had any love in quite some time. Here are a number of suggestions:
* Migration
** As far as I can tell, font mappings don't migrate and need to be set every year
* Smart matching
** Suggest matches for fonts with similar names. For example, "Graphite AT Light" should be a suggested match for "Graphite Light"
* Font name search box
** Like the Format Text dialog
* Remind me later
** Sometimes I need to open an older or shared file quickly, and don't really have time to deal with mappings. But I also ultimately care about those mappings in the future. A "Remind me later" option would substitute a default font for the file's current session, but not save any of the settings, so that Vectorworks prompts the user the next time a file is opened with those fonts.
* AI?
** This is a bit of an outlier, but suggest matches based on other user mappings and/or internet data. Possibly suggest fonts in the same family, e.g. sans-serif, hand-lettered, all caps, etc.

VE-105101

Attributes UI for markers and class style is confusing

Joshua Benghiat

The way Vectorworks handles arrow heads (markers) and by-class settings can be a bit confusing.

While you can set a class to use a particular marker, the decision whether or not to display a marker at all is always per object, and does not save with the by class options.

Vectorworks used to have both a button to turn arrows on and off, as well as a pull-down menu to select the marker type. Now, you turn the marker off by selecting the “None” option in the menu.

To help illustrate what’s going on:
- Draw a line
- Select one of the available arrow types
- Use the menu at the top of Attributes to Make All Attributes by Class
Note that the marker type changes to it’s by-class style
- Set the marker to None
- Again, select Make All Attributes by Class
Note that the marker style doesn’t change — no marker is a valid option for by class-settings, however the UI seems to imply that "None" is an option governed by the class style.

If I were to re-design the user interface, I would move “None” above the “Class Style” option in the marker menu.

VE-104897

SDK - move all custom build settings to xcconfig / props files

Joshua Benghiat

The SDK includes a number of xcconfig and props files, which various compiler settings. The example projects also utilize custom compiler settings needed in order for plug-ins to compile with the SDK.

Some of the required settings are present in the example files, for example to pre-compile headers, but are not present in the configuration files. Alternately, some options in the example files are duplicated from the configuration files, making it difficult for new users to properly set up compilers for the SDK.

The Xcconfig and props files should contain all the necessary settings for compilation, and the example files should only alter the settings that need to be customized per project. Any custom settings that the user needs to set for a project should be called out in a readme file.

VE-104405

Support hot fixes for critical issue

Joshua Benghiat

I know this is part of the plan for moving towards an all-subscription model, but I think this should happen sooner rather than later.

I was recently experiencing frequent Mail crashes that I traced to a plug-in that I used. I opened a support ticket and uploaded the crash report. Within a few days I received a response that included a link to a hot-patched beta. I'm a very happy customer.

If Vectorworks moved towards this model, where crashes and feature failures that are straight-forwards to fix and test get released on a frequent basis, it would be a huge win for both customer experience and Vectorworks' reputation. In addition to crashes, Vectorworks should include fixes for fundamental features. For example, a rendering bug that affected a large portion of my users was fixed a couple days after the release of SP4. While I had access to a fix right away, I had to tell my users they needed to wait patiently for SP5.

VE-104261

Visibility tool needs an option to drill down to contained objects' classes

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, aside from the first level of viewports, the Visibility Tool acts on classes for container objects. We need the ability to drill down and affect the objects of groups, design layer viewports, symbols, and plug-in objects.

For example, if one wants to hide the Lighting-Input-2D class, the Visibility tool only lets us select the container class of the Lighting Device, and not the class of the objet we see. This would be analogous to the Group Selection tool in Adobe products that lets the user directly work with objects in containers.

VE-101958

Add object variable to set/get light rotation about its throw axis when the light type is custom

Joshua Benghiat

Currently render lights set to custom (IES profile) do not have a means to access the rotation axis via script or SDK.

VE-104111

Add find and replace to worksheet menu

Joshua Benghiat

The Find and Replace function in the text menu has an option to search worksheets, but there isn't an option to operate in one the open worksheet, and a user may not realize this feature exists because it is not in the menu attached to the worksheet window.

The new feature would add Find and Find/Replace to the Edit menu for Worksheets. It would only work on the current worksheet, including database rows.

VE-104089

Add a preference governing the default light's behavior

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, when no rendering lights appear in a document, Vectorworks provides a default directional light that always sits over the user's theoretical left shoulder. As soon as the user adds a lighting object to the document, the default light turns off.

While there is some logic to this – Vectorworks assumes that when light are added, the user is now lighting with intent — this behavior can be confusing as there is no feedback as to what is happening or what to control that light. Additionally, the user may not realize that they are adding a render light when adding a PIO or symbol containing a light. This particularly applies to inserting Spotlight Lighting Devices, where users may not ever intend to turn on the lights in a render but still want 3D modeling capabilities. This is a frequent question on the chat boards, when speaking with students, and discussing rendering during user groups.

Currently, users cannot turn the default light back on, with the only recourse adding a shadowless directional light to the model, which may be the only time the user needs tp deal with lighting objects.

A solution would be to have a preference called Default light behavior, with the options: Automatic, Never, and Always. The default, Automatic, would mimic current behavior. Additionally, the first automatically turning off the light gets triggered, VW should provide a dialog altering the user that the default light is now off and where to find the preference affecting this behavior.

Additionally (or alternatively), the default light could appear at the top of the Visualization palette.

VE-104088

Add Edit Crop and Edit Annotations button to OIP for Viewports

Joshua Benghiat

This should be easy to implement and would provide newer users a visual cue to viewport's capabilities and as well as making viewport interaction more consistent with other objects that have edit modes.

VE-103924

Add search box to the New Layer/Class dialog

Joshua Benghiat

The dialog that allows a user to import a new layer or class has not been refreshed in a while. In the Import section, the list box should be searchable.

VE-103923

Add fuzzy logic to Quick Search

Joshua Benghiat

Quick Search has been a huge productivity boost.

Currently, the search function uses a straight partial-string search. To find "Convert to Group", for example, one can type "conv" or "group," but fuzzy logic, like that employed in utilities like Alfred or completion in a lot of IDE's would allow the user to enter, "ctg," "cg," or "cgp" to find the command, and would remember the selected option.

Additionally, the search box could allow partial-command autofill. For example, typing, "conv," would suggest "Convert" in the search box, which the user could accept with a keystroke (usually tab or enter), and then "g" would suggest Convert to Group.

VE-103925

Allow importing layers and classes from other open documents

Joshua Benghiat

The Import section of the New Layer/Class dialog allows for importing layers or classes from a selected document. The choice, however, only includes recently browsed documents, standard documents, and a selected file.

This should ideally work a lot more like the Resource Manger, with clear sections for Standards, Recent Files, and Open Files, and the latter should not need to be saved.

VE-103747

Keyboard shortcut for force-select

Joshua Benghiat

I use the right-click force-select option all the time. I'd be very interested in a modifier key that would let me force-select an object on click. Bonus points for also enabling pre-selection highlighting.

VE-103616

Add Import Layers menu command

Joshua Benghiat

Vectorworks currently allows importing of layers, but the method is un-intuitive:

- Create a new layer

- Click the Import Sheet Layer option

- Click Choose...

In order to make this capability more apparent to the user, an Import Layer command would raise a similar dialog. Ideally, in addition to the list of Standard layers, the user would see open and recent drawing files, similar to the options in the Resource Manager.

This workflow would also be very familiar to Adobe users.

VE-103612

Add easy way for beta testers and general users to report bugs

Joshua Benghiat

I was chatting with a colleague today about bug reporting (in general), and he admitted that often when one notices a bug, one is working furiously to meet a deadline and does not have time to file a proper bug report. I try to file bugs as part of my workflow, but sometimes I also just don't have the time to make a proper report.

Add a Report bug item in the help menu that would automatically populate a bug submit form with the version, OS, and contact info, as well as upload the current drawing file, the user log, and a snapshot of the drawing window. Reporting a bug would be as easy as typing in a title and description.

While some bugs require more explanation or preliminary testing, this would be perfect for straightforwards annoyances or malfunctions, as well as make bug reporting more accessible for general users.

VE-102734

Resolve inconsistency projecting transparent textures between Shaded and Renderworks

Joshua Benghiat

[~stevej] Here's an official entry.

Compare rendering in OprnGL/Shaded and Renderworks. Shaded inverts the shadow, as well as treat the color as bitmap. The next generation of shaded would, ideally:

- Not invert the shadow
- Allow for full color and grayscale projection
- Provide a legacy mode for those who have crafted Shaded renders on the existing behavior.

I also included a Redshift version, which completely blurs the projection.

VE-101599

Partner Installer: Show current installed version when an update is available

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, when the partner installer shows an update available, the interface only shows the new version number. Showing the currently installed version as well would be a help to the user, and is a common feature of most update systems (like Sparkle).

The currently installed version is present in the installed products manifest, so this should be easy to implement.

VE-103359

Improve incompatible plug-in dialog

Joshua Benghiat

When a plug-in library does not load, Vectorworks issues an incompatible version warning. While the plug-in may not load because of the version, the dialog displays if the plug-in does not load for additional reasons, which can include:
- Compiled for the wrong processor (i.e. Intel and not M1)
- Incorrect permissions
- Incorrect installation, resulting in quarantine
- Multiple instances of the library in the Plug-ins folder

At the very least, the warning should change if the "version" is unknown. Also, an easy way to copy the error information to the clipboard would be ideal, especially as the list browser truncates information, making a screen shot less effective.

Ideally, the warning dialog would give more specific information as to why the library is not loading.

VE-103363

Mac installer doesn't take advantage of TouchID

Joshua Benghiat

One the Mac, installation requires typing a password. Most installers now are able to utilize TouchID for authorization (when available) instead of the system password.

VE-103063

Allow selection of the Clip Cube with the Flyover tool

Joshua Benghiat

The Clip Cube is one of my favorite features.

I'm often finding myself wanting to adjust the Clip Cube while looking at the model in Flyover. I would like the ability to select and adjust the Clip Cube without switching tools. In my mind, this would be allowed without having to hold a modified key — I can just select and modify right with the Flyover cursor.

VE-101818

Editing Tag Data should indicate if a field is calculated/referenced via the Data Manager

Joshua Benghiat

When data is mapped via the Data Manager, the OIP displays a reference icon and locks the field. The user can also break the link and override the value.

!image-2021-04-20-15-30-34-887.png!

Data Tags linked to a record managed by the Data Manager do not reflect this. The dialog should match the OIP, with a reference/override toggle button, and the reference option locking the data.

!image-2021-04-20-15-30-55-821.png!

A further enhancement would allow editing the root data source from the Edit Tag Data dialog, assuming the mapping uses a “simple formula.”

VE-102753

Shortcut key for show/snap/modify layers

Joshua Benghiat

I'm a firm believer that if you're using layers correctly, you hardly want Modify Others selected.

However, when you need the exception to the rule, I would like a keyboard shortcut that allows selection on all layers — similar to X-Ray mode, but with layers rather than occlusion.

For example, when working on a light plot, if I have positions on a separate layer from lights, I could hold down the shortcut to reshape a position without changing layer options.

VE-101872

To support Data Tags, Cable objects need to make the actual length and extra length available as parameters

Joshua Benghiat

Currently Cable objects only have the base length available as a parameter. To tag the length of the actual cable, we need the actual length of the specified cable, equivalent to "Current Length" in the Cable Configuration dialog.

We should also be able to display how much extra length we have beyond the base length (Current length - base length). If formulas are available in Data Tags, we may not need the latter.

VE-102314

Data Tags need an additional rotation option when aligned to object

Joshua Benghiat

When Data Tags have the Align to Walls / Objects option selected, the tag rotates to match the orientation of the object.

Ideally, the user would be able to specify an additional rotation, or a normal rotation at the top of Object Info, and the tag would maintain that additional rotation. For example, text would align to the side of an object, and maintain that relationship (90° with respect to the object) as the object rotates.

VE-102313

Data Tags with Align to Objects enabled need an option to rotate around the object's insertion point

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, when Align to Objects is enabled for Data Tags, while the rotation of the text will match the object rotation, setting a new rotation for the object will rotate the text around it's insertion point, or the leader line end, not around the insertion point of the object.

We need an option to maintain the label's position with respect to the object when the object rotates.

VE-102244

Enable conversation threading for email updates from the forum

Joshua Benghiat

Email updates from the forum are sent as individual messages as opposed to replies, making the process of tracking a conversation very difficult without logging in to the forum.

The messages are lacking the in-reply-to header, but possibly even prepending "RE:" to all subjects except for the original post would be a step in the right direction.

VE-102243

Restore email messages from forums to have full text of post

Joshua Benghiat

Previous to the last major forums update, email alerts of new replies would contain the full text of the reply and any attached graphics. Now, we only have a a set number of characters, and then the message is truncated. This makes keeping up with the forums offline very difficult.

VE-101967

Implement snapping sets to retain quick access to snap settings while reducing needed keyboard shortcuts

Joshua Benghiat

Pursuant to the discussion of the new snapping UI in 2022, I find I'm generally moving between a few snapping configurations, with occasional task-specific snap toggles always returning to one of two default settings.

I would love to see snapping sets, where like saved views, users can save snapping toggles and/or options into a saved set. A single keystroke (or pair of keystrokes for forwards and backwards) would toggle the snapping sets, allowing fast access to frequent snaps with limited keyboard real estate.

This would also assist teachers and trainers in demonstrating the importance of good snapping habits by having new users save a few snapping sets and showing how each set is applicable to specific tasks, as well as the importance of returning to the default snap configuration after performing certain specialized tasks.

VE-101966

Support double quotation marks in worksheet formulas

Joshua Benghiat

As the function capabilities are becoming more inline with Excel and G Sheets, I noticed that Vectorworks delimits strings with single quotes, while most other spreadsheets use double quotes. Would supporting double quotes be possible? I think that would eliminate a lot of potential formula errors for users moving between the two.

Vectorworks: =IF(A1='Foo', 'Yes', 'No')
Excel: =IF(A1="Foo", "Yes", "No")

VE-100458

When a Viewport crop is visible and filled, applying a drop shadow should apply to the crop shape and not the VP contents

Joshua Benghiat

!image-2020-01-20-19-47-03-058.png!

VE-99861

Rigging Object provider should include an option to specify an object's matrix, affecting angle display and schematic view orientation

Joshua Benghiat

This particularly applies the to the Ladder, but can be useful in other applications as well.

In order to maintain the planar representation of the ladder, the un-rotated orientation of the object is parallel to the ground plane. The user, however, almost always uses the ladder perpendicular to the ground plan, which means that when properly oriented the OIP displays a roll of 90.

This also means that to display the ladder in elevation for schematic views, the "top" view will provide an elevation, while the "front" view will provide a view from the bottom, which is counter-intuitive.

Ideally, the Ladder should be able to return an orientation matrix to the Rigging Object Provider. This would allow the OIP to display a roll of 0 when the object is vertical, as well as choose "front" as the schematic view that will provide a front elevation of the ladder.

This has potential to enhance other objects in future versions. For example, when drawing a boom, there could be a similar interface to Edit Component Location, that would allow that position's neutral location to be vertical

VE-101912

Implement a custom URI protocol to launch a specific product or section in the Partner Installer

Joshua Benghiat

I've discussed this over email, but here is a formal request.

Currently, there is no way to link from the partner section of the Vectorworks website to the partner installer. A custom protocol implementation would allow a link in the partner section to go directly to a specific product. The scheme could also be used on developer web sites, etc.

VE-101905

Data tag constraints need an option to fix the center of a text block and still have it determine bounds

Joshua Benghiat

Currently Data Tag objects only expand from the left. Data tags need an option to expand from the center, either to support tag layout with multiple elements that should stay center-aligned, or to tag objects centered directly above or below the tag, where you want the centerline of the object to align with the centerline of the tag.

I would actually expect that Data Tags would first look at the horizontal alignment of a text block, then look at the constraints, so that a center-aligned text block with left/right constraints would first insert by center, then reset the object bounds left and right, such that a container object would appropriately expend to fit the center-aligned text block.

See VB-178813

VE-101904

Change default color palette options to use standard colors and remove classic colors

Joshua Benghiat

The Attributes palette redesign is an opportunity to improve the default palette options.

Currently, the default palette option is Active document. To a new user, the means to access a wider array of colors is often not obvious.

Because palettes add alphabetically, the first option below Active is the 8 bit Classic Vectorworks colors, so new users will often select this option, when this palette is mainly here for reverse compatibility.

I recommend making Standard Vectorworks Colors the default palette and not including the Classic palette.

I could also see moving the Manage Color Palettes button from the top-right to a full-width button below the color palette choices, which would help reinforce the connection between that button and the available list at the bottom of the palette.

VE-101901

Make Data Tags true hybrid objects when attached to a hybrid object

Joshua Benghiat

This intersects with:

VB-178814 Objects in 3D planes don't respect adjust flipped text settings in top / plan

VE-101820 Data Tags in the layer plane do not take on the z height of a 3D object

I would advocate for Data Tags to be true hybrid objects when attached to a hybrid object, with a duplicate of the geometry in screen and layer plane. That would allow the tag to match the Z height in 3D views while also behaving like screen plane text in top/plan.

VE-100940

Add preview option to ISDK::ShowDropShadowDialog()

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, the Drop Shadow dialog in the attributes palette includes a preview button, but the dialog raised by ISDK::ShowDropShadowDialog() does not.

A user has requisition the option to show a preview from this dialog. I'm not entirely sure how this would work — possibly allow for a callback that would draw an object and then the dialog would issue an UndoAndRemove on OK/Cancel

VE-101900

Allow text objects using styles to override specific parameters and still refer to the style

Joshua Benghiat

This would be similar to class attributes, where each attribute could be discrete or refer to the style.

This is also similar to word processors, where changing one part of the format puts "+" next to the style name to indicate an override but still otherwise maintains the style reference.

One usage case would be bolding specific words while still wanting the font and size to be consistent across styled objects. Another example would be setting the background fill to none for certain text blocks. (The latter is currently possible, but any edit to the text style will revert those adjustments)

VE-101870

Power planning distributers need a way to associate a universe with an output to support DMX nodes

Joshua Benghiat

DMX nodes, i.e. ethernet to DMX gateways, have a universe digitally assigned to each output.

Production electricians need two ways to assign universes to ports. The first, which is currently supported, is to pre-plan universes for each fixture, and then assign the universe to the node to correspond to the connected fixtures.

The other strategy is to assign universes based on position and unit type. To support this, distributors need the option of a universe to be specified to each port, and for fixtures connecting to that port to adopt that universe.

This is similar to VE-101865.

VE-101871

Allow cable parts to have a short ID that represents the cable type and add to Cable objects

Joshua Benghiat

See the attached example. Each cable type has a short identifier that corresponds to a specific cable specification.

Currently, cable parts include a "short name", but it also includes a suffix indicating length. We also need a short ID to represent the cable type.

!image-2021-05-07-14-40-37-755.png!

Ideally, the cable spec would also be relational, such that all cables of a certain type would have the same diameter, cross section, and material rating.

To facilitate something like the legend in the included drawing, the cable type would also have a field for description.

VE-101865

Allow power planning to associate dimmer numbers with circuits without a Lighting Device or other consumer

Joshua Benghiat

Consider a repertory system or television studio with semi-permanently run multi-cable or plug-strips. Here, dimmers will be permanently assigned to circuits, but not necessarily with 1:1 numbering. (Some dimmers may be permanently patched to channels). The user should be able to attach a lighting device to a distributer and have both the circuit number and dimmer number populate the Lighting Device data.

Another increasingly common scenario would be a system set up for LED fixtures, with hot power run from a PD. The user should be able to connect a Lighting Device to a distributer and have the breaker ID populate the dimmer/hot power field.

In both cases, moving the lighting device would result to connecting to a new dimmer or breaker in the new location. The power ID stays with the cable, not the Lighting Device.

VE-101864

Cable objects need Spares List to replace capability of Break Out Label

Joshua Benghiat

The existing Break Out Label Object has a "Spares" field that lists the spare output numbers for the break out. For example, a six circuit break out with data in circuits 2,3&4 would populate the field with "1/5/6"

In order to support data tags displaying comparable information, the Cable object needs a similar field. Potentially, a distributor would have this field as well.

VE-101819

Mirroring Data Tags detach them from the object they tag

Joshua Benghiat

In entertainment drafting, we often will label both ends of an item, mirrored across the centerline.

Currently, mirroring a data tag detaches it from its object.

I propose that if the active selection consists only data tags, the tags should maintain their connection to the tagged object when mirrored. A slightly more sophisticated check would be if the distance between the tag and the nearest bounds of the object is the same.

!image-2021-04-20-15-42-23-309.png!

VE-101706

Save Multi-view in Saved Views

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, Saved Views seem to ignore multi view options. Ideally, we would have the ability to save whether multi view is active as well as the view settings for each pane and the number / arrangements of panes.

For example, one saved view could have a left / right split of a plan / section. Another saved view could have a quad top / front / right / isometric layout. Switching saved views would toggle between these layouts.

VE-101355

SDK : VWDataSerializer improvements

Joshua Benghiat

I'd like to propose some updates to the VWDataSerilizer class. Because these methods rely on private members, I could not implement them via child classes. See the attached header file with inline code.

VWDataSerializerGroup::DeleteChildGroup

VWDataSerializerGroup::SetName

VWDataSerializer::DeleteChildGroup

I believe these shouldn't affect any other functionality of the class, so are safe additions.

In addition, I recommend adding the following documentation, which I was only able to ascertain by studying the .cpp file.

// Pass size_t( -1 ) to AddValue() to set to last
// Pass size_t( -1 ) to getters to ignore index.
// Getters will first search for name, then index

VE-101321

Allow VWDataSerializer to save the group name as an attribute instead of the node name

Joshua Benghiat

Group names in the data serializer can be any text, however, when saving to XML, the group name must be a valid node name. If the group name were instead saved in a "name" attribute, this would allow easy naming and searching for groups.

VE-101227

Support python debugging in VS Code

Joshua Benghiat

I'm starting to really like VS Code for python scripting, however I can't get the debugger to work with VW. From what I understand, the debug process starts a server that both VS Studio and the compiler listen to.

[https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/python/debugging]

From what I understand, VW could potentially add a debug feature that would then run the debugger as a service.

VE-101117

Criteria functions that return dimensions need a vs option to return inches in Feet & Inches

Joshua Benghiat

See this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74516-leftboundn-returning-feet/&tab=comments#comment-361649]

Criteria functions behave differently than other vs functions, in that they return feet when the document units are feet and inches, while handle-based functions return inches. (The latter is also more consistent with the UI, where VW assumes inches when typing a number with no unit marks in F&I).

For example:
HWidth(FSActLayer)
returns inches, while
Width(((SEL=TRUE)))
returns feet.
# We need a version of the functions that return inches. This may simply mean not deprecating some of the non-"N" functions. Many actually seem to work as expected and do not produce a warning.
# Update all documentation to note that the vs behavior is different for the criteria functions that return feet.

VE-101092

Purpose needs to be per cell for multi-circuits

Joshua Benghiat

This again relates to my report that we need an indication of what fields apply to each cell and what fields apply to the entire unit, which was pended to a VE.

We need purpose to be per cell (e.g. cyc blue, cyc lt blue, cyc amber.

VE-99342

Add height options to Pillars similar to walls

Joshua Benghiat

Pillars haven't had an update in a while.

Ideally, they should have the same height options as walls (in addition to height): Top Bound, Top Offset, Bot Bound, Bot Offset

VE-100327

Add a box widget to control origin and reshape anchoring for rectangular PIO’s

Joshua Benghiat

Rectangular PIO’s have an insertion point that it at the center-left of the object, with reshape handles drawing accordingly.

The OIP only shows a single X, Y, Z coordinate for the insertion point. This is a somewhat unusual origin point for an object, making it difficult to align via the OIP. Ideally, the object should display a box widget, like a rectangle, allowing the user to specify the displayed coordinate and anchoring the object during reshape.

The reported coordinates and reshape anchor should also support hybrid object rotation.

VE-99690

Account info needs more gender options

Joshua Benghiat

https://sso-dev.vectorworks.net/accounts/

Gender options should at least include non-binary and not listed here. Other forms I've seen also include an "I prefer not to say" option.

VE-100001

Show size of resources in Resource Manager

Joshua Benghiat

Add size (data size) of resources in the RM with the ability to sort by size. This would allow users to spot imported textures, complex symbols, etc. that inflate file size.

The data is available in Debug List View, but not otherwise readily available.

VE-99919

Message center needs a way yo clear all alerts

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, users have to close alerts one at a time.

VE-99869

Schematic views need an option to show original Lighting Devices as footprints

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, when I create a schematic view, the original "model view" Lighting Devices stay as they are in Top/Plan, complete with label legends. What really should happen is that these turn into footprints, ideally using either a swap graphic or a hidden line top view, but the current footprint methodology would suffice. Otherwise, the Top/Plan view isn’t up to professional standards (and electricians would potentially be very confused with having two schematic representations of each light on the plot.)

Currently, my only options are to re-draw the position in 2D (which defeats the purpose of schematic views) or cut a horizontal section, overriding classes and using section fills. The majority of plots have a mix of standard positions (where the schematic and top/plan would be the same) and positions that would benefit from schematic views, so using a horizontal section on much of the plot makes no sense.

The way schematic views currently function, if the original objects add the ability to display as footprints, Lighting Devices in schematic view would need control points allowing the user to reposition label legends.

Having an option in Spotlight Preferences could make sense. I would say the option would be something like: Display Lighting Devices with Schematic views as footprints. IMHO, this would be the priority for 2020.

Ideally, a second preference would be: Generate footprints from: 2D Top, 2D Top Cut, 3D Hidden line. And really ideally, each footprint would have the option to override the preference on a case-by-case basis, not unlike the way components work in sections.

VE-99853

Add automatic sections to Plug-in Style/Instance Settings

Joshua Benghiat

Building on automatic widget groups in 2020, use the same grouping in the Plug-in Style/Instance Settings dialog when defining and editing styles with the default interface

VE-99712

Lighting Device snapping to hanging positions should include snap points

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, dragging a lighting device to a rigging object in 3D snaps the lighting device to the centerline of the rigging object.

For 2020 Lighting Pipes and Ladders include master snaps at user-defined intervals. Currently, Lighting Devices ignore snaps in 3D, but should be able to find these master snaps.

Professional best practice is to place lighting instruments at regular intervals, which currently only works well in 2D.

VE-99653

Add popup text for pull-downs in OIP

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, if the OIP has a long label or text entry and it gets truncated, hovering over the item shows a popup overlay with the full text. This should also work for pull-down menus that are truncated.

VE-99550

Dimension Standards should be resources

Joshua Benghiat

The resource manager would be a very logical place to create and manage Dimension Standards, and they are already very resource-like, but have their own management dialog. My students often have a hard remembering where to edit dimension styles.

VE-99404

kNotifyUserOriginChange should distinguish between rotated plan and translated plan

Joshua Benghiat

Currently, changing the user origin and rotating the plan trigger the same notification. I have a PIO that wants to regenerate when the user origin shifts but does not need to respond to plan rotations.

Because shifting the user origin happens relatively rarely, waiting for objects to regenerate is negligible. Rotating a plan between aligned plan and section views high happen frequently during a workflow, so regenerating is not desired. Distinguishing between events would help optimize performance.

VE-99339

Add GetParentFolderNameFromResourceList to IResourceManagerContent

Joshua Benghiat

VWResourceList has a means to get the original parent folder of an imported resource, but using IResourceManagerContent doesn't. Having a way to have imported resources maintain their organization would be useful.

VE-100303

ConnectCAD - Arrow circuits should be able to utilize Multiple View

Josh Peizer

Current Workflow:

When I user wants to connect a circuit on different design layers, they have to select the arrow connection type. Once the arrow is select, they select their output on the first layer, then hold Ctrl + up/down to step through all the layers (including sheet layers) until they find the layer they want and click again on the next devices input.

Proposed Workflow:
# Enable Multiple view
# Set two panes to the layers the user wants to work in
# Select the connect tool using arrow mode
# Click in the output of the first device, then move to the other pane, and click the input of the other device on the separate layer.

VE-100556

Render Still does not share Saved Settings

Josh Peizer

When we originally designed our Saved Settings, we wanted each dialog to have it's own "set".

If we desire the change this behavior, let's set an appropriate Fix Versions.

VE-104929

Spotlight - MVR does not import with drag and drop into document window

Josh Peizer

NOTE: All other file formats appear to support drag and drop import to document windows

Steps:
# Open a new document
# Drag and drop the main.mvr file into the empty space of the new document

_Notice the user is presented with a file format not supported message_

VE-102694

When using right click > activate class the nav palette should endpand any nessessary nested class

Josh Peizer

Steps:
# Open a test file with plenty of classes
# Select any object and right click
# Select activate class

_Notice the navigation palette may scroll to show where the active class is, but if that class is nested in a collapsed class, then there does not appears to be any selections. The user would have to expand all nested classes otherwise it's no difference between activate and navigating manually to the class you want._

VE-102649

Introduce Product Cost currency to MTextur [Materials]

Josh Peizer

Steps:
# Open a new blank document and press "F"
# Search for mtextur and select import texture...
# Select settings and opt to import as a material
# Select and texture and import it
# From the resource manager select edit
# In the edit material dialog, select the construction tab and edit the Product cost

Notice that this field only accepts a number. but the cost could be a franks, USD, CAD. There is nothing in the dialog indicating the currency and the field does not accept something like 27.05 USD. Being able to set this on either a product level or project level and have it displayed in this dialog I think would be beneficial.

VE-101737

Vision - Using the Shift key to lock movement axis

Josh Peizer

It's common to have a 3D application be able to lock an object translation to a particular axis. In vectorworks this can be done by select the object, moving it along the axis you want then holding shift to lock that axis. I think this could be useful for Vision as well given a lot of things have very linear layouts.

VE-101661

Include an intranet page that will provide all required installers for new computers

Josh Peizer

In perforce we have an area that shows all the required installs in order to run Vectorworks as expected. Those installs are not easily accessible to everybody in the office that may need it.

I think it would a good idea to list somewhere on the intranet all the required installs in order to run an autobuild of Vectorworks. Preferably this method would simply pull from perforce and list them so only one data point needs to be kept up to date.

VE-101577

Double Click feature for the zoom to selection button

Josh Peizer

While using Multiple view it would be nice to be able to have a quick way to zoom to selected objects for all views.

My idea...

While multiple view is enabled, double clicking on the zoom to selection will zoom all views to that selection. If multiple view is not enabled, then do nothing on the second click.

VE-101405

When editing a vertex along a polyline or similar object the 3D space position should default to per vertex not whole object

Josh Peizer

I believe this area should be more context aware as more than likely if you are using the current, next, and previous vertex selection buttons in the OIP and change something like the z height position you would most likely not mean the entire object, you would be looking to change just that one vertex.

VE-100795

Provide a drop down to show existing saved views to make it easier to overwrite them

Josh Peizer

As of now, if you want to overwrite a saved view, you need to activate that saved view, make you changes, then save the view with the same name as the old one which will provide you an prompt to override the existing.

During the save process we should show a drop down in the text field and automatically apply the name of an existing saved view when an existing one is selected.

VE-100533

Installer - Document preview windows shows option to download, this should read as save

Josh Peizer

# we are not actually downloading any documents, the document already exists on the computer
# We are saving it to a location for later consumption.

This is shown in VW and Vision installers

VE-100161

Vision - MultiInput dialog column labels should be right aligned

Josh Peizer

Steps:
1. Open Vision and select DMX > Change DMX Provider
2. Select multiInput and take note of the following dialog...

First: The dialog is extremely condensed, to the point that I thought the column labels were actually a sentence. The default width should be larger.

Second: The label alignment just feels off when you do make it wider. Take a look at the attached screenshot and notice the numbers often don't even occupy the same vertical space as their title.

VE-100040

Organization Palette does not have consistent shortcut display for buttons

Josh Peizer

Steps:
1. In an open document, open the organization palette
2. On each of the tabs hold down the command key
- Notice that on most tabs there's at least one button that does not have a shortcut assigned to it.

My Notes:
If there is a reason for each of these buttons to not have a shortcut, what are they and are those reasons consistent throughout the application in other applicable areas?

A similar dialog (Vectorworks preferences) has shortcuts for all options I would expect to find, seem inconsistent in this one.

VE-99984

Vision context menu to add video input should be present in the scene graph

Josh Peizer

As of 2020, we have added a context menu to selected objects in the 3D view to add and edit video streams as textures. However it seems like a natural evolution to also have this context menu available in the scene graph.

VE-99941

Schematic View Layout

Josh Peizer

Currently when using the schematic view and creating said view, the application with line up all objects from left to right. When doing this for a small number of truss objects this is alright. However, when creating a view for a large number of truss objects, the list gets so long you have to zoom out nearly a mile.

My proposed fix for this is to have the application look at the bounding box dimensions of each object and stack them based on their aspect ratio.

This would mean things like curved trusses would line up left to right, and straight truss would be linked up top to bottom allowing more objects to be placed in a smaller area.

We may be able to do some calculations like the create stage tool on order to do a proper layout to assist in organizing the truss objects as well.

VE-99751

Spotlight - Label Legend edit layout workflow changes

Josh Peizer

As of now if a user edits the 2D or 3D layout of a label legend, and accepts those changes or otherwise dismisses the layout feature, the user is taken back to the document view. This workflow forces users to either edit a single layout as the last step in their workflow, or forces them to re-enter the label legend manager from the menu bar just to return to where they began.

Proposed workflow.
- Once a user exits the edit layout (either 2D or 3D), the user is taken back to the label legend manager

VE-99320

Localized Installers

Josh Peizer

During my testing of our newest installers, it has come to my attention that the progress screen has links to resources that are only available in English. It may already exist but it case it does not, it may be a good idea to include in the description of the screen that the resources are only available in english, not tempt them in their language than show them the result in another language. This change should be a matter of a sentence or two

VE-101210

Allow more than eight lights in OpenGL RM

Josh Loy

Vector works current limit of eight lights in open GL make some lighting documents very limited when rendering. Could a preference be added to both OpenGL viewports and design layers to increase the number of lights?

VE-102384

Multi-View show floating view panes when focus lost...

Josh Loy

See the following forum thread, we currently hide all floating view panes when application focus is lost. Would it be possible or desired to only hide them when focus is lost to another VW instance?

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/87883-keep-the-floating-view-on-screen/]

VE-99936

Optimize DXF/DWG during import

Josh Loy

So many performance issues are caused by DXF/DWG importing a million little line segments instead of one polygon or thousands of 3DPolygons instead of a mesh. It would be nice if import had an optimization phase that looked for consecutive line segments with similar attributes or connected triangles then convert them into a more appropriate object. Attached is a DWG which could be imported more accurately.

Maybe an optimization checkbox or drop-down could be added to the import dialog to control how aggressive objects are optimized.

VE-103262

Password Login for Project sharing

Joseph Motsay

Hello team, this has come up a bit and it was recommended that I submit a VE:

Original User message:

"
As I mentioned on the phone, we are looking to understand what levels of password protection that might be available in VWX. We are developing IP assets within the software and are hoping to offer clients high levels of protection from data leaks.

I'm also curious if there are any plug-ins available that might offer additional layers of security?"

Potential Solution:

- add password login to project sharing when accessing a .vwxp file each time

VE-102200

Text offset not working for stacked Dim Std

Joseph Block

With Dual - Stacked Layout the offset (Text Off) does not work when I add a note... the whole dimension text moves. See video.

With Single Layout all works.

VE-104113

Spell Check Accessibility

Joseph Block

Technical Support has received a few requests surrounding the Check Spelling feature in Vectorworks. Some users have learning disabilities or other accessibility needs that make Check Spelling very important. It would be much more efficient and beneficial to add an option to have Spell Check automatically on for all notes, annotations, text, title blocks, etc. rather than having to manually select "text>> check spelling" each time.

It would save a lot of time and frustration for many, including those with learning differences, like dyslexia.

VE-100941

Worksheet alignment

Joseph Block

I wish worksheets had alignment handles like other objects. They are automatically aligned to the top, left of the worksheet. I often place a worksheet in the bottom right-hand corner of a sheet and would like it to be aligned to the bottom, right. That way, as info gets added to the worksheet and it gets longer, I do not need to keep adjusting its relationship to the bottom, right corner of the sheet.

VE-100841

Add Hand rails and guardrails at the same time

Jonathan Pickup

there are times where we need to add a handrail at one elevation and a guardrail at a different height. with the current Railing/Fence tool, you have to use two rail objects.

this is a challenge as they have to be created separately and then placed together.

Please see the attached movie that compares Vectorworks with a competing CAD product.

VE-100842

Railing/Fence

Jonathan Pickup

The railing fence in 3D mode should work like the 2D Mode allowing multiple clicks to create the railing/fence.

a competitive CAD program allows this and it is much quicker to draw railing on flat surfaces that transition to stairs and ramps. It would make landscape fencing quicker as well.

VE-100291

Vision 2020: Updater, and release notes.

John Weston

I am filing this as a bug as I don't think this is an enhancement, it is a current issue.

There is no current way to know you are out of date with your .wad vision file. Also the only way to check for an update is to fire up the program and check for updates. At that time you will be "hopefully" given the proper updated .wad file, with whatever "possible" updates may have been done since the last time you updated.

This means that for example today in the forum, where Eli posted that he has now changed some values for a previous fixture that now any old .v3s files will not technically work correctly, or at least the same as they used to when all the files are recalled.

There NEEDS to be a way to know when new fixtures are added. There NEEDS to be a way to know when older fixtures have been modified.

Also how do we know we have the most recent .wad? Can there be a comparison to look for? Can there be a running list of what every .wad update includes??? Smother us with information, that we can choose to ignore.

Additionally there should be other ways to pull a new .wad file. Automatically with vectorworks? Stand alone updated? Notifications? VSS? Email?

VE-100020

Try to help customers setup their light board

John Weston

This ticket is being completely revamped...

We had an idea that displaying a computer's IP Address would be helpful to the End User. The way it was implemented, however, only caused confusion.

The general idea is that Vision may be able to provide some information to the End User to help them configure their light board. We should revisit this concept at a future date to determine what information would be good to display and how we should go about displaying it.

VE-99481

Vision - PosiStageNet Integration

John Weston

It would make a lot more sense for Vision to embrace the industry standard PSN (PosiStageNet) Protocol.

Using the current "DMX transforms" is definitely a work around. But the ability to receive data from external programs would be the next step to integrating with other applications and platforms in the industry.

In some cases it makes sense for the programmer to have DMX control of the truss or automation move, but in other cases it might be awesome to receive PSN data to have that move happen automatically.

It might also be awesome to control an automation move via dmx for programming purposes, and have Vision then send out the updated PSN value for that truss location (This would be very useful when integrating lots of different programs to use with Vision for programming purposes - please reach out for more info if needed)

https://www.posistage.net/

VE-102104

Vision should be able to listen to PSN

John Weston

Posi Stage Net is not going away, and if anything is being used now for stuff more than ever.

Its a fairly basic established protocol to follow as well.

From a moving truss, to moving a "person" in the Vision scene. This tool would be awesome to have.

The sooner the better!

VE-100045

Vision - Feature request : PSN support for external position information.

John Weston

Posi Stage Net (PSN) is (now) an open protocol for communicating the location of things in the entertainment world.

Common use case is for automation to tell lighting where the location of a truss is. But the use case can actually be vastly expanded and used for all sorts of things.

https://www.posistage.net/

I would love to see Vision implement the ability to listen to PSN. Thus you could move truss, lights, or combination thereof by just listening to external sources of PSN.

This would allow for the ability to previz not only with "rough motor moves" via console dmx cues, but actually be able to connect in real time with automation to see the changes happen in previz.

VE-102160

Vision Fixture Mode - Menu enhancement

John Weston

Can the pup out window for the "Fixture Mode" that applies the vision fixture mode include some more information?

Specifically can it have another column for DMX footprint. Saying "Fixture ABC123 Mode 12" is partially useful. It would be amazing to also have a column that said DMX footprint 56ch or something. It is sometimes impossible to tell if you are looking at the right mode, when we generally compare DMX footprint to make sure we are right, and match the actual fixture.

Secondly could there be a column that indicated Light Outputting/Emissive? There are a few fixture types that are very taxing so they have been made as both Light outputting and emissive, and having a CLEAR distinction of what the selected fixture mode is would be helpful. And by helpful I mean it really needs to happen haha. I still can't figure out if there is a TMB solaris flare, in Mode 12 advanced that has light output vs Forced emissive.

VE-99528

Vision - .wad file update notifications and alternative downloads

John Weston

Vision should give me a notification or a pop up letting me know that there is a new and updated .wad file to be had.

I should also be able to read the release notes BEFORE I complete that update.

Additionally I should have alternative ways to download this .wad file and read release notes. One way might be through vectorworks itself? (via spotlight) This way you can build your files with the updated fixture modes without the need to open Vision everytime to make sure it is updated.

VE-99302

Beta Application icon unique to identify each beta version

John Weston

Having a unique icon to see what beta you are working with would be awesome.

Please see this forum post for more information.

I would presume it would be fairly easy to implement? Or at least give us the .ico file to allow us to do it ourselves if it would confuse the installer.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/59679-vw-beta-icon-windows-for-public-use/

VE-104036

Link Vectorworks T02059 inventory with Lightwright Inventory

John McKernon

With task #T02059, Vectorworks' ability to track inventory is greatly enhanced. Without robust support for synchronizing inventory between Vw and Lightwright, users may need to manually copy changes in inventory between the two applications.

Please make provisions for - and talk to me - about when and how we can make Data Exchange work do this seamlessly. I am currently working on the next major release of Lightwright, and I need to write any needed code changes ASAP.

Thank you!

VE-104339

Graphic Legend - pick filter viewport

John Kerr

From the VW Forum

_James
Member
272

Posted March 24

When filtering a graphic legend by viewport, it would nice to be able to just select the viewport rather than scroll through the dialogue box.

Since Graphic Legends can only be placed on sheet layers, I think it's a fair assumption that when one is filtering by viewport, the majority of the time the Graphic Legend will be placed on the sheet where the viewport is.

For example when doing electrical layouts, the Graphic Legend is a great tool to show the key with additional data pulled from symbols.

layouts.png

When you click the Graphic Legend "Filter by Viewport" option you get this dialogue box:

FilterDlg.png

This is of course useful, but it would also be nice to just click the viewport, in the same way as one would select walls to associate a slab or roof to etc. Often the viewports (in our office at least) are not named very well and it is a bit of a pain to scroll through them all to find the one you need when it's sitting right there on the page and could easily just be selected!

VE-103882

Graphic Legend: A way for dynamic text to report multiple items in a column

John Kerr

From Slack, 01/10/2023 4:26pm

Bryan D Goff, Landmark Trainer:
In the Graphic Legend is there a way to list multiple names in a column instead of a row?
I'm thinking in terms of landscape area and the possibility of multiple plants.
right now it seems to work like follows.
Acer Rubrum, Quercus Alba, Gymnocladous Diocius, ETC...
I would like.
Acer Rubrum
Quercus Alba
Gymnocladous Diocius
If it doesn't do this is there a way to add this to the new task?

EJKerr:
It seems like you would want to have a line break as part of the separator for the dynamic text. It won't let you enter that right now.

VE-103836

We need a way to recalculate all Graphic Legends

John Kerr

From slack channel 'graphics-legend-testing' Tue.Dec.13
Brandon Eckstorm (ENT Product Marketing Manager) asked:
"Is there a way to recalculate Graphic Legends globally or do you just have to do them one at a time?"
https://vectorworks.slack.com/archives/C02LV3Z039U/p1670944254424199

We currently have menu items for Update All Viewports, Recalculate All Worksheets

VE-103601

Graphic Legend - An option to align elevation windows and doors by the floor

John Kerr

Currently the automatic floor alignment of elevation windows and doors happens when a dimension to the floor is selected, and the image alignment is set to bottom.

In VB-183303, Julian Carr indicated:
"It seems to me that the alignment of images and the display of doors and windows at their relative vertical positions should be separately controlled. The intent of the graphic I included was mainly to illustrate that we should not be relying on vertical dimensions, to trigger the vertical displacement of the images. Rather a checkbox to trigger this independently of the vertical dimension selection would be much better."

VE-103600

Graphic Legend - An option to align plan/top/bottom-view doors and windows by the insertion point

John Kerr

Center alignment in a graphic legend image currently aligns by the center of the object bounding box in plan view. When doors and windows are shown open, their leaves/panes can stick out in either direction, and then the frames don't line up (like they do when inserted in a wall).

In VB-191024, Peter Vandewalle of Design Express indicated "I think some users might like the objects aligned(by insertion point) while others might prefer them non aligned. Would it be possible to make that an option they can choose?". This enhancement request represents that wish.

VE-102852

Criteria wishes from Graphic Legend user, from VB-184219

John Kerr

From VB-184219
In Fig6 it would much better to have options as in worksheets with starts with and so on!

If we have a huge legend we need a way to distribute on several sheets.

Usually in a medium project we have 2-3 sheets with windows, organizing windows by style name and have one for window W-01 til W-15, the next from W-16 til W-30 and so on

Also a possibility to access the object criteria box in Fig7 would make it possible to modify search with style W-* like in worksheets. (EJK-This may be too free/hazardous for general use.)

VE-101106

Worksheet imaging should support rotation, without relying on a recorded pdf

John Kerr

Currently, worksheets can appear rotated because we record a pdf of the worksheet and then draw that rotated. This has some drawbacks, like https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-170105?filter=10296.

The code to draw a Worksheet in the drawing could be significantly revised to support rotation. We could also support rotation of a worksheet object (like a 2D symbol).

VE-101105

New Image import option to resolve alpha on a black background

John Kerr

See https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-171155?filter=10296
It is sometimes preferred to remove alpha transparency from an image by compositing it on a black background instead of on a white background. It needs to be an option that is available to the user when they choose to import in a format that doesn't preserve the alpha channel.

VE-101280

Grid line tool needs enhancements

John Helm

The new gridline tool has a few issues that make it difficult to use. 1, changing the sequence of lines has to be done one by one. It needs to actually re-sequence starting from left or right automatically. 2. There should be a choice of having the grid as a separate entity or part of annotations, or both. 3. One should able to copy from one viewport to another. Now changes from done in the grid layer do not all reflect in the annotations. Every instance of the grid in annotations must be changed manually, now fun, tedious work. 4. Deleting and replacing a grid line needs to be easier. 5. Curved grids angled, etc. are nice and make for good publicity, but first make it really work for the old fashioned rectangular grids the are used 99% of the time.

VE-101281

Simplify Walls

John Helm

I just want to be able to make a wall that is not tied to anything, stories, layer height, wall height, etc. Then be able to move it around in height wherever I want.

VE-100173

Text flow

John Hansen

Customer request: make it possible to have text flow from one box to another (for long tests that need more than one box on layout).

VE-99673

Distribute along path

John Hansen

Would be nice to distruibute selected items along a path (like in 'Duplicate along path').

VE-99672

Right-click enhancement

John Hansen

A customer asked for right-click customization and showed me the Autocad features, which would be very productive to have...
Especially the time-out feature seems nice.

VE-99674

Import color palettes

John Hansen

Customer asks for possibility to import color palettes from Adobe

VE-101124

Hoist Tool: DP Hoists not showing correctly

Joe Golden

When using a DP hoist symbol, it only shows a single chain and the standard chain hook, not the Hook Block.

VE-101095

Hoist Tool ID Location

Joe Golden

Allow the location of the Hoist ID to be specified like the Measurment Label Pos has?

VE-101001

Truss Cross Symbol Insertion Point alignment

Jim Woodward

When show symbol is used in a Truss Cross, if a cheeseboro is a selected it does not align to a pipe or lower truss chord

VE-100437

Adding an option in Batch rename for sequential numbering

Jim Woodward

When using the new Batch Rename, one addition would greatly speed up the process of renaming is if we could add a sequential number option as a prefix or suffix. This has always been a painful task to reorder or add a series to layers, classes, saved views etc.

VE-101742

ConnectCAD Multiple Circuit Conduit / Multicore graphical representation

Jim Woodward

When showing multiple circuits running along the same path as individual lines of the same line weight overlapping. Where these circuits overlap and are following the same path if we could add a different line style and graphical attributes to overlap the common path. Preferably these would be assigned to the same class as the Signal type of the enclosing circuits, but should allow to be overwritten when different signal types travel along the same path. This would function basically the same as the Cable Path tool in the Cable Tools Preview feature but would not need the 3-D functionality.

VE-102039

Braceworks Hoist Scaling Hoist Symbol to Include a "Scale 2D Only" button

Jim Woodward

Currently with the current selections in the object Info palette for the brace works hoist allows for scaling of the hoist symbol but only allows for scaling both the 3-D and 2-D portions, my suggestion is to add a checkbox in the object Info palette to allow for scaling of only the 2-D portion.

VE-101893

Modifier Key Functionality for Numeric Keys

Jim Woodward

As it's getting more and more difficult to find available keys for shortcuts adding the ability to use modifier keys with the numeric keypad to potentially open up dozens of combinations

VE-101896

Hyperlink Webpage link improvements

Jim Woodward

I attached an example of how when selecting a hyperlink that is going to a webpage if they go back-and-forth in between the drawing and reuse that hyperlink it keeps opening another webpage in a new tab each time and I'm not sure if there might be any way to correct that so that it identifies that if there is a page already opened by the link it directs to that.
Thanks

VE-101895

Hyperlink OIP Improvement

Jim Woodward

I attached a video showing how there is an option in a hyperlink worksheet that allows people to change the option to double click the hyperlink rather than using a modifier key.
I'm proposing that we add a button in the OIP to allow that option.

Thanks

VE-101892

CCD Workspace Menu Additions

Jim Woodward

Attached graphic shows two additions and some separators in the ConnectCAD default workspace.

VE-101894

Alignment Improvements Palette

Jim Woodward

The process for aligning objects requires up to six keystrokes for one simple task, having the ability to have a tearoff palette for alignment or possibly adding 8 buttons next to the new snapping buttons being added to the message bar on the bottom of the interface.

VE-101814

Hyperlinks, Additions to OIP

Jim Woodward

Hyperlinks Additions to OIP to include:

* Check box for "Launch after Double-click"
* Allow editing "Editable Label Field" from within OIP
* Allow editing Target Field" from within OIP
* Allow choosing "Editable Function" from drop-down menu in OIP
*
Currently there is no way to change the option for Launch-able after Double-click other than creating a report from Hyperlinks and selecting and right clicking to edit true or false. Many users are not aware that this is an option. Many times there is a confusion in the documents on users that are unaware of the modifier key combination to launch Hyperlinks and furthered by the different key between platforms.

VE-101813

Adding Broken Link Icon to Hyperlinks

Jim Woodward

Like the labels on Sections, if a link is broken that there is an indicator next to the instance.

If we could add the same icon next to hyperlinks, including an option to only appear if the link is broken. This would be an improvement to the workflow to allow users to avoid finding out only after a selection is made in the OIP. This would aid in finding which Hyperlinks are affected and avoid having to click through each instance to verify or editing links through a worksheet. Thanks

VE-101444

Bridle Reconfiguration by Moving Strucural Member

Jim Woodward

Currently if a Braceworks or VWS Rigging Tools user has an entire system connected by using structural members as connection points and the structural member position needs to move, they need to replace amd reconfigure all attached bridles. As this is very common traveling from venue to venue, if a user could simply adjust the structural members to the new locations and have all the attached bridles update would be a tremendous time saving feature.

By moving a Structural Member the following would occur:

1) Any House Rigging Points that were created by a calculation would move with the Structural Member.

2) Any Bridle Leg(s) connected to the adjusted house rigging points would reconfigure and reconnect to the Apex without adjusting the other leg(s) of the bridal or the downleg/hoist

3) Any hoists attached would remain in the same position as well as any attached loads

4) If there is a Single Leg Bridle attached to the Structural Member, the Dead-hung Bridle and any attached hoist and loads will travel completely to new location while keeping trim heights intact

5) Any House Rigging Points adjusted would retain the original numbering and capacity data.

VE-101440

Rigging Tools - Option for Bridle Hoist adjusting upper hook height when apex height is changed option

Jim Woodward

When a bridals Apex site is changed it appears that the only option is to have the gap replaced by wire rope keeping the upper hook height at the original position. It would be a nice addition to have the option of increasing the upper hook height to match the new Apex height of the bridle and avoid the additional component added to the down-leg.

VE-101290

Hoist Insertion Low hook to Load Adjusting to top chord of truss

Jim Woodward

When Inserting a hoist if no pickup symbol is being used that the low hook to load field be auto populated by half the distance of the truss it is connecting to to avoid the hoist being embedded in the truss geometry by default.

VE-101156

Hoist and Deadhang Chain Attribute improvements

Jim Woodward

Currently in the new 2021 Hoist improvements the appearance of a chain is substantially larger than it would be in an actual chain hoist.
I believe this was done so that VWS could identify objects being sent to MVR but this has made them look unrealistic in renderings. Likelihood of the chains being sent for previsualization, I feel is pretty low compared to seeing them in renderings and presentations that will show the chains supporting a structure. In this instance omitting the chains will cause the drawing to look unrealistic and having structures appear levitating.

The two options I could see for this would be to apply a texture with an alpha mask to appear as a real chain without increasing the processing workload from adding the realistic chain option.
Possibly another solution would be to assign the chain to a class and be able to change its attributes.

VE-100514

Change Truss Configure dialog box Expansion Improvements

Jim Woodward

When Using the Replace Truss Dialog, You can Expand the dialog box but the truss counts in the upper left don't extent. Improvement would enlarge the list of available truss lengths. It is currently dificult to see more than 4 options at a time

VE-100499

Insert Truss Instance Visibility Improvement

Jim Woodward

When All classes are turned off the insertion cross fro the Truss Object remains and the truss geometry will not become visible if set to any other class when turning the truss classes all on. The Truss Cross should be set by default to the Rigging-Truss-Insertion Point. The same issue resides with the hoist chain.

VE-100438

Layer or Class specific Clipcubes

Jim Woodward

After talking to users that utilize Clipcubes. One feature that got a lot of positive response was adding the ability of being able to limit what is removed by the Clipcube through classes and layers. The immediate use for example in a theater to have a the Clipcube remove the exterior walls of a theater and leave the interior elements unchanged

VE-99913

Add Unit Number to Patch Dialog window for sorting

Jim Woodward

In the 2020 DMX Patch Dialog window, adding a column for Unit Number

VE-99563

Alternate Stair and Railing Tools to suit markets outside DACH

Jim Wilson

Many of my american, UK and Canadian users are displeased with aspects of the Railing and Stair tool, and it seems that these concerns are unheard by Computerworks.

If we are unwilling to control the development of these tools directly, I suggest we implement our own Custom Stair or Custom Rail tools to accommodate the many, many complaints we are getting especially compared to ArchiCADs offerings.

Users will not care that we have duplicate tools, since they will only be using one or the other in almost all situations.

Some of our largest forum complaint threads are related to these tools, these threads are outshone only by the overall quality improvement threads.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/58406-stair-tool-pain-points

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/59837-railingfence-tool

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49024-railing-fence-tool-corner-posts

VE-101796

Render Lights color by class not responding to data visualization or class viewport overides

Jim Rood

using Render Lights color by class doesnt responding to data visualization or viewport class overides. See attached picture. Render lights remain pink even though data vizualization is set to make objects in the class cyan like the cube. Same results in viewports. When changing the class color inside viewports, it doesnt work on render lights. Tested back to v2019.

VE-101098

Add an option to use dead hang bridles in the insert connection tool

Jess Cogdell

The insert drop mode of the rigging insert connection tool no longer works correctly.

First the user can no longer insert a deadhang, the user can only select hoist symbols or pickup symbols and not bridle parts or deadhang objects

Second the insert drop mode no longer automatically inserts the hoist correctly adjusting the chain length to maintain the trim height of the trusses to be connected. The user now has to set the vertical offset manually, which is both time consuming and difficult to get the correct offset due to how the hoist inserts! (chain goes to the centre of the upper truss, not the trim height)

to reproduce in the sample file

activate the insert connection tool from the rigging toolset

choose insert drop mode

choose any hoist symbol

insert (without giving a offset value)

you will then get an error message stating that the offset is to small and the trusses will be moved into contact with each other

The desired behavior is that the hoist will insert and have its chain automatically adjusted to maintain the correct trim heights of both the top truss and bottom truss.

VE-102156

Spotlight cable tool hoist connection issue

Jess Cogdell

When using the new cable tool to connect a jumper cable to a hoist the cable always attaches to the low hook of the hoist, not the body of the hoist.

I tested this in both 2021 sp3.1 and in the current 2022 beta 2 release after adding a consumer electrical component to the hoist symbol definition

This is fine when the hoist is in the standard configuration (hoist down symbol type) but if the hoist is hung inverted (hoist up symbol) it means the cable will be too short to connect to the hoist by whatever the current chain length of the hoist is (potentially 24m or more!)

to reproduce

in 2021

insert a truss line add a hoist with using a 'up' orientated symbol

activate the cable tool

use the single connection mode and insert the cable to connect to the hoist,

the cable will insert connected to the low hook of the hoist and ignore the position of the hoist body

in 2022

add a consumer electrical component to the hoist symbol definition and repeat the previous workflow. the cable will again insert at the low hook height.

VE-103025

Spotlight 2023 can't change cable parts configuration in a cable run in Connection view

Jess Cogdell

In the Connection view of the power planning palette is is not possible to change the number of cable parts of a particular type in the cable object.
I can select the cells (they highlight) but nothing happens when I try to change the number of that part type being used

VE-102155

Spotlight Power Planning Worksheet issue

Jess Cogdell

When using the new Power planning feature there is no way to create worksheets based on the information in the Electrical view Web palette, specifically the patch graph and the generator graph.

From the user perspective a +{color:#172b4d}fundamental requirement{color}+ of this feature is being able to use the power planning data to create their show or event paperwork. I have attached some examples of what users want to be able to create (the cable patch sheet would in our case reference the breakout or plug box distributor, but would provide the same info). All of the required information to create these is in the the Power overview and Power Patch panes.

This means Users have to be able to access the information from the Power Overview and Power Patch Table panes of the Electrical View web palette in worksheets.

VE-100710

Spotlight rename lighting instrument bug

Jess Cogdell

If the user renames a lighting instrument resource in the resource browser after inserting it into their design and then runs the refresh instruments command, the lighting instruments lose theri 2D and 3D geometry and display a default bounding box.

To recreate

insert any lighting instrument into a file

rename the lighting instrument resource in the resource manager

run the refresh instruments command

2D and 3D geometry will be converted to a default bounding box

VE-102826

Spotlight Hoist object no label coordinates offset control for Hoist ID

Jess Cogdell

There is no way to control the hoist objects ID label position from inside the hoist object properties. The only way to move the label is to use the labels reshape handle and manually drag it to a new position.
This make it incredibly slow to up date label positions if you are working with more than a single hoist, as each label has to be moved separately.
With the old hoist object the hoist had a set of label coordinates that defined its offset from the hoist. This enabled users to both preset the label offset before insertion of a hoist and to easily update the label offset of existing hoists by either group selecting and entering the offset into the properties or using Spotlight numbering.
The measurement label does have X Y offset fields.

The old hoist object had label offset controls

The offset value is fairly important for documentation as although you can in theory use a data tag for the label the tag will not be colorized as a result of a Braceworks calculation when displaying the calculation results.

See the attached forum thread

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/93333-reset-braceworks-ids-and-hoist-labels/

VE-103966

Spotlight Hoist object hook is no longer lining up correctly with a pick up symbols shackle

Jess Cogdell

When using a sling pick up symbol with a hoist the slings shackle is no longer correctly aligned with the hoists hook, causing the geometry to overlap. From what I can see the hoist isn't correctly rotating its hook anymore.

I've been able to verify the issue in 2023 with the current service pack, it works correctly in 2022.

This was reported in the following thread

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104642-slings-library/

VE-103182

Spotlight 2023 Device ID's don't display in the Power planning Palette unless electrical components are present

Jess Cogdell

In all views of the power planning palette devices do not display their ID's unless the device contains electrical components, this included lighting device channel numbers
Any device that is enabled for power planning (has the power info section in its properties) needs to display its ID in the palette

VE-103011

Spotlight hoist high hook position when inverted

Jess Cogdell

Not sure if this one is a bug or enhancement request

When using the insert connection or insert drop command with an inverted hoist the body of the hoist always inserts inside of the upper truss. There is no way to change this, if the user changes the high hook height the truss moves with the hook

The hoist body should be inserted just below the truss geometry not inside

To reproduce

insert 2 trusses, one directly above the other with enough vertical space between them to insert a drop

activate the insert connection tool select insert drop mode and choose any inverted hoist symbol ('up' in the name) and insert normally

body of the inserted hoist will be inside the upper truss

if the high hook field is used in the truss properties to change the high hook and hoist body height then the truss moves with the change

VE-101938

Spotlight Power planning Dropdown menu workflow issue

Jess Cogdell

I'm not sure if this should be classed as bug or enhancement.

Whenever a user is working with the new power planning input and output drop-downs to connect electrical components or other objects the drop-down will close as soon as a single choice/option has been selected.

The problem is there are many cases where Users want to be able to make several connections at the same time and the user will often want the drop-down to stay open so that they can see what has been chosen/connected.

For example inside a distributor object it is normal that multiple fuses connect to each phase (L1, L2, L3) of an input.

Currently the workflow is that the user has to group select all the fuses for each phase and then select the input drop-down to make the connection.

While this works it is not easy to work in the other direction, i.e from the input to the fuse as the drop down will close each time a connection is make. This can make it hard to maintain an overview of what is connected where and especially in complex distributors hard to error check if mistakes have been made.

When working with objects like lights and breakouts it restricts and slows down the workflow of how users must connect them if they want to connect multiple consumers to a single channel.

For example if you want 2 lights connected to the same output of a breakout you need to select them both and make the connection from the from their properties,

However if the user wants to work in the other direction (from the breakout) they will need to reopen the output drop-down for each light slowing the workflow and adding more mouse clicks.

VE-100475

Bridle Tool workflow feedback and improvements

Jess Cogdell

I have been given some detailed ideas for improving the workflow of the Spotlight Bridle tool.

The feedback is in the attached VWX file but to summarize

point 1:

Bridle tool click insertion mode- add an option for the click insertion mode to obtain the 'Z' of a rigging point coordinate automatically by clicking on a 3D polyline or 3D loci (possibly by using snapping palette options?)

point 2:

Would like to be able to snap a bridle to a hoist (and vice versa) as this is a more realistic workflow and this has been requested by multiple users.

Common industry design workflow is that the truss is drawn first, then lights and other loads attached, and in a lot of cases the designer will add hoists (but not bridles) as part of the design workflow.

point 3:

Bridle preferences:

the key points here are that

the Bridle leg length should be the default insertion option (no need to remove the other options as he suggests as that is more personal preference and they are needed in certain scenarios)

Bridle leg length should document the bridle leg length without including the basket length

be the fixed Length for the first leg inserted (leg 1), the other bridle legs should then be adjusted for the down leg to be in the correct position,

leg one should never have a stac chain or chain shorten, unless the use manually adds one. If possible only one of the other upper legs should use a stac chain or chain shorten. In the real world bridles almost never have stac chains or chain shortens on more than one leg!

point 4:

Basket dimensions :

the user needs a way to set basket dimension for multiple points at once,

either take the data from the structural member automatically similar to how it links with the house rigging points and/or allow the user to group edit multiple bridle baskets settings (not legs)

Point 5

when swapping the down leg of a bridle to a hoist the max chain length of the hoist should be taken into account and where necessary add a steel or chain to achieve the desired down Leg length.

This should not change the upper leg configuration of the bridle.

Point 6

this is just an example of how his own plug (vectorbridle) supports his workflow feedback

VE-104684

Spotlight Deadhang Bridle bug

Jess Cogdell

Not sure if this one should be classed as a bug or a enhancement.
Deadhang bridles are not correctly created by the bridle tool.
A deadhang bridle should only have a single downleg, but currently they are created in Spotlight with an upper leg, apex and downleg which causes a number of problems
* inaccurate part calculation, with extra shackles and uneeded/wanted short steels
* difficulty in inserting deadhang bridles especially as drops between trusses as the user has to constantly play with the apex height and downleg length settings to get a correctly drawn bridle

The deadhang bridle should only have a single downleg and basket with no upper leg. If it has to have an apex for engingeering reasons this should be defined as the connection point between the basket and downleg.

VE-104652

Spotlight add virtual parts dialogue ordering issue

Jess Cogdell

When using the 'Virtual Parts' dialogue to add new virtual parts it is not possible to change the order of the parts in the dialogue and new parts are always added at the bottom of the list
If the user makes a mistake or needs to add parts to the list later there is no way to insert the new parts in the desired location in the list. Without deleting existing parts or renaming them

This makes it hard for a user to reconfigure how the list displays in the OIP and to edit the list of virtaul parts as the users needs change.

Most other list dialogues allow the user to reorder lists by dragging and dropping the entries or by inserting the new entry in the desired location

VE-102722

Spotlight Electrical components do not work with objects created by the Speaker or speaker array tools

Jess Cogdell

I'm not sure if this counts as a bug or enhancement request, but if electrical components are added to a speaker symbol the power information section will not be created in the object properties unless the distributor tool is used to insert the symbol.

Effectively this means that there is no way to use a speaker or speaker array with the Electrical components.

VE-105138

Vision Projector Feedback from Helsinki AV expo

Jess Cogdell

Most users and prospects really like the dircection the projector is moving in but there were significant concerns about several issues.
* Keystoning- Currently the new keystoning is good but many felt it wasn't realistic enough to use for real world planning. Capture was used as a good example off how lens restricted keystoning should be implimented from the user point of view.
The main issue is that the keystoning should be limited/restricted based on the projectors lens, lke it is in the real world
* Projector content- our content is extremely limited and completely out of date with nothing really relevant for our users. Good enough for a texh demo but not useable for actual show planning
* UST projectors and lens- Ultra Short Throw Lens's and projectors are pretty much the new industry standard when working with video projectors due to the massively reduced space requirements. We need to be able to accurately support them if we wish the projector to be used.
* Lens shift- None of our rivals support this. Capture apparently has a work around but thats as far as it gets.
From the discussions I had, being able to control the lens shift in Spotlight as part of the set process would be a massive step forwards for most of the users.
* Lots of questions about how to set up the projectors in Spotlight, whether the existing tool will be used or reworked? etc...
The concesus was that being able to previs the projector accurately is nice but the technical planning and documention is fundamentally more important, including being able to accurately calculate focus distances and angles.
* Panasonic is apparently really interested in increasing projector sales in the entertainment market and is actively looking to have their products in all available CAD packages.
This may represent us with an opportunity to obtain expert advice about the lens restricted keystoning and lens shift attributes, as well as having help to update their content in our library

VE-100867

Spotlight and Vision Splitable LED screens

Jess Cogdell

Currently once you have created an LED screen in Spotlight it is not possible to easily split the screen up into its component panels/elements with out breaking it.

Cast Wysiwyg allows users to easily split panel/elements off from LED walls after initial creation, the panels can then be moved around the design model and will still maintain the original media texture mapping. this means that the use rdoesn't have to assign separate video sources to each and that the image is correctly mapped across the panels as if they where still part of the original wall, without the user having to use the attribute mapping tool to align the image correctly on each sub element.

Being able to split up a LED wall this way would great enhancement

VE-101371

Spotlight, Possible LED flybar object workflow/solution

Jess Cogdell

As a result of helping an Australian user, Nathaniel Collins, we have a possible method for creating LED Wall flying bars. By leveraging the existing truss functionality

Currently our support for hanging LED walls is very limited, LED screen objects can only be directly hung from a truss and lighting pipe. There is no way to connect a LED screen directly to a hoist or bridle and the LED screen can't have a vertical offset from the connected truss or pipe.

This is a massive issue if the user is involved in video planning, as it is very very rare that a LED wall/screen would be rigged in this fashion onsite. Standard practice is to use specialized flybars at the top of led wall assembly, that are either directly connected to rigging hoists or dead-hang bridle drops from pre-rig trusses out of the direct line of sight.

The solution that we came up with is to create flybar bar symbols based on a truss symbol, that the LED screen object can then be hung from. because it is technically a truss object it will interact with the spotlight riggng tools the same as a truss would, ie hang form a bridle or hoist, and commands like insert drop and insert connection can be used.

workflow would be to create a custom truss symbol using the geometry of the desired fly bar, possibly with 3D loci as rigging snap points (as most have fixed suspension points) and use the default rigid truss cross section data. Fly bars can potentially be thought of as specialized single chord trusses, as they are often linked together in a similar fashion.

The main limitations are that currently we do not have the correct cross section info for the fly bars and that it would not model the behavior of the attached LED wall elements/modules.

VE-100601

Spotlight LED screen Tool

Jess Cogdell

Upgrade the LED screen tool to make it symbol based similar to the lighting instrument and truss tools

VE-101496

Spotlight LED screen tool enhancements

Jess Cogdell

In recent meetings with Unlimited Productions, from the Netherlands and Novatech Creative Industries in Australia, both requested that the LED screen tool be improved. These enhancements have also been previously requested by the Novelty Group in France and there are regular forum threads and requests on the entertainment forums particularly in relation to drawing curved LED Walls and Braceworks functionality (how LED walls can be suspended/hung)

Key requests are
* make the tool fully symbol based, so that LED/Video walls can be created from manufacturer based symbols, to both streamline the insertion process and make it easier to document the materials needed for video wall planning. This would involve not just the LED panels themselves but also being able to use/insert the specialized rigging and ground support frames routinely used with video walls, where appropriate
* Full braceworks functionality for the Video wall objects, symbols and rigging elements,
** Generic LED screen objects need to correctly support rigging and Braceworks features, currently an LED screen object can only be directly attached to a truss or pipe at a single point. This is not realistic and means users have to use workarounds to correctly suspend them and be able to calculate the system with Braceworks
*** allow more than a single attachment point to trusses and pipes, typically LED screens have suspension points every half meter to meter
*** enable LED screen objects to be suspended directly from hoists and bridles
*** be able to use the insert drop command and insert connection tools to connect the LED screen object to structural objects like trusses and pipes that are vertically offset from the the screen object, connecting to the correct suspension points
** Flying/hanging bars symbols for video walls with
*** Braceworks enabled with cross section data/profiles (Mo is looking into this)
*** The ability to correctly function with all parts of the Braceworks and rigging tools and commands. this means not only being able to connect hoists or attach them to trusses/pipes but being able to use the insert drops command and insert connection command with them as well
*** flying bars typically have manufacturer defined suspension points, these need to be taken into account with the symbols and used as the fixed attachment points for hoists, drops etc...
* Allow the creation of curved LED walls and screens. Many manufacturers now produce LED panels that have flexible connection angles, to support creating curved screens.

* Full cable tools functionality, most LED panels have both power and signal inputs and outputs.

VE-104660

Spotlight Hoist and Bridle autonumbering and Data flow improvements

Jess Cogdell

Currently Bridles lack autonumbering and do not display any data about what they are hung from or support.
While hoists are better since they have autonumbering, they do not display any info about what they are hung from or support.

This lack of Data flow and autonumbering results in slow inefficient design workflow and makes documentation much harder as alot of needed info is inaccessable to the user.

Adding auto numbering to the bidle tool,
with options to number
* attached hoists when used as a downleg
* label the bridle based on an existing hoist id (when a bridle is inserted onto an existing hoist)

would greatly improve bridle design speed

Adding some parameters to the hoist and bridle to document and display what they hung from and support
New parameters
* Hoist
** high hook connection- auto populates based on the id of whatever the hoist is hung from (hanging point, truss position name, bridle ID, hanging position, pipe or structural member)
** low hook connection- auto populates based on the ID of whatever is hung from the hoist (trussline (position name) pipe, hanging position, speaker array, load object, bridle, etc....)
* Bridle
** Leg X connection- displays the id of whatever the upper leg of the bridle is hung from, ( where X is the leg number)
** Downleg connection- displays the ID of whatever the downleg supports, note if tits a reverse 2 leg bridle then it would need seperete parameters for each downleg.

VE-103406

Braceworks calculate pipes on raked or angled trusses

Jess Cogdell

I just yet another complaint about the issue of Braceworks not calculating pipes that are attached to raked trusses (truss has a hanging angle) or that are side hung vertically from a truss with a clamp.
This is a huge issue for most of our users and represent a massive limitation on the practical use of Braceworks since using pipe like this is standard rigging practice through out the world!
Spotlight can draw these configuration but Braceworks won't calculate them.

The most recent complaint comes from the Pool Group, a fairly large and high profile German based production company and may cause them to cancel their Braceworks licenses (not sure how many seats)

VE-101773

Spotlight hoist Pick up symbol enhancement

Jess Cogdell

Add a field or fields to the pick up symbol record to document the rigging materials (shackles, steelflex, slings, etc...) needed to create the pickup.

The rigging material should be consistent with the bridle parts already in Spotlight.

VE-104661

Spotlight Bridle assmebly digram improvement

Jess Cogdell

It has just been brought to my attention that US riggers tend to use assembly digrams that display the number of links a STAC or Choke Chain should be adjusted to rather than an actual measurement.
Adding an option to the Spotlight Bridle assmbly diagram would really help the US rigging users as it would remove the need to manually calculate the number of links and add this to their hand drawn assmbly diagrams.

The chain Bridle parts already document the link size (the bridle part delta length) and minimum length for a chain so this hsould be possible to calculatean display without needing to update our exiting libraries

VE-104546

Viewport style data tags eligible objects enhancement

Jess Cogdell

The new viewport styles feature for 2024 is looking really good. It has a lot of really powerful features and will save users a lot of time and effort in their documentation process.

One area that vieport style may be able to help with in the future is with annotations.
Currently the viewport style already enable users to add or change the viewport label which is in the annotations.
A really powerful enhancment to viewport styles would be to extend this to enable styles to insert Data tags, to tag eligible objects.
This would enable users to further automate their Documentation process.

Each style would allow the user to set a single type of data tag that would be automatically applied to any eligible objects in the viewport annpotations layer, using the default offset defined in the data tags' style.

VE-104531

Braceworks enabled Structural Member object

Jess Cogdell

I have yet more users asking how to effectively use the structural memebr for rigging related workflows.
The fundamental issues is that Structural members are not currently full Braceworks enabled objects. They can be used as an insertion point to support a hoist or bridle but do not react in any way to the forces that the connected hoists and brilde apply to them.
It is extremely common for riggers to need to know the amount of force acting on a beam across a fixed distance. This is not currently possible without a lot of workarounds

Additionally they are not valid targets for the insert connection tool, it is really common for riggers to use spreader truss instead of Bridles to correctly position hoists and drops. Currently if the rigger draws the system as it would be configured in the real world they will not be able to calculate the system since it will register as unsupported to Braceworks.

The solution to this issue is to have a Braceworks enabled structural member object that users can either add a load capacity per meter (as is commonly supplied by venues) or the ability to import a Structural engineering model of the beams (from SCIA?) that provides the needed data for Braceworks.
It would also need to be useable with the various modes insert connection tool
here are the most recent Braceworks forums threads on this

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/108764-vectorworks-ibeams-and-truss-with-braceworks/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/108646-total-weight-on-a-house-beam/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106939-braceworks-to-calculate-weight-and-loads-of-a-grid-hanging-from-unistrut/]

VE-104359

Spotlight Bridle tools configuration dialogue improvement

Jess Cogdell

Currently user can use the bridle configuration dialogue to edit groups of similar actively selected bridles. However there is no indication in the bridle configuration dialogue that the user is editing multiple bridles simultaneously.
It would be really useful to add some form of selection pane or visual feedback to the dialogue to show that the user is editing more than a single bridle

VE-104358

Spotlight Bridle configuration STAC chain improvement

Jess Cogdell

Our Bridle tool requires a option to restrict how many legs get STAC chains added to them.
In the real world a 2-leg bridle will only ever have a chain on one of the legs, and a 3-leg bridle typically only one or 2 of the upper legs. One of te main reasons for this is the chains are very heavy compared to regular steels and onsite riggers do not want to have to haul the extra weight into the roof.
Currently anyone using our bridle tool has to manually edit every single bridle drawn to remove the extra chains, which defeats the purpose of using the tool as it is very time consuming and difficult to do successfully

VE-104357

Vision Add support for Laser World control API

Jess Cogdell

LaserWorld reached out at to ask that we add support to Vision for their new standardised control API, that is used by all their product lines.

Laserworld are now the biggest player in the Laser market and own pretty much all the major brands except Pangollin. Similar to Area 4 industries in the trussing world

Their control API allows DMX, artnet and sACN control of lasers for all their products

VE-104356

Spotlight hoist ID label offset coordinates

Jess Cogdell

The new hoist object is missing the old hoists ability to define ID label X Y plane offsets.
The hoist objects measurement label already has this capability.

VE-104208

Spotlight Attach hoist command

Jess Cogdell

A common problem when planning rigging systems, especially when working with multiple departments, is hoist getting disconnected from trusses and pipes.
This can be fixed by selecting the hoist and gragging it away from the truss or pipe and back again. But this is a really inefficient workflow as it has to be done individually and can also disconnect the hoist from and supporting bridle hanging point or truss that its hung from.

Having a reattach or attach hoists context menu command similar to the attach to hanging position command would be really useful, especially if it can be used with groups of selected hoists.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106881-hoist-attachment-and-replace-object-with-hoist/#comment-465245]

VE-104212

Braceworks Convert to Hoist Command

Jess Cogdell

A common issue when working with project partners who use other design software such as AutoCAD or Wysiwyg, is that they include basic 2D symbols for hoists.
Adding a Convert to Hoist command similar to the exiting Braceworks convert to truss would make collaboration far easier for rigging planning

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106881-hoist-attachment-and-replace-object-with-hoist/#comment-465245]

VE-102553

Spotlight move trusses without attached load objects moving

Jess Cogdell

BigRig one of the original Beta tester for Braceworks reached out to me last week about a problem they have with how trusses interact with the objects attached to them.

The fundamental issue is that they often have to move trusses a small distance in response to Braceworks calculation results or changes requested by clients/venues but the the hung lights and other load objects hanging from the truss have to remain in their original locations. In 2019 and older it was possible

Currently there is no easy way to move the truss without moving the connected objects. Once they are attached to the truss they will move with it no matter what auto-positioning and class/layer settings are used. selecting and moving the objects back to their original position has to be done manually, which depending on the method used can be error prone or very time consuming or both!

In theory the manage loads tool allows the user to disconnect objects from the truss system but it will only function with one object at a time, not multiple objects.

For BigRig the issue is a major problem due to the size of the productions they are involved with, they often have to manually move several hundred objects back to their original positions due to a small change to the truss positioning.

I can see a couple of ways to approach this as an enhancement
# add a context command to truss objects to allow them to move without moving the associated load objects
# enhance the manage loads tool so that it can work with multiple selected objects at once
# Add a setting in the Spotlight preferences in the loads and rigging pane to allow trusses to move without the attached load objects, maybe with a shortcut key

VE-101827

Improve Spotlight rigging workflow- bridle and hoist integration

Jess Cogdell

Currently Bridles and Hoists do not have consistent workflows and functionality,

major issues include
* no pickup symbols for bridles
* now way to calculate bridle parts needed for hoist baskets
* bridles have no access to pick up symbols
* bridles can't calculate pick up parts
* neither have basket symbols
* difficult to control what bridle parts are used by the bridle tool

Upgrading the Bridle configuration dialogue to be a more general rigging parts dialogue that would be used by both the bridles and hoists would go a long way to solving these issues

improvements
* add bridle part sets, same concept as the sets used in the cable tool suite
* add the ability for hoists to access the dialogue
* display hoists in the dialogue whenever they are associated with a bridle
* add a new pane to the dialogue for the pick up parts, similar to the existing basket and leg panes
* make it possible to display, choose pick up symbols in the parts dialogue
* add basket symbols to both the hoist and bridles that can also be configured in the rigging parts dialogue
* make sure the improvements are connected the the bridle assembly diagram, so it can display all the relevant info including
** pick up and basket 2D thumbnails
** hoists
** pick up parts on the down leg

VE-103815

Quick access to structural member insertion trim height

Jess Cogdell

Currently there is no easy way to insert a structural member at a specific trim height without having to open the tool preferences, open the geometry tab and then enter the desired height in the elevation pane of the tab, either in the height field or using one of the offsets.
For most Spotlight users this is far too slow and they will simply draw the structural member and then manually edit the Z height in the OIP.

It would really useful to have a 'Trim Height' or just a 'Height' option in the toolmode bar for the linear insertion mode. This would enable users to enter a trim height using the toolmode bar short cut keys and greatly increase drawing speed for entertainment users

VE-103792

Spotlight option to delete bridle parts configuration

Jess Cogdell

A recent forum post has requested an option (button in the dialogue or properties) to delete the parts configuration from bridle's so that the user has a clean starting point in the bridle configuration dialogue, without any parts to be removed or deleted.
This has been requested primarily due the issue of the bridle tool automatically added STAC or Choke chains on every leg, forcing users to manually edit every bridle to correct them.
In the real world bridles are almost always built with a single upper leg using a chain, and in most cases the down leg will not have a chain at all

VE-102962

Spotlight Hoist duplication enhancement

Jess Cogdell

At Pro Light and Sound I spoke with a long term Finnish user who had a problem with the new hoist object.

He regularly works on large scale productions as the rigging designer/technical planner and his preferred workflow for Braceworks is to have a separate file for the rigging calculations that he then copies the hoists and rigging from into a master file.
With the old hoist object he was able to copy and paste the hoists between the files and maintain the attached Braceworks calculation results related data, this is no longer possible with the new hoist as everytime a hoist is duplicated it resets its name, id and UUID, losing the calculation related data.

He has requested that we add an option when duplicating hoist between files to preserve any attached data (names, id's, calculation data, etc...)

VE-103660

Mouse wheel controlled viewport zooming/scaling

Jess Cogdell

I recently had a feedback discussion with with John Nowel from Jupiter productions in the UK about transitioning from AutoCAD to Spotlight.
He mentioned that one of the things slowing down his Spotlight workflow vs his old AutoCAD workflow was setting up and configuring Viewports in Vectorworks. Specifically in AutoCAD users can hover the mouse pointer over a viewport and then use the mouse wheel to interactively zoom/scale the view, without having to go through multiple mouse clicks and/or dialogues.
His typical workflow is to set the viewport up for a specific paper size and then adjust the zoom/scale to best display the part of his design it is documenting

VE-103543

Spanish rigging and Braceworks training feedback

Jess Cogdell

I just did a short rigging tools and braceworks session for a new high profile rigging client (espais i acrobacia, one of the top Spanish rigging companies) in Spain at the request of Techlimits. During the course of the training the new client gave some feedback
* Bridle configuration-
** unrealistic automatic parts configuration, as every leg ends up with a STAC or Choke chain on it. In the real world only a single leg of a bridle will have a STAC or Choke chain, the riggers will adjust the apex height rather than have to use large numbers of unneeded chains.
This makes the bridle tool very slow to use as +every single bridle+ has to be manually configured to correctly only have a STAC or Choke chain on a single upper leg rather than every leg!
** there needs to be an easier way to restrict available bridle parts in a file,

VE-103526

Braceworks Ground Support Analysis

Jess Cogdell

I just received a mail from the Novelty Group in France (60+ seats) asking that we add ground support calculations into Braceworks.
I've attached some images of the sort of system they are having to use work a rounds to calculate at the moment (they did include a file but the download link is broken)

VE-103477

Feedback from UK system and production electrician group

Jess Cogdell

I met with a group of primarily UK based system techs and production electricians involved in planning many of the largest events and tours in Europe.
The meeting was organized by one of our Beta testers Cookie and the group has the objective of trying to create a standard workflow for UK based companies for cable and power planning.

I have attached a setof meeting notes that covers all the main points brought up when I did a high level intro to the new tools for them.

VE-102095

Spotlight Distributor object creation feedback and improvement suggestions

Jess Cogdell

The current workflow for creating distribution objects for the new Spotlight cable and power planning tools-suite is complex and slow. The user has to manually add all the electrical components to the 3D component of the model and then configure them

Major issues with this workflow include
* Can’t configure the properties of the component before insertion.

* Components are 2D/3D hybrid objects with semi fixed geometry.
** This means they can’t rotated in 3D, to be correctly orientated
** The components all have default colours, connectors often have standard defined colours for example CEEform, PowerLock and Camlock all use specific colour schemes
** Not possible to create square or rectangular input and output geometry

* There is no easy/efficient workflow for naming components. Component names are vitally important if the user wants to be able to easily identify the component in the connection drop-down menus

** Can't name them before insertion
** Names do auto-increment but not in a useful manor, for example if a component is called 16A-1 instead of the next or duplicated component being called 16A-2 it gets called 16A-11
** can't use Spotlight numbering as the components are inside the symbol
* All connections between components have to be done using the drop-downs
** Drop-downs close the instant the user selects an option,

*** this means you have to reopen the drop-down to check the connection is correct
*** the user can't make multiple connections without having to reopen the drop-down for each one
** They don’t display anything when closed, no current connection data or indication of multiple connections
** They display every possible connection without a logical order or method of sorting/filtering
** the user can't configure connections before inserting the component or components
* Duplicating components can cause connection drop-down desyncs and errors that an be very time consuming to fix
* There is now way to control or redefine the order of the output connections in the distributor objects OIP.
* Electrical components don’t seem to have any form of labeling in 3D views, meaning the user has to manually label everything with text boxes
* Because Electrical components are added to existing symbols, the components including internal fuses are visible in 2D views on top of all the distributor objects 2D geometry, meaning the user will always have to take the extra time to correctly rearrange the draw order of the components so they are hidden
* Electrical components do not have any class controls other than manually assigning them to classes at creation
* There is no easy method for the user to maintain an overview of the components inside a distributor object and how they are connected to each other when creating the distributor.
The Component view of the Electrical planning web palette provides this but only if the distributor is used in a design and hooked up to a electrical generator.
* electrical components don't document the connector length (relevant for all except fuse/breaker objects)
* There is no way to document distributor circuit counts
** This is vital for documentation purposes as the circuit count may not directly correspond to the fuse/breaker count in the distributor.

Potential solutions/enhancements

After investing significant time in learning how to create and correctly configure distributor objects I have a number of ideas and thoughts about how to improve this process.
# Re-purpose the component view of the Power planning web palette, so that all distributor objects are set up using this view.
## This would provide instant visual feedback about how the components are connected
## It could provide an alternative work flow for connecting electrical components, similar to how the user can patch objects in the Device graph
## Inserting components on a ‘virtual wiring schematic’ would eliminate the need to manually position and configure them in 2D and 3D space in relation to the distributor objects geometry.
## allow the user to use the electrical component tool in the component graph
# Leverage ConnectCAD schematics to create the wiring diagram/model for the distributor objects
## An electrical wiring schematic is effectively identical to a ConnectCAD signal flow schematic, just with different component symbols
## It would provide further integration between the 2 products
## ConnectCAD already has most of the important features and tools required to create an electrical wiring schematic (each type of component would be a device with inputs and outputs defined by the type of associated connector, connect tool would be used to wire them and so on)
# Rework the electrical component tool
## Add auto numbering
## Give the tool the ability to insert multiple components that will auto increment their name (similar to the ConnectCAD linear insertion mode)
## Select component type using a drop down?
## Add a way for the user to define the electrical components properties before insertion, possibly using styles?

### supply component
#### name
#### geometry
#### scale
#### connector type
#### connector length
### Input component
#### Name
#### geometry
#### Scale
#### Connector type
#### length
### Fuse
#### Name
#### geometry
#### Scale
#### Rating
#### Ampere
#### Input (including options for inserting multiple fuse objects each connected to the input phases in a specific repeating pattern. For example a 1-2-3 configuration (fuse 1 goes to L1 of the input, fuse 2 to L2, Fuse 3 to L3, fuse 4 to L1, etc...) or a 4-4-4 configuration (fuses 1 through 4 to L1, fuses 5 thru 8 to L2, etc...)
#### output
#### Circuit number, in the physical world each fuse would be a single circuit. However, because there support for a 2-phase or 3-phase fuse we need a way to easily define that multiple fuses are part of a single output ‘circuit’
### Output
#### Name
#### geometry
#### Scale
#### Connector
#### length
#### Option to connect PE and Neutrals to input at insertion, it is almost a universal standard that all outputs will share a common connection to the input connectors neutral and physical earth pins.
### Consumer
#### Name
#### geometry
#### Scale
#### Connector type
#### connector length
#### link through (yes or no)
#### Power factor
#### Max voltage
#### Min voltage
## Add classing options to the insertion tool or preferences
## add Option to use user created geometry for the component
## option to Label Component at insertion in both 2D and 3D
# Rework electrical component objects
## make them symbol or style based
## Allow them to use user created or custom geometry
## Label position offset
## Add a circuit field to the Fuse object, this would make it far easier to define the internal connections to the outputs and allow multiple fuse objects to be grouped for easier reporting and documentation workflow. This would then be used in the patch table to define how distributors display their output circuits
## Add link through toggle to input components which provide a direct un-fused link through using the same connector type as the input (direct one to one pin patch)
## Add Linked or double socket option to output components so that a double output can be created with a single component
## Add classing controls
## add connector length field to all components using a connector
## Make them 3D only
## Give the user control over pen and fill colours so input and output connectors can be correctly coloured
## Make them completely virtual and only visible in the Component graph
## Display wiring connections in the drop-downs while they are closed to make it easier to see what is connected to what
# Make it possible to set up a distributor from a excel spreadsheet or a worksheet which documents the various components and their connections
## Define input and output connector types
## Define number of circuits and fuse objects
## Define connections

VE-103119

Spotlight Device graph phase/circuit display improvement

Jess Cogdell

Currently the Power planning palettes device graph doesn't really display the circuit/phase loading very well for distributors that do not use some form of 3-phase connector (CEE, PowerLock, Camlock, etc...) for the distributors input connector.

The device graph displays the load on the first 3 pins of the input connector of each device, for all 3-phase connectors this works very well since pins 1 thru 3 are always the live phases of the connector, but for multi-core (socapex, harting, etc...) connectors this doesn't work very well since they typically have anything from 4 live pins (circuits) to 8 live pins and wildly different pin orders depending on the wiring standard used.

This means that socapex and harting breakouts/plugboxes do not display their phase or circuit loading in a understandable manor for our users since they all have more live phases/circuits and often have pin layouts where the live pins are not sequential inside the connector,

for example
* Harting 6 channel German wiring goes Pin 1 thru 6 = L1 thru 6,
* Harting 6 channel Benelux/Netherlands goes Pin1=L1, pin2 = N1, pin3 = L2, etc...

The same issues are common with Socapex connectors.
for example
* US 208v 6 channel socapex Pin1=L1a, Pin2=L1b, Pin3=L2a, etc...
* US 120v 6 channel socapex Pin1=L1, Pin2=N1, Pin3=L2, etc..

Similar issues apply to anything that uses a single or 2 phase connector, except they will display the unused pins or pin loading, potentially confusing the user

Instead of displaying the load on the first 3 pins, it would be better to display the load on all live pins of the input connector of each distributor object.
this would also improve how the electrical load for consumer objects is displayed since they typically use single or 2 phase connectors as it would only display the pins that the consumer applies electrical load on.

VE-103141

Spotlight Bridle data tag improvement

Jess Cogdell

The new Bridle leg data tags are a great improvement but a really useful option is missing, a tag that display the ordered parts for each leg for the complete bridle object, rather than
For example

Bridle ID
parts leg1-

parts leg2-

parts leg3-

Currently the new criteria can only display the the total parts for the complete object or the parts for each individual leg separately.

VE-103137

Spotlight bridle leg data tags alignment

Jess Cogdell

I got a request from one of the beta testers asking if a method of aligning the new bridle leg data tags with the leg they are associated with.
Martijn provided the attached image to give an example of how he would like the tags aligned,
We already have a similar option for aligning cable object data tags with cable objects

VE-103125

Spotlight Power planning palette Connection view select objects enhancement

Jess Cogdell

In the 2023 rework of the power planning palette users can select distributor and consumer objects in design layers by double clicking on them inside the property view of the palette.

As Patrick mentioned in VB-187439 it should be possible to do the same for cable objects and the objects connected to their start and end in the new connection view of the palette.

Being able to select cables and the devices they link together from inside the connection view would provide a far more efficient workflow for editing cables.

VE-103067

Spotlight data tags and worksheets need to display every device on a Dsirtibutors output

Jess Cogdell

Users have to be able to clearly document and display all devices connected to each output of a power distro or break out. Currently data tags and worksheets can only display a single device for each output.
This is a basic requirement for power and cable planning, and was possible with the original cable tools.

The data can kind of be displayed in the new property view of the power planning palette in the 2023 beta but the channel number/device ID is not displayed and the data still can't be displayed directly on a sheet layer with a data tag

VE-103068

Spotlight distributor and consumer objects need default data records

Jess Cogdell

Currently whenever a distributor symbol is inserted any attached data records get hidden inside the resulting parametric object, as is normal. However it would be very useful to have a default data records accessible in the data pane and by worksheets for users.

I think we would need three record types for distributors
# power supply record, documenting name, cost, time, kVA, user fields, etc....
# Distributor record, documenting name, cost etc.....
# Breakout record, documenting name, cost, etc....

and another for consumer objects

This wold enable users to easily store important data about these objects that is not related to the electrical components themselves

VE-101014

Spotlight reveal truss line and truss system parts data for data tags

Jess Cogdell

A common task when documenting a truss line or truss system is displaying the parts needed to assemble the truss line or system. Currently there is no easy way to use a data tag to display this on a plan. The required data records are not visible to the data tag.

Revealing this to the data tag would be a very useful enhancement and give ent users more possibilities when creating tags for rigging systems.

A good example of this is in Joshua Benghiat's latest savvy position label update

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/73596-updates-to-savvy-position-label/

VE-102816

Enable Braceworks calculation results to affect Data tags

Jess Cogdell

When Braceworks performs a calculation it will add a colored fill to labels and other objects to provide a visual cue about the calculation results, in particular the Hoist label.

However it doesn't affect any Data tags that are attached to rigging objects, meaning many of our user who are riggers still do not see the benefits of using Data tags instead of the inbuilt object labels.

VE-102815

Enhance Reset Braceworks ID's command to only affect duplicated ID's

Jess Cogdell

Currently when the reset Braceworks ID's command is run it will reset the user defined ID of aa the hoist objects in a file, meaning the user has to go back and manually re name them all.

Enhancing the command to only reset the ID's of objects that are duplicates and giving the user the choice over which is reset would make it far easier for the user to use the command without risking losing the ID's of objects that don't have a problem.
This would be a very good quality of life improvement for the command

VE-102769

Spotlight direct access to GDTF Share database

Jess Cogdell

At The inside 2022 virtual event, one of the attendees Christian Blaschke suggested that we should enhance the GDTF workflow by enabling the resource manager to link with the GDTF share data base to be able to download GDTF's directly into the current file.
This would make it far easier for users to access GDTF's and apparently the MA3 console has already added this feature.

VE-102742

Spotlight truss inventory enahncement

Jess Cogdell

The current implementation for the truss inventory used by the Replace truss and Replace truss type command is overly complex and very difficult to use or set up.

One major issue is how the list of available trusses has to be manually updated,
I would like to see this auto populate based on the Vectorworks Truss libraries present in the Resource manger(including truss libraries stored in Favorite files, Premium libraries, User and Work-group folders) and not have to manually updated based on what the user has downloaded and stored in the application library folder.

VE-102736

Spotlight Cable object reshaping/editing behavior

Jess Cogdell

There is no way to combine or recombine multiple cable objects into a single cable object.
For example the user creates a cable dock/break but due to a design change needs to remove the dock to have a single cable run. Currently the only way to do this is to redraw all the cables.

The cable objects reshape mode needs a option to combine or recombine cables into single objects, similar to the new option that cable paths have (as of sp3)

VE-102406

Spotlight Cable tools feedback and enhancement

Jess Cogdell

After meeting with Peter Pihlblad (Swedish beta tester and spotlight evangelist) to go through the new cable tools and help him adapt his existing workflow to the new tools he provided the following feedback points

Accessing the parts inside a cable object is a more time consuming process than with the old tools.
* the user needs to access the cable configuration dialogue separately for each cable object, its not possible to group select and configure multiple cable objects' parts at the same time
* you can no longer directly edit cable parts inside a cable object by editing a cable worksheet, in the old tools the user could update the parts configuration for multiple cable objects by rapidly editing the appropriate cell in the worksheet and then move to the next directly.
* cable parts can't be directly edited in the cable object properties

Over all Peter thinks the new tools will be an improvement but very much a work in progress.

VE-102562

Spotlight add dedicated Video projector object

Jess Cogdell

I've just another request about improving the Spotlight support for video projectors.
This time the request is from Ultirender our Finnish distributor.

Effectively they would like a dedicated video projector object and associated insertion tool

basic requirements,
* be symbol based for the various elements of the projector,
** projector body
** projector lens
** projector cradle
* ability to project a image or beam or light
* focus controls/settings linked to the chosen lens type
* braceworks and cable tools enabled
* document important data about the projector relevant to the A/V and media designers

VE-102502

Spotlight Cable Configuration workflow improvement

Jess Cogdell

One of the things that really slows down the new cable tools workflow is configuring the cable parts inside each cable object individually. With the old tools it was possible to group select cables and edit their parts simultaneously.

Enabling the Cable configuration dialogue to edit the parts in a group of selected cable objects of the same type simultaneously would make the workflow far faster and more efficient.

Speed and efficiency of workflow is vitally important for Spotlight users.

VE-102501

Spotlight Cable tools auto insert joiner/spookie option

Jess Cogdell

In the event cabling world there are several types of commonly used cables that require joiners (or spookies) to extend the cable run, good examples include CAT cables (RJ45's), powercon 20A and the NL series of audio connectors. In most cases this means the planner has to include these joiners in the cable run material counts.
The new cable tools allow the user to create these joiners and manually add them to the cable parts list but it is slow and time consuming to have to go through each cable run and add the joiners in.
Having a method of automatically adding this type of joiner would be a good quality of life improvement and help speed up cable planning workflow.

VE-102409

Workflow and improvements feedabck from Peter Pihlblad at the CT group

Jess Cogdell

The CT group are a very large event design and full service production company ( primarily involved in the corporate event and exhibition industries. They are part of the NEP group of companies and have offices in 29 countries around the world.
Peter Pihlblad is a senior project manager/system tech with their Swedish office (25 seats of Spotlight) and one of the most influential Spotlight users in the Nordic region.

He has provided the attached feedback document about some of the recent changes in Spotlight and some ideas for workflow improvements

VE-101498

Spotlight improved hoist behavior when changing a trusses hanging angle

Jess Cogdell

Unlimited production have asked for the behavior of hoist objects to be improved when interacting with trusses that have their hanging angle changed after the hoist or hoists have been attached.

Currently if the hanging angle of a truss is changed any connected hoists, drops or bridles are automatically disconnected and have to be reinserted

Unlimited production would like the connected hoists (or bridles) to update their position with the truss where possible while maintaining connection to any associated hanging points or pre-rig structures

VE-102093

Spotlight Braceworks enabed structural member tool

Jess Cogdell

Currently one of the most common requests from our European rigging users and prospects is for a Braceworks enabled structural member tool and object, separate from the architectural version.

The existing structural member tool is not really usable for rigging work for a number of reasons
* Complexity-
** the current tool has a vast and confusing array of options and settings most of which are not necessary for entertainment rigging workflows. This makes it intimidating to new users and difficult to use even for experienced users.
** many of the options and settings require the user to be familiar with architectural workflows, which to entertainment users tend to be very difficult to understand
* Performance
** the structural member object has a big impact on performance compared to other Spotlight objects. It is bad enough that if a user tries to use structural members to model the rigging grid of a typical medium sized venue the file will be almost unusable.
* poor insertion/connection-
** It can be very difficult to get structural members to connect together correctly, when trying to create a rigging grid, especially if diagonal connections are required
** it doesn't follow standard entertainment practice of defining the trim height as the bottom of the object, it measure from the middle
* no Braceworks support-
** hoists can't be connected to them
** The user can't use the insert drop command or the insert connection tool with them
** they do not react to any loads acting on them. This can is a major problem for most rigging designers as many if not most venues provide the roof/rigging in the format of load per distance for example the Columbia Halle in Berlin have a load capacity above the stage of 500kg per 3.5m.
** if a structural member is moved or reshaped bridles and rigging points related to the structural member do not remain connected

The lack of a Braceworks enabled structural member is significantly reducing the potential for selling Braceworks to both venues and rigging companies, since to do the calculation they will have to invest in 'professional' structural engineering analysis application like SCIA on top of Spotlight and Braceworks.

VE-101933

Spotlight Cable Tools Suite Distributor Manager dialogue

Jess Cogdell

The cable parts manager provide a really good workflow for customizing, creating and configuring cable parts in the cable part library files.

Adding a similar manager for Distributor objects would make it far easier for users to work with the distributor object library and greatly streamline the process of creating new and/or customizing existing Distributor objects.

VE-102270

Spotlight Cable path behavior improvements

Jess Cogdell

After experimenting with the new cable path functionality in 2022, there are a number of things that need to improved upon
# the new ability to enter or exit a cable path at any point while useful has some unintended consequences,
** cables tend to exit the path in the wrong place unless the user pays close attention to how they are drawing, which slows down their workflow
** if the user is using the auto-insertion option the drawn cable will always try to take the path of least resistance to get to the end point which often means it will exit the cable path or truss system rather than correctly following the path or truss to its target, see VB-181574
# When using the cable auto-insertion option there is no way to control which cable path is used if multiple cable paths are available. Changing the class visibility of the paths and or attaching the cable path to the start distributor both make no difference. Instead the cable jump out of the desired path and follow which ever path it calculates as the path of least resistance (shortest). This behavior makes the auto-insertion option very difficult to use in larger files that have multiple cable paths and very specific routes the cable have to follow.

I think all of these issues could be resolved by adding an option to the cable preferences to control whether auto-inserted cables can enter or leave a cable path anywhere but at the ends and a modifier key (such as holding shift (could be any key)) to the cable tool itself to allow the cable to enter or exit the path at any point rather that that being the default behavior.

VE-102397

Spotlight Extend Cable tool auto numbering options

Jess Cogdell

After looking at a file from Peter Pihlbald (Swedish power user, trainer and key nordic Spotlight evangelist) I think we need to add more cable parameters to the cable tool auto numbering options.

Ideally the auto numbering should be able to enter data into the Rack ID, Port ID, Universe, Loom ID and the user fields.

This would massively speed up cable planning work flows

VE-102398

Spotlight Cable planning consumer object/device enhancement

Jess Cogdell

Adding more data flow from cable objects to the consumer object (lights, hoists, etc...) that they connect with would be really beneficial to users.

having options to push data from the following cable object parameters will really help with documentation workflows

Universe, Rack ID, Port ID, Box ID, Loom ID, and the user fields

There are a range of workflows in Spotlight that would greatly benefit from enabling this data flow.

VE-101812

circular dimension tool for cicular and curved trusses (and other circular objects)

Jess Cogdell

Currently there is no way to measure positions/distances along the circumference of circular truss or curved truss section, in a similar way to using the constrained and unconstrained linear dimension tools with straight trusses or objects

Effective workflow would

pick a start point on a circular or curved object and measure along the circumference,

choose mode (linear, chain, baseline)

measure to each desired point in reference to the starting point chosen.

VE-102264

Spotlight House rigging point symbol data record

Jess Cogdell

Currently when using the house rigging point tool and selecting a symbol for the point from the library the symbols attached data record is not visible in the data pane after insertion.

While this is the normal behavior for parametric objects in Vectorworks many Spotlight specific object have been re-engineered to make the default records attached to their symbols visible in the data pane.

It would be a good quality of life improvement to have this done for the house rigging point objects as well.

VE-101859

Spotlight Cable report enhancement

Jess Cogdell

After talking with Russell Benoit about the issues he was having with the new cable tools, the main issue that he and many US based master Electricians are having is being able to extract data from Cable parts inside a cable object, to create cable stickers in the current standard format used in the US (particularly for working in union venues).

The specific issue is that in the US it is now standard practice to have cable stickers that include the length of the part on every cable in a run or loom. Currently because both the used parts sum and the used parts total fields of the cable object can contain multiple parts it is not possible to directly extract this information from the cable object. Previously this was relatively easy since each part had its own column/field.

Russell suggested 2 possible solutions that would solve this issue from his point of view
# add options in the cable report command to display the cable run id and loom id associated with a part (in the group by pane)
# having a way to display each part inside a cable object separately in worksheets rather than being grouped together

I have attached an example of Russell's standard cable sticker and Loom list that he uses based on a modified version of the original cable tools

VE-101850

Spotlight Speaker Tool 3D symbol enhancement

Jess Cogdell

Currently the Spotlight Speaker Tool can only use hybrid 2D/3D symbols, which makes it very hard to correctly orientate the symbols in 3D space,

Similar to lighting devices users need to be able to rotate speakers objects in 3D space to correctly orientate them.

Techlimits would like Speaker objects to have rotation fields similar to lights and truss added to the speaker properties to make it easier to work in 3D.

VE-101826

Spotlight add Basket symbols to hoists

Jess Cogdell

Similar to the pick up symbol we need a method to display the hoist basket

both in relation to a hanging point and when used as a drop from a pre rig truss or pipe

VE-101825

Improve object check out for Spotlight Project Sharing

Jess Cogdell

When trying to use project sharing with Spotlight users face a major challenge trying to identify the objects that are currently checked out by their colleges.

Many Spotlight objects are connected to each other (due to auto connect and braceworks functions in the background) and when one of these objects is checked out the linked objects do are also checked out.

The problem is that only the primary object get clearly highlighted as being checked not the other secondary objects that are linked to it. This makes it very hard for users to identify whether an object is free and when not who has it checked out.

Highlighting these secondary linked objects and clearly identifying who and why they are checked out to would greatly improve the project sharing workflow for Ent users.

VE-101829

Spotlight add pick up symbols to bridles

Jess Cogdell

Add the option to use pickup symbols with Bridle down legs.

VE-101828

Spotlight new bridle part category-Turn buckles

Jess Cogdell

In Europe it is common practice to use turn buckles when dead hanging a rigging system instead of STAC chains or choke chains.

Effectively a turn buckle is a heavy duty bottle screw that a shackle or steel can be connected to at each end.

They are also used to tension steel rope bracing wires in ground support systems

VE-101811

Braceworks results display on Data tags

Jess Cogdell

Currently when calculating a rigging system that has data tags attached to hoists the tags do not display the workload colors like the labels do.

Ambion would the tags to display the workload colors so that they are consistent with the rest of the hoist related labeling

VE-101810

Spotlight Braceworks Cross section manager

Jess Cogdell

During a feedback discussion with Ambion (large German based full service production company) They asked for a method of managing Braceworks cross section data out side of using the truss properties dialogue.

They stock a lot of truss types that we don't have the Cross section data available for and would like to be able to manage this data, including creating new cross section sets, storing the data in a user or workgroup folder and being able to create their own hierarchical library structure similar to the shipped cross section content.

VE-101793

Spotlight Cable Tools suite additional data tag criteria

Jess Cogdell

Adding a new data tag criteria to display the cable parts of the cable object connected to each output of a distributor object

Adding a data tag criteria to a lighting device (and other connected equipment)to display the connected cable parts of any connected cables

VE-101273

Spotlight Select Hoists command

Jess Cogdell

The novelty Group (our largest French Entertainment client, 50+ seats!) have requested that a 'Select Hoists' command/tool is added back into Spotlight for the new Hoist object.

In 2020 and older there was a dedicated menu command for this that allowed the user to select hoists based on user select criteria (from the hoist properties) such as hoist function, hoist capacity, hoist symbol etc, etc....

In 2021 this is not possible, the legacy 'Select Hoists' command doesn't work at all and because the hoist object is a parametric object there is no easy way to do this with the select similar tool (without manually creating an unnecessarily complex class/layer structure).

For the Novelty group this is a major regression in functionality from the old hoist workflow and significantly slows down working on large rigging systems that use multiple hoist types.

An alternate option would be to upgrade the select similar tool to work with parametric objects, i.e. the select symbol option would function with the symbol contained inside a parametric object like a lighting device or hoist.

VE-101569

Spotlight Import GDTF command improvements

Jess Cogdell

With the new updates to the GDTF share website we need to improve how the import GDTF commands works.

One of the biggest changes that has been made at the GDTF share side is the ability to easily download the entire library in one go. (currently over 430 files)
This presents a two problems for Spotlight,
* When importing multiple GDTFs there is no way to control where the GDTFs land in the files' resource folder hierarchy.
* When importing GDTFs the warning dialogue telling the user that a GDTF with the same name already exists lacks several key features
** the name of the file that will be overwritten is not displayed, so you cannot tell whether you want to overwrite it or not
** no option to repeat your chosen action for all the GDTFs being imported

VE-101517

Spotlight Manage cable parts dialogue workflow enhancements

Jess Cogdell

The manage cable parts dialogue is a core feature of the new cable tools, however at the moment it doesn't really accomplish its main purpose, to provide a method of managing cable parts. In several cases I've been asked what is the point of the dialogue

There are 2 fundamental problems with the it

The first is that the workflow to edit a cable part is very inefficient, the user can only edit a single cable part at a time and has to open a separate dialogue to do so.

The second is that all the edits/changes are only for the active file, meaning the user has no way to reuse them another project.

These two issues when combined mean that there is very little incentive for the user to use the Manage Cable Parts dialogue to actually mange the parts, except for using the update button to import cable part library updates. It is far more efficient and in for them edit the cable part library itself. Since any changes there will be usable in more than a single file

To address this we need to make the part editing work flow faster and more efficient.

Two things that would help are adding direct list editing to the Manage cable parts dialogue (not sure if its possible) and giving the user the ability to group edit parts (diameter, cross section area, start&end connector and the cable set fields)

Adding a method to save changes for future projects would also be very useful

VE-101515

Spotlight Cable tools Cable parts data record needs to be reworked

Jess Cogdell

The current way cable parts document the cable diameter and calculate the cross section area of the the cable needs to be improved.
# Cable diameter,

## rename to exterior diameter, currently its not clear anywhere in Spotlight or the help whether this refers to the cables exterior diameter (not commonly used or referenced to in the real world electrical or cable planning) or the wire/conductor diameter (which is used more commonly in electrical and cable planning)

## it should not be used to calculate the cross section area of a cables wire/conductor unless the configuration of the cable is accounted for, (number of wire/conductors)
## add a new wire/conductor diameter field linked to the Cross section area and AWG fields, preferably have this as a auto generated field based on them
# Cross section area,

## this should be directly in the data record, not generated based on the exterior diameter of the cable part, must use mm²
## Add a wire gauge field to support US users,should be directly entered into the record
## If possible these should either be linked so that changing one will show the nearest appropriate value in the other
I have attached a standard conversion chart

# Cable configuration field should be added

## we need to be able to document US cable standards like 14/12 labeling standard. Users in other countries also need to know the number of wires/conductors in the cable,

Making these changes would better support the way our users work in the real world,

In both the US and Europe the normal way to spec a cable is to refer to the AWG (US) or cross section area

for example in US terminology a 14/12 socapex cable would be specified, where 14 refers to the number wires (cable configuration) and 12 refers to the AWG of the cable

Common European terminology the user would specify a 2.5mm² Socapex (for 16a per circuit) or a 1.5mm² socapex (for 10a per circuit)

VE-101497

Spotlight Video Screen and Blended Screen enhancements

Jess Cogdell

Novatech Creative Industries have requested several enhancements to the Video screen and Blended video screen tools and objects
* make the tools/objects symbol based, both for the projectors and the screens.
* Improve rigging and braceworks functions
** allow screens to have multiple suspension points. Typically screens have at least 2 suspension points
** be able to use insert drops command and insert connection tools to suspend screens and projectors

VE-100600

Spotlight Television tool improvement

Jess Cogdell

Upgrade the Spotlight television tool to allow users to create and use custom stands with the tool.

VE-99332

do not over write user customisation from Spotlight plugins when new servicepacks are released

Jess Cogdell

Currently when a new service pack is released the update process results in all plugins being reset back to the default settings. Many of our users customize these to optimize the tools for their particular needs. An example of this is with the multicable tool, using the plugin manager many users add more options for connector types, breakout types and so on. Whenever a new service pack is released these users then have to repeat this customization process.

Also losing the customization of the tool results in data loss in existing plans if that plan is then opened using the updated software. This customization of he cable tools is currently being recommended by Sam Jones as the way to add extra connector types, breakout types etc on the entertainment forum
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/59914-custom-cable-types/&tab=comments#comment-299542

These customized settings should not get over ridden when applying an update or services pack.

VE-101223

Spotlight Hoist object round dimensions option

Jess Cogdell

If the user used imperial dimensions in their file the hoist had an option to automatically round the displayed measurements to the nearest inch.

This option should be added into the new hoist object options

VE-101404

Spotlight event fencing layout tool

Jess Cogdell

A very common problem for event and show planners is laying out and planning the different types of fencing needed at festival sites, gigs and events. Currently we do not really have anything that supports this task outside of the rope and stanchion tool in the event planning toolset, which while useful only produces a single type of fencing and is not symbol based.

Unlimited Production from the Netherlands has requested that a new symbol based fencing tool is added to Spotlight.

Requirements would include
* being symbol based
* ability to insert fencing symbols along path
* ability to insert fencing along curved paths and around corners if appropriate symbols are available
* plan fence supports, either bracing and weights or triangle configurations
* provide list of used fence sections

the attached images below give an idea of what it would be required to create.

SCAD re-event our main rival in the Benelux region already provides a specialized tool for event fencing

VE-101364

Spotlight pick up symbol classing improvement

Jess Cogdell

Currently the new hoist pick up symbols use the rigging accessories class for both the 2D thumbnail and the 3D geometry.

It has been requested that the 2D and the 3D by default have separate classes,

VE-101248

Spotlight Bridle configuration dialogue enhancement

Jess Cogdell

Now that the user can choose to insert a hoist as a bridle down-leg, during insertion, Hoists should be displayed in the bridle configuration dialogue and in the bridle parts diagrams for consistency

VE-101234

Spotlight, Allow multiple Lighting device 'Base' type accessories

Jess Cogdell

The updated lighting device accessories only supports the use of a single 'base' type accessory on a device. There are several common scenarios where users want to be able to add multiple base type accessories and still have the vertical offset and pan/tilt movement correctly function,

Good examples of this are

adding a Rain cover accessory, to a moving light that already has hanging clamps added to it.

or a drop pipe again to a fixture with already added clamps

In both cases there are 2 accessories added to the lighting device that require a vertical offset to be automatically applied

VE-101233

Spotlight Multicell devices enhancement, Give each cell seperate focus controls

Jess Cogdell

Currently all the cells of a multi-cell lighting device have to be focused as a single fixture, this works well for fixtures like strip blinders or cyc-light batons but there are many other multi-cell lighting fixtures (both conventional and intelligent) where each cell of the fixture can be separately focused.

A very good example of this is the classic Parcan 6 bar.

Adding the ability to enable multi cell fixtures to have individual cell pan and tilt settings would be a good enhancement

VE-101191

Braceworks Multilingual Calculation Report

Jess Cogdell

Most event companies work internationally and have to deal with projects and engineers for whom English is a second language, being able to provide Braceworks reports that are in the appropriate language would make preparing paperwork for international shows and events much easier for our users.
Currently only localized versions of Braceworks can produce reports in more than a single language, they allow the user to choose between the localized language and English (as far as I am aware)

VE-101027

Braceworks Error messages enhancements

Jess Cogdell

Currently the error messages that Braceworks generates can be very confusing to the end user despite being technically correct. From discussing this with Moritz part of the issue is that the original messages were translated directly from German to English

By rewording some of the messages and making the explanations clearer in our documentation we will make it easier for end users to understand what the error is and why it is occurring.

VE-100991

Spotlight hoist pickup and basket configuration

Jess Cogdell

Similar to bridles if you are planning the rigging for show or event you need to account for the pick up and Basket materials needed for each hoist.

Adding a dialogue for this similar to the Bridle configuration dialogue would allow the user to easily define the required rigging materials and make the hoist consistent with Bridles for material planning purposes

VE-100989

Spotlight Add pickup symbols to bridles

Jess Cogdell

The pickup symbols should be added to bridles, as they have the same issue as hoists in showing how the truss or pipe is connected to the bridle

VE-100988

Spotlight house rigging point enhancement

Jess Cogdell

If the user picks a house rigging point symbol it would be good if the symbol automatically defines most of the house rigging points structural data,

for example the user chooses a 2,5 ton house point symbol, this should configure the allowable X force appropriately.

Currently the symbol is only for graphical purposes and the user has to fill in this data manually.

VE-100933

Spotlight internally wired bar objects

Jess Cogdell

Internally wired lighting pipes used to be a standard part of most lighting rigs (old style parcan 4 and 6 bars for example) and are still common in theater and hotel venues. The more modern version of this is the automated pipe systems designed for corporate venues, TV studios and other fixed installations where you have a motorized pipe that can move up or down which has power, DMX and other cable types hardwired into it.

The new cable tools offers us a chance to create a hybrid object that is both a rigging structural object (Braceworks) and a distributor object (cable tools).

VE-100872

Improve list dialogue sorting

Jess Cogdell

Currently the user can only sort lists in VW dialogues using a single sort option/criteria. Frequently users want to be able to sort using several levels of criteria, so they can better organize the display of lists or data.

An example of this is the DMX patch dialogue where users frequently want to be able to sort using multiple priorities to display the correct lighting devices in the correct order

Position-Channel- Universe-Address

or

Position-Instrument type-Channel- Universe

VE-100865

Spotlight DMX patch dialogue sorting improvement

Jess Cogdell

Currently in the DMX patch dialogue the user can only set a single sort option. This makes it difficult for the user to work with the patch dialogue, as often a single sort option will not display the fixtures in a the desired order.

for example if the user sorts the fixtures by position, the fixtures will be displayed grouped by position but in the grouping they will be displayed in a random order. Typically the user wants to also have them ordered by channel number or Universe/address to make it easier to work.

Adding the ability to set multiple levels/priorities to the sort, similar to how the worksheets function would be a big improvement

VE-100668

Spotlight Rigging Data tags

Jess Cogdell

Truss data tags to document any combination of the following for trusses and pipes: truss system, truss line, truss type, length of truss line, sections of truss needed to assemble the truss line or system (simplified, 2 x 3m 1x 4m, etc), trim height, hanging angle, roll, rotation, fixtures/objects attached to system/line

Bridle data tags to display bridle ID, materials (including any attached hoists), locations(X,Y), trim height of attached object, what it is attached to (hoist, truss line etc), leg length, leg materials, bridle apex height,

General trim height tag for any object: name of the object, trim height to base of object, hanging angle, rotation and roll, object weight

Rigging point tag, point ID, location, forces after calculation(X,Y,Z)

Hoist and Bridle Pick up and basket tags, hoist or bridle ID, materials needed, slinging method,

VE-100603

Live Data Visualisation improvement

Jess Cogdell

Make it easier to delete criteria for Live Data Visualizations by adding a '-' delete row button to each line of criteria

Currently deleting criteria lines in a live data visualization is very clumsy and time consuming.

If for example the user wants to delete criteria line 2 from a live data visualization with 6 lines of criteria, the user will have to delete lines 6 through 3 first and then redo these lines afterwords.

Adding a delete row button to each row of criteria would vastly simplify this process by making it a single button click to remove the desired criteria. (see the attached image for an example)

VE-100606

Braceworks, improve multiple calculation support

Jess Cogdell

currently whenever a user performs a partial (calculate selection or visible) Braceworks calculation, any previous calculations visual display results are cleared. Labels and other objects lose the colour coded workload displays. Forceline displays are also deleted.

This would make is easier for users to analyze specific parts of their rigging system in the same document, that are not directly related without having to rerun the calculations for everything afterwoods

VE-100604

Worksheet improvement, allow worksheets to display and mix units independet from document settings

Jess Cogdell

The user has requested a quality of life upgrade to worksheets to make it possible to display and mix units (m, cm, feet, etc, etc) independent of the Vectorworks document settings

VE-100598

Hoist object improvements

Jess Cogdell

User has requested that hoists be able to be hung directly from trusses and that load objects (point loads, Braceworks enabled PIO's) can be snapped on to an existing hoist.

It is very common that riggers have to hang hoists from trusses for scenic elements, and other objects that must be hung from the system.

VE-100420

Add Auto Classing option for Truss crosses to Spotlight Preferences

Jess Cogdell

Currently whenever Truss Crosses are created documenting a Braceworks connection between rigging elements such as trusses or pipes the Truss Cross defaults into the active class, even if the user has previously used the 'Classes' button in the OIP.

A good quality of life improvement would be adding truss cross classing options to the Spotlight preferences.

Not all our users want plan rigging or want to see the truss crosses.

VE-100345

Seating Section 'Pulled Out Chair' enhancement

Jess Cogdell

Adding a option to automatically allow enough space round tables for chairs to be pulled out would be a good quality of life enhancement to the seating section settings dialogue. Currently the user has to manually adjust either the row spacing's or edit the symbols to account for the space needed for chairs to be pulled out from tables so people can sit.

VE-100269

Bridle tool Quality of Life improvements

Jess Cogdell

When working with a large rigging system including lots of bridles it can be a very time consuming process to correctly configure the bridle parts for each bridle individually. By allowing the user to edit the configuration for multiple bridles at once it would greatly increase the workflow speed,

For example in most big expo halls the majority of rigging points are the same, so being able to group select all bridles and edit the baskets in one go would save a lot of time and mouse clicks.

Another improvement, allow the user to set the bridle tool to only use a choke chain/stac chain on 1 of the upper legs (in a 2 or 3 leg bridle). In real life you almost never have choke chains/stac chains on more than one of the upper legs of a bridle and the site riggers will get pissed if they have to do this for every bridle.

VE-100267

Braceworks: enable insert connection tool to work with audio arrays

Jess Cogdell

Currently the speaker array can be either hung directly on a truss or have Hoists/deadhangs attached to the bumper. The novelty group have requested that we make it possible to connect a speaker array object to truss object using either a deadhang or hoist. I have included a image below of what they would like to achieve

A possible solution would be to enable the insert drop command and/or insert connection tool to allow connections with the rigging points on a speaker array bumper

VE-99594

Spotlight Bridle tool auto insertion should allow bridle to be inserted parallel to trusses

Jess Cogdell

When inserting a 2 leg bridle using the auto insertion option, it is not possible to insert the bridle parallel to the truss or pipe that the down leg of the bridle supports. It is normal rigging industry practice for bridle to be able to hang parallel to the suspended object (truss, etc) if this is the shortest distance between the rigging points for the bridle.
I have attached a file to demo the issue

VE-100225

Update Vision Properties Pane for MVR consistancy

Jess Cogdell

With MVR now being recommended as the standard for transferring designs from Spotlight to Vision, we should update the Vision interface to be consistent with the data fields used in the MVR export process, as it is no longer possible to map which Spotlight data field corresponds to which Vision data field. This would make it easier for the user and make Spotlight and Vision more consistent with each other.

In the Vision Properties pane and other UI windows

The 'Name' field should be changed to Channel

The 'Channel' field should be changed to DMX Address

VE-100065

Create Seating Section Style workflow

Jess Cogdell

Creating a new 'Seating Section Style' resource is both clumsy and not consistent with creating other resources, such as Renderworks textures or text styles.

The user should be able to create new 'seating section style' directly in the resource browser the same as any other resource and have the option to save a new style in the 'Seating Section Settings' dialogue.

The current workflow of creating an un-styled seating section and using the 'new plugin from un-styled plugin' style drop down menu option in the OIP, is not consistent with creating other resources (the lack of consistency between tools and commands was a major piece of feedback at Pro-light and Sound this year)
and involves duplicated work:- the Seating Section Style dialogue is effectively identical to the Seating Section Settings dialogue and adds an unnecessary extra step to creating a new style (the only differences are the name and whether the 'convert to un-styled' button is present)

VE-99593

Spotlight Bridle tool, make the insert deadhang consistant with other bridle modes

Jess Cogdell

Update the Bridle tool insert deadhang mode to be consistent with inserting a multi-leg bridle. All other bridle types will auto connect with structural members (as long as the correct preferences are set), where as the insert deadhang mode does not allow this.

VE-104456

Data tag snaps to object behinde cut plane in section viewports, even if objects behind cut plane are not shown

Jeroen Bervoets

If you have a section viewport where the option "show objects behind cut plan" is disabled:
If try to place a linked data tag on the objects in the cut plane, you'll notice that also the invisible objects behind the cut plane do highlight.

VE-103453

Enscape BIM mode doesn't function with Vectorworks

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in the Youtube video underneath, BIM mode in enscape should be able to show information about objects like some kind of OIP:

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3LqZ-eN6P4&t=185s]

The maker of this Youtube video claims this works for Revit and Archicad.
Since Vectorworks is a BIM software as well, you'd expect this to function the same for Vectorworks. But when I try to do this in with a Vectorworks file, no information will be provided within Enscape (as you can see in the attached video)

VE-105156

Exporting a resource to a user/ workgroup library should be more intuïtive

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, if you want to export a resource to a library, you need to
- create the resource in your active document
- find your resource in the resource manager
- export your resource
- choose the correct directory in the next dialog

These are quite a few steps, and you need to have already a lot of knowledge about libraries and the folder structure before you can do this. I think this should be more intuïtive.

This can be done for example in the next way:
- There can be an option to immedeiately export to a library at the moment you create a resource
- When you edit a "style" (object style, wall style,...) type of resource (not only via the RM, but also when you edit f.e. an object style via an object in the drawing, a button "export to library" can be shown, so you don't especially need to look up the resource in the RM after editing a resource
- In all cases, when you export a resource, the user should get suggested automatically the preferred location in the user of workgroup folder for that specific type of resource (the location that makes the resource visible in resource selectors). At this moment, the user needs to figure that out themselves.

VE-105153

Dashed hidden line render shoudl be able to display surface hatch

Jeroen Bervoets

Even when "display surface hatches" is checked on in the render options, a "dashed hidden line" rendering can't display surface hatches.
It might be not the most common way to display a dashed hidden line render, but I think that analysis should be up to the user.

VE-105124

Show the name of a standard view in a drawing label

Jeroen Bervoets

There should be a possibility to display the name of the standard view shown in a viewport in the drawing label, in case a standard view is shown in the viewport. At this moment, there's no parameter you can choose for this.

VE-104970

Railing: combine frame and panel

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, when you create an infill with the option "frame", you can only fill up the frame with vertical bars. If you choose for "panel", you can't create a frame.

It would give users a range of new possibilities if it was possible to combine both. See the attached video for a customers example.

VE-104933

wall closure preview should sync insertion wit edited object

Jeroen Bervoets

The wall closure settings are very versatile, which does result in a very extensive user interface. Because of its many parameters, it can be confusing at times.
What doesn't help for the usability, is the fact that the preview isn't showing the inserted object at the location it is inserted by default.
This is understandable if you're editing the wall closures via the wall settings, because not every object will be inserted at the same location. But when you edit the wall wrapping for a specific object, you'd expect the inert location in the preview to sync with the object's real insertion point.

VE-104925

Rotate page symbols in advanced viewport settings

Jeroen Bervoets

When you rotate a viewport, all elements in viewports, including symbols, will rotate along.
By default, this is desirable behavior. Especially for world unit symbols, which usually represent element which will be built.
Page unit symbols on the other hand, usually represent icons and annotation elements. These element need to stay readable at all times.
In that way, it would be logical to not rotate them when the viewport gets rotated.
A parameter "page symbol rotation" in the advanced viewport settings in the OIP would allow the user to manage this.

Watch the attached video and file for an example.

VE-104912

Converting slabs and hardscapes to polygons should be possible

Jeroen Bervoets

When you select a slab or hardscape and use "modify- convert- convert (copy) to polygon", nothing happens. I don't know why there's this restriction, since slabs and hardscapes are poly based.

Real use example:
I needed top use this functionality when I was helping a customer with a marionette script. I needed geometrical information from the hardscape further on in the script, which I couldn't retrieve from the hardscape itself. But the marionette node "convert to polygon" didn't function, just like the command doesn't.

You can convert a slab to a poly by ungrouping in a 2D view, but this also doesn't work with the "ungroup" mationette node (which only works on object type "group")

I can imagine converting slabs ans hardscapes to poly's can be useful in other workflows as well.

VE-104911

Wall end cap wrapping- angled

Jeroen Bervoets

A situation which occurs regularly on a wall end cap:
- The wall end cap has an non- perpendicular angle
- Multiple components need to wrap

In the attached video you can see how difficult it is to create such a think right now. The Wall end cap tool should offer methods to make this easier.

Example:

I think you should be able to use the "component wrap mode" in combination with a polygon which determines the form in which the components would wrap.

VE-104910

An option to choose "horizontal" for "hole cut"

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in the attached document and video, sometimes you'd want to have horizontal cuts for your roof openings, especially when the roof face is very steep.

For that, I'd suggest to add an option "Horizontal" to the "hole cut" pull down menu in the OIP.

VE-104900

line attributes slab and roof should be shown section viewport

Jeroen Bervoets

Sometimes, you want to use slab and wall components just for 3D visuals and you don't want to see them in sections. So you can give the wall components no line. In that case, the lines also will not be shown in a section. (see how I set the slab and roof in the attached video and file).

The example above is just an example, there might be other reasons for wanting an object specific outline for slabs and roofs in section, like wanting control over the line thinckness of the objects section contour independent from the component line thicknesses.

I know you can more or less resolve this by adding a profile line in the advanced section viewport settings, but I don't think you should need the profile line to get an appealing section for the reasons underneath:

For a wall in plan view, it will be the object attributes which determine the line thickness of the wall's outline. Until version 2020, this also determined the line attributes in a section viewport (see https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-198495)

For consistency , you'd expect slabs and roofs to function in a similar way for section viewports, so the behavior of graphics in section viewport is more predictable for the user. This would avoid for the user to be forced to do a search for the right settings after a section viewport is created.

Furthermore, a profile line might add a line on the correct location indeed, but since a profile line is the same for all objects, the user doesn't have optimal control over the line thicknesses in the drawing.

VE-104844

Open, measure and annotate Vectorworks document in nomad app

Jeroen Bervoets

I know this is not the most realistic change request I ever placed, but nonetheless it is highly requested by customers. So in some way, this is the expectation customers have if they learn about the Nomad app the first time.
The current functionality where PDF's are generated from the file, doesn't feel much more efficient than manually export the PDF's from Vectorworks and editing the files in another app later on.

For this request, the implementation can be minimal at first:
For example:

The Nomad app only shows sheet layers when opening a document. You can enter the viewport's annotations and measure the elements shown in the viewport. you can also add some simple annotations like call outs and revision clouds. These annotation can be saved in the Vectorworks file.

This can be already very useful for for example an iPad on a construction site without the need for converting to PDF's.

In a later stage, maybe functionalities to read object info can be implemented.

I can understand this won't be possible on all hardware, but f.e. iPads with a M1 or M2 processor do have the required hardware for opening (and even editing) Vectorworks files. They just don't have the required software. This functionalities can be limited to M-series products in the first stage, if that makes this enhancement more realistic.

In a final stage, it might be even possible to install Vectorworks (with an adapted interface) on a tablet with compatible hardware. This may sound like a crazy idea to product specialists like us, but to some users this sounds like a logical next step. And maybe they are not completely wrong.

VE-104848

"undo view changes" should be unchecked by default

Jeroen Bervoets

"Undo view changes" is an extremely annoying setting. You do Ctrl+Z, and your latest edit isn't cancelled. It is the zooming which you did after your latest edit, which is cancelled. This is super confusing. And the fact that Vectorworks is literally the only software which does this, makes this extra confusing.

Luckily, as product specialists, we know you can turn off this setting. Unfortunately, most customers don't, so just keep on being irritated by this (and irritated customers are not a good thing). When we show any customer (without exception) that you can check off this setting, we make their day. This shows that the fact that this option is checked on by default is just wrong.

To undo views, you can always use the previous and next arrows in the view bar. So there's absolutely no reason left to keep this option checked on by default.

VE-104836

Better autosave settings

Jeroen Bervoets

The current default autosave settings are not ideal. We see a lot of cases on our technical support where users don't find an eligible back up file after a crash and the default settings are usually to blame. Underneath you can find the settings we usually propose to our customers:

- Frequency of savings: every 15 minutes is sometimes too long. every (for example) 25 operations says more about the maximum amount of work someone would lose in case of a crash.

- "confirm before save" is unnecessary. Many users click "no" without reading the alert, which means no backup file

- It is safer to save the back ups to a custom location. Documents is fine, because most users (unless they have an extremely paranoia IT service, it happens) do have sufficient permissions for that. This is sometimes not the case on the servers and clouds the original file is saved. Also, autosaving via unstable or slow connections to a server can cause slowness and instabilities (crash) in Vectorworks. Another advantage: cleaning up your computer gets easier. With one button you can delete all the back ups.

- More that one back up is necessary. Many users have the reflex to open the original file after a crash before opening a back up. In this way, the only back up gets overwritten very easily with a version with lost information. More back ups give more room mistakes. Also, when a file gets corrupted, more back ups means more chance there's still a non- corrupted version available. I usually propose to keep 3 back ups.

VE-104846

Show internal origin by default

Jeroen Bervoets

There are tree reasons why the internal origin should be shown in Vectorworks:
* The internal origin is very important for Vectorworks' functionality. The further from the internal origin, the less accurate the display of objects and geometric calculations will be. especially after importing a DWG, it is very important to check to not have objects located too far from this origin.
At tech support, we see a lot of issues after a DWG import, because the internal origin is located far away.
* When you're working with geolocation, you will be working with the internal origin. Whenever you exit the geolocation tool, your sense of location suddenly becomes very abstract when the origin marker is not shown. Also, for a user who is just beginning with GIS, it can be easier to set everything correctly if he/she is familiar with the internal origin already.
Because beginning GIS users today don't know anything about how origin's actually functions in Vectorworks and don't understand the importance of it, we see a lot of wrong workflows amongst our users. An always- visible internal origin can make it easier for us to educate them.
* It can have kind of an "educational" advantage. Because it is visible, people will have questions about it and will learn what is is about exactly and why it is important.

VE-104845

Set maximum number of undo's to 100 by default

Jeroen Bervoets

With default settings, the maximum number of undo's is 20. In many cases this is not enough. And since customers don't know where to change this setting, they're usually stuck with a very limited amount of undo's.
The this setting can be increased 100. I'm not sure why 20 is used by default, but I guess it is to avoid to run into hardware limits. In the mean time, though, Vectorworks requires at minimum 8GB of RAM anyway. I think (with my limited knowledge about this subject) that 100 undo's will be fine on a machine with 8GB of RAM.

In short: I suspect that the default limit of 20 undo's in the Vectorworks preferences is based on old hardware restrictions and today it should be safe to turn this number up to 100.

VE-104835

Shaded- object reflections: reflect hidden surfaces

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, when you enable "object reflections" in the shaded settings, only de object's surfaces which are directly visible will be reflected in the reflective textures.

I understand this is a limitation to keep the rendering time as low as possible, so I understand that objects which are not in your view are not reflected. But I think the hidden surfaces of the visible objects should be included. At this moment, reflections sometimes look very weird because only some "floating" surface is reflected.

VE-104689

Show objects 2D attributes in clip cube section

Jeroen Bervoets

It is a long standing wish by many customers to be able to see wall, slab and roof components in the clip cube.
At this moment, the clip cube shows a red section plane. In this way, it is not useful to use clip cube as a quick way to check how wall and roof components connect to each other internally.

By showing (or by offering the user the possibility to show) the object's original 2D attributes in the clip cube's section plane, the clip cube will become a lot more versatile for many users.

VE-104834

Shaded: Environment reflections on transparent textures are rarely shown

Jeroen Bervoets

It you enable the "environment reflections" in the "shaded" render mode, transparent textures with reflection (f.e. glass) will reflect the Renderworks background in some way.

But the reflections will only show on surfaced which are almost parallel to the viewer's direction. this means these reflections are rarely visible in a practical example (for example windows in a building)

VE-104833

Shaded: object reflections on transparent textures

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, it is not possible to show object reflection on a transparent and reflective texture in shaded mode (for example with glass)

Adding this capability can make scenes with glass in it looking much more appealing in shaded render mode.

VE-104829

Edit resources directly from the Resource browser.

Jeroen Bervoets

When you want to change the appearance of f.e. a wall component, you usually need to check within the wall style which resources are used for the current appearance, before you can edit the resource. Next, you need to go out of the wall style again to go to the resource manager to edit the resource.

It would be far more efficient, if you could edit and create resources directly where you need them. So whenever you open the resource browser anywhere within Vectorworks, you should be able to edit and create resources of the corresponding type, like you can do it in the resource manager itself.

One of the attached videos shows how you can edit materials directly from editing the wall type without the need to open the material manager.

VE-104818

An intuitive tool to align objects

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, there are two ways to align objects:
- moving the object manually by snapping to objects
- Using the "align" command

Revit has an intuitive "align" tool which functions incredibly efficient. See the video below:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9ueEXB5nVA]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcJTBZeNOM0]

This tool can have the potential to make a lot of edits easier:
* Aligning walls (and changing their angle) relative to other object,
* editing poly's boundaries by choosing a line of another object in the drawing with the first click and a side of the poly with a second click
* Just aligning solitary objects
* Editing the angle of stair flight
...

VE-104825

Roof should adapt to displacing a wall

Jeroen Bervoets

When you create a roof out of walls, you can make the roof interact with the walls in several ways.
But one type of interaction which is missing, is the roof adapting to wall displacements, like slabs do.

When you displace one of the walls defining the roof's edge, there should be an option for the roof's edge should displace together with the wall.

A proposition more in detail:

I know the comparison with slabs can't be 100 percent accurate, since there's an important difference in behavior: Whenever you link a slab with a random geometry to walls, the slab's geometry will adapt to the walls. With roofs, the roof will interact with the walls, but keep its original footprint. So maybe we can work with a check box in the OIP "adapt roof's footprint to walls".

- In case the roof is created by the walls, this checkbox should be automatically on. displacing the wall will affect the roof's footprint. Unchecking the checkbox would mean that the roof is still linked to the wall (wall and roof components can still interact), but the roof's footprint will not adapt to the wall's boundary.

- In case the roof is linked manually to the walls after the roof is created, this checkbox will be checked off by default. The roof's footprint will not change. whenever you check the checkbox, the the roof's geometry adapt to the linked walls. From on that moment, the roof adapts to wall displacements

VE-104826

Model to floorplan: too many walls are created

Jeroen Bervoets

If a part of the model is just touching the next layer, the command "AEC- Spacial planning- Model to floorplan" is creating already a wall for this layer. This usually leads to a result which is too far off compared to the original model.

A tolerance should be implemented: the model should intersect the layer at least a little more before walls are created for that layer.

VE-104822

Walls by picking a volume's face

Jeroen Bervoets

However Vectorworks' catchphrase is "from sketch to BIM", there is a missing link between a conceptual 3D model and a BIM model with walls. The command "model to floorplan" seldomly produces the desired result.

In the video underneath, you see how it is very easy to pick faces of a conceptual mass and convert them to walls in Revit. This has the next advantages compared to the "model to floorplan" command in Vectorworks:
- The walls follow the top and bottom form of the volume
- No accidental walls are created, because the model touches the elevation height of the next design layer
- The user can decide which walls are created
- The workflow is more intuitive and direct
- Walls are created sloped when the model's face does have a slope (see VE-104771)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nhXgg7zwAw

Since Vectorworks' visibility settings are layer based, it might be imported to add an extra mode to limit the wall's height at maximum to the bounds defined in the style related to the active layer. So the wall will follow the face's top and bottom form, but will be topped off if the face exceeds the limits of the bounds defined by the wall's top and bottom bound settings. The wall for the level above, you can create by picking the same face while another layer is active.

VE-104649

Wall- slab link shouldn't rely on a closed boundary

Jeroen Bervoets

So link a slab to walls, you currently need a closed boundary of walls. This creates a few issues:
* In some cases it is difficult or impossible to link slabs to walls. This can be because the specific situation in the design or because of the many bugs with slab- wall links
* It is very hard to maintain the closed boundary at all times during the modeling process. This leads to the necessity to create slabs again very often. Also bugs come in here to complicate and make everything unpredictable.
* Interior walls can't be linked to a slab which spans the whole building. this makes it difficult to link slab and interior wall components in a correct way.

If it will be possible to link slabs to individual walls, many of these and similar issues could be solved.

See also:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-104635
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-104598

VE-104819

Edit individual lines in hidden line render in viewport

Jeroen Bervoets

Hidden line renders, especially for elevations, can contain a lot of lines which are not supposed to be there, lines which don't have the desired attributes,... Resolving these issues by editing the model or using class overrides or data visualization can be a very labor- intensive work (and doesn't always guarantee success). It would be useful, if there was a way to individually select the lines within a viewport with a hidden line render and change their attributes for that specific viewport.

See in the attached video how easily line attributes are changed in an elevation view in Revit. Rather than resolving the issue in the model, unwanted lines are made invisible by simply selecting those lines and changing their line type. The downspout which has a dotted line because of its 2D properties, can be easily changed to a full line for the elevation.

VE-104820

scale the texture's surface hatch along with the image

Jeroen Bervoets

Whenever you scale a texture's image, you'll notice that the surface hatch doesn't change along. However you align the hatch with the texture, you'd expect the hatch to scale along with the image. When the user scales a texture's image, there should be an option provided to scale the surface hatch along.

VE-104775

Model to floorplan: sloped sides should be covered by sloped walls

Jeroen Bervoets

Currently, when you have a volume with sloped sides, and you execute the command "model to floorplan" command on it, the resulting walls will be placed on the bottom footprint of the model and will be drawn vertically upwards.

Ideally, the walls will follow the slope of the original volume.

Off course, before it will be possible to implement this improvement, it is necessary to build in the capability in the wall tool to create sloped walls. See the enhancement request below:

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-104771

VE-104771

Sloped walls

Jeroen Bervoets

It should be possible to create sloped walls in Vectorworks. Not sloped 3D elements which resemble walls, but real walls which can join with other walls an can have objects inserted. See the videos underneath how Archicad and Revit handle these.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4bciZdfe_k]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cud4n6SPGyM]

VE-104770

Hardscape: Option to always align the border with the bottom of the main area

Jeroen Bervoets

Whenever you set the datum of a hardscape's main area to the top of the top component, it is not possible anymore to create a border with a different thickness correctly, because the datum of the border is always going to align with the top of the main area.

For this reason, there should exist an option (f.e. with a check box) to always force the border's alignment with the bottom of the main area's slap, no matter the main area's datum settings.

VE-104759

Better default hardscape settings

Jeroen Bervoets

When creating a hardscape, some settings are not optimal for 90 percent of the users:
- The Hardscape has no 3D
- When you choose "slab" as 3D, the slab seems to be created upside down, because the datum of the component is set to "bottom".

These two settings almost always need to be changed by the user after creating the hardscape.

Better default settings would be:
-The hardscape should have "slab" as 3D by default. Users with a 2D workflow usually use poly's in stead of hardscapes. And if they happen to use hardscapes, they are not bothered by the 3D part either. No 3D by default is complicating things unnecessarily. Adding 3D by default is the right way to go (just like we changed that for stairs a few years ago).
- The component in the slab should have its datum on the "top of component". This makes more sense in most cases.

VE-104758

Lock walls to grid

Jeroen Bervoets

In Revit, after you aligned walls to grid lines, you can lock the walls to the grid lines, as you can see in the video.
Whenever you will displace the grid line, the wall will displace together with the wall. Also walls on other levels, which are locked to the grid, will move together with the grid line (unfortunately, this is not demonstrated in the video, but it is mentioned in Dutch).
This has the advantage that the grid lines don't only serve a purpose as annotations on a finished model, but can be used as a design tool which allows for easy modifications.

This enhancement request is, of course, a request for a similar functionality within Vectorworks.

VE-104714

Real world distances for title block border zones

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, you can only set the title block border zones based on a number of columns and rows.

For some application, users wish to use the zones (maybe with a grid) to give a sense of scale to a project. Therefore, it could be useful to be able to set the distance between the zones with a real world value.

Since the title block border is able to read the scale of the drawing, the scale can be used to convert this real world units paper units in the background to draw the lines correctly on the sheet layer.

VE-104693

Elements on design layers on lower levels should be influneced by the active layer's cut plane settings

Jeroen Bervoets

When you activate the "layer cut plane elevation" setting in a design layer's setting, this setting only influences that specific layer at this moment. Other layer are still displayed with their specific settings. It would be logical, if the non- active layers would be displayed in sync with the active layer's setting, so that objects on other layers which are physically are underneath the active layer's cut plane are shown correctly as well.

See in the attached video how currently, the walls in a layer underneath are not displayed correctly.

Horizontal sections are no good alternative, because of their complexity and disappointing graphical quality compared to plan views.

VE-104705

Vectorworks 2024 looks quite "hard" on Windows because of sharp corners and hard shadow.

Jeroen Bervoets

The main Vectorworks Window and Dialogs look very "hard" and don't match the Windows 11 aesthetics. While Wile windows 11 dialogs and buttons have rounded corners and large smooth shadows, Vectorworks 2024 looks very hard and technical because of the rectangular corners and sharp dark edges. Windows 11's aesthetics for dialog are more elegant and modern, so I think we should integrate it in the Vectorworks interface. Below I show 3 different versions of the organization dialog:
- The organization dialog how it currently looks like in Vectorworks 2023: The edges and buttons follow the Windows 11 aesthetics with rounded corners and smooth shadows, but the other elements inside the dialog look very Windows 95- like (dubble contrasty edges, outdated "3D" effects)
- The content of the current 2024 Beta looks a lot more modern and soft for the eyes, but for its edges and buttons it uses sharp corners end very hard, dark and sharp shadows, which look outdated
- The last screenshot, I assembled myself. I try to illustrate here how the 2024 interface could look like with windows 11 aesthetics. It is off course a rough sketch of what it could be. I know this is rather about taste than functionality, but I think this might look more modern and less agressive.

VE-104698

Choice menu text fields in the view bar: Not enough space in front

Jeroen Bervoets

the text in the choice menus in the view bar looks a bit crammed towards the left on Windows

VE-104690

It should be possible to see the surface area value of a wall in the OIP

Jeroen Bervoets

Just in the way you see the surface area value of a polygon or slab in the OIP, you should be able as well to see the surface area of a wall (vertically off course). So if a user just need to know the surface area of a wall very fast, there's no need to bother with worksheets or extracting spatial 2D objects for this simple task.

VE-104687

Text settings are taking up too much space in compact mode

Jeroen Bervoets

It is understandable to give text settings a more prominent place in the interface, since before it wasn't always easy to manage things (especially font) via the "text" menu. It got a very prominent place in the end, which is a bit unconventional for a CAD software, but since there is enough space for this in the view bar in regular mode, there's no harm in it.

When you set the view bar in compact mode, though, things are getting a bit crammed. A lot of precious space seems to be consumed by the text settings, while more "real" Vectorworks functionalities, like for example classes and layers, are getting a very small area.

It might be a good idea to display the text settings more compact in compact mode, by just displaying the "Aa" icon. When you click on this icon, all settings which are now displayed in the view bar, can be found in the pop over. In this way, more space can be assigned for the other items in the view bar.

VE-104659

Mansard roof should be possbile in one roof

Jeroen Bervoets

When you want to create a mansard roof in Vectorworks, you need to make it out of several for. This means a more complicated workflow for creating and editing the roof compared to when it would be one roof object.

In the video underneath, you can see how Archicad's roof tool allows to create multiple roof faces per boundary edge:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxVYUcxylro

VE-104648

Tool to quickly model a kitchen lay out

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in the PDF in the attachment, Archicad has a handy tool to quick draft a kitchen Lay- out in 2D and 3D including equipment.

This seems a very useful tool for Architects who wants to quickly define the lay out of spaces. It would be nice to have something similar in Vectorworks.

VE-104638

It is not possible to open documents from Windows explorer while the homescreen is active

Jeroen Bervoets

When the home screen is active (usually by starting Vectorworks or closing the latest document), Vectorworks doesn't react when you try to open a document from Windows Explorer. This is the same behavior compared to when a dialog or alert is open in Vectorworks.
For the latter example, I understand the behavior, because These dialogs require specific action from the user.
The home screen on the other hand, doesn't require specific action so should be closing automatically at the moment a document is opened via Windows Explorer.

VE-104672

Wall framer command needs an update

Jeroen Bervoets

The wall framer command feels old and clumsy. The object and resources it produces are not that great and are not useful in a modern BIM workflow.

This command has the next issues:
* Selecting the walls you want to frame is not intuitive. You almost need to know in advance which buttons you need to click before you can get the right dialog to select the necessary layers and classes. It would be more intuitive if the selection was just based on actual selection in the drawing
* You can't choose the component you want to frame. It always takes the main component, but sometimes you want to frame a secondary component (for example for insulation against an existing brick structure)
* The resulting objects are:
- Extrudes, which isn't fit for a quantity take off. Ideally the created objects would be framing members and/or structural members, so you can do a quantity take off
- Worksheets, which don't have a link to the actual objects
- 2D drawings, which don't have a link to the actual objects

The roof framer for comparison is a much more useful tool.

VE-104650

Edit Roof by ridge

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, if you want to edit roofs in Vectorworks, you can only make changes to the edges and the slopes. When you want to start editing with other base information or different design goals, as for example ridge height or placement of ridges, it usually it usually involves a lot of trial and error to get to a certain result.
Therefore, it would be great to edit a roof by the ridge, so you can:
* Set the height of the ridge. The roof edge would stay the same, the pitch of the adjacent roof faces would adapt automatically
* Set The the position of the ridge in top/ plan. The roof's boundary would not change, the adjacent roof panes would adapt
* Change the position of nodes between ridges. Again, the roof's boundary stays unchanged ad the adjacent roof faces adapt automatically to the changes.

See in the video underneath how it is possible in Archicad to edit roofs via the ridge.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSNyWR57Ylk]

VE-104635

Link between slab and wall should be more reliable

Jeroen Bervoets

In the past few years, I reported several bugs with examples where slabs can't be created (correctly) out of a closed boundary of walls and where the wall- slab links gets lost when it shouldn't. I list them underneath:

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-197228

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-191954

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-190265

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-186341

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-191591

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-177156

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-197222

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-197221

These issues make it impossible for high-end BIM users to rely on auto binding. Because they can't rely on the auto binding, they have a lot more works to manage the wall- slab connections manually, which makes them look towards competitive software very easily.

The way walls and slab link to each other should be improved, re- engineered or even redesigned, so users can actually use it and rely on it.

VE-104598

It should be possible to link and cout out all types of architecturals objects

Jeroen Bervoets

When they intersect, it should be possible for a user to execute a solid subtraction on any architectural object form two different or the same type. By doing so, both objects should be linked, so if one object gets displaced or edited, the linked object should be edited as well.

The attached example Vectorworks file and video show how it currently not possible for the connection between:
* A wall and a structural member
* An inner wall an a continuous slab finish
* A stair and a slab finish
* A stair and an inner wall

The attached PDF is showing a simple workflow to make this happen in Archicad with "solid element operations". Most market leading BIM software solutions have tools like this built in.
Vectorworks needs (a) tool(s) like this, so the user has a much easier task to create a model without clashes and correct documentation drawings, which stay correct after slight edits. Now the user needs numerous workarounds to reach a result, which needs to be reworked extensively after edits.

VE-104639

Roof should bee a tool, not a command

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, all building sell elements can be created with tools. The Roof and Roof face are exceptions for no clear reason, which feels inconsistent and counter- intuitive.

Roofs should be a tool, very similar to the Slab tool:
* Just like the slab tool, the roof tools should offer different drawing methods (pick walls, by fill, polygon, rectangle,...
* A rectangle mode (just like slabs should have a rectangle mode, see other wishes we submitted as design express already)
* A roof face method (roof face as a method for the roof tool)
* Just like slabs, there should be an option to create a roof and roof face based on a 2D shape with the "create objects from shape" command in the context menu. In this way, old workflows for roofs stay supported as well.

VE-104640

Top/plan representation of a wall above cut plane

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, if you set a cut plane height for a design layer, you can set the top/plan representation of a wall below cut plane.
But for walls above cut plane, everything will always look like you still cut through them.

This limitation will lead users into using horizontal section viewports more easily, which is a box of Pandora you sometimes just don't want to open (because of limitations and different principals in graphical representation compared to top/plan view and complexity of visibility settings,... See our numerous VE's and VB's on horizontal section viewports)

Implementing this would allow users to represent walls correctly in top/plan, without getting lost in advanced presentation settings or 2D annotation hacks.

VE-104641

Make textures smaller with a quick setting

Jeroen Bervoets

When a user is using very large images to create textures, the user is usually only noticing something is wrong when the Vectorworks file size is getting out of hand.
The user can now solve this with a extensive sequence of steps (see video) bu exporting an image and importing it again. This can be a lot of work, if a project is already in a further stage.

It would be very useful, if you could make the image smaller directly by editing the texture. You could just click on the "edit image" button and find functionalities to edit the resolution, just like you can do with 2D image fills.

VE-104637

There should be a command "reset palette positions".

Jeroen Bervoets

Managing palette positions has been an all time frustration by users.
This is why users easily find their way to the command "Window- Palettes- Save Palette positions", hoping that this might magically solve all their frustrations with just one click. But soon thy notice nothing has changes and wonder what this seemingly useless command is actually meant for.

Of course, they need to go to the Vectorworks Preferences to reset their palettes to their last saved state, but there are a few issues:
* This functionality to reset the palettes is deeply hidden and located in a totally different location (Tools- Options- Vectorworks Preferences- Session- Reset Saved settings- top option) compared to the "save palette positions" command. Because of this, the average user will never find this functionality without tech support pointing it out.
* The checkbox "Tool modes, dialog positions, palette positions and dialog values" doesn't only require to be read very carefully before a user noticed this functionality is included here, but also resets another set of user settings, which might be not desired by the user to be reset.

This is why there should be a command "reset palette positions", which does just that, located in "Window- platettes" just underneath "Save palette positions". In this way, user will understand with a glace what it means to save palette positions, and how to get back to that saved state without resetting a bunch of other user settings at the same time.

VE-104629

2D plan view wall projection on corner doesn't look good

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in the attached video, you can make a wall projection on a corner for both sides which looks neat in 3D. But whenever you look at this in 2D, it doesn't look like it should.

VE-104627

Profiled walls

Jeroen Bervoets

Not all walls in real life have a solid rectangular component structure like the ones you can create with Vectorworks. Options to make profiled walls can be a way to create more flexibility in what type of shapes that can be made with the wall tool.

In the video underneath you can see how Archicad handles this with the profile manager.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUUumnYHzSk

Also, in Vectorworks there is a high demand from customers to have possibilities to profile their walls, because 3D modeling is often impractical due to the lack of a possibility to f.e. insert windows.

VE-104628

Wall recess on corner

Jeroen Bervoets

It is not possible to put a wall recess on the corner of a building, unless you choose to have no wall breaks. But when you choose no wall breaks, the wall isn't opened in 2D.

There should be a way to pout a wall recess on a corner while it still opens the wall in 2D

VE-104586

3D loci sould be visible in shaded by default

Jeroen Bervoets

Shaded is the most used render mode for nivagation in 3D and rightfully so, this is the default render mode from on 2024.
In this way, I think it should be logical that 3D loci are shown in shaded rendering by default as well. It is rather confusing to not see the 3D loci when you're placing them.

The default setting for 3D loci display in the Vectorworks preferences should be "always".

VE-104611

Aplying texture by a double click in the resource manager while an eligible object is selected: texture tool shouldn't be activated.

Jeroen Bervoets

It is normal, if nothing is selected, that if you double click on a texture in the resource manager, that the texture tool is activated. in that way, you can choose an object to apply a texture with the next click.
When you double click on a texture in the resource manager while an object is selected on the other hand, you just want to apply this texture to the selected object. The texture tool shouldn't be activated, the current active tool should stay active in stead.

We already got quite a few complaints from users about this behavior over the past 1,5 years.

If you compare the behavior with other tool based resource types, you see that the behavior of textures is wrong. I take the wall styles as an example:
When you double click on a wall style in the resource manager whilo nothing is selected, the wall tool gets activated, so you can draw a wall with that specific style. When you double click on a wall style while a wall is selected on the drawing, that wall style will be applied to the selected wall. The wall tool will not be activated, the current active tool stays active.

To summarize:

When nothing is selected: A double click on a resource activated the necessary tool to use this resource. In case of a texture, the texture tool should be activated with settings to apply the chosen texture. This works as it should right now.

When an object is selected: A double click on a resource should apply the resource on the selected object (in case of a supported object type). The current active tool should stay active and no tool preset settings should be changed. In case of a texture, the texture should be applied on the selected object. The texture tool should not be activated and its settings should not be influenced.

In the TO about the texture tool (T02195), RM double click behavior is briefly mentioned:
"With a supported object selected, users would be able to apply overall texture to the object by double clicking a texture from the Resource Manager. In this case, Texture tool will automatically become the active tool."
Literately taken, the tool does what the TO describes, but the TO is not mentioning anything about behavior whether an object is selected or not. So I think this is not taken into consideration with the design of this tool.

VE-104585

It should be possible to add vertically aligned control points to top or bottom of walls

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, when you the wall control points and try to align two control points on top of each other, you see in the result that the edge between the two control points is not really vertical. As you can see in the attached video and file, this leads to undesirable lines in hidden line renderings.

VE-104600

Roofs should be shown with a cut plane height

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, roofs and roof faces are always shown with a continues fill in a top/plan view. This is not the correct way to represent a sloped architectural element in a plan view.

Roof faces should be displayed on a certain cut height. This height can either be controlled by the design layer's cut height (if used) or otherwise a parameter in the OIP (like for example with the Auto hybrid).
* The cut plane should show the roof components
* The part underneath the cut plane should show the 2D attributes assigned to the roof object
* The part above the cut plane should be show in a dotted line and without fill by default. Options to change those attributes (Class based) should exist.

There's the option to create horizontal section viewports, but since the graphical qualities and the complexity of settings always disappoints users, this is not a feasible alternative (unless horizontal section viewports are going through some drastic changes soon. See my numerous bug- and enhancement reports about horizontal section viewports).

Also, if this is implemented, it gives users a viewport which shows identically what they see in the design layer without any extra settings, which updates live. This would be a level of comfort that a horizontal section viewport currently can't offer (if ever).

See the PDF in the attachment to see how Archicad shows roof faces in a plan/ horizontal section view.

VE-104601

Placing a site model object

Jeroen Bervoets

Currently, the site model in Vectorworks is directed towards the high- end user, but doesn't take the beginning user or the user making conceptual drawings into account. In order to even create a site model, you need to have already a complete collection of data and you need to go through a series of dialogues before you even can get your first site model.

The problem is the order of things. First you need to insert your data en turn this data into usable objects. From these objects you can create a site model. There's nothing wrong with this sequence when an advanced user exactly knows what he/she needs and how the tools work, but it sets the threshold for beginning users and users who just need a conceptual design unnecessary high.

Parallel to the current workflow, I think there should be a more intuitive order of things to the current workflow.

There should be a Site model tool, where you can just create a site model by drawing a simple boundary. The initial result will look like an extrude with a default height, or a height value entered by the user. Easy tools to manually manipulate the site model's surface will give the beginning user the confidence that he/she understand the tool, and can go deeper into the more advanced functionalities step by step. Some user will even not feel the need to go any deeper. Source data can be imported later on and be applied to the model.

See the attached PDF, where the workflow for terrains in Archicad is explained. At first glance (I never used Archicad myself), the terrain functionalities in Archicad are more limited compared to Vectorworks, but that is not the focus. I think the workflow to set up a site model is easier to grasp for basic users and allows more experimental use, which is important to convince people to use a tool.

VE-104599

Skylight tool

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, skylights are quite non- parametric and very library based. Creating a skylight with other measurements than the ones you can find in out libraries, is rather difficult. A parametric tool for skylights, where you can edit measurements, might be solving this issue.

VE-104596

Overwrite overwitten texture face with the texture tool's "apply to object" mode

Jeroen Bervoets

If you use the "apply to object mode" with the texture tool, overwritten faces will not be influenced by using the tool.

The user should get the choice whether to overwrite the overwritten faces, or not, with the dialog (with the option for never showing again and always apply the same choice).

VE-103919

Solid subtraction: when the result contains detatched parts, it should be possible to separate them

Jeroen Bervoets

When you perform a solid subtraction and in the result there's two detached volumes (see example in video), the whole thing is still one object. There should be a way to explode them in a manner they will form two separate objects (two generic solids can be sufficient as a result).

I know this is not how the logic of a solid subtraction works, but the average user usually expects this to be possible.

VE-104530

Double click behavior is not consistent vor different types of annotation object styles

Jeroen Bervoets

For some annotation object styles, you can edit the object styles settings and/or the lay out with a double click on the object. This is very convenient.

With with some other tools, the double click is not supported. This is confusing.

Some examples:

Supports double click:
* Grid line
* Data tag
* Title block border
* Elevation benchmark

Doesn't support double click:
* Drawing label
* Reference marker
* Section- Elevation line

It is not clear to me why this behavior is different for these tools, so all object style based annotation tools should support editing by a double click.

VE-104529

Animation path: Chnaging viewing angle for all key frames

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, when you want to change the viewing angle of the camera for all key frames of an animation path, you need to change this setting one by one. There should exist an option to change this setting for all key frames at the same time.

VE-104528

Data visualisation based on texture

Jeroen Bervoets

Currently, When you go to the display criteria in the data visualization settings, you can't find an object function "texture". It would be useful tough, to make a data visualization based on textures, because it is not possible to use materials in all cases (for example the railing tool).

Making a data visualsation based on 2D attributes is not possible either, However the demand for making this possible seems a lot lower.

VE-104481

Gapped grid line

Jeroen Bervoets

Sometimes, it is opportune to draw a grid line with a gap in between, for example when a building has two parallel wings.

At this moment, it is not that easy to draw a gapped grid line. If you know in advance, you can use the polyline mode and hide sections afterwards, but when you want to change it afterwards with existing grid lines, it is a lot more cumbersome, as you can see in the attached video.

In the video, you can see that the section line tool had a very simple functionality to draw a gapped line. I think we need to have this functionality for the grid line tool as well.

The customer reporting this, told us Revit does have this functionality for grid lines.

VE-104437

Slanted structral member is displayed wrong at cut plane

Jeroen Bervoets

When you draw a slanted structural member which is going trough the cut plane, the 2D is show as if the structural member is going through the cut plane horizontally.

VE-104411

Dimensions should be object style based

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, Dimension custom standards are a document setting. If you want to have an office standard, you need to save it in your template document, which is not a straight forward and un- VW like way of managing standards.

It should be possible to save a dimension custom standard in a library.

It is strange that a tool so widely used hasn't got a redesign yet, while more niche annotation tools (elevation benchmarks, section markers,...) already got their update.

VE-104414

The option to fix the header of a worksheet

Jeroen Bervoets

In large worksheets, when you scrolled down deep, is it often not clear what's the header of the cell your working in. This sometimes leads to mistakes. It would be very useful if it was possible to fix the first row of a worksheet, like you can in most spreadsheet software. In this way, the can navigate more intuitively through the worksheet.

VE-104397

When there's a class "space" in a document, no space object can be created. This should be possible

Jeroen Bervoets

An error will appear. These name conflicts should be avoided by the way the software works. It shouldn't be up to the user to avoid "forbidden" names for classes, objects resources,...

VE-104348

It should be possible to overwrite "no fill" by a solid fill via data visualization.

Jeroen Bervoets

If you apply a data visualisation with fill overwrite "solid", it doesn't work on object with the fill type "none". This is by design, as you can see in Jira issue VB-191247. But the user should have the choice whether overwrite objects without fill/ pen or not.

For example: A checkbox with "include objects with no fill/pen" underneath the fill and pen attribute settings in the data visualization.

VE-104342

Slab rectangle mode

Jeroen Bervoets

The only way to draw a manual slab directly with the slab tool, is with the polygon mode. It would be useful to have a rectangle mode for the slab tool as well. See the video with the comparison between the space tool (where you do have a rectangle mode) and the slab tool (where you don't)

VE-104343

A build in light fixture should have a wall hole by default

Jeroen Bervoets

If a user wants to place a build- in light fixture from our library, the user needs to create the wall hole in the symbol by themselves, in order to create the correct opening in the slab. This step can be avoided by adding the wall hole already in our libraries.

VE-104241

Interface OIP is confusing for choosing roof style

Jeroen Bervoets

When you have a roof face with a dormer inside, the pop up menu for editing the roof style in the OIP is just placed underneath the "use style for dormer" check box. This is confusing, because it seems to suggest that you're only choosing the style for the dormer there and not for the roof face itself. It would be more ideal if the dormer settings were place more to the underside of the OIP and the checkbox "use style for dormer" should be grouped underneath the dormer settings.

VE-104201

Hierarchical display for dasign- and sheet layers

Jeroen Bervoets

The hierarchical display can be a efficient way to organize your classes. However, lately, I hear more and more the suggestion from customers to implement the hierarchical view for design and sheet layers as well. Especially in large project, you can easily loose oversight when scrolling through long lists of layers. This option should off course be disabled by default, since most users probably don't want this, but I don't see any harm in implementing this as an option for the user.

VE-104219

It should be possible to edtit the height of multiple story levels at once

Jeroen Bervoets

When you want to edit the height of multiple story levels at once (in the result, multiple story levels will have the same height), this is not possible. Whenever you select more then one story level, the "edit" button is grayed out, which means you need to edit them one by one.

This makes the (already way too complex) story interface unnecessary frustrating.

VE-104225

it should be possible to flip the alignment of a text when flipping a data tag's header

Jeroen Bervoets

When you flip a data tag's header, the alignment of the text in the data tag doesn't flip. There should be an option to synchronize the text's alignment with the data tags header.

Currently, if a user wants to adapt the text to the headers direction, the user needs to create 2 object styles.

VE-104215

Start and top plate for structural members

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, it is not possible to add start and top plates to a structural member. It is already possible with the column tool, but this should be possible for non- vertical elements as well. Also:
- the plates should be able to align with a slanted start/end
- It should be possible to position the plate off centre
- Including the connection holes would be an nice surplus.

See the attached document for more info.

VE-104140

Import sheet layer objects

Jeroen Bervoets

Since version 2022, it is possible to copy- paste sheet layer viewports between documents. So in my opinion, in this way the technical barrier to include an "import sheet layer objects" checkbox when importing sheet layers has been lifted.

VE-103841

Hedgrow area displays as text in a worksheet

Jeroen Bervoets

When you create a report of Hedgegrow objects, the area is not a value, but a text. This makes it difficult to make further calculations.

In comparison: the space tool also allows to use the area (number) when creating a report. This should be possible for the hedgegrow tool as well.

Requested by customer BEZ 0962 8003 636

VE-103842

Hedgegrow object styles

Jeroen Bervoets

It would be useful to be able to create object style based hedgegrow objects, like there are object styles for landscape area objects.

Request from customer BEZ 0962 8003 636

VE-103848

subtracting surfaces from a hedgegrow object

Jeroen Bervoets

It would be a useful feature if it was possible to subtract a 2D surface from a hedgegrow object, like you can do with f.e. a slab.

Requested by customer BEZ 8154 7051 463

VE-104046

Pointcloud graphic options

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in the Youtube video underneath between 1:00 and 1:30:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFEY2eibJ0o]

In Revit it is possible to show, besides original, single color and color based on height, to use "intensity" and "normal" for displaying colors in a pointcloud. In Vectorworks, we don't have such options, despite the fact that it can be very helpful for visibility purposes, especially with grayscale pointclouds.

VE-104019

Calculating gross and net wall surface area from curtain walls

Jeroen Bervoets

As you can see in [~pgeorgiev]'s answer in this bug report:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-191910

It is not supposed to be possible to calculate gross and net surface area from curtain walls in a worksheet. (this bug report was about how it went wrong, the conclusion was that it is not supposed to function at all)
For rough estimations it can be very helpful to be able to calculate surface area from curtain walls.

VE-103983

A possibility to "close" arcs

Jeroen Bervoets

For a polygon or polyline, there's the option to "close" the object in the OIP. For "arc" there' no option, unless you use the "quarter arc" tool in an assymetric way (because the resulting object will be a ployline). Because it is possible to close the object with some resulting objects, the customers even has a higher expectation to be able to do the same with arcs.

VE-103926

Elevation benchmark seem to display negative values with default settings

Jeroen Bervoets

When a user who doesn't use stories draws elevation benchmarks with default settings, it looks like the elevation benchmarks are displaying negative values. This is because of a "-" as a separator for story data. For users not using stories, this might be confusing.

Suggested solutions:
* Do not include display story data in the elevation benchmark by default, only show this data in when they're created based on stories
* Use a double space as a seperator, not a "-"

VE-103861

Complex line type: scale width

Jeroen Bervoets

Sometimes, you'd like to increase the scale of a complex line type in order to achieve a particular width. This can be a complicated calculation for the user, since the only scale parameter that can be set is the segment length.

By adding a "width" parameter in the local mapping pop over, this could be done way more intuitively.

Additionally, if the "width" and "length" parameters could be unlinked, it would be possible to scale a complex line type only in one dimension. See the attached video for an example where this could be useful.

Requested by customer BEZ 4709 8020 888

VE-103859

Snap to Hatch fill lines, object within tiles and objects within complex line type

Jeroen Bervoets

# Hatches: At this moment, you can only snap to the object itself, not to the lines within the fill. This can be useful, for example to snap to the corner of tile in a floor pattern
# Tile fills: At this moment, you can only snap to the object itself, not to the objects within the tile fill. This can be useful, for example to snap to the corner of tile in a floor pattern
# Line types: At this moment, you can only snap to the "line" itself. But complex line types contain objects and the lines often have a real thickness because of this. It might be useful to be able to snap to the objects within a complex line type.

In case these options would make drawings heavier to navigate, this can be a snapping option, so the uses has the possibility to use it.
The video and file in the attachment show the 'line type' example.

requested by customers BEZ 4709 8020 888

VE-103811

A checkbox in the OIP to delete or create a drawing label

Jeroen Bervoets

"create drawing label" is checked on by default when you create a viewport. In many cases, you don't want this drawing label to be created. Many users miss this option and need to delete this drawing label after creating the viewport in the viewport's annotations. Especially beginning users miss this option and sometimes even don't know how to delete it.

If there was a checkbox "create drawing label" in the OIP, there would be a fast and easy to find way to delete the drawing label, just by checking off this box.

VE-103851

Slabs should have the ability to crarte automatic niches

Jeroen Bervoets

Space objects can adapt automatically to door and window niches. Slabs don't have this, while in real life, floor finishes extend into floor and window niches very often.
Slabs should have a similar functionality as well.

VE-103818

Save stair sets directly in the workgroup folder

Jeroen Bervoets

At this moment, when you save a set of stair settings (for example "2D graphics"), you don't have a choice where to save it. It will be saved in the user folder. If you'd want it in a workgroup folder, you'd have to displace it via the finder/explorer, which is not an obvious manipulation for the average user.

There should be a choice offered to a user when saving stair settings whether to save it in the user folder or a workgroup folder.

VE-103803

Use new story level in every story

Jeroen Bervoets

After you created a new default story level type, you still need to go through all the settings of the individual stories to check the level. This can be unnecessarily hard work, especially for buildings with a lot of stories.

A good solution for this issue could be:
- a check box to apply to all layers

or even better (not mentioned ion the video):
- a button which leads to a list of the stories, where you can check the stories (also by multiple selection) where you want the default level to be active.

One of the biggest frustrations with using stories at this moment is that editing them means going through many confusing manipulations and dialogs. This option might be a step in a direction to make the workflow more streamlined.

VE-103801

Creating layer for story level: automatic naming

Jeroen Bervoets

When you create a new story level with a design layer, you need to enter the name of the design layer separately. While in many cases, you want to name the design layer the same as the story level itself (in the local workflow we have here, that's even always the case). Typing in the same name twice, feels like unnecessary double work.

Therefore, I suggest to implement a checkbox "same name as level" in front of the design layer name field, so the design layer name can be filled in automatically by checking that box.

One of the biggest frustrations with using stories at this moment is that editing them means going through many confusing manipulations. this checkbox might be a small step in a direction to make the workflow more streamlined.

VE-103782

Sub objects Enscape asset objects should be imported in a neutral class.

Jeroen Bervoets

Whenever you place an Enscape asset object in a Vectorworks drawing, the object is placed in the active class. This is logical. But the Sub- objects of the imported symbol are placed in this active class as well. As you can see in the attached video, this can lead to confusion in managing class visibilities.

These sub- objects should always be placed in a neutral class, so the user can simply assign the correct class via the OIP and can manage visibilities without the need for editing the symbol.

This "neutral" class can be either the class "none" or a new dedicated Enscape class (which should be automatically visible in existing saved views!).

Design express support ticket (for our own reference)

52855

Customer contract number:
BEZ 9884 3052 914

VE-103805

Atomatically check newly created level for specific story

Jeroen Bervoets

After creating a new level for a specific story, you still have to check on the level in the story settings before the level can be actually used. Most users suppose this would be the case automatically already, so they forget.
This troublesome behavior is not necessary, since you can suppose that is a user creates a story level for a specific story, he/she wants to use it as well.

One of the biggest frustrations with using stories at this moment is that editing them means going through many confusing manipulations. This simplification in behavior might be a small step in a direction to make the workflow more streamlined.

VE-103802

Double click behavior is inconsistent toughout object style types

Jeroen Bervoets

When you double click on a title block border, you get a dialog where you can choose to immediately edit the lay out.

A user would expect the same behavior for for example a drawing label. But for the drawing label, a double click does nothing. In that way, the user is forced to go through the general object style settings dialog before he/she can edit the lay out. A double click on a drawing label should offer the choice to either set the style or the lay out and to set double click behavior.

This behavior should be applied throughout all object style types.

VE-103804

"only replace default data" for editing wall styles

Jeroen Bervoets

When you edit a wall style, you have the option to replace or not replace ALL data afterwards. In many cases you would only the default data, so you keep the changes you made to individual objects.

VE-101823

It should be possible to bend the direction of a section viewport

Jeroen Bervoets

When you want to make a section viewport over a building which has different parts in different direction, it would be useful to be able to bend the direction of the section line. At this moment, you can only place your section in one direction.

VE-101790

Curtain wall: editing height should never add vertical profiles to existing horizontal raster lines.

Jeroen Bervoets

When you have a curtain wall of which you edited the placement of the vertical profiles manually, the default profiles will be added when you make the wall higher. This behavior in undesired in any case. When you change the height of a curtain wall, vertical raster lines should never be added to an existing horizontal raster line.

VE-101720

Curtain wall: 2D plan view fill of horizontal frame should not automatically follow material

Jeroen Bervoets

When you view a curtain wall in 2D when you chose a material for the frames all frames, also the ones you do not cut through, have the material's fill. This looks very odd, it always seems like you cut through the horizontal frame.

The graphical attributes of parts under cut plane should be handles separately, for example by the wall attributes

VE-100881

Lighting Device Workflow Improvements

Jeremy Powell

In a recent post on the beta forum - user Josh Benghiat summarized well a series of expected user behaviors in the lighting workflow. I've entered them below as a single VE to refer to.

The current workflow for Lighting Device as re-engineered in version 2021 SP0 creates some workflow regressions. Some of these regressions are being actively addressed during beta but some are not easily addressed for 2021 SP0. Hence the VE here.

*Insertion*

- The process of inserting accessories is way too complicated. Even if the accessory gets stored in a special group, exposing that to the user just complicates things.

- Adding accessories one unit at a time is not efficient. This is the number one thing Vectorworks could have improved about accessories. I usually want to insert accessories for everything with the same channel range, purpose, or position. This is one of the main reasons I install AutoPlot — adding accessories to selected units is a requirement for any system.

- The new insertion tool has the option to insert an accessory in the "Default Position." Spotlight has assumed that all accessories insert in the accessory slot at the front of the light. However, accessories will also insert at the insertion point or in the barrel. For the concept of a "Default Position" to work, accessories need the option of these three insertion settings, and that data needs to be attached to accessories in a user-editable way so that we can utilize our own symbols.

- Some accessories take other accessories. If I try to insert a scroller and a top hat, they insert on top of each other.

- If we're being smart about accessory insertion, Spotlight should use the frame size data to automatically insert the appropriate accessory from, say, a folder to top hats.

- Wouldn't it be great if instead of entering a special edit group with a hidden tool, clicking on the button presented us with a list of accessories that we could attach? Spotlight would automatically select the correct variety and insert in the correct position for all selected lighting devices? And only if something needed a particular customization would we need to edit the group. The same would apply to removing or swapping accessories.

*Editing*

- With the new lighting device with integration Accessories setting - making a change requires a lot of clicks. In the old system, at least replace symbol was a viable option. In Beta 1 of 2021 SP0 the user needs to select each individual lighting device, press the button, select the appropriate accessory (if more than one is attached), delete, select the new accessory, and insert. This a regression in workflow.

- Once an accessory is inserted, the new Lighting Device Accessory has no indication in the OIP of what symbol it uses or what data is attached.

- The pull-down in the OIP doesn't currently change the date for the selected accessory, but...

- If we're editing data in a unified OIP, some fields need to be flagged as always ALL — for example Position and Unit number. These should always be the same for all parts of the light.

- Accessories and Static Accessories need their data handled differently, with no control information assigned to static accessories.

- While were at it, it's time to fix the fact that for static accessories the symbol name, not the Instrument Type field syncs with Lightwright. This makes working with static accessories in Vectorworks nearly unusable.

- A handy feature would be an option to link the channel across all parts. This needs to be an option, though, as there are still some non-unitary channel consoles out there.

- With the <None>, <All>, 1, 2, … pull-down for editing, when multiple accessories are attached to a light, we have no way to figure out which accessory we're editing. Even when the OIP gets fixed, having to select each number and then look at the Instrument Type field is not a viable option.

- Editing an accessory in a 3D view takes us to the 2D view in the edit group. The plan vs 3D rotation option is a useful feature, but switching the view on edit just makes the two rotation fields confusing.

- Editing an accessory groups fits the accessory to the screen. This is really not useful. If anything, center on the object at 100% zoom.

*Display*

- Not all accessories want to draw in 2D on the plot. For most of the plot, I'll add a note to top hat all units in a position or group of positions, only adding them for special cases like barn doors or only certain units on a pipe. If we're reforming accessories, we need a "draw in Top/Plan" toggle.

- We need the send to front / send to back ability. A DMX iris is above the unit in the 2D stacking order. A spot yoke would go below the unit.

- Label legends need to consider the entire combined fixture. Currently, if I display color in front of the lens and add a barn door, the barn door blocks the label. This is another major missed opportunity: the label legend should automatically adjust to be in front of the barn door.

*Downstream process impacts*
* Accessories (LW Devices) are no longer Lighting Devices, so any previous tools one may use to manage them is now broken. Most of Vectorworks and Spotlights internals have not beed modified to work with the new scheme. Want to use a worksheet to report on scrollers? Impossible. Select all scrollers with Tools>Custom Selection? Won't work. Spotlight's Find and Modify? Nope. Instrument Summary? Nope. Lightwright data exchange? Currently no.

VE-100439

Ability to Animate Objects in a Scene

Jeremy Powell

The following is new feature wish request through recent conversation that Jeremy had with Andy Dunning.

For 3D visualizations it would be incredibly useful to be able animate objects within the scene. AnimationWorks does this to some extent but its not available outside Australia and not giving all the capability that would make it great for Vectorworks.

Requirements
* People moving through a scene. This could be fully-animated movement or simple position changes.
* Vehicles move through a scene.
* “Production” elements moving – like scenery flying in-and-out, curtains opening or closing, truss assemblies tilting, stage elevators raising and lowering come to-mind.
* Ceiling fans or vent fans spinning.
* Doors opening or closing.

Some of these are simply “aesthetic” or “presentation” things. Others would allow for valuable error-checking and analysis – like, moving scenery or trusses.

Workflow

My first thought about workflow would be to echo (in a way) Design Layer Viewports. Two linked “Motion Viewports” would be created for each element that would need to move/tilt/rotate. Each “MVP” pair would represent a starting-point and ending-point for each element. One thing that would need further thought is the question of element visibility – the question of when you want to see the referenced pieces vs. when you want to see the animated pieces. This isn’t hard when considering the current DLVP approach a lot of entertainment folk use to rake truss assemblies but could be a nightmare for things like multiple vehicles or humans moving through a scene.

As a side-note, something that isn’t exactly “motion” and is different from the other examples but might be related: Being able to include animated graphics in the different video tools – be they simple loops or longer clips.

VE-100412

Lighting Enhancements in OpenGL

Jeremy Powell

The following is a workflow wish for improving the lighting options in OpenGL from a conversation between Jeremy and Scott Barnes.

In OpenGL:
* I want the light source to look illuminated...the face of a mover, the soft light panel, an actual light bulb.
* I want reflections. Glass, water, reflective metals.
* Depth of field
* OpenGL limits the amount of lights to something like 8. Is it possible to have volumetric s in Open GL? Watch this video and tell me if there's any of this that is possible. I'm not asking for VW to be as good as Pixar, but wouldn't it be awesome if we could visualize this kind of quality in real time? [https://youtu.be/x9ikzGQW0ys]

VE-100411

Camera Object Improvements

Jeremy Powell

The following is a workflow wish for improving the camera object / path based animation from a conversation between Jeremy and Scott Barnes.
* In my opinion, this feature is animation. If you're going to offer animation, then we should have the kind of tools and settings you might find in things like Cinema4D or Maya. I understand that Vectorworks isn't trying to compete with actual 3D animation programs, it moving a camera around in 3D space is animating. We should have some of the same tools to make this work better. How about some sort of integration with the 3D mouse, where VW can capture and record my movement and automatically keyframe the camera?

VE-100539

Choose New Reference File

Jeremy Lechterman

Would be good if when opening a file made in a previous version of VWX that uses reference files from a previous version of VWX, that VWX asks if you would like to re-associate the reference with a NEW file and allow you select the new file, instead of just saying "this older reference file is incompatible, please open and re-save".

VE-104197

Prompt to Update Vectorworks on Exit or After a Crash, but not when opening

Jeremy Best

The prompt to update Vectorworks appears soon after the software has been opened. This is an interruption and an imposition so users often quickly dismiss them. This results in many out-of-date installations, which brings down the average user experience and increases demand on Tech Support and reduces their availability and productivity.

*Poor timing:* When users first open Vectorworks they are most keen to get onto what they opened Vectorworks to do. Applying an update at such a time would delay them, interrupt mental flow and affect productivity, so such a popup occurs as an imposition and not something that is in their interest.

*I propose that updates be announced to users under different circumstances, like so:*

Vectorworks checks for updates in the background as usual and if they are available one or more of the following occur:
* Vectorworks prompts to apply the updates {_}when the user next quits the application{_}.
* When restarting Vectorworks after a crash, the update prompt appears.
* Immediately after a crash. I realise this might require a new Helper/Service program which might not be viable.

*Benefits:*
* Applying an update on exit won't delay a user or affect productivity, except when they're closing Vectorworks before a Shutdown or Restart. If they're restarting Vectorworks to remedy an issue, updating should be part of this process anyway.
* Prompting to update on exit will increase the propensity for users to accept update prompts.
* More installations will be kept up-to-date, improving typical software experiences.
* The act of applying an update can remedy some issues [even when no bug fixes relate to the issue concerned].
* More up-to-date installations = less time will be spent submitting to Tech Support.
* This will preserve Tech Support and VW Engineering time as there will be fewer bug submissions from users on older Service Packs.

I posted this idea on the Vectorworks Forum as well, but it seems users in support roles are most likely to appreciate the value of this proposal. See: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106599-prompt-to-update-vectorworks-on-exit-or-after-a-crash-but-not-when-opening/]

VE-103551

Expand Data Tags to support the inclusion of images

Jeremy Best

The Vectorworks Help manual section for '_[Plant tag appearance|https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2022/eng/VW2022_Guide/Plants1/Plant_tag_appearance.htm]_,' states that "The Data Tag tool provides _more flexible options for tagging plants_; see Using data tags," _*but*_ Plant Tags can be set up to display images associated with the Plant concerned and Data Tags (evidently) can not do this.

The current effort at Vectorworks, Inc is to move toward using Data Tags for all labelling/data display needs, but I don't see or hear any indication that supporting images in Data Tags is on the road map.

I suggest that either the scope of the statement in Vectorworks Help manual needs to be reeled in, or adding support for images to Data Tags should be added to the road map.

This finding came about when I was helping a user get around a problem with the Plant Tool's plant tags, so I'd like to hear back about this in case it changes the advice I give them or other users.

Thanks!

Jeremy

VE-103651

Close Smart Options Display when item is clicked

Jeremy Best

Currently the Smart Options Display remains open after a tool or option has been clicked. It makes sense that it would close after a choice has been made. When it lingers, one has to move the mouse well clear of the palettes for it to close on its own.

There may be reasons for it to remain open, but after a mental exercise considering why that might be valid, I think the reasons to close it and the workflow benefits of doing so far outweigh the reasons to keep it open.

Reasons that{color:#172b4d} is should stay open are below. Refutes are indented. {color}
* {color:#172b4d}One may accidentally click the wrong tool and want another chance to select another without delay. {color}
** {color:#172b4d}BUT: Accidental clicks will be a tiny minority and reopening the SOD is one spacebar tap away. {color}

* {color:#172b4d}When Standard Views are one of the options offered in the Smart Options Display, one may like to click through multiple views one after the other. {color}
** {color:#172b4d}BUT: This can be achieved using the keyboard NumberPad - which is perpetually available - or the Flyover tool. {color}

{color:#172b4d}Reasons the Smart Options Display should close after a selection is made: {color}
* {color:#172b4d}The va{color}st majority of selections made will be the desired option.
* The palette will cease to obscure the drawing behind immediately after the pertinent tool is chosen allowing the users focus to be directed to the area of the drawing for which the tool was selected.
* The user does not need to move the cursor away from the SOD only to have to bring it back again (when the subject is under the SOD palettes which was the case in my demonstration).
* This will make it unnecessary to perform _another action_ to make it close. Either moving the cursor away or tapping the Spacebar again (which interestingly does not require the cursor to remain still!)

I vote that the Smart Options Display close as soon as a tool/option is selected. An example of the SOD being unexpectedly in the way presents itself perfectly when I was recording a demonstration for my other, previous VE. I've attached the same recording to this task so you may see what I mean.

Cheers,

Jeremy

VE-103650

Trigger 'Smart Options Display' irrespective of cursor movement

Jeremy Best

Smart Options Display is the most impactful UI enhancement I can remember. It has sped up my workflow and it has further potential to make working in Vectorworks even better, _ever-faster_ and more enjoyable with just a few minor tweaks. My submission affects every user and every use of this function: _Activating_ the Smart Options Display.

*The problem:*

Currently the Smart Options Display is activated when the Spacebar key is depressed-and-released quickly. But for this to work there is an undisclosed requirement: The cursor must not be moving at the time. This is both unexpected, unnatural and unnecessary.
* Unexpected because users are [schooled by Vectorworks Help|https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/Start/Smart_Options_Display.htm] that if the spacebar is tapped, the Smart Options Display will appear. There is no stipulation in Vectorworks Help that the cursor must be still.
* Unnatural because all other functions activated by keyboard commands are not contingent on the cursor being unmoving.
* Unnecessary because (as far as I can see) there would be no conflicts with other UI functions if it was set up to be triggered simply by tapping the Spacebar irrespective of cursor movement. The Boomerang Pan Tool activates when the Spacebar is held down. The Smart Options Display appears only if the Spacebar _comes up again_ within an instant so no conflict will occur between the two functions.

The way it currently works requires that users with a mouse, must stop moving it before they can activate this function. If they were moving the cursor to where it is needed, this means the must stop moving, tap Spacebar, start moving again towards the desired tool, stop to click on the tool, then continue to move to the precise location it will be used.

For users that draw with a graphics tablet, the cursor moves constantly while the pen hovers above the tablet surface. This means the Smart Options Display can't be activated reliably or easily. The user must lift the pen up out of the tablet's range of reception for the cursor to stop moving or rest it on the surface so lightly that a 'click' is not triggered (which is nigh impossible and even harder when working at-speed). Lifting the pen out of range is an ergonomic nightmare as it strains the wrist to lift it high enough, especially when done a lot. The Smart Options Display is intended to be used for various functions that are needed most often, so it will be used frequently increasing the risk of OOS/RSI.

*The Solution:*

Adjust the software so that the Smart Options Display is triggered when the Spacebar is depressed-and-released within the required time, _irrespective_ of cursor movement.

See the screen recording attached.

Thanks!

Jeremy

VE-100922

Enhance VW Help: Editing 'menu item collections' in Workspace Editor

Jeremy Best

Hi Team,

I've had a user contact me because it seemed the Workspace Editor was not allowing him to move the 'AutoTURN' submenu to the desired menu. I tested and verified his findings, but eventually figured out that it can be achieved, albeit in a very particular way.

I reviewed the documentation and the dedicated YouTube video demo, but neither addressed this scenario.

What I learnt is that the singular item 'AutoTURN Online' doesn't represent a submenu with multiple items inside, but rather a collection of submenu items for which you first need to create a subfolder/submenu for them to go. - This does not appear to be explained in any information I've reviewed and that you are moving a single item with the same name as the submenu you want ('AutoTURN Online') it intimates that it should be possible.

Also, any 'New Menu' item can only be inserted in certain places: In the main menu (and not in any existing submenus), or a submenu you have already created.

Can you please update documentation to address the above two conditions?

Thank you very much,

Jeremy

VE-105051

Scroll bar on tool set palette

Jeremiah Feyerabend

Doesn't seem to be a way to scroll through tool sets in the tool sets palette. If you're viewing the sets as text and icon while its docked the list gets too long. no way to view all of them except for undocking and extending the palette. User was on a 1080p res screen so the palette docked isn't very large and there doesn't seem to be a scroll bar on the sets, only the actual tools themselves

VE-105005

Ability to reference distance off of other stakes with Stake Tool

Jeremiah Feyerabend

User called in with a request to have the ability to reference distances off of other stakes kind of like origins. Wants his stake label to be able to represent the x and y distance he is from that other stake. He insisted I include this little sketch as an example.

VE-104262

Applying a non repeating image to a LED Screen

Jeremiah Feyerabend

User called in wanting the ability to apply a non repeating image to an LED screen

VE-104132

Ability to edit base cabinet side reveals separately

Jeremiah Feyerabend

User would like the ability to edit the side reveals on his base cabinets independently. Currently editing the side reveal parameter changes both sides.

VE-104653

To Display Calculations for Roadway Tools in OIP

Jeremiah Feyerabend

User called in wanting the ability to see surface area and all the same calculations that the Roadway (Poly) displays in the OIP for Roadways that are Straight, Curved, Etc.

VE-104374

Color wheel settings not exporting with lighting devices

Jeremiah Feyerabend

It appears regardless of what color I change the lighting devices to, whether in the color wheel or just in the light information section of the device, the color never transfers over to Vision when I export MVR.

All devices in Vision are set to "Open" in their color wheels. I have included an example where I turned the fixture to 000,16,220 within the .vwx file and it still comes into Vision as 255,255,255.

VE-104282

Ability to scale hoist measurement label separately from hoist

Jeremiah Feyerabend

User would like the ability to scale his measurement label separately from the hoist. He was designing his rigging plot in 1:1. All measurement labels come in minuscule. If he edits the 2D components, it breaks the link between the label and the OIP fields. So the ability to change that measurement label size while not breaking the link to the editable fields would be useful

VE-104052

Calculate Blended Screens with a Portrait Aspect Ratio

Jeremiah Feyerabend

I have user who would like the ability to set up his blended screen with projectors that are oriented in portrait mode. As of now it appears there is only the option to have the the landscape aspect shown from the blended projectors.

VE-104180

Ability to toggle visibility on truss end markers

Jeremiah Feyerabend

It appears all truss symbols have a 3D polygon cross at the end of each stick that render in Hidden line and wireframe. User wants the ability to toggle off the visibility of this object while maintaining the functionality of a truss object.

VE-103994

Distribute Lights along Round Path

Jeremiah Feyerabend

Had a user who was using the duplicate along path command and realized what he really needed was a distribute along path because all of his lights were different and previously created.

I noticed the Align and Distribute tool in the Lighting toolset only has a straight line mode and he figured it would be nice to have a curved option when creating that line for curved trusses.

VE-103562

Accessory Auto Numbering

Jeremiah Feyerabend

Accessories attached to lights with a unit number take on the device unit number but when moved in the automatic position retain the original unit number as the device unit number changes. User wants the ability to toggle on/off matching unit numbers corresponding with attached accessories.

VE-99739

Spotlight Instrument Summary

Jeff Miller

It would be nice to include check boxes for the following items so they can be displayed in the Instrument Summary
Fixture Mode
Number of Channels
Many Times shop prep is done from the lighting plot.
It would be nice to have this info on the plot

VE-100536

Project Sharing Enhancement

Jeff Miller

I have been an admin for a few project sharing files now.

These files are being shared by multiple productions companies scattered about the country.

As admin or even as a user it would be great if in the "Project Sharing > Users Tab" there

was an additional column with the users email address.

Even Better it would be great to be able to select multiple email address and using the users default email to send a message concerning the share file.

VE-104711

Wish: Story Support for Subobjects of a PIO

Jan Stellmacher

Currently there is no possibility to have Story aware Objects inside a PIO. This Feature is needed so we can create better PIOs.
The function we want is similar how a Wall functions with Windows or other Objects inserted. Needed would be a Flag you can set for a PIO that looks for StoryBounded Objects inside it, like the Wall does. With that we could define a PIO that Groups Objects similar to a Wall and support Stories for the Subobjects of this PIO.
This would also be a good feature for PIOs like the Slab, if it has modifier objects that are story aware. Or its components like the wall does.

Use Case:
We have 2 PIOs: Electrical Installations and Electrical Components.
For Electrical Installations it is useful to have multiple Storys where the Electrical Components are. For Example all Outlets should be near the Top of Footing where as Light Switches should be on Top of Parapet. All of these Compontents can be Grouped up by a Electrical Installations. Currently we use a workaround to Position those Components in an Electrical Installation.

Another use case would be for holes or breakthroughs in Slabs. So that modifier objects in the slab only create a hole as far down as its associated story.

VE-102195

Precision Adjustment Of Dimensions

James Hammons

Currently in VW 2019 and 2020 the user can adjust the precision of an existing dimension in the Object Info Palette (OIP) for the primary dimension only. The user can select the precision of all dimensions by selecting the Units menu item however the user is unable to change/adjust the precision of dimensions already in the document by this method. When a user selects to use dual dimensions in his document....inches as primary and centimeters as secondary for this example...there is currently no way to add or subtract decimal places from the precision of the secondary centimeter dimension. Editing the dimension precision from the Units menu item has no affect on the existing dimensions in the document. This combined with the fact that a secondary dimension pulldown does not appear within the OIP when dual dimensions are enabled leaves the user with no way to correct secondary dimension's precision mid workflow.

VE-100510

Data Stamp Tool Responds to Text Atributes

James Hammons

It would be great if the Data Stamp tool could respond to text attributes like Alignment. I often want to use this tool in a particular location but since it only justifies to the right I often find the information misaligned when the data updates.

VE-100181

Spotlight Numbering Command is skipping accessories

Jake DeGroot

If a lighting accessory is attached to a lighting instrument that is being numbered, the accessory should get the same number as the instrument it is attached to.

It currently seems that accessories are ignored. This is frustrating.

VE-104298

Allow MVR export to include referenced geometry

Jake DeGroot

When working on a light plot in 3D, I will often reference in scenery and architecture from external files. When I export a .MVR file from VW, I would like an option for it to include geometry and objects from these external referenced files.

VE-103874

Add a drop-down to Lighting Devices to let us pick which 2D component of the symbol we want to display in Top/Plan view

Jake DeGroot

This would be such a great enhancement to it so much smoother to work with the same lighting devices in both Top/Plan and 3D. As it is now, I can insert my lighting device and I can specify 3D rotation params for it, but no matter how I rotate it in 3D, the top/plan view remains the same. This can lead to confusing results in all sorts of workflows. A very simple example is that I insert a striplight and then give it a Y rotation of 90. Now, it's vertically-oriented in 3D. But when I look at it in top-plan, I still see the same horizontal view of it, which makes no sense and doesn't fit properly in the 2D plan of my light plot. Imagine if I could just go to the object info palette and change "Use 2D Component" from "Top" to "Right" and now the top/plan view is perfect! What a dream!

This can also be especially annoying when it comes to working with schematic views.

Now that our lighting symbols can have many 2D components, please let us select a different one other than "Top" to be displayed by Spotlight in Top/Plan view. It's important that this property be available for normal lighting devices and for lighting devices viewed via a Schematic View (so I can adjust the light's 2D component independent of the position's 2D component.

More about this in my forum post here: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104276-fixture-2d-components-3d-vs-schematic-views/&do=findComment&comment=455603

VE-103873

"Auto-Update" toggle on viewports

Jake DeGroot

I would like each viewport to have an Auto-Update check box. It can default to False which would maintain the current behavior that an out of date viewport gets the red border and I need to update it manually. This is obviously crucial for rendered views where an update may take a long time and I don't want them interrupting my work when I change geometry. But for simple viewports, I would much rather have them update silently and quickly in the background, so I would just set Auto-Update to true and not have to worry about it again.

VE-103853

Document Window Tabs should expand to show the full filename whenever possible

Jake DeGroot

I am using build 679026 with the new view/mode bar. I have one file open, so only one document tab in VW. Tons of empty space on the tab bar, and yet, VW is truncating my filename so I cannot read the most important part of it (the version number at the end).

Tabs should only shrink and truncate the filename if they absolutely have to because there are too many tabs open to fit them all with full filenames on the screen.

And in the less common case when they do have to be truncated like this, I should be able to get on OnHover tooltip of the full filename if I have on the tab.

I am not sure is this same behavior is present in non-mode-bar releases.

VE-103599

The Escape Key should close the resource picker modal during the Replace Lighting Device flow

Jake DeGroot

I select a lighting device.
In the OIP, I click Replace Lighting Device
A resource picker modal opens
I change my mind and want to cancel and close the modal. I type Escape on my keyboard.

Expected: Modal Closes
Actual: Modal remains open. I guess the only way to close it is to click on my drawing area?

VE-103594

Expose Attribute Class Options better in Workspace Editor and UI

Jake DeGroot

The four options on the Attributes Palette drop-down menu are so important to my workflow.
* Use Default Attributes
* Set Default Attributes
* Make All Attributes By Class
* Remove By Class Setting

_Especially_ "Make All Attributes By Class". I use it all. the. time. It has always been pretty buried, but in recent versions, the button to expose that drop-down seems to have gotten even smaller. I wish you'd move in the other direction! Expose it more. Make the button bigger, or give me more ways to trigger this same command. Add it to the object context menu. Allow me to assign it a Keyboard Shortcut in workspace editor.

My workflow would be greatly improved if there were a way to have faster access to this function.

VE-102640

Spotlight Numbering Dialog should have an option for "Restart Numbering Each Time"

Jake DeGroot

99% of the time, when I'm using the Spotlight Numbering command, I am using it to auto-number unit numbers of my lights, starting at 1. Is it is way faster to select all the lights first, then number them all in one pass, then to make multiple rounds of selection, each time restarting from where I left off. So this means, 99% of the time, when I open the dialog, I want the Numbering Options>Start value to be 1. No matter what my last numbering session ended with.

So, I wish there was a setting I could pick (and save in a saved style) to "Restart Numbering Each time" or something like that. So if that box was checked, every time this dialog was opened, the Start value defaulted to 1.

This is how the numbering works in [~jbenghiat]'s Savvy Select Similar Instrument plugin and, I believe, his Savvy Sequencer plug-in, and it's much better.

VE-102639

In Spotlight Numbering dialog, settings for unchecked parameters should be disabled

Jake DeGroot

Currently, when I open the spotlight numbering dialog, it is possible to have one parameter checked, but a different parameter selected in the left pane. Thus, it is easy to get confused and think you're editing settings for the checked parameter, but then notice they're having no affect. This is what happened to me in VB-184543.

As I suggested in comments there, this seems like bad UX. What is the use case where a user would actually _want_ to be editing the settings for an unchecked parameter? Isn't that pointless?

It would seem to be a better user experience if settings were disabled for unchecked params.

VE-102628

When I paste a symbol, the placement of the resulting object should be based on the insertion point of the symbol, not the 2D center

Jake DeGroot

This has bothered me forever.
# Make a 2D symbol with its insertion point offset from the middle.
# Insert an instance of it into your drawing. It inserts with the insertion point where you clicked. Good.
# Now copy that instance with command-c.
# Now click somewhere else in empty space on your layer.
# Now paste with cmd-V.

Expected: The new instance is located with its insertion point where I most recently clicked.

Actual: The new instance is located with its 2D center where I most recently clicked.

VE-102627

Make search field in Navigation Palette a live type-to-filter input like in OIP

Jake DeGroot

In the Layer/Class selectors in the OIP, when I start typing in the Search input, it works like live type-to-filter, with the list immediately filtering to my search query in real time.

In the similar-looking search input in the Navigation Palette, nothing happens to the list until I hit Enter to submit my search.

It would be better if these worked consistently. They should both work like real-time type-to-filter like the OIP ones. It's better and faster.

VE-102626

Expand "Enable Mouse Wheel Zooms" preference to distinguish between external mice and trackpad

Jake DeGroot

I usually draft with an external mouse with a scroll wheel, when I'm at my desk. Sometimes, I draft with just my trackpad on my laptop, when I'm on-site. Sometimes, when I'm sitting at my desk, I'll even take my hand off my mouse and reach up to use my trackpad just for panning and zooming because it's faster.

When my hand is on the external mouse, I would like the actual mouse wheel to zoom. But, when using 2-finger swiping on my MacBook Pro multi-touch trackpad, I would like the 2-finger swipes to pan because that is much more natural and because the trackpad supports pinch-to-zoom.

So basically, Vectorworks responds correctly to my trackpad when "Enable Mouse Wheel Zooms" is false, but it responses correctly to my external mouse when "Enable Mouse Wheel Zooms" is enabled. There is no way to set it so it works as I want for both input devices at all times.

Please either give us two distinct controls, or even just make this preference not apply to the trackpad at all and make it only toggle behavior of an external mouse.

VE-102625

We need a better way to select individual cells of multi-cell lighting instruments

Jake DeGroot

There are definitely some nice things about the new(ish) way Spotlight handles multi-cell instruments. I like that they're easier to move around without accidentally breaking the different cells apart.

However, I really miss the good old, days, when I could just click on a single cell to edit it. The process of having to select the whole parent instrument, and then use a drop-down in the OIP to drill down to a specific child cell is much too cumbersome and slow. Plus, as [~jbenghiat] noted in VB-172014, there is no visual indicator in the drawing window of which cell is selected.

We also currently have no way to edit _multiple_ cells, but not _all_ cells. What if I want to select cells 1 and 3 to set their color? The limited selection tools make this way more complicated and slow than it ought to be.

Please give us some way to directly, visually, select a single cell or multiple cells. Maybe clicking with a modifier key? Or even right-clicking and selecting a context menu option for "Select this Cell". Or something? We just need something faster and more direct than the fiddly little drop-down in the OIP.

VE-100162

Allow me to choose which network adapter Vision uses to find DMX

Jake DeGroot

Often, when using a pre-viz setup that requires multiple computers, the machine running Vision may be connected to more than one network. In my case, I run Vision on my MacBook Pro and it's connected through a switch to a Surface Pro running ETC console software. It is also connected to hotel wifi and my wifi adapter is highest in my Mac's network adapter priority order (or else no other apps that need the internet will work).

Currently, in order to get Vision to properly recognize the LAN where it will find sACN, I need to temporarily disable my wifi, relaunch Vision, and then turn WiFi back on.

It would be much better if Vision provided a UI to pick which network adapter to use when looking for DMX protocols.

VE-99623

Vision Undo should work for setting focus

Jake DeGroot

If I focus lights using the right click option and i don't like the focus I end up with, the Undo command should undo that focus operation. Right now, it does not.

VE-99624

Better way to focus multi-part fixtures like striplights in Vision.

Jake DeGroot

I am trying to focus LED striplights. The arrow keys are horribly slow. I want to right click and use the "focus lights here" command, but when I do that with a striplight, Vision treats each part/source as its own fixture and "breaks" the striplight in a way that would not be possible in real life.

VE-101408

Excel export - PETER VANDEWALLE wish

Ivaylo Stanchev

{quote}_I'm still working on the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) project and I'm encountering another issue with worksheets._

_In previous versions (I don't remember until when), when copying and pasting selected cells from a worksheet into an Excel sheet, the hidden database header rows weren't copied. In Vectorworks 2021 they do._

_Also when exporting a worksheet to Excel, the hidden database header rows are exported as hidden Excel rows. There's no way to see the difference between a hidden database header row and another row in the resulting Excel file. Often Excel is used as an intermediate format to bring data over to other softwares like databases. In that case the header rows are of no use at all._

__

_Would it be possible to get an option to NOT export hidden database header rows?_

__

_This is very important to our BoQ project, so, would this be a big modification or could this be done by sp3, just like the recalculation issue that has been solved?_
{quote}

VE-104086

2D geometry mysteriously disappears from the final Redshift and RW rendered panorama

Iskra Nikolova

From the Low West saved view (shown when the file opens), export a panorama with "Redshift 1" saved render style. Notice that the human figures (2D geometry) are not displayed in the final rendered panorama.
Note: I am doing the rendering on the cloud, which routes the job to servers that meet the GPU requirements of Redshift.
Fast Rendorworks leads to similar results.

VE-103352

[Computerworks] Add a menu command "Save to Cloud" to save a currently opened file directly in the cloud.

Iskra Nikolova

The following is from the Computerworks spreadsheet with wishes for Cloud Services, attached to linked VE-101225. Since this is something that needs to be implemented in Vectorworks, I am creating a VE for it.

"Currently you can select "Save as" and then select the cloud folder. This workflow could be simplified by selecting the cloud folder directly. This would also increase the presence of the cloud service."

VE-102492

Request to have Overall Width be the master value for Keynote Legends

Ion Webster

When working with the Keynote legend, I would ask that the Overall Width field be the dominant value, such that subsequent entries to Note Text Indent and Note Spacing should adjust or fail to fall within what the overall width is set to.

So for example if the default size of the legend is 2" with a Note Text Indent of 1/4", but I want my overall legend to be 5 1/2" to fit the grids on my sheet, I enter 5 1/2" tab to the next field, where I want to have a 3/8" Note Text Indent, I would expect that the Note Spacing would update to reflect what I set for my Overall Width, not have to go back to the Overall Width and reset it to my desired 5 1/2".

Thanks for listening

VE-101866

Please have the Move by Point tool resume its prior mode when activating Set position in Info Palette

Ion Webster

I use the Move by Points(MbP) tool quite a lot.

I find that utilizing the mechanism of Set Position for items inserted in walls via MbP just short of genius, intuitive, powerful, and all around in my top 10 VW improvements in my 10+ years testing

What I don't like is that after using the MbP then adjusting an item inserted in the walls, I have to remember to change the mode. If the MbP could remember its mode state, and switch back after the selected item is deselected, or after the operation has completed, it would be handier for me.

VE-99993

Floating Data Bar should only have a black background if Black Background is set

Ion Webster

Working with the Dark Mode in B6.

If I am in Dark Mode, the floating Data Bar is set to have a black background color.

This looks correct if I am also have Black Background set. However if I stay with the standard background (not black) the black Floating Data Bar looks jarring.

I would appreciate if the Floating Data Bar background was set to a light or dark background by the Black Background option only and be unaffected by Dark Mode

VE-99954

make a new class active when adding via the active class pulldown

Ion Webster

It would be nice when you make a new class by choosing 'new class' under the Active Class pulldown (see screenshot) that it becomes the new active class.

Currently the workflow is

Click on Active Class pulldown and choose 'New Class'

select the new class (or type in a name) in the next pane

Click again on the Active Class pulldown and choose the newly created class

draw the object(s) desired in the new class

I would like the option at least of making the newly created class active upon returning to the document.

I realize that people often make multiple classes at one time, if that was the case, then don't change the active class, but if I am adding a single class, in almost all use cases it is because the next object I create I desire to be in that class.

It could be a check box in the pane where you decide viewport visibility and if you want to edit attributes upon creation.

Thanks for listening

VE-100051

Please reassign cmd-Shift-S to "Save As", like every other program has it.

interiorcad Engineering

It is so non-standard behaviour to have this assigned to Sketch Style.

Every time I want to save a file under a different name, I get my drawing sketched. This is unexpected, non-standard and utterly annoying.

VE-102740

Section style end marker vertical placement not possible with same style as horizontal

interiorcad Engineering

Unfortunately, the German DIN is very specific about this and our schools are having trouble creating a section line style that can be aligned properly (reshape handle needs to be at the tip of the arrow) and at the same time works in horizontal and vertical sections.
It's a tough one but I guess we will just need two separate section line styles for this? Unliess this is supposed to work?
-> The text I chose is not DIN-compliant, it is just to show that the problem is with long text.

VE-102724

Creating Details is possible from outside of a viewport, creating sections is not

interiorcad Engineering

This is not so much a bug as an inconsistency which I get asked by teachers a lot.
It is possible to create a detail viewport by placing the Detail Callout object over a viewport. It is not possible however to do the same with a section line.
See video and sample document.

VE-100006

The Datatag needs a mode for rotated insertion

interiorcad Engineering

If you annotate vertical objects in sections, there is no way a datatag can be inserted at a 90° (or any) angle currently. We have this very nice mode for rotated or 'one-click' input for the title block now. This is somehow missing in the Datatag object. Currently, I have to use the rotate tool after I have placed the Datatag in the drawing.

VE-102494

Could Datatags please always tag the frontmost object, not hidden objects

interiorcad Engineering

When tagging constrictions in rendered (Hidden Line) views, I would expect the Datatags to work on the objects hat are visible, not hidden objects. This can become quite frustrating in busy constriction drawings.

VE-103444

Un-suspend snapping

interiorcad Engineering

When suspended snapping is locked, it would be very handy to un-suspend snapping by pressing the same key that temporarily suspends it.

Like reverse suspended snapping.

VE-102980

Include Modes in Tool Cluster Of SOD, remember last quadrant for spacebar-operation only

interiorcad Engineering

I use the SOD a lot when working on my laptop. I find it a great help, especially when using a trackpad instead of a mouse. There is one suggestion I wanted to make to help its overall usefulness.
Currently, picking a tool and then changing the tool's mode requires a lot of fidgeting and it is actually not very easy to change modes of a tool because modes live in a separate quadrant. Also, changing of the tool itself is made more difficult than needs to be because after invoking the smart options, the user must mouse over to the top left (which is a relatively small hover target) to (re)open the tool palette.

Hence my suggestion is two-fold:
# remember the last used quadrant
# Include modes in the tool quadrant (rough mockup is provided)

Remembering the last used quadrant could be restricted to spacebar-use as it would probably get in the way if it always opened fully as soon as the SOD auto-appears.

VE-103272

Toggle page grid optionally with grid snaps.

interiorcad Engineering

Some users want the grid to be visible only when sSnap to Grid is active. It can be confusing to see the grid but not snap to it. Toggling Snap to Grid should therefore have an option (in the snapping settings) to toggle grid visibility along with the snapping option. The associated Quick Pref should also follow and show the toggled state.
See here for a discussion on the forum about this:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/98726-jira-ve-103252-make-snap-palette-detachable-dockable-and-re-sizeable-stuart-allyn/&do=findComment&comment=437972

VE-103133

Resource Browser controls appear at different palette widths on Mac and Windows

interiorcad Engineering

The controls to set sorting, display of items and resource browser orientation appear wildly differently on both platforms. This is not an ideal situation.
It would be good if items could appear at roughly the same widths and in the same order.
!image-2022-06-13-10-41-17-022.png|thumbnail!

A sample movie comparing resizing behaviour is also attached.

VE-103132

Keep all items in Resource Browser visible at all times

interiorcad Engineering

The Resource Type Popup is probably the most frequently used item in the RM tool bar but it is hidden most of the time and requires opening a submenu inside a side menu.
This is inconvenient and requires multiple clicking.
This is also difficult on Windows because the click target is so small.

-> All options should be readily accessible and and be always visible without requiring the user to open a side menu. This would allow docking the Resource Manager even when working on single, small screens such as a laptop.
!image-2022-06-13-09-49-28-561.png|thumbnail!

Here is a screenshot from an earlier prototype.
!image-2022-06-13-10-02-02-274.png|thumbnail!

The icons would wrap if the resourcemanager is resized, like so:
!image-2022-06-13-10-05-24-188.png|thumbnail!

VE-102505

Smarter counting wanted for automatic drawing coordination

interiorcad Engineering

The German DIN 919 for woodworking is used and taught at all German woodworking trade schools, where Vectorworks is the market leading CAD (with interiorcad).
The DIN stipulates that Sections be counted A,B,C,... and details should be backward in the alphabet, so they would begin with Z and then go backwards: Y,X,W,V,...

Our current detail markers expect to be fed numbers for proper counting. It would be cool if the drawing coordination could work alphanumerically.
Thanks.
!image-2021-11-16-13-18-27-020.png|thumbnail!

VE-101943

Attributes Palette: Invert line end marker colour if shown on dark menu background

interiorcad Engineering

This was brought up by user Andy Broomell on the forum. Can we do this to aid readability? Alternatively, I could try and create a white outline around markers.
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83821-0900-t02155_attribute_palette_ui/&do=findComment&comment=394222

VE-101949

Attributes Palette: Linked marker needs to be made bigger

interiorcad Engineering

Improve readability by increasing the size of the icon that links the line marker ends.
See this thread:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83821-0900-t02155_attribute_palette_ui/&do=findComment&comment=394558

VE-101948

Open menus fully on mac when (Attributes) palette in near bottom edge

interiorcad Engineering

This seems to work on Windows but is not ideal on Mac, where the users must scroll each time a menu is opened near the bottom of the screen.

Comment from Forum:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83821-0900-t02155_attribute_palette_ui/&do=findComment&comment=394557

VE-101947

Attributes Palette: make font sizes all same size

interiorcad Engineering

User Mark Aceto is commenting about the different font sizes in the palette:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83821-0900-t02155_attribute_palette_ui/&do=findComment&comment=394541

VE-101946

Attributes Palette: Better handling of mixed attributes of multiple selected objects

interiorcad Engineering

This was initially dropped from implementation due to performance optimisation. Maybe it could be revisited?

VE-101944

Attributes Palette: Show resource name on hover

interiorcad Engineering

Andy Broomell suggests that the resource name should be shown on hover as a tooltip. Great idea, especially since we are not restricted length-wise for tooltips!
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83821-0900-t02155_attribute_palette_ui/&do=findComment&comment=394222

VE-101945

Attributes Palette: Make "Make all attributes by class" more accessible

interiorcad Engineering

Andy Broomell is suggesting that we provide a button or hide the help menu or a keyboard shortcut.

VE-101666

Workgroup Folders and file handling need updated mechanisms

interiorcad Engineering

Our customers use workgroup folders heavily. They share render textures, symbols, title blocks, document marker styles and, as a speciality of interiorcad, also fittings and special grid objects.
As handy as this feature is, it creates a barrier to effective use because the principle of how WGFs work is so elusive. I am not even referring to the cascade of importance from user folder to WGF to application folder. I am talking about the *manual* process involved in saving something in the right place. When I create a new section line style or a new title block style, I want to be asked if perhaps I would like to save this object to the workgroup folder. (In case I don't have this folder, I would like to be asked if I want to save it to my user folder but I don't want to digress).
However, this newly created object will just sit in my current document and die with it in case I delete it. It will not be made available to me in other documents, nor will it be placed in the WGF for my coworkers to use.
This whole dilemma is exacerbated by the fact that WGFs *don't get migrated*. So, as soon as users update their Vectorworks, the WGF gets left behind and needs manual migration.

VE-101656

Can we be a little more proprietary with non-VWX file formats?

interiorcad Engineering

I had to install a trial of Archicad because I had to check some features for prototyping. Now, when I receive a DXF or DWG, it has an Archicad icon. I can double-click the DWG and Archicad starts and opens the DWG.
If clients send ma DWG and I drag it into my Vectorworks file for importing, I get the same Archicad icon.
I wish we could be a little more selfish about this kind of thing also (and I think it is a nice feature to be able to double-click a foreign file and VWX imports it into a new, blank document).

VE-101287

Outline Selection Highlighting like Blender

interiorcad Engineering

Selection highlighting often obscures the objects that are being highlighted. For Marionette objects, this is not ideal as it makes changing parameters very cumbersome. Change parameter, de-select and check, select again, adjust parameters, de-select again etc. etc.
Blender has a very nice outline selection which makes it much easier to see the selected object as a whole. Would this be conceivable for Vectorworks?

VE-101125

Smart Options developer wish: Would like to be able to left-align menus

interiorcad Engineering

We have a ton of menus in the mode bar of interiorcad tools. The interiorcad drawer tool has four. The appearance of these mens in the smart options is somewhat dishevelled because we have no control over the alignment of these menus.
If we could left-align these, it would improve the look of the smart options for interiorcad greatly.
Thanks!

VE-100359

Could the floating databar work as scale 1:1 for dimensions in Viewports?

interiorcad Engineering

Dimensioning viewports often requires the user to stack multiple rows of dimensions on top of each other. It would be handy if either a grid could be set up for the next row to snap to or if the offset that is entered through the floating databar could work as 1:1.

In that case, 10mm or any other sheet-based value could be used, regardless of the actual scale of the viewport.

This would allow for easier auto-spacing of dimensions in viewports of different scales.

Thanks

VE-101039

Opening file with with many references and missed layers cannot be canceled or opened without many clicks

Iliana Gavrailova

The attached files are 2016 version converted via Batch Convert with default settings.

Open file "Firma gesamt mit allen Maschinen.vwx" in subfolder „Gesamt".

Information message from the attached screenshot shows at least 60 times.

There is no option for Cancel or Yes/No for all.

Please watch the attached movie.

VE-101038

Update referenced files cannot be canceled when they are in older version format

Iliana Gavrailova

Download [^Siebenwurst 2016.zip]from VB-130489 KLS: Project using references very slow in Version 2016.

Open file "Firma gesamt mit allen Maschinen.vwx" in subfolder „Gesamt".

Don't locate the references.

Go to references tab in the Navigation palette.

Right click and select "Update all".

For all of the referenced files 2 dialogs shows:

1. Information message says that the file is not in the file format used by the version. You can click OK or "X" in the upper right corner.

2. After that information message says that Error occurred while updating. Again you can click "OK" or "X".

You cannot cancel "Update all" operation. So in the case of this file you must click 'OK' about 120 times.

There is no opton for Yes/No to all or Cancel.

Please watch the attached movie. It shows the problem with only 5 files for updating.

VE-99693

Railing/Fence problem saving model

Ignazio Di Lecce

If you are using the Railing/Fence tool and in the Settings dialogs you click on "Save as Symbol" button, you can access the Save Railing/Fence dialog.
In this dialog, you can choose the "Save as template in library file" to save the object in the User Library. The file is save correctly.
Problem is that the tool seems not able to access the User Library folder, so you cannot reuse these template objects.

VE-104791

Dialogs title truncated on macOS

Ignazio Di Lecce

Since Monterey, Apple introduced a new layout for dialogs with three dots on the left topmost corner. Those bullets steal space from the title bar, so many dialogs have the title name truncated (see image).

I suggest to improve the Dialog Layout Manager so it could add extra space to better accomodate the title string.

VE-103637

Space object - Window Area Ratio (Fraction)

Ignazio Di Lecce

the new Space 2023 tool is able to report the Window Area Ratio (Fraction) value.
That value is expressed as "1/9”.
We cannot find a way to customized the decimal part of this value.
Client would like to get a more precise value, like “1/9.50”

With regards

Ignazio Di Lecce

VE-99638

OpenGL default settings

Ignazio Di Lecce

OpenGL render is always set to LOW resolution in its settings dialog.
For each project you have to open the settings dialog and increase the quality. Suggestion is to make a settings value that is stored globally, so you don't have to define it everytime.

VE-100669

Orbit animation

Ignazio Di Lecce

When you create an orbit animation, there is not a way to define the inclination for the camera - you could change the camera view in each keyframe with a mouse click, but the result is erratic.
The only way to get an orbit animation is with the camera pointing straight.
When you create the orbit, of after that, there is no control on the inclination and you could adjust it only with the mouse in each keyframe, but you cannot have the same exact angle, so the result is really ugly.
Previously, it was quite simple to create an orbit animation with an angled camera that look to the model slightly from above.

VE-102578

Customer Shape for Structural Member Objects

Ignazio Di Lecce

Hi.

Several our Customers would like to add personal shapes to create Structural Member Objects not possible now.
We suspect that now the Shapes that you can choose are hard coded, so it is impossibile to add new types. Indeed, we can't find a index file containing the types that User can choose now.

Please, could let us know something about? Thank you.

VE-102452

Door and Window in Curtain Wall

Ignazio Di Lecce

If you draw a Curtain Wall, you can right-click on a wall panel to access two menu commands to insert a door or a window object.

These two commands recall object based on their universal names, that are defined in 5125 Curtain Wall Context Menu.vwstrings:
"22" = "Door";
"23" = "Window";

Since we use the English Door and Window objects AND ComputerWorks Door and Window objects, we have to choose the universal names that we have to insert to trigger the operation.

This improvement request is to get (if possible) a system that allows to choose two different sets of door and Window. The contextual menu schuld allows to use four options instead of the current two.

VE-101868

How to measure gross area of a Wall Component

Ignazio Di Lecce

Hi.

Several our Customers complain that they can't have the gross area of wall components. I mean: there is a Worksheet function that gives the wall material area without opening surfaces (CompAreayName); but you can't have the gross area of a wall component that can be important in computation processes. Our Customers sustain that it could be useful even a function that gives height of a component and one that gives length of a component. This way it could be possible to get the area. Please what do you think about?

VE-101727

Right-click to select objects

Ignazio Di Lecce

From time to time we got the request to enhance the Classes pane in the Navigation palette.

It is a common procedure in other applications - like Rhino - to select all objects that belong to a certain Class.

If not from the Navigation palette, it could be handy to have that command in the Classes menu in the View bar.

VE-101399

Height Range in Section Viewport

Ignazio Di Lecce

Please consider this.

If you try to put in a file some 3D Objects AND an Image Prop, if the Image Prop is the highest Object in the file, the Height Range of a Section Viewport can't be put at Image Prop value. It is put at the Height of the Object highest but the Image Prop.

Please, open the file at the link:

[https://www.dropbox.com/s/elamwqd57l45ehd/Cut%20Example%20.vwx?dl=0]

Please, could you have a look? Thank you

VE-100966

Export into Rhino app

Ignazio Di Lecce

Hi.

More than one of our Customers complains about the fact that when you export a Vectorworks model into 3DM format, you can't get objects distincted like in the original file. I mean, if you put objects in different Classes, when you open the 3DM file in Rhino, you can't distinguish your objects in differents groups or layers.

Please, it would be important to get some feature in the future.

Thank you

VE-100296

stripLED lines

Ignazio Di Lecce

There is no way in vectorworks to design stripLED lines with single pixel control without placing thousands of light points in series.
A client is designing a Hotel where he needs to control several areas all with stripLED connected to a single console - all in all are about 40 Universes

VE-100165

Units in Dimension standard

Ignazio Di Lecce

It could be really useful the link a dimension standard with a Units.

This could allow to have different parts in the drawing with dimensions with different units, by just changing the dimension standard. For example you could measure some object in mm, cm, or inches all together in the same file by just changing standards - this actually cannot be done.

VE-99894

Transparency in Image Effects features

Ignazio Di Lecce

The image effects feature allows imported images (bitmaps), image resources, viewports, image textures, and image-based Renderworks backgrounds, to be easily enhanced without requiring a time-consuming full rendering or the need to export to an external image program. More than one item can be selected and adjusted at the same time.

As an improvement, we suggest adding the possibility of applying a transparency effect to the image. This could be a useful feature when, for example, you would like to make a Viewport partially transparent - an option that is not possible correctly.

VE-101708

When trying to add Data Tag to Space in the Annotations of Section Viewport, it may be attached to the space figure behind the cut surface.

ICHIMURA RIE

--------------------------
Target environment
--------------------------
Mac/Win
v2021(Same as previous versions)
--------------------------
About Problem
--------------------------
When trying to add Data Tag to Space in the Annotations of Section Viewport, it may be attached to the space figure behind the cut surface.

Steps:
1. Create a tall space
2. 1 and 2 on the back
3. 3 and 4 on the front
4. Cut the section viewport at 3 and 4
5. Create a Section Viewport.
6. Double-click to enter the Annotations and attach the Data Tag with Spaces.
7. The Space Number of the Data Tag is displayed as 1 and 2 even though it is cut between 3 and 4.

Please refer to "sample12555.vwx","movie12555.mov".

*The same applies even if "Display extents beyond cut plane" is disabled in Object Info palette.

*Please refer to "original.vwx"
In Section Viewport "Section Viewport-1", the information of space numbers 3 and 4 should be displayed in the data tag. However, the information of space numbers 1 and 2 in the back is displayed.

*Depending on the layout position of the space and the position of the cut surface, it may or may not be possible to avoid it by temporarily reversing the direction of Section-Elevation Line or adjusting the range behind the cut surface of Section Viewport.

Best regards,
Rie Ichimura
A&A

VE-102981

[Question] About the "Auto Rotate" option of Image Prop on a VGX file.

ICHIMURA RIE

--------------------------
Target environment
--------------------------
Mac/Win
v2022(Occurs from previous versions)
--------------------------
About Question
--------------------------
The "Auto Rotate" option of "Image Prop" does not work when viewing vgx files. Is this by design?

Even though exporting as Web View with the option enabled but the Image Prop isn't rendered facing the viewer when viewing on a browser.

Please refer to attached "movie12872.mov" and "sample12872.vwx".

Best regards,
Rie Ichimura
A&A

VE-103548

Graphic Legend - Support for multiple "sort by" and "report by" fields

Hugues Tsafak

Currently, Graphic Legends can only be reported and sorted by one single property respectively.
Users want to be able to report and sort by multiple properties.

For example, a user might want to create Door Legend and set it to report by Style and ID label. This means that the legend will create a cell for all doors that have both the same style and ID label.
Similarly, the user would want to sort the Graphic Legend cells by Style and ID Label within these styles.

VE-103550

Graphic Legend - Improve Cell Layout Constraints

Hugues Tsafak

This request is for improving the ability to align images and text in the graphic legend layout.

Users continue to struggle understanding how alignment and constraints work in the layout. The options currently available do not allow users to easily align objects in the legend. They constraint distances between objects but do not maintain alignments.

The graphic legend layout should provide options that allow users to align objects to one another.

VE-100339

Stair & Railing Fence Wish List from Vectorworks

Hugues Tsafak

VE-104854

Localization: Requests for “Install Partner Products”.

Hitoshi Takeuchi

1) We hope a system to translate information for the content in the "Install Partner Products" online, like via Crowdin. I have heard that it's currently possible to perform translations by directly editing manifest files. We would greatly appreciate having a more systematic translation method.

2) We hope a system to control the display or hiding of specific content within the "Install Partner Products." I've heard that it's currently feasible to manage this by editing the listing of contents. We would be delighted if we could manage these controls in a more systematic manner.

Best regards,
Hitoshi Takeuchi
A&A

VE-104799

Ability to edit Hidden-Line VP cache

Hernán Stamati

Some users would like to be able to e.g. REMOVE specific lines from a hidden-line rendering.

Maybe the viewport's poly cache can be "editable" to remove visibility of edges/vertices.

These changes would be lost when the viewport is re-rendered however. The more general solution might entail customizable "looks" for specific objects, though that might need to add reference-able data on objects.

VE-104564

Hidden-Line Graphic options for non-section viewports (and surface hatches)

Hernán Stamati

Section viewports have an option to use a class for the Pen/Fill of object beyond cut plane.
Non-section viewports do not have an option to override the Pen/Fill of the entire rendering.

Users sometimes use section viewports for elevations instead of non-section ones because of this missing feature.

This is a request to add similar functionality in the "Advanced Properties" of non-section viewports.

Also, they request a third category to override the class to use for SURFACE HATCHES (this would be new for both kinds of viewports).

See the linked VE for additional functionality requested that may need to be tied to this.

VE-104559

Automatic creation of Exterior Elevation viewports

Hernán Stamati

Similar in spirit to the interior elevation object, but for the outside.

Maybe there are several buildings, and we want section/elevation views of each side.

Could be a new PIO, or maybe a generalization of the Section Line object to allow non-90º turns that would automatically know to generate a new viewport at the break.

Resulting viewports could be automatically placed side-by-side (as an "unrolling" of the outside facades of the buildings) or not.

Might need to discuss with industry experts. See attached screenshot.

VE-102614

Door hardware texture only comes through when assigned by Class

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

It would seem this has always been the case with Door Hardware going back to previous versions. However it would be great if it just came through from the symbol if a texture is assigned.

Email from a user for context:

_I noticed this a while back then was caught out by it again this week so thought I’d forward it to you for comment._

__

_I have some 3D door hardware symbols that use a brushed stainless steel texture. When this texture is assigned to the 3D geometry within the symbol definition *by object* (in the Render tab of the OIP) or *by Material* (in the Shape tab of the OIP), the texture will not show up on the objects within the Door PIO. In order for the door hardware to display the correct texture in the model you have to assign the texture *by class*. If you don’t set the texture by class the door hardware, when selected within the door settings, will display as white (no texture) in the model._

__

_Is this working as designed or a bug?_

__

_If I have a 3D symbol of a stainless steel door handle, that geometry is only ever going to have a stainless steel texture applied to it. This is why I originally specified the texture by object within the symbol definition: because I wanted it to be set fast + not subject to change. I have no need to control its appearance by class. Its finish is only ever going to be brushed stainless steel._

__

_When I realised that assigning the texture by object this way resulted in white door handles in the model I went back + assigned the texture by class + all was fine._

__

_Several months later I’ve forgotten this + have started using Materials (which I think are great by the way). I create a ‘Brushed Stainless Steel MT’ Material because I realise that I’ve been using a few different stainless steel textures across my objects/files + actually none of them render particularly well, so I create my own new texture + assign it to a Material + in this way can have a single ‘Brushed Stainless Steel MT’ Material that I can go to every time I have a brushed stainless steel object + very easily achieve consistency throughout + never have to try + remember which is the right texture to choose each time. Except that after assigning the new Material to my door hardware symbols I notice that the texture isn’t displaying in the models + I can’t figure out why, until I remember what happened before + have to go back + reassign the textures by class._

__

_To be clear: I am quite happy assigning the jamb/leaf textures by class as I have different classes for different colours/finishes + I can choose the appropriate class depending on the colour/s the door/frame needs to be, inside + out. But the hardware is slightly different in that it’s not part of the PIO as such: it is a 3D symbol that you’d expect to be able to control separately._

__

_So be good to know whether this is a bug or is simply how it’s always been + is likely to remain._

VE-101842

DWG Geometry or Viewports Shift when imported

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

I have a DWG from a user which when imported into Vectorworks the viewports arent correct.

Please see DWG and VW files attached.

Im not sure if this is the viewport crops shifting or the drawing is shifting when imported. However i cant get it to import correctly.

When viewed in DWG viewer all seems ok.

DWG was created in AutoCad 2020.

Would it be possible to take a look at the file?

Many thanks and Best Wishes

Helen

VE-101817

Ability to add new tool sets to the tool set palette

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

A user has asked for the following and think it's a good request.

The ability to be able to add other tool sets from other workspaces to your custom workspace Or the ability to create new tool sets.

So for example if someone has spotlight and connect Cad. The ability to drag the whole Building tool set to the Connect Cad workspace. Or the ability to create your own custom tool set.

Hope this makes sense!

Best Wishes

Helen

VE-101626

Screen Redraw Zoom Shadow with Unified View

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

Please find attached a video from a UK user, this was an issue with 2018 but hasn't been in 2019 and 2020. However, has popped up in 2021.

He has asked if we could submit this on his behalf.

Best Wishes

Helen

VE-101389

Volume Properties command to work with Roofs

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

I have been asked by a user to submit an enhancement request on his behalf.

For some improvement to be made to the Volume Properties command so that Roofs can be measured.

Please find a typical roof they would need a volume calculation on, We have given them a couple of work arounds but he has asked to submit the request.

Best Wishes

Helen

VE-101312

Navigation Tabs need a lock in place.

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

We have had a request for the following and think it's a good addition. You might already have this in the pipeline.

Note from user:

_On the tabbed navigation issue, this is almost unusable. I use a Wacom tablet but it's also happening with mouse use and the slightest movement when clicking to select the classes or layers or sheet tabs for example, grabs them and moves them out as their own floating tab, this is happening almost every time I move between navigation tabs. the dock all it only helps to put them all back together when one has come out but i can just drag it back in when that happens but there needs to be a way of keeping them locked thee like it was in 2020._

Thanks!

Helen

VE-100444

Callout not retaining information from 2019.

Helen Law

The Callout tool from 2019 to 2020 isn't remembering updated text it Returns back to the default database. Please see the email from a user and also a screenshot to explain.

_Can I ask that you also raise/look into another issue with the Callout Tool too, please? In the attached screenshot, I have copied a Callout note (originally created in VWX 2019) into VWX 2020. When I double click on the note to amend the text, it does not recognize the exact text that had originally been input. Instead, it only allows me to select a new pre-defined note from my database of ‘Annotation’ notes. It’s pretty frustrating to not be able to edit the original text (created in 2019)!_

Many thanks

Helen

VE-100434

General Notes Select multiple notes at once

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

We have a user who would like to request if you could reintroduce the ability to select multiple notes within the same database in the general notes tool.

Within 2019 you could use the shift key to select multiple notes from the list. This isn't the case in Vectorworks 2020.

Is this something that could be added back?

Please find below an email from the user:

_Hi Helen,_
__
_Thanks for the chat earlier. To clarify the issues we are experiencing, fundamentally they centre around the inability to select and add multiple notes at the same time – a function which worked well in 2019 but doesn’t appear to work in 2020. It has become quite a laborious procedure to add several notes from the same database – unless I’m missing something, I have to locate the database, locate the note, add the note, and then find the database again, locate the note, add the note and so on and so on…_

Many thanks!

Helen

VE-99551

Parking Bay Tool Access Zone

Helen Law

Hi Guys,

A user has asked if the Parking Bay tool can give you an Access Zone down the side but also at the back of the space.

I can't see this is feasible with the tool so thought I would send through an enhancement. If there is a way please let me know :-)

Please see a screenshot of the parking bay. This is a requirement within the UK.

Many thanks

Helen

VE-105225

Users request that the operating speed be improved.

Hayato Wada

Users are saying that Vectorworks is becoming slower and slower every year, so they would like to improve its speed so that they can use it as stress-free as they used to.

It is said that it became very heavy when changing from v2018 to v2019.
I would like to report this as it is a common issue that the support center receives inquiries from.
Related to VE-104121.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105217

Users want to be alerted if conversion is not possible, when a 2D symbol or 2D/3D symbol executed the "Convert to Polygons".

Hayato Wada

Users want to be alerted if conversion is not possible, when a 2D symbol or 2D/3D symbol executed the "Convert to Polygons".

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105199

Wall object: "run-off" option for wall end cap

Hayato Wada

An option to "run-off" half of the total thickness at the wall from the wall end cap is needed.
Currently it is troublesome to draw independent wall or rising part based on center line.
In Japanese wooden construction, beams "rise" on the center of foundations (center lines).
Please see attached file for an example.
With current Vectorworks wall tool, users can draw red walls in the like screenshot.

Actually they should be blue ones, half of the wall thickness should run off from center lines.
They can draw the blue wall using multiple steps such as using auxiliary lines and offset starting points, but it would be better if they could draw it with one step.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105201

Users say they would like to be able to set whether to render or not when converting to PDF using VCS.

Hayato Wada

When creating a PDF using Vectorworks Cloud Services, a user wants to be able to configure which files are rendered on the viewport and which files are not rendered.
Currently, if there are viewports that require rendering, they are all automatically rendered and converted to PDF.
If such a viewport is unintentionally included, it will take time.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105200

Users have requested that Vectorworks Cloud Services support converting the "Saved View" to PDF.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that Vectorworks Cloud Services support converting the "Saved View" to PDF, just like Publish command.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105147

Users have requested the addition of the "Log File Converter" feature.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested the addition of the "Log File Converter" feature.
□Request:
1. Number of accesses during the relevant time period (current specifications)
2. Number of simultaneous uses during the relevant time period
3.Maximum number of accesses (Includes the number of people who were unable to connect and were unable to use the device when the maximum number of devices that could be connected was reached.)
They would like the above changes to be made so that 1.2.3 can be aggregated at the same time.

There is a possibility that some users may misunderstand the quantity displayed in the current specifications as the number of simultaneous usages.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105146

Layered Photoshop image export for rendered image.

Hayato Wada

The user wants the exported rendering image to be separated into layers when excuted the "Photoshop format" of "Export Image File".
They would like to see a multi-pass rendering feature that allows shadows, gloss, reflections, masks for each object, etc. to be saved as separate layers.
For example, it's like the option settings for CINMEA4D's image export.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105137

Users have asked us to make it easier to create perspective stairs.

Hayato Wada

Users have asked us to make it easier to create perspective stairs.

In stage design, they sometimes create staircases with shapes that are not used in architecture.
In particular, for stages with limited depth, we create stairs with perspective.

It seems like it would be quite difficult to create this, and it would be difficult to create a detailed model using Vectorworks tools, but I think it would be nice if a simple model could be created easily.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105136

Users have asked us to implement illumination simulation, such as a "Radiosity" feature.

Hayato Wada

Users have asked us to implement illumination simulation, such as a "Radiosity" feature.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105114

When a user created a "Wall Style Report w/Images" in "Create Report" command, they said they would like to have the option to visible all wall styles from the front.

Hayato Wada

When creating a "Wall Style Report w/Images" in "Create Report" command, if they set the "Image Type" to "Thumbnail" in the "Images" tab of Format Cells, the direction of the wall placed in the drawing sheet will be displayed.
As a result,they said they would like to have the option to visible all wall styles from the front.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105076

Users say they would like to be able to see the viewer height parameter during the Walkthrough in Nomad.

Hayato Wada

Users say they would like to be able to see the viewer height parameter during the Walkthrough in Nomad.
It seems that the parameters can only be displayed, and it is not necessary to be able to enter or edit the height.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105071

Users want to be able to set the window size to a fixed size using "Use Application Window" in the Window menu.

Hayato Wada

Users want to be able to set the window size to a fixed size using "Use Application Window" in the Window menu.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105077

Users have requested that a feature be added to the ability to“Export as Vectorworks Past File” in batch.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that a feature be added to the ability to“Export as Vectorworks Past File” in batch.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105086

Users say they would like to be able to view by category like the previous resource browser.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that when viewing "All Resources" in the resource manager, they would like to be able to view them by category, like the previous resource browser.
All resources are arranged in alphabetical order, making it difficult to use.

Best Regards,

Hayato Wada

VE-105061

Users say they want to avoid blurring when the Vectorworks drawing area is enlarged, reduced, scrolled, etc.

Hayato Wada

Characters and lines become blurred temporarily when they are redrawn when the Vectorworks drawing area is enlarged, reduced, scrolled, etc.
Users say that up to V2016, there was no such blurring and they were able to use it smoothly, so they would like it to be fixed without the blurring like before.
Users say this phenomenon causes eye strain and dizziness.
Users say that turning off the "Accelerate graphics" on the "Vectorworks Preferances" reduces blurring, but that doesn't satisfy them.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105052

I would like to be able to change the size of the active point (grips) when the user selects an object.

Hayato Wada

I would like to be able to change the size of the active point when the user selects an object.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105059

Users say they would like to hide the Message Center icon.

Hayato Wada

Users would like the Message Center icon to move from the top right corner of the title bar (Mac) or menu bar (Windows) back to the bottom right like in VW2018. Or they need a setting to hide it.
It is said that they press it by mistake when stretching the palette or drawing area.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105064

Users say they would like to be able to express a "sloping Soffit" in the roof style.

Hayato Wada

Users say they would like to be able to express a "sloping Soffit" in the roof style.
Related to VE-104841.

Hayato Wada

VE-105066

A user wants to be able to set a "gable board",if the shape of the roof is gabled.

Hayato Wada

A user wants to be able to set a "gable board" on the gable area of a roof created using the create Roof command, if the shape of the roof is gabled.
Fascias can be set when the "Create Roof Accessories", but since fascias are placed at the eaves, they will not be displayed on gabled areas.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-105053

The user wants a wall object that can set the slope instead of modeling using NURBS etc.

Hayato Wada

The user wants a wall object that can set the slope instead of modeling using NURBS etc.
Slope wall object (pitch should be set by user)

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104657

Users have requested that if setting the "Design/Sheet Layers to Include" of the "Export DXF/DWG" to the "Saved Views", they can also to select "Export layers as DXF/DWG layers".

Hayato Wada

If setting the "Design/Sheet Layers to Include" of the "Export DXF/DWG" to the "Selected Saved Views" or the "All Saved Views", they are selected "Export classes as DXF/DWG layers" of the DXF/DWG layers.
And Users have requested that it can also to select "Export layers as DXF/DWG layers" of the DXF/DWG layers.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104841

The user wants to be able to create "sloping Soffit" as there is only "horizontal Soffit" in "Soffit settings" in the Create Roof command.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to create "sloping Soffit" as there is only "horizontal Soffit" in "Soffit settings" in the Create Roof Accessories of the Create Roof command.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104840

Users have requested the resource to edit and create new resources in the resource selection dialog from the attributes palette.

Hayato Wada

There is no resource editing or new creation function in the resource selection dialog from the attribute palette.
Users have requested the resources to edit and create directly from the attribute palette without returning to the resource manager.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104838

A request for Auto-envelop function for column and wall.

Hayato Wada

A request for Auto-envelop function for column and wall. We would like to have a function that surrounds a column (created with column tool) and a wall join and enfolds automatically.
When merging these objects, if columns and beams can have components, they should be merged, too.
ArchiCAD: Objects are automatically merged by priority setup of Building Materials.
Currently, walls are created around the column to express the wall finish.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104768

Users are requesting that they be able to select two or more strings in "Find Next" as well.

Hayato Wada

It is inconvenient that when there are two or more strings that contain the character to be searched for, only one string is selected when executing the "Find Next" command of the "Find or Replace Text" command.
"Replace All Selected" and "Replace All" allow you to select two or more strings that contain the characters to be searched.
Users are requesting that they be able to select two or more strings in "Find Next" as well, like "Replace All Selected" and "Replace All" .

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104795

The user wants the grid of the sheet layer viewport to also follow the position of the moved user origin.

Hayato Wada

Grid does not follow when user origin is moved on sheet layer viewport.
On the design layer, when the user origin is moved, it is reflected in the grid and followed.
The user wants the grid of the sheet layer viewport to also follow the position of the moved user origin.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104781

Users have requested that it be possible to set not only gray but also light colors when graying out design layers and classes.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that it be possible to set not only gray but also light colors (light red, blue, etc.) when graying out design layers and classes.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104746

When inserting a worksheet column or row, the user wants it to reflect the formatting of the selected cell.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that when inserting worksheet columns and rows, they want the formatting of the selected cells to be reflected.
Currently, when inserting columns/rows, cells with the default format (width/height, border, etc.) are inserted, but users have commented that it is troublesome to reset the width/height after inserting.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104723

Users have requested that "Hliodon" objects should be able to be turned on and off from the Obeject-Info.

Hayato Wada

The light object has ON/OFF in the Obeject-Info, but it is not in the "Hliodon" objects.
Users have requested that even "Hliodon" objects should be able to be turned on and off from the Obeject-Info.
By the way, it can also turn on/off the "Hliodon" from the "Visualization" Palette.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104688

Users have requested that the Vectorworks Network version implement a Timeout function.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that the Vectorworks Network version implement a Timeout function that disconnects if there is no operation on the client side for a certain period of time.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104686

Users have requested a few things about the upper right arrow (>>) menu in Resource Manager.

Hayato Wada

The user requests that the items displayed in the upper right arrow (>>) menu change according to the width of the resource manager, but that all items are always listed.
They also want resource manager to be able to freely select which menu to display, like the view bar.
If narrowing the width of the resource manager, only the search field will be displayed at the top of the palette.
The arrow (>>) button is also small and difficult to select.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104685

This is a request when duplicating sheet layers in the "Organization" dialog.

Hayato Wada

When duplicating sheet layers in the "Organization" dialog, they are always added to the top (last).
They point out that it is troublesome because it is necessary to adjust the context after duplication.
The user wants the same behavior for the design layers as it is created directly below the source of the duplicate.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104647

The user wants to be able to Creates a circle tangent to three objects.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to Creates a circle tangent to three objects.
Currently, we can draw a circle that touches three straight lines with the "Circle from Three Lines Mode" of the "Circle" tool.
However, a circle that touches three circles or a circle that touches two circles and one straight line cannot be drawn without using constraints.
AutoCAD can easily draw with the "circle" command "Tan, Tan, Tan" mode.
It is a request to make it easier to draw in Vectorworks.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104636

Users have requested that worksheet recalculations should be reflected automatically without manual recalculations.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that worksheet recalculations should be reflected automatically without manual recalculations.
Or, like the viewport, they want it to be visually clear that there is an update (Recalculate).

VE-104605

Users have requested that "Simple" line type also be able to "World Based Units".

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that "Simple" line type also be able to "World Based Units".
Currently, only "Complex" line type have a "World Based Units" setting.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104595

The user wants to save the resized size when resizing the create object dialog.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that when resizing the create object dialog that displays when double-clicking the tool, the resized dialog should be saved.
(Because the width of the dialog is narrow when the create object dialog such as the "Base Cabinet" tool is opened, and the contents of the pull-down of the setting item are hidden.)

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104609

The user wants to be able to display/non-display each mode button on the tool bar.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to display/non-display each mode button on the tool bar.
When pressing the “U” key on the keyboard to move the mode sections, they say that it is troublesome to move if there are many unnecessary mode buttons.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104625

Users have requested that palettes and palettes can be docked on Windows as well.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that palettes and palettes can be docked on Windows as well.

In addition, they would like you to be able to dock to the drawing sheet even when the palette and the palette docked on Windows and Mac.
Currently, only one palette can be docked on the drawing sheet.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104618

A user wants to be able to customize the dimension line length for the "Radial Dimension" tool.

Hayato Wada

A user wants to be able to customize the dimension line length for the "Radial Dimension" tool.
Currently, when writing a "Radial Dimension" in "Interior Radia" mode, if turning on "Compact" in the "Object Info" palette, there is a setting that automatically reduces the length of the dimension line to 1/3.
However, apart from that, they would like you to be able to set the dimension line of the "Radial Dimension" to any length.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104615

Users have requested that multiple patterns can be set for "Preferred Line Thicknesses" settings.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that multiple patterns can be set for "Preferred Line Thicknesses" settings.
Currently, only one pattern of line thickness settings is saved, but they want to switch the set of line thickness settings for each project or client.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104555

The user have requested that when selecting a wall, it should be possible to see the orientation of the wall even in 3D view.

Hayato Wada

The user have requested that when selecting a wall, it should be possible to see the orientation of the wall even in 3D view.
Currently, wall orientation is displayed when selecting a wall only in the "Top/Plan" view.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104544

When inserting a window or door into a wall, the user wants it to appear to have the same line thickness as the wall.

Hayato Wada

If the line of the window or the door is thinner than the wall, when the window or the doo is inserted into the wall, the line where it overlaps the wall looks thinner.
So the user say they want it to look the same thickness.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104610

The user wants to be able to select all matching strings when executing "Find Next" with the "Find or Replace Text" command.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that when executing "Find Next" with the "Find or Replace Text" command, if there are multiple strings in the file to be searched, all matching strings can be selected.
Currently, even if there are multiple same string on the file, only the first occurence of string is selected.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104604

Users have requested that 3D objects also be linked with constrained dimension lines.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that dimension lines be constrained and linked even when the size of the 3D objects is changed.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104594

Users have requested that they be able to set components for "pillars" as well.

Hayato Wada

Users have requested that they be able to set components for "pillars" as well.
If it is a pillar in the middle of the wall, it is possible to create a pillar with a component attached by "Create Wall Projection", but the corner pillar of the joined wall cannot be created by "Create Wall Projection".
Currently, there is no choice but to create walls for pillars and components separately, so if it becomes possible to set components for "pillars", it will lead to efficiency.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104580

The user wants to be able to select the "Height" and "Width" of worksheet cells in millimeters.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to select the "Height" and "Width" of worksheet cells in millimeters.
Currently, it is possible to select "Millimeters" from the pull-down for the "Row Height" and the "Columu Width", but internally it is set in points, so millimeters are an approximation.
(Example: Set at 5 mm > Internally it will be 14 points > Open again and it will be an approximate value of 4.94 mm)

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104577

The user want to create a viewport from a symbol object.

Hayato Wada

The user want to be able to create viewports from symbol object in the "Resource Manager" instead of placing symbol on the drawing sheet.
They also want to bring the contents of the 2D components straight into the viewports. Currently, viewports cannot be created in the edit state.
They would like to be able to create a three-view drawing of a symbol at once like "Create Multiple Viewports".

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104536

The user wants an option to hide the "ruler" that displays above the text box when using the "Text" tool.

Hayato Wada

The user wants an option to hide the "ruler" that displays above the text box when using the "Text" tool.
There is the "Show rulers" item in the Vectorworks Preference, which is used to switch the "ruler" on the drawing sheet.
It is an opinion that they wants you to be able to switch in this way.

VE-104349

The user would like to be able to change the "Resolution" in the "Image Attributes" dialog on the OIP.

Hayato Wada

After executed the "Import Image", the user would like to be able to change the "Resolution" in the "Image Attributes" dialog on the Object Information Palette.
When importing an image, there is an input field for resolution in the "Image Attributes" dialog, so they would like to change the resolution in the same way.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104539

The user wants to be able to determine the base point and stretch the object when the "Scale Objects" is executed.

Hayato Wada

When the user expands or contracts the objects, it is currently fixed at the center of the objects, but they wants to be able to decide the base point and expand and contract.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104535

The user wants to be able to assign a shortcut to the "Export Previous File Version" command.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to assign a shortcut to the "Export Previous File Version" command.
Currently, when opening "Workspace Editor" and try to assign a shortcut, the item is "Export Previous File Version", and they cannot set the shortcut.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104568

The user have requested that Fundamentals be able to use the ability to drag and drop DXF files and image files.

Hayato Wada

The user have requested that Fundamentals be able to use the ability to drag and drop DXF files and image files.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104562

The user have requested that it be possible to set the texture so that the patterns are connected.

Hayato Wada

The user have requested that when a patterned texture is pasted on a model created with subdivision primitives, it should be possible to set the texture so that the pattern is connected.

If you set a texture with a pattern on a model created with subdivision primitives, it will be assigned according to the subdivision division surface, and the pattern will become dirty.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104387

The user wants to be able to snap to the INTERNAL CELL borders of a worksheet in the drawing

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to snap to the borders of a worksheet executing the "Worksheet On Drawing".

They wants to adjust the worksheet borders by snapping them to other worksheet borders or snapping to lines and polygons created on the drawing.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104453

The user wants to be able to the ability to create "Complex Line Type" and the "Tile" of fill attribute as objects like the "Hatch" in the "Modify" menu.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to the ability to create "Complex Line Type" and the "Tile" of fill attribute as objects like the "Hatch" in the "Modify" menu.
The "Complex Line Type" and the "Tile" are displayed in Vectorworks, but they are not maintained when the data is imported into another CAD, so compatibility with other CAD may be a problem.
We received an opinion that it would be very helpful if it could be created as objects like the "Hatch" menu.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104556

The user have requested more car symbol data in the Vectorwork library.

Hayato Wada

The user have requested more car symbol data in the Vectorwork library.
There is no data for compact cars that are commonly used in Japan.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104545

The user would like to be able to edit the dimension standards that are built in by default.

Hayato Wada

The user would like to be able to edit the dimension standards that are built in by default.
Or the user want you to be able to create a default dimension standard.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104538

The user wants a setting to change the display size of the 2D/3D Locus.

Hayato Wada

The user says that the display size of the 2D/3D Locus is small, so they want a setting that allows them to be displayed larger.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104509

The user wants to be able to see the 2D object as well when editing 3D Component of hybrid symbol.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to see the 2D object as well when editing 3D Component of hybrid symbol.
Currently, only 3D objects are displayed when editing 3D Component of hybrid symbol, but if 2D objects are also displayed, 3D editing can be done based on them, so it is an opinion that it will be easier to operate.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104510

The user wants to be able to the function to anywhere place the drawing label with the settings when creating the Viewport.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to the function to anywhere place the drawing label with the settings when creating the Viewport.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104508

The user wants to create a definition where the object name is displayed in the data tag.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to create a definition where the object name (rectangle, circle, wall, etc.) is displayed in the data tag.
In the definition of the tag field of the data tag, the data source is already set as "Object Function" and the function is defined as "Object Name", but this is a definition that refers to the name given in the object information palette.
Therefore, if it is a wall object, it will be easier to use if it is displayed as "wall", so they would like you to implement the definition content additionally.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104500

The user wants to be able to select "Solid" and also change the "Line Type" like in Vectorworks2012.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to select "Solid" and also change the "Line Type" like in Vectorworks2012.
They say that the "Line Type" type selection in the Attribute Palette is difficult to use.

Haytao Wada

A&A

VE-104499

User requests for object information palettes

Hayato Wada

The user wants to large the handle to indicate the fixed point of“The Box Position indicator displays”in the "Shape" tab of the "Object Info" palette.
They say that the fixed point of“The Box Position indicator displays”is small and difficult to operate.(ScreenShot : 279-1.png)

They also want to be able to change the font size in the "Object Info" palette.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104498

The user wants to add an "OK" button to the "Start Batch Render" dialog.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to add an "OK" button to the "Start Batch Render" dialog.

When deleting unnecessary settings from the "Available Jobs" in the "Start Batch Render" dialog, there is only a "Cancel" button to close the dialog after deletion. Therefore, if closing it with "Cancel", the deleted settings will be restored when opening the batch rendering dialog again.
In order to delete it, it is necessary to execute batch rendering each time with the "Start" button, which is quite inconvenient for users.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104478

The user wants to request a fraction round up/down on the "Units Setting" .

Hayato Wada

The user wants to request a fraction round up/down on the "Units Setting" .

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104490

The user wants to be able to the function to lock the palette docking state.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to the function to lock the palette docking state.
The user sometimes unintentionally release palettes during operation, so having the function to lock palette docking is relieving.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104489

The user wants to be able to print correctly even if the page orientation is mixed with portrait and landscape when executing "print" in publish.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to print correctly even if the page orientation is mixed with portrait and landscape when executing "print" in publish.

When the orientation of the paper is mixed with portrait and landscape in the "Print" of Publish, the print setting is changed to one of them, and when printing, unintended printing is performed, so we wanted you to improve it.
If it is not possible to print according to the specifications, I would like an error message to appear.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104477

If setting the border to 0.25 or more on the "Format Cells" of worksheet, the thickness will be about the same as the black border used to highlight the selected cell. (Mac only)

Hayato Wada

If setting the border to 0.25 or more on the "Format Cells" of worksheet(this will vary depending on the worksheet's zoom), the thickness will be about the same as the black border used to highlight the selected cell. (Mac only)
If the borders of the cells in the entire worksheet are made thicker, it becomes very difficult to tell which cell is being selected.
Windows displays the selected cell differently from Mac, so it is easy to understand. I want Mac to have the same display as Windows.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104470

The user wants to setting to disable rotation in certain directions when 3D objects are duplicated with the "Tangent to Path" option in the "Duplicate Along Path".

Hayato Wada

The user wants to setting to disable rotation in certain directions (e.g. Z-axis only) when 3D objects are duplicated with the "Tangent to Path" option in the "Duplicate Along Path" menu.

The user wants to duplicate radially like "Tangent to Path" when viewed from "Top", and duplicate horizontal like "Center Object on Path".

When the "Tangent to Path" of the "Duplicate Along Path" is enabled, it seems that a specific direction (customer rotates on the Z axis) may not be necessary, and I received an opinion that it would be nice to prevent that rotation.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104451

The user wants to be able to save the position of the displayed "Component Edit" palette to any position.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to save the position of the displayed "Component Edit" palette to any position when editing the symbol.

Even if the position of the "Component Edit" palette is moved, it returns to the default position when Vectorworks is closed.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104449

The user wants the "Slab Drainage" tool to be able to select not only the "drain" but also the "U-shaped gutter" etc.

Hayato Wada

The user wants the "Slab Drainage" tool to be able to select not only the "drain" but also the "U-shaped gutter" etc.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104450

The user wants to be able to overwrite save when registering with the same name in the Working Plane registration.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to overwrite save when registering with the same name in the Working Plane registration.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104121

Users say they want the drawing speed to be improved.

Hayato Wada

As the number of 2D objects increases, the operation slows down and the feeling of operation decreases. Users say they want the drawing speed to be improved.
Improving the feeling of operation is very important for work.

How to Reproduce:
1) Open the sample file.
　50000 Rectangles are arranged in a spiral, and only the frontmost rectangle has its solid attribute set to "tile",
The attributes of the other rectangles are set to "color".
2) When zooming in/out, it takes a few seconds to complete the drawing sheet update, which is obviously slow.
(It's easy to understand because the tile lines become thicker and blurry until the drawing update is completed.)
3) Even if selecting a placed rectangle until the drawing sheet update is completed, the information is not immediately displayed in the object information palette, and it is obviously slow.
4) After drawing sheet update is completed, zoom in/out again.
5) Until the drawing sheet update is completed, even if drawing with the rectangle tool, the rectangle will not be displayed immediately, and it is obviously slow.

Mac specs at the time of video creation are as follows.
Model : MacBookPro16,2
Processor: 2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Memory: 16 GB
Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 1536MB
Mac OS Ventura 13.2.1

In addition, the PC specifications when reproducible on Windows are as follows.
Model : dynabook S73/DP
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8650U CPU @ 1.90GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.1GHz
Memory: 16 GB
Graphics: Intel (R) UHD Graphics 620 8275 MB
OS: Windows 10 Enterprise 64-bit

Also, just in case, as a result of investigating on a relatively high-spec Mac machine (M2 MacBook Pro) in the department,
The impression was that the performance was slightly improved, but the operation was still slow.
Here are the machines I checked:
Model ID: Mac14,7
Processor: Apple M2
Memory: 24 GB
Mac OS Ventura 13.0.1

As an additional information, we have confirmed that it can be reproduced in VW2023 SP4 (Build 693289) recently released in Japan.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104396

Users would like an option to reduce the size as much as the Vectorworks2019 specification when executing the "Export PDF".

Hayato Wada

From Vectorworks2020, the export PDF design have changed, and depending on the objects, the export PDF file size is now larger than the previous version.
Users would like an option that can reduce the capacity as much as the specification of Vectorworks2019.

PDF file size
・VW2019: 716KB
・VW2023
None(highest image quality): 1.10MB
Maximum(lowest image quality): 0.99MB

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104389

The user wants to be able to set a shortcut key for a command menu in the worksheet menu.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to set a shortcut key for a command menu in the worksheet menu.
For example, it is very convenient to be able to set a shortcut for the "Format Cells".

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104388

The user wants to be able to specify the number of digits to round off with the "ROUND" function that can be used in worksheets.

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to specify the number of digits to round off with the "ROUND" function that can be used in worksheets.
In ROUNDUP/ROUNDDOWN, by entering (number, digits), it is possible to "round down/round up the number of decimal digits", so they would like to use it in the same way.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104381

Please add a function to switch the“Visible" / the“Invisible” of objects imported into Vision.

Hayato Wada

The user would like to be able to switch the“Visible" / the“Invisible” of imported objects like as the design layer and classes of Vectorworks.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104371

A user would like the "Redline" tool to be added to Fundamentals.

Hayato Wada

A user would like the "Redline" tool to be added to Fundamentals.
Fundamentals has many 2D users, so they need a function that can be checked with the "Redline" tool.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104351

After importing with Bitmap, the user would like to be able to switch to "Bitmap and Image Resource", or export the imported image with Bitmap to image resource.

Hayato Wada

The user would like to have the same functionality after importing an image so that they can select the import method (Bitmap, Image Resource, Bitmap and Image Resource) when importing an image file.
For example, after importing with Bitmap, the user would like to be able to switch to "Bitmap and Image Resource", or export the imported image with Bitmap to image resource.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104347

The user wants to be able to set ON/OFF of the setting of "Flip Text" of the dimension line on the "Edit Custom Dimensions Standard".

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to set ON/OFF of the setting of "Flip Text" of the dimension line on the "Edit Custom Dimensions Standard".

For example, after drawing with the "Unconstrained Linear Dimension" tool, it is necessary to check "Flip Text" from the "Object Information Palette" every time.
By creating a dimension standard [for flip text] in advance, the user can change the dimension standard only once even if "Unconstrained Linear Dimension" are created in 10 locations.
However, since it is saved as a dimension standard, it may be better to make detailed settings such as inverting the range of 30 degrees or 89 degrees.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104327

The user wants an "overwrite" button in the record format that attached to the symbol on the object information palette.

Hayato Wada

When a symbol is replaced, the record format linked to the symbol before replacement is still displayed in the record format column of the object information palette after replacement.(Attached movie : 299-01)
Or, each time a record format replaces the attached symbol, the attched record format increments.(Attached movie : 299-02)
The user would like to able to three types the "Detech(Delete)", "overwrite", and "Merge" button.
Since there are "Detech(Delete)" and "Merge"button,the user wants an "overwrite" button in the record format that attached to the symbol.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104316

The user wants to be able to update the information in the schedule lists of the worksheet created in "Generate Paperwork".

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to update the information in the schedule lists of the worksheet created in "Generate Paperwork".
Information is updated by right-clicking(the context menu) on the placed worksheet list (Instrument Schedule, Channel Hookup, etc.) and clicking "Update" or "Recalculate".

If the number of lighting device, channel numbers, etc. are changed after creating and arranging the "Instrument Schedule" and the "Channel Hookup", the arranged "Schedules list" must be deleted and newly created and arranged according to the above procedure.
It is very inefficient because it has to be recreated each time.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104290

The user would like to able to an option to switch the way the label tags are displayed facing outside or facing inside.

Hayato Wada

When turning on "Show tag in 3D" in the window/door settings and checking the 3D view with the Flyover tool, etc., the text is always displayed facing the outside of the wall.

The user would like to able to an option to switch the way the label tags are displayed facing outside or facing inside, as the text is flipped when viewed from the inside.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104289

The user wants to be able to select in the Callout tool with options such as "whether to Keep or Delete the previously entered information".

Hayato Wada

The user wants to be able to select the content entered in the item of "Callout text" in the Callout tool with options such as "whether to Keep or Delete the previously entered information" .

The current design is that the text can keep, but it cannot delete.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104283

A user has requested that the "Border" style in the "Soft Goods" tool be changed to display the same as the "Curtain" style.

Hayato Wada

A user has requested that the "Border" style in the "Soft Goods" tool be changed to display the same as the "Curtain" style.

The "Border" style is an object where the upper hanging position is constructed with a centerline and the lower hem pleats are slanted back and forth.
They can change the position back and forth with "Reverse side" ON or OFF in the Object Info palette.
For that reason, if setting it to 2D/Top, only the pleats of the hem will be displayed, and the display will be shifted forward and backward from the displayed centerline.

The curtain type also has the display of the pleats of the hem, but it is drawn at the core(centerline) when it is made into a 2D/Top.

When displayed the "Border" style in 2D/Top, it will be drawn with the same core(centerline) as the curtain style, so it would like you to change the display of Vectorworks as well.
And they would like you to be able to set "front / center (core) / back" as "Pleat position" instead of "Reverse side".

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104277

A user would like to be able to calculate the cut and fill only within the selected areas in the site model where multiple "site modifiers" are created.

Hayato Wada

A user would like to be able to calculate the cut and fill only within the selected areas in the site model where multiple "site modifiers" are created.
Currently, when multiple "site modifiers" are created, all of them are calculated.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104271

A user would like to change the angle of the connecting truss object when the hinge angle of the hinge object is changed.

Hayato Wada

A user would like to change the angle of the connecting truss object when the hinge angle of the hinge object is changed.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104267

A user would like to remove the opaque display of the application window that appears when all files are closed.(Mac only)

Hayato Wada

A user would like to remove the opaque display of the application window that appears when all files are closed.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104266

A user would like to put a core line in the center of the 3D symbol data of the truss object tool.

Hayato Wada

A user would like to put a core line in the center of the 3D symbol data of the truss object tool.
If there is a core wire when converting to structural calculation software, work efficiency will increase dramatically, so we would like to request it.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104265

A user would like to the ability to make the truss obeject displayed in "Top/Plan" view look the same as in the 3D view.

Hayato Wada

A user would like to the ability to make the truss obeject displayed in "Top/Plan" view look the same as in the 3D view when entered "Hanging Angle" and "Roll Angle" with the Straight Truss tool.
Or they would like to the design that can set any 2D object.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104205

Users would like to be able to hide the contour labels when executed the "Edit Existing Contours" or the "Edit Proposed Contours".

Hayato Wada

Hide the contour labels in the "Top/plane" view by disabling "Show contour labels" on the "2D Display" tab of the "Site Model Settings" dialog, but users can not hide or delete them in the edit screen.
Users complain that it is annoying when the shapes are crowded.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104223

Users would like to be able to make multiple overlapping walls into openings with one fixture (windows and doors).

Hayato Wada

Users would like to be able to make multiple overlapping walls into openings with one fixture (windows and doors).
If there are two walls and fittings are inserted into the first wall, create an opening with the same shape as the fittings at the same position on the other wall.

In BIM-like usage, Users sometimes draw with multiple walls in order to express like the constituent elements of walls. Especially in RC construction, it is often used.
Column is written this way because they have no components. Then, even if fittings are inserted into the walls, they will only enter one wall, and the rest of the walls will have to be opened manually.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104204

Users would like to open multiple Vectorworks files even if double-clicking in succession.

Hayato Wada

Even if trying to open multiple Vectorworks files by double-clicking them in succession, they will not open. Users would like to open it even if double-clicking in succession.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104206

Users would like to be able to set the text color and the text background color from the "Format Text" dialog of the Text menu.

Hayato Wada

The text color and the text background color can be set from the "Edit Text Style" dialog, but not from the "Format Text" dialog. Users would like to be able to set the text color etc... in the same way from the "Format Text" dialog.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104203

Users would like to the object snap to work when clicking (3rd time) even when setting the Roof Slope of the“Roof Face”.

Hayato Wada

If "2nd Click Height" of “Roof Slope” is selected, the object snap does not work even when clicking (3rd time) when setting the Roof Slope of the“Roof Face”.
If it can not snap to the object,it can not be created with an accurate height.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104144

I would like to be able to use the standard toolset image when created a "New Tool Set" in the "Workspaces Editor".

Hayato Wada

I would like to be able to use the standard toolset image when created a "New Tool Set" in the "Workspaces Editor".

Users need to ready for the toolset image myself.

It is a request from a user to be able to easily use the standard toolset image because it is difficult to prepare this image.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104125

Users would like to be able to import layers created by Rhinoceros when executed the "Import Rhino 3DM".

Hayato Wada

Users would like to be able to import layers created by Rhinoceros when executed the "Import Rhino 3DM".

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104126

Users would like to the "Smart Options Display" to select each item in the Attributes palette.

Hayato Wada

Users would like to the "Smart Options Display" to select each item in the Attributes palette.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104107

Vectorworks takes a long time to start. Users say they want it to start faster.

Hayato Wada

Vectorworks takes a long time to start. Users say they want it to start faster.
The stress of the users who have to wait before the start of work is great.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104106

Users say they want to be able to specify text size in "Vectorworks Preferences".

Hayato Wada

When the monitor resolution increases, the text size of menus and dialogs becomes smaller and less visible.
Users say they want to be able to specify text size in "Vectorworks Preferences".

With the increasing use of high-resolution monitors such as 4K, I feel stressed because I can't see the characters well.
Being able to customize Vectorworks for each user to make it easier to use will increase the value of the user experience.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-104104

When executed "Export VGX(3D only)", I want the Vectorworks drawing screen to be the starting screen.

Hayato Wada

When saved it to VCS, the starting screen of "Export Web View(3D only)" was the Vectorworks drawing screen, but "Export VGX(3D only)" is no longer the starting screen.

Users pointed out that it was inconvenient because VGX could not do what was possible with the Legacy system (Export Web View).

Please see the attached png files.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-103930

I would like the lighting device to support multiple address settings.

Hayato Wada

Moving lights such as "Light Instr Varilite VL 1000 " and "Light Instr Varilite VL5" have separate DMX addresses for the lighting device main unit and the moving part, and the set GDTF file can be set to the lighting device in Vectorworks. However, Vectorworks has only one place to set the "Universe" and "Address", and it is not possible to set multiple addresses.
Therefore, sending to VISION will only reflect a single setting. I would like you to be able to support multiple address settings.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-103886

I would like the client machine of Site Protection software to remove the Vectorworks Sign In function.

Hayato Wada

I would like the client machine of Site Protection software to remove the Vectorworks Sign In function.

The reason for this is that it is very difficult to create a large number of accounts at the time of product introduction, depending on the usage status of the user.
Since the Site Protection software is a floating license, there may be more users than the holding number of licenses.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-103902

I would like to switch the Renderworks Camera between three-point perspective and two-point perspective.

Hayato Wada

I would like to switch the Renderworks Camera between three-point perspective and two-point perspective.

When looking up at the building with the Renderworks Camera, the "Height" is distorted due to the three-point perspective method.
I would like to be able to also display two-point perspective and not distort the "Height" .

The attached png data is a three-point perspective drawing of Vectorworks.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-103897

I would like to be able to hang the "Video Screen" of "Event Design" vertically from the ceiling and project it onto the floor.

Hayato Wada

I would like to be able to hang the "Video Screen" of "Event Design" vertically from the ceiling and project it onto the floor.

At concerts and events, there are cases where projection mapping is performed on the floor, but the projector cannot be placed in the center of the screen, so it is difficult to express it. In addition, after planning with Vectorworks, it will be a necessary function to send data to VISION and verify lighting and images.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-103888

I would like to have a function to create the "Barn Door" of the Door tool in any size.

Hayato Wada

I would like to have a function to create the "Barn Door" of the Door tool in any size.

This is because the dimensions of the Door tool and the size of the "Barn Door" are designed to work together, but the user wants to create a gap at the bottom of the "Barn Door".

Hayato Wada

VE-103590

I would like the VW2023 installer to skip the request for the LDF file and work even if a user does not have an internet connection.

Hayato Wada

I would like the VW2023 installer to skip the request for the LDF file and work even if a user does not have an internet connection.

Current design prevent Series B and Series G users from using the installer without an internet connection.

This is a very big problem in Japan.
I hope that this problem is resolved quickly.

Related:VB-190866

I look forward to hearing from you.

Hayato Wada

A&A

VE-99867

Request_About Vectorworks Operating System Compatibility List.

Hayato Wada

Would you please display the “Operating System” for each OS version in the “Vectorworks Operating System Compatibility List”?

This is because users often ask, "Is this version of “Windows 10” or “Mojave” supported to work in VW?”.
(Screen Shot : Windows 10 versions. png )
(URL : https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet)

AUTODESK is displayed in the “System Requirements”.
(Screen Shot : AUTODESK. png )

If it is not possible to display the “Operating System” for each OS version and if all OS versions are supported to work in VW, please display that to “Vectorworks Operating System Compatibility List”.

Hayato Wada
A&A

VE-99591

Request_About “JIRA” comments

Hayato Wada

There are cases when we do not know to whom the “JIRA” comments are written.
If sending a comment to A&A, please write the name of the person in charge or “A&A”.

tag:Work efficiency improvement request for 2020

Hayato Wada
A&A

VE-103470

Graphic Legend, Window schedule - sliding window do not show 3d open

Hans-Olav Andersen

Se attached screenshots

The window style RH-01-H is defined with 45° opening in 3d to show the door slightly open

It displays right in normal section viewport but not in elevation in the graphic legend

Its shows open in plan view.

The file attached to report VB 190360 contains the graphic legend and windows.

VE-100820

Hardscape Tool - Slopes

Hannah Bell

Within the "Slope" function in the Hardscape tool, in particular for "Downward Ratio (Rise/Run)" & "Upward ratio (Rise/Run)";

Using downward ratio (rise/run) as an example - If you place two slopes on the hardscape ("Slope" & "Slope A") that appear identical onscreen (please see Screenshot 1), you will see in Object Info that the ratio for "slope" is a positive value and the ratio for "slope A" is a negative value. Manually changing the "Slope A" ratio to a positive value tilts the hardscape in the opposite direction. The only way to make the values in object info match up (see Screenshot 2) is to reverse the physical slope on the Hardscape, pointing the arrow in the opposite direction so that "Slope A" identifies as a "rise" rather than a "fall".

I think there needs to be consistency between the cells in Object Info so that both values either appear positive or negative, to avoid confusion. Potentially the word "Fall" could be added to the Slope A (and B) ratio cells when the ratio is a negative and the minus sign removed from the ratio itself. In the same vain, "Rise" could be added to positive ratios for consistency's sake.

VE-99381

2019 Plant Catalog Imperial to Metric

Hannah Bell

It would be useful to be able to convert dimensions from Imperial to Metric through the catalog itself like you can in the Plant Database. This is fairly integral for the UK market.

VE-101009

Sign In dialog should support 1Password or similar

Gunther Miller

-Launch Vectorworks
-In the upper-right, click the, "Sign In" option
-When the Vectorworks Sign In dialog appears, there doesn't appear to be a hook, into using something like 1Password, to fill out your Username and Password
-It seems logging in using the Facebook or Google option, would allow you to use something like 1Password

VE-103605

Have the installer remove purgeable disk space before installing, to avoid low disk space warnings

Gunther Miller

From the Vectorworks Beta Forum. Some testers are up against lost disk space, though seemingly have plenty to install, yet are presented with a low disk space message. Mac apparently has purgeable disk space, they would like the installer to remove, so they can install Vectorworks without incident.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/99927-vectorworks-2023-2800-663882-sp0-beta-6-now-available-for-download/&do=findComment&comment=440240]

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/99927-vectorworks-2023-2800-663882-sp0-beta-6-now-available-for-download/&do=findComment&comment=448561

VE-103335

T02270 - Home Screen - Ability to select and open multiple files at once from the Home Screen

Gunther Miller

I recently tested a bug where it was required to open two files available from within the Home Screen and had to open the Home Screen twice to open both files.

VE-102876

Attribute Palette - allow for smaller line thickness than .03

Gunther Miller

Currently the Attribute Palette line thickness requires values between .03 and 6.48mm

User on the forum claims he specifically needs a line thickness of .025mm as output to a laser for cutting. When user enters .025mm as a value, it's rounded up to .03.

From my limited experience with a couple of lasers, only a vector path was needed and line thickness was ignored. Perhaps higher end lasers allow for varied line thickness?

Here's the forum post:

Hello, if I want the line thickness value set to 0,025mm in VW2022 SP3 (actually: in any version...) it jumps back to 0,03mm.

I need that specific line weight in order to be able to send output to our laser cutting machines.

Any thoughts on finding the right setting to have more than 2 decimals in line thickness?

Spoiler, it's not in:

Attributes Palette > Pen > Set Thickness (only rounding to 2 decimals)
Document Settings > Document Preferences > Dimensions (i can only change thickness for the slash),
Document Settings > Units (that for dims, not thickness),
Tools > Options > Preferred Line Thickness (only rouding to 2 decimals)
Tools > Organization > Classes > Edit > Graphic Attributes > Pen Thickness

And I do not want to use Illustrator for it (as is our regular workflow for now).

The less applications our students need to master, the better it is for their creative energy...

VE-99534

I’m still hoping for a “Truss Summary Tool” that would work similar to the “Instrument Summary Tool”

Gunther Miller

Thank you
I’m still hoping for a “Truss Summary Tool” that would work similar to the “Instrument Summary Tool”. Before using the “Insert Truss” tool ( which is great ) I would insert a Truss symbol, turn it into an “Accessory” and they would show in the Instrument Summary. Now when you insert a Truss it is connected to Braceworks and is no longer part of the key. I do make reports but it is no where near the same.
Thank you again.
Michael Keller
2817 Bryant Ave
Las Vegas, NV. 89102
+1 702 498 4555

VE-101779

Participants of a Task Overview are notified by email when Task Overview document is updated

Gunther Miller

Prior to and during the Vectorworks beta cycle, the Task Overviews are often updated. This is indicated by the date text appearing in red, on the Task Overview page (see attached). When a Task Overview document is updated, is it possible to send those associated with the task, an email, announcing the Task Overview has been updated?

I could see this being beneficial to:
Design Manager
Development Manager
Lead Developer
UI Reviewer
Integration Tester
Final Tester
and maybe even those involved with creating the demo presentation, though at this point, I suspect the task would be mostly finished

VE-101403

Storeys - Model Setup

Gunther Miller

This is receiving several approvals from other Beta Testers and though it was worth submitting:

Not being able to add levels to multiple storeys in a pain in the...

Not being able to duplicate storeys and simply rename...ditto

There needs to be a better way to manage storeys.

We need an interface were you define the number of floors, the layers, the layer prefix, the storey naming convention, the elevation, the storey levels, etc.

Something similar to the old 'Model Setup' command but brought up to date.

Whatever is then set up should be exportable and reimportable to update or create a new model file.

VE-99599

Moving 500 Lighting Devices can take over 2 minutes

Gunther Miller

-Open attached test file (7MB) which can take a couple minutes also
-Select all the Lighting Devices and move them to a new location
-Testing on an 2017 iMac 3.6GHz Intel Cor i7 with 32GB RAM takes 2:16 using 2019 SP3 (476990). Walid tested on a Lenovo P1 Intel ® Xeon E-2176M CPU @ 2.70GHz with 32GB RAM and it took 2:05. Walid also tested on a HP Z2G4 mini and it took less time at 1 min 14 secs. This supports the comment from Moritz, made below, about some hardware being faster.

-A Sample Process from Mac's Activity Monitor has been attached along with a Trace from Instruments.

---Related---
Mortiz reported he was seeing significant time differences between hardware, though the hardware was similar. Here are a few of his comments:

Mo has been at a training for N&M. They have recently bought 30 licences of Spotlight. Currently they want to buy new computers, (50...100 pieces) so they want something that works fine with VW. We made a test with several laptops, and it made really strange results. The testing task was duplicating 600 Lighting Devices, and then move them. The fastest PC made this in 25s, the slowest needed almost two min. The slowest was my MacBookPro with i9 and Vega20 graphic for thousands of $ The fastest was the cheapeast Win Laptop with i7 and a Quatro 1000...And Laptop with i7 and Quatro 2000 was three times slower them then the other one...
Wanted to connect you and see if you had any ideas.

Depending on the machine it takes between 0,5 min to 2 min.
Here is a video (video attached) from this tests. I was at their office for a training, and we tried it.
We tested the

- HP zBook Studio G5
- ThinkPad P1 - P2000
- MacBookPro i9 Vega20

All the Windows Laptops had a Quadro card.

User logs from the above computers attached

VE-99952

Offer Quit Vectorworks option on updater dialog for better user experience

Gunther Miller

Curious if the updater is working as designed or not. both times, I've checked for updates, get prompted that there is a service pack available, so I click more info which sends me to the install pane. Upon clicking Update, I am told VW must not be running. I then have to manually switch back to VW, Quit and then make the installer the focus and resume updating.

Use-wise, it might be a more pleasant experience if it offered me a button to quit VW (saving open work in the process) and automatically resume updating.

Thanks for listening.

Ion

VE-99556

Why doesn't the VW installer allow a user to use his/her fingerprint?

Gunther Miller

Why doesn't the VW installer allow a user to use his/her fingerprint? Only password is an option. Everything else I've got now allows fingerprint unlock.

VE-103547

GML files import

Grzegorz Krzemień

GML and CITYGML are the most common file extensions for urban planning/geo-localisation data. Direct import (File-import...) or dedicated plug-in is the key feature for managing urban related data and files.

Current workflow requires additional software (e.g. QGIS) to transfer .gml in 3D dwg and then import to VW. 3D dwg imports are much heavier than .gml originals (around 4 times) and far less optimal in terms of geometry.

Getting this feature would make Vectorworks much bigger player not only for urban planning offices, but also for architects.

Attachment is a common gml file with 3D building data.

VE-104146

Data Visualization Legend - Title wrapping handle

Grzegorz Krzemień

Some data Visualization Legends have long titles (attachment A1), but at the same time there is no handle to easily wrap it. As a result title might be much longer than results below which makes placing Legend on a sheet tricky or even inefficiently/ impossible.

VE-104847

Reflected ceiling tool/view

Grzegorz Krzemień

Reflected ceiling plan is a very important part of interior or architectural design, especially in a BIM workflow. We do not have a dedicated tool for this, while competitors do, which makes our software look poorer.

For now our only workaround is to make a horizontal cut plane that shows objects above the cutting plane. This works only to show geometry of objects, but it fails in terms of e.g. slab's fills, 2D bottom representation of 2D/3D symbols or adding data tags in both annotations or model.

Based on communication with our client "lack of this tool shows huge weakness compared to revit in professional interior design workflow, since in many cases reflected ceilings are 1/3 of the whole drawings set."

VE-104129

Filter by vieport button for worksheets

Grzegorz Krzemień

Graphic Legend showed that "filter by viewport" button is very handy. As a result more and more clients ask for the same functionality for worksheets.

The same behaviour is expected, so a similar button in the OIP.

VE-103790

Existing tree - adding 2D symbols to fit Polish standards

Grzegorz Krzemień

There are specific standards for 2D representation of existing tree in Polish plan and 3 symbols are missing in the standard library. Adding these would help a lot to many of our Clients, since now they need to overwrite library file to add them to the too by hand and repeat this process after library update.

Missing types:
# Coniferous tree
# Coniferous tree to remove
# Deciduous tree to remove

In the attached file there are examples of how these symbols should look like accordingly to Polish Standards (PN-B-01027).

VE-103544

Advanced text editing options

Grzegorz Krzemień

Many clients complain that ours text editing functions are very limited.
# One of the biggest is lack of any form numbered or bulleted list with intends. (See attachment 1).
# There is a need for adding outlines for texts. Example (Attachment 2) shows a real map (technical drawing) with all the numbers/IDs outlined with white. That effect is very hard to achieve by hand right now.

VE-100878

T01948 - On Demand Menu: On Demand Menu for Polygon Tool

Greg Matas

-In the attached screen shoot, I'm using the the Polygon Tool.
-In the Tool Bar, the user can enter the number of sides via input box, notice the outline is
on it by default.
-On the demand menu version, it's difficult to notice that the number of sides input box is
active because there is no active box lines unless the user puts the mouse near it.
-The Mac version it's more obvious because there is a rectangular box lines around input box
for the menu.

VE-102027

Task T02195 Texture workflow improvement (face move) should automatically select the most recent face where the texture has been recently applied to.

Greg Matas

This is most likely will be an enhancement request but I think this is worth noting.

-How I created the shell.

The one on the left
-Created a Rectangle.
-Extruded it.
-Use the shell command.

The one on the right
-Created a Rounded Rectangle
-Extruded it.
-Use the shell Command.

>On a simple solid where there are no curve faces this implementaion is fine,
because the orientation of the textures is always going to be same.
>But on solid object with a combination of curves faces and flat faces, this implementation
falls short.
>Notice on the second object it has a combination of flat faces and curves faces. Notice
when I appy the same texture.
>On the second object, I applied the texture on the flat face and selected that face in the object info palette
>Now when I apply the same texture on the diffrenent face, the curve face (fillet) notice the different orientation.
>When I change the orientation it will change the texture of the previous face, because it is still the one being currently selected.
>This one of the simple example where the face should be automatically selected.
>It removes one less step, the user doesn't have to click on the correct face in the object info palette,
just change the orientation value.

VE-105209

PlantMaster Plugin. When the plant took is active in Vectorworks.

Greg Matas

-When I have the plant tool active in Vectorworks.
-And then I use the plantmaster web palette, and I decide
to import a plant and customize the name.
-The recently imported plant doesn't become active.
-I have to search it in the resource manager.
-Please see the attached video capture.

VE-103505

Project Sharing: Project Sharing Dialog doesn't always inform user layer is not available

Greg Matas

-This might be an enhancement request.
-In the attached video, I'm attempting to check out some of
the layers that are suppose to be available to check.
-A message dialog will appear that the layer is not available.
-This probably due to the fact that certain plugin objects are link to this
particular layers. But it would be nice to have some sort of indicators that
these layers can't be check out.

VE-101643

Thumbnail preview for Hardscape Textures.

Greg Matas

-Open the attached file.
-Select the Hardscape Object.
-In the Object Info Palette, click on the "Hardscape Settings" button.
-Click on the Draw 3D options.
-Notice in the Main Texture and Border Texture, they don't have the thumbnails preview like
the equivalent counterpart in the resource manager.

VE-103142

T02280 Color Selector Improvements, same color name can be use multiple for custom.

Greg Matas

Not sure if this by design or not, but it's worth mentioning because it might cause
some confusion or disagreements with some of our user.
-In the video capture.
-I'm creating a custom color.
-I've decided to change the color but keep the custom name itself.
-Notice the different colors have the same names.
-My expectation the color would change, but not creating another instance of the same color
name but different color.

VE-102743

The T02271 - Shaded Rendering Improvements, No subtle shadow on Reflective surfaces

Greg Matas

When I render the the attached file in FQRW in Vectorworks 2022. I get a subtle shadow and reflection of a 3d Objection setting on a shiny Surface, using "Metal RT" (See attached screen shot). When I open the attached file in VW2023, when I have the "Shadows" check in and
the options "Environment Lighting", "Environment reflections", "Screen-space reflections.

I also have the shadows set to "High".

With the plan of shaded improvement for 2023, I was expecting for the best of both worlds.

If I change the texture of the surface to something that is not reflective, the shadows do show.

VE-102474

Improved performance for imported .stl file symbols.

Greg Matas

-In the attached file.
-I have imported a high vertices count .stl file.
-It is a high count vertices objects. So importing it
takes about 2 minutes.
-Notice once it appears in the resource manager.
the preview to change from Top/Plan to Right Iso
takes longer.
-In the video capture, i ended it before change.
-I can understand if the symbol is place on the drawing area
and performance degrades.
-We could at least try to improve performance for the preview in
the resource manager

VE-101916

T02241 Repeat Last Menu Command, Resets when changing Workspace.

Greg Matas

I can understand why this happens, when changing workspace, some of the menu
commands will get re-arrange. But it would be nice in future version if the "Repeat Menu Command and Recent Menu Command list " doesn't get reset when changing work space. I have attached a video capture
showing this.

VE-101897

Task T02241 Repeat Last Menu Command. Paste menu command should be added in Repeat and Last Menu Command.

Greg Matas

This is an enhancement request.
Since the menu command Paste, is probably one of the most often use, should
be added as repeat command and Last menu command in the context menu.
I have added a video capture in a scenario were it would be beneficial to have
paste as a repeat and repeat last menu command

VE-101744

Stories Tab Background in Organization Dialog doesn't adapt to dark mode.

Greg Matas

-The newer Mac OS has a dark mode.
-Almost everything else in Vectorworks will adopt to this theme.
-Except for the Stories diagram background in the Organization Dialog.
-Everything else in the organization dialog will adopt to dark them of the Os.
-Please see the attached screen shot.

VE-101654

Project Sharing, Have the Release and Check Out menu/context menu command grayed out.

Greg Matas

-In the attached video capture, notice in the context menu on the object I have selected.
-When I right click, you see the 3 project sharing command
>Check Out.
>Release.
>Administrative Release.
-Since I don't have Administrative Rights, the context menu command is grayed out.
-Notice when I check out the an object. After the I've check it out the object. If i
right click on the same object again. The "Check Out' command in the context is not grayed
out. At this point only the "Release" command should be the only one. not grayed out.

VE-101494

Have the capability to push/push rounded rectangle profile extruded object.

Greg Matas

-In the attached video, I created a simple extrude with a rounded rectangle.
-When I draw a 2D object on the top face, in this particular case a circle,
I can use the Push/Pull tool to create hole.
-But If I try to Push/Pull the rectangle top face (with the circle drawn), the feature
doesn't work. If I recall correctly, Senthil explain to me that this is a WAD.
-It would be nice if we can add this for 2022.

VE-101483

Image effects pull down list always reverts back to Active Settings.

Greg Matas

-Open the attached file.
-Select the Viewport
-In the Object Info Palette, click on the Image Effects button.
-I have created my own settings for Images effects.
-Select the customize settings or any of the settings, click
Apply, the dialog will close.
-Click on the Images effects button again in the Object Info Palette, and
notice it always defaults to Actives Settings. There is no way of telling
Which current settings is being use. It would be nice the user which active
Settings is being use, like a checkmark besides the current settings.

VE-101213

The Resolution for the Vectorworks logo in the "About Vectorworks" looks pixelated.

Greg Matas

This an enhancement request. In a 42 inch 4K monitor, the Vectorworks logo in the About Vectorworks Dialog looks very pixelated. Please see the attached screen shot.

VE-101135

Stories Background In Organization Dialog doesn't adopt dark mode.

Greg Matas

When I change to dark mode in the Mac OS, big Sur, all the backgrounds for,
the Classes, Designed Layer, Sheet Layers, Viewports and References tab will
adapt to the dark mode. Except for the Stories diagram.
See the attached screen shot.

This is on mac OS 11.0 beta.

VE-101072

Real Time 3D Mirror Functionally in Vectorworks.

Greg Matas

It's difficult to explain , so I added a screen capture to show it. It would be nice in the
future if we have something of an equivalent to this.

VE-100575

Push/Pull - Move face (angle value) should be available for Taped Extrude.

Greg Matas

-Watch the attached movie
-When I create a tapered extrude, after the initial creation.
I use the Push/Pull Tool on the tapered extrude, notice I have the option of "Move Face Mode".
Extending the height of the Tapered Extrude and keeping the original angle of the tapered extrude
-Now if I create the same Tapered Extrude object and draw circle of top of it, if I try to
pull the original face of the tapered extrude, I don't have option to do it in "Move Face Mode" only move
Face Move option, therefore not having the option to continue the tapered extrude with angle.

I'm aware there are several workorounds.
-Do the tapered extruded to the desired height.
-Draw a circle on top of the tapered extrude then push the circle down.

VE-100544

Edit view options in the tool bar doesn’t highlight the current view that’s needs to be edited.

Greg Matas

This more an enhancement request.
-Open the attached file.
-Go to the “Save Views in the Toolbar, select the save view “MV-5”.
-As expected it will switch to that view.
-Now go back to the “Save Views” in the Toolbar, but do not select a different view.
instead click on edit, under the assumption that it’s the current view you want to edit, in
these case MV-5
-The Organization Dialog should appear, but notice the current view is not highlighted,
it always highlight the first view in the organization dialog, in this case “MV-1”

I have attached a video capture for additional information.

VE-100380

Delete Keyframe in the Animation Path should be Grayed Out in the First and Last Keyframe.

Greg Matas

-Open the attached file.
-Normally in the first and last keyframe, you can't add a keyframe. So the "Add Keyframe" button
is grayed out in the object info palette.
-The user can't delete the last and first keyframe either, but notice the "Delete Keyframe" button
is not grayed out.
-I have attached a video capture for this.

VE-100379

Limit the number of times you can open "Open Camera View in New Pane"

Greg Matas

In the Animation Path Object Info Palette, there is no limit in the
number of times you can open the "Open Camera View In New Panes".
Notice in the screen shot, when you have several instances of the New Camera
Pane, the memory is very high.

VE-100249

Iconsistencies with the Shell Command.

Greg Matas

-Open the attached file.
-Select the Fillet Object.
-Then Select the Shell Solid Tool in the 3D Modeling Tools Set.
-In the Shell Solid Preferences, select "Inside" option and enter the value of 1 thickness".
-Click Ok and peform the Shell Operation
-The shell creation will fail and you will see a message in the lower right.
-Now go back to the Shell Solid Tool and Select the Outside option with the same value of 1 thickness.
-With the option the command will work.
-But notice in the Object Info Palette, the "Inside Option is enable".
-If you click this option nothings happens, no message dialog.

There should be two options for cases like this.
1. Gray out the option in the Object Info Palette.
2. Have a message in the lower right, that the message operation will not work.

VE-100221

Stories Background Color in Organization Dialog doesn't change when changing to Dark Mode

Greg Matas

See the attached screen shot, notice I'm running the Os (Mac 10.15) in Dark Mode.
Other backgrounds in the Organization dialog will change except for the Stories background.

VE-100023

T02005 - History Based Modeling: History Modeling should be enabled to solids that were created in 2019.

Greg Matas

-In the attached screen shots.
-Both objects are the same.
-One was created in 2019 and open in 2020, notice the
History Modeling is Grayed in the Object Info Palette.
-On the other screen shot, the same object was create from scratch
in 2020.

VE-100004

T01280 - Walkthrough Animation: Create Animation. Have the option to just the point of angle of the camera in each Key Frame.

Greg Matas

-Open the attached file.
-In this particular example I created an animation from a Polyline, using the
menu command
Model->Create Animation->Create Walkthrough From Selection.
-In this particular example I want the house to be in the center of the view in
each key frames.
-I check in the options "Display Frames".
-Notice I can only adjust where the camera points to, on the path where there
is a vertex, not on each key frames ( 3d locus).

VE-99424

There should be a scale option for xyz axis in the Object Info Palette for extrude objects .

Greg Matas

-Open the the attache file.
-Notice you have two identical 3D objects, except there were created a different way.

-The one left is an addition objects.
-It was created by extruding each individual objects to the same value then using the
command add solids. Menu->Model->Add Solids. It's describe as a solid addition with an option to
scale x, y, z component in the object info palette.

-The one on the right an extrude object of identical shape.
-It was created by using the command. Menu->Modify Add Surface, then extrude (same value).
-It's describe as an extrude but not option to scale the xyz components.

VE-99314

Low Quality and Fast Renderworks Looks Bad with Large Scale Drawing

Greg Matas

-Look at the screen shot.
-It's a circular building.
-Notice the screen shot for Fast Renderworks and Low Quality OpenGL.
-It's a large scale drawing of the a Circular Building (Apple Park).
-On a Lower scale drawings, the Low Level rendering are fine,
it' when the user draws a large building where the imperfections
are amplified when doing lower lever renderings

VE-104731

VW activation process improvements

Greg Guarnaccia

Following installation VW requires activation before anything else can be done. The current activation process does not include a way for the user to first select a custom user folder location so the activation file can be saved in the desired location.

For existing users of a previous version this becomes an issue as they are more than likely going to be converting a previous user folder and often use the migration manager to do so. This creates a pain point where it forces a user to activate the installation twice. The first time VW uses the default user folder location and when the user attempts to select a new user folder location VW will need to activate again because the user will not want to choose to copy the default user folder contents to their custom location for fear of loosing preferences or customized files they are bringing forward. This process gets more difficult when the user has more than on installation.

For example, I have two computers that run VW and I use a single user/workgroup folder so all the content is shared. After installing VW on one computer I migrated the user folder contents to the current version and then later installed VW on the other. Each required 2 activations using up 4 total activations. It's both an unnecessary extra step in the installation process and can potentially leave the user without enough activations should any number of problems occur that require reinstallation or re-activation. These occurrences never happen at a convenient time potentially leaving the user without the ability to use VW for a critical period of time. Rather than increasing the allowed activations for an installation it would be most user friendly to simply allow the user the opportunity to select a user folder prior to activation.

VE-103081

Allow workspaces to save the location and size of the main window.

Greg Guarnaccia

Workspaces currently do not save the location or size of the main window, only the palettes. Even though 2023 saves the main window location at the end of each session, this behavior doesn't resolve the issue of managing mobility and different monitor conditions in the office vs home vs traveling.

Please consider making workspaces save both the size and location or the main VW window along with any docked palettes. This way users can create workspaces that correspond to the monitor conditions in each working environment they use.

VE-102843

Compliance with Enterprise CAD standards upon export to DWG

Greg Guarnaccia

VW comes pretty close but fails to give us the tools to export drawings to DWG using Enterprise CAD standards which are a requirement of federal government projects among others. This requires us to maintain AutoCAD in order to clean up the DWG files. Below is the list of items that I believe would fix this allowing us to export each VW sheet to DWG files meeting compliance.

* Export option for strict naming to prevent VW from appending / renaming the DLVP name with "(2D)" when it exports them as separate referenced files.
(We name the DLVPs how we want the referenced files to be named.)

* Export option to choose a custom name for the layers VW creates in the DWG file that are used for the crop boundary and referenced files.
(The layer naming convention is very specific in Enterprise standards.)

* Export option to choose if you want the references to be relative or absolute.
(VW defaults to making the references absolute which is strictly forbidden. They must be relative.)

* VW needs to export text styles to the DWG file as it already does for dimension styles.

* VW needs to give us an export option to rename the None class when it makes it a layer in the DWG file or to move everything on the None class to the 0 layer upon export eliminating the None layer usage.
('None' is a non-compliant name.)

feel like all are reasonably attainable options to create in the export DWG dialog and would have a fairly big upside by bringing VW more into the main stream to be usable for projects like these. Government projects are a huge A/E sector and they are not the only ones that require Enterprise CAD Standard compliance, or at least some level of compliance that requires one or more of these options. That's a lot of projects out there. Just in the US we are talking about billions of dollars of project value.

I would think this kind of flexibility in VW would be good for business. We've struggled with this for years now but the cost / complexity dynamic is getting notably worse as of late. Maintaining AutoCAD simply for these kinds of projects to clean up VW exports on top of having Revit and VW is becoming unsustainable.

VE-102841

VW Appends referenced file names with "(2D)" when exporting to sheet layers to DWG

Greg Guarnaccia

This has been an issue for many years that I have complained about but it keeps coming up resulting in us having to continually maintain a license for AutoCad just to fix VW file exports.

Every time one exports a sheet layer to a DWG file with the option to export DLVPs as separate referenced files, VW will append the name of those DLVPs (which becomes the file name) with "(2D)". Now these files are referenced with the appended file name. This desperately needs to stop. Anyone doing federal government work in the US must comply with Enterprise CAD standards which have very strict file naming conventions. We need to export every sheet with all our drawings, title blocks and backgrounds as separate referenced files with a very specific naming convention. We accomplish this by naming the DLVP that will be exported appropriately. This would otherwise work fine if VW didn't append those names.

Now we have to open all these files and re-reference them in AutoCad after deleting that additional text in the file name. This is so frustrating.

*Please* give us a simple option in the export to DWG dialog for "Strict Naming" that will not allow VW to append these files names.

VE-102113

Split Spotlight auto-position into separate setting for attachment and position name.

Greg Guarnaccia

I feel like the Spotlight auto-position feature has been getting progressively more strict in it's constraints. I miss having more flexibility where a symbol only needed to touch or be within the confines of a position to pick up its naming or after "attaching it to a position" you could drag it away without changing its position assignment unless you dragged it to another position. It seems now that I can't use auto-position and move the fixtures around once they are attached, except along the position. While I appreciate having the ability to closely constrain where fixtures are physically attaching to a position it's now really limiting needed flexibility in top/plan where we are always shifting fixtures around, even just a little bit, to be more visually clear with the presented information rather than completely literal.

I'm thinking that the auto-position feature needs to add a setting to control how strict the positioning of the fixture symbol is on the position. Right now I find it unusable so I'm forced to turn it off and manually enter / change position names.

VE-100154

When editing sheet numbers or titles SLVPs refresh which causes delays.

Greg Guarnaccia

When editing a sheet number or name in either the Nav palette or even the via the organization dialog, following each edit there seems to be a refreshing of SLVP happening that delays the process. Even if the sheet layer you are editing the number or title of is not displayed there is still a delay and a visible refresh if on another sheet layer. Since this is a function of editing the title block it seems superfluous to be refreshing the SLVPs and makes things slow down. For example, having to edit the sheet numbers on 92 sheets took us over an hour, most of which was was waiting for this refresh.

VE-100072

Project sharing Save & Commit times are way too long.

Greg Guarnaccia

We are routinely waiting 15-20mins on average and sometimes longer for working files to finish the Save and Commit process. This needs to be improved greatly. It discourages committing changes which defeats the premise of project sharing. It prevent working on other files while we wait too. We are loosing hours of work time each day while we wait for this.

VE-100067

Working file update progress information.

Greg Guarnaccia

Please add a dialog that displays what is happening when a user updates a working file similar to the dialog when a file is opened. As it currently stands there is no way to understand what is happening and if VW is stalled or still working. We are routinely finding that larger files require a lot of time to update, sometimes 10-15min. In these instances it is impossible to know if something has gone wrong.

VE-100054

Project Sharing close file procedure needs a cancel option if you have not committed and released.

Greg Guarnaccia

When you close a project sharing working file without having committed your changes or releasing what you've checked out, VW presents a warning dialog about this but does not provide you a way to cancel the file closing process. You can only select OK and let the file close forcing you to reopen the file to commit and release. This dialog should have an option to cancel the file close process so the user can easily return to the file to commit changes and/or release checked out items.

VE-99871

The new 2020 Align Distribute dialog is not as good as the old one.

Greg Guarnaccia

The new Align/Distribute dialog is more cryptic than it should be and less easy to use than the previous version which had nothing wrong with it.

First, the icons are way too small.

Second, the icons for Distribute are just not clear. I have to mouse over each one and read the description every time. Seems really unnecessary.

I would at least make the icons larger and find a way to use short text descriptors.

VE-99552

Class Options suspend modifier key

Greg Guarnaccia

Similar to the ability to hold a key that suspends all snaps, please consider a key command that will temporarily set class options to Show/Snap/Modify/Others while the key is pressed. This way we can work in one of the more selective settings but quickly suspend that mid operation to select something that would otherwise not be available without having to cancel out of the operation and change the setting.

VE-102393

Batch rename - record fields

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Should be great if you are able to change record fields in batches. For example, all truss objects are duplicated, and all color fields has to go from silver to black.

Batch rename -> Find and replace -> Record type -> Record field -> [Find] Silver - [Replace with] Black

VE-102306

LED screen - Curved version

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Should be great if finally a curved version of the current LED tool by Landru can be implemented.

VE-104410

Double symbol purge option

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

It would be great if there was an option to purge double symbols in your file within the same design layer. I could only find an components option within a symbol at the moment.

Sometimes with duplicate tools, symbols are copied over each other, and your count will be incorrect.

VE-104398

Global setting for default turned off spotlight fixtures

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Would be great if the spotlight fixtures can be turned off by default. When placing a lighting instrument the fixture will be always turned on.

If this is already a functionality, I'm happy to hear..

VE-104055

Object rotation in plan rotation is not accurate

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

In attached video and file. Here you find a rotation situation in plan rotation mode. The issue is that the object in the OIP is shown 0.17 degrees. When using the rotation tool to rotate the objects to 0.00 the rotate tool says it's 0.00. In fact, the object is rotated 0.17 degrees. This is confirmed by change the parameter in the OIP to zero.

In my daily use of the plan rotation I experience multiple small rotation inaccuracies. I already changed the precision factor, but no luck so far.

Can you please have a look to confirm the issue? I've made a saved view with the new "center orientation".

VE-103867

Braceworks calculation report template

Gijs Mulder

Hello,

Would be great if there is a save set or template when you make a calculation report. The goal should be that you only have to fill in project data, but now I have to change the front and back cover for each event with the right colors.

VE-103468

Ability to change class / layer visibility on DLVP reference in a viewport

Gijs Mulder

Hello,

It would be great if there is an option to change / override class and layer visibility of a DLVP reference in a normal viewport.

For example. I'm currently working on a project where we have the full AV setup in a viewport reference.

The only workaround now is duplicating the viewport reference.

VE-103399

Replace object - Workgroup acces

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Currently when replacing an object in your active drawing, the replace function doesn't give you acces to your full workgroup library.

The desired object needs to be in your active drawing if you will be able to replace it.

Example:

*Workgroup library - Layher*

I'm having multiple 2m layher standards that I want to replace for 3m ones. I'm selecting all 2m standards, and hit replace. When going to the workgroup folder, I can't acces my Layher library. I first have to insert the 3m standard into the active file so I can find him in de resource manager.

VE-103330

Publish folder choose and publish log

Gijs Mulder

Hi There,

Would be great if there will be some additional publish options.
* Option to choose publish log yes or no
* Options what types of automatic folders you need. For example, sometimes I only need an auto-create PDF folder, and not also the project folder after the PDF folder.

VE-102303

Pick up symbol 2D on/off checkbox in OIP

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

It should be great if it's possible to turn off the 2D pick up symbol separate in the OIP. Now it turns of the compleet 2d / 3d symbol. Now I have to put it on a separate class, what also works by default btw.

VE-102713

Publish log file option to turn off in publish menu

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

When publishing a log file will always appear on the folder destination. Would be great if there is an option to turn this of.

VE-102712

Default classing on Aisle seating tool

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Would be great if you can set a default class for Aisles. For example Seating-Aisle, now it's in de none class.

VE-102654

Publish log on/off option in publish settings

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

When auto creating folders during publishing, a log file will always appear. Would be nice if there is a checkbox if you actually want this after publishing.

Thank you.

VE-101984

DWG import - Spotlight accessory conflicts in Z axe.

Gijs Mulder

Hello,

When exporting a lighting rig with spotlight fixtures while using accessory hooks on it, the actual zero reference point changes. So the total fixture moves in the Z axe to the base.

I can understand that this happens because it's a plugin object, but it still quite annoying for the people who has to import the file.

Please see attached screenshot of the example (imported myself in vwx).

VE-102549

Shaded shortcut cmd+shift+G

Gijs Mulder

Hello,

In 2021 we had the shortcut to OpenGL render mode. Now with Shaded mode the command doesn't work anymore. Can't find any new shortcut for this functionality.

Hopefully the cmd + shift + G can comeback

VE-102436

Vertical truss issue - vertical truss

Gijs Mulder

Dear (probably Morritz),

I've made some tower trusses for my ground support towers, what worked really well in 2021. Now with the new magnet system, vertical truss doesn't behave well.

* Preview of the attached truss is horizontal instead of vertical.
* I'd selected no roll allowance on the truss parts because of thicker tubes on one side. That causes that the top block cannot rotate snap on the top of the tower. Please advice.
* Cross section data truss length sometimes disappears when importing symbols from my workgroup library. So when importing the length data is empty.

Please see attached video and file. I've included also the 2021 file as reference how it should work.

VE-102462

Bracket accessory fix

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

When using the bracket accessory you can effect the z height of the symbol by adding a loci including a parts record - point. The downside of this is that you have to make a separate bracket per fixture type when the are base height differences.

Should be great if you can add a loci to the base of the symbol, and a loci on the bottom of the bracket.

Another solution for me can be adding the accessory already within the fixture symbol positioned on the correct base height. Currently when inserting this method, the bracket will move to the bounding box, and you stil. have to adjust this at edit acc.

VE-101584

Rigging - Stock bridle parts into workgroup

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

Nowadays bridle parts for the bridle tool will picked (as far as I discovered) from the Stock Bridle Parts file in the applications library on your local machine. In case working with a Workgroup, the thing you actually want is that you can refer to the Workgroup folder instead of the application folder in the rigging bridle tool.

VE-101583

Structural member - rigging version

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

Placing motors on structural beams works fine. Nevertheless, I notice that structural beams aren't designed for Braceworks.

Below some enhancements for a future updated structural member:

- Structural beam that will not need house points
- Structural beam were multiple bridles and straights can not be place on exact the same location on the beam (with auto insertion mode). I know the workaround with multiple house points, but that's just not what you want.
- Option to auto connect a single hoist (straight) to a structural member.
-It is highly recommended to have a structural beam element which can transfer the reaction forces from bridles and straight drops towards the node points of the structural framework of the building. In this case you could evaluate the total occuring load at the node point of the building (in 90% of the time these allowable node loads are known and provided by the building owner). It is not necessary to create a structural beam element which will be calculated on strength and stability by itselves, that can be done in separate software by a structural engineer.

VE-102310

Layer delete pop-up with reassign option

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Would be great if there will be a pop up that's asking what to do with the layer objects in the deleted layer. Basically the same as what you have with classes delete.

See screenshot of what I mean.

VE-102311

Object summery or overview of what is in the deleted class

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

When deleting classes attached to objects, the pop-up aks if you want to reassign the objects. It would be a nice feature if you are able to see what the deleted objects will be with the class (even within symbols). Maybe even to be able to select them.

Please see a little bit of backstory;

Sometimes during drawing, some new classes appear. To clean my classes list I delete them and reassign, or give them a prefix / correct name.

The thing is, sometimes there are very strange named classes and I don't even know to which object it's connected to. Therefor it would be nice to see that in a summery of what object have these classes. Even within groups and symbols.

VE-102305

Aisle default classing

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Should be great to be able to default class an aisle object so it can be turned off more easily.

VE-102307

LED tool symbol based

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

It would be a great functionality if we can use the LED tool with symbol based items like the speaker, or projection tool.

VE-102060

Speaker tool tilt angle

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Currently when using the speaker tool, you could rotate a speaker only by one axe. It would be great if you also can tilt it the other way.

If this is possible you are able to rotate it it in to a floor monitor. Now I have to make a duplicate symbol to rotate the speaker to the correct position.

VE-102304

Seating aisles should be adjusted as a polygon instead of a profile

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

At the moment to adjust an aisle, you have to edit the profile instead of being a polygon to edit the vertices. A work around is clipping and adding surfaces, but you actually want to double click on the surface to adjust it immediately.

VE-102302

Implement dome cameras into the camera tool

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Currently dome cameras are not compatible in the current video tool. SHould be a great feature to implement this. I already made some of my own versions. This will make my idea a little bit more clear. Please see attached.

For the lens I now created a locus point only so it worked.

PS: it's also not implemented in the 2022 release.

VE-102053

MVR Cloud export

Gijs Mulder

Dear,

Nowadays the event industry makes a lot of use of the MVR functionality, which is a great feature. Besides, complete rigs exporting in MVR will take a lot of time to generate the file. Work around for this is separate layer exports.

Would cloud export be an option for this? Is this technically possible? It would a great to have this feature in order you can still maintain your work.

VE-101678

2D auto rotation - conventional only

Gijs Mulder

Hello,

It would be a nice feature when plan rotation of conventional lights listen to Focus - Pan in the OIP, and auto rotate to the same focus position as the 3D part.

For example:
* Rotate in OIP the Pan info to 45*
* ETC will be rotated in the 2D version as well instead of custom plan rotation.

It will be very important that this will only work on static lights and not moving lights.

VE-101585

Moving multiple truss lines simultaneously

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

When trying to retrim three LX trusses on different heights in total for example -100cm, doesn't not work with attached hoists.

When retrimming 1 LX, you can set this easily within the OIP. When multi select different trusses, you want to be able to multi trim them to a different height (in total or seperate).

Attached a example file with 3 LX's that I want to change the height relatively 100cm.

Hope there will be a future solution on this one.

VE-101582

Speaker array tool - enhancements

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

Updated speaker tool is very cool! This tool will help you a lot with realistic audio array plans.

Sadly, there are some subjects that I want to point out. For example, the auto hybrid function, what works very well (on paper), is enormously slow. When using real symbols (even the ones from VWX), populate array is very hard.

Even dragging of total arrays to X - Y - Z coordinates is a pain in the ** because it automatically updates the array. Workaround for this is to not populate, move the bumper to the correct position, and populate later on.

What I would like to note / ask are the following points:

- Will there be an option to fix this, and enhance the workflow in terms of the auto generating 2D part (I think this makes the tool very slowly).
- Bumpers can only be added as one bumper (A). In the future you should want to work with multiple bumpers (main bumper, underhang, etc.). Same as Speaker A, B and C.
- Braceworks rigging to a bumper works not how you want it. Speaker arrays could not be calculated within the Braceworks method, and attaching hoist to it is quite difficult. Will this be fixed?

Hopefully you have something on my feedback on this enhancement report. If you want that I split the subjects into multiple enhancements, will hear.

VE-101575

Hoist multi add feature

Gijs Mulder

Hi,

In the current hoist tool, you can copy a single hoist from truss LX to LX. This will only works with 1 hoist selected.

For example, what you actually would like is that you are able to select multiple hoists from LX 1, and paste them to LX 2.

I reproduced this situation in the attached screen recording.

VE-100673

Impossible to include plant record image in worksheet

Gerrit Vanoppen

In the plant style records, it is possible to add an image of the plant. It is impossible though, to display this image in a worksheet.

VE-101007

Hardscape Tag Opacity

Gerrit Vanoppen

In the Hardscape Attributtes palette, you cannot uncheck the option "link pen opacity" so when you make the hardscape transparent the tag also becomes transparent.

VE-102192

Impossible to change the precision of secondary chain dimension units

Nele De Moor

It is impossible to change the presision of secondary chain dimension units. With solitary dimensions you can change the precision of the secondary dimension units in the OIP. With chain dimensions, this option is absent.

VE-101006

Section VP annotation moves

Gerrit Vanoppen

The section VP annotation (title) is being shifted when changing the VP projection type.

VE-100248

Add space between dimensional value and unit mark

Gerrit Vanoppen

While the area reads "XXX sq m" (with spaces), the perimeter reads "XXXmm" (no space).
Please add a space in the perimeter to make it read "XXX mm"

VE-100480

Add ability to set Geolocation in other than Lat/Long

Gerrit Vanoppen

Since the Stake object supports X/Y in p.e. meters, users want to set its geolocation in meters as well.

VE-100703

Landscape area bucket mode changes

Gerrit Vanoppen

It would be nice to be able to use bucket mode of landscape area not only to convert 2D shape into landscape area but also for existing landscape areas

VE-100431

Stair Tool Improvements (add parts)

Gerrit Vanoppen

It would be usefull if you could add stair parts in the stair tool settings, like it was with the custom stair tool (see picture).

In the custom stair tool, you can add stair components as much and in which way you want. This should be possible in the current stair tool as well.

VE-100257

Stair first step value other than "1"

Gerrit Vanoppen

In the stair's 2D options, there's an option to number your treads, which is great. In multi- story buildings, your numbering should be continuing the complete height. Now, if you number your treads the numbering always starts with "1". If you could choose the starting number, you could just continue numbering your stairs till the upper floors. This feature will save a lot of time, in stead of the manual numbering you have to do now.

VE-100479

Tab order in Renderworks Bump Edit dialogs

Gerrit Vanoppen

See attached screencast
Tab order of dialogs should be reviewed to be logical and productive

VE-100156

Hardscape Dialog Name field

Gerrit Vanoppen

This is a request for a redesign of the Hardscape dialog in such way that the name field is large enough for somewhat longer object names.

VE-100791

Creating an orbit animation is a lot more difficult compared to older versions

Gerrit Vanoppen

We have some clients who miss some of the functions from the old animation command in the new 2020 animation workflow.
Watch the added video to see how easy it was to create a video orbiting your objects from your active view in version 2019.

In version 2020, it is also possible to create an orbiting video, but the workflow is less intuitive and slower.

I think there is a need for a one- click workflow for creating orbitual animations from your active view, especially because it was there in previous versions
----
Linked to JIRA issues:

VE-100649
VB-169301

VE-100095

Import several mtextur resources at once

Gerrit Vanoppen

Allow the user to make a multiple selection on the mtextur page, to import several resources at once

VE-100032

GIS plugin: [Setup...] button

Gerrit Vanoppen

The [Setup...] button should be in fact a [Reset] button.

Right now, you expect a dialog to open (because of the ...), but instead it seems to reset the dialog to it's standard values. Is it a bug in the program, or a translation error...?

If it really works in a way described above, the source name of this button should be adjusted as "Reset".

Based on TO2034 there must be a mistake in the source text:
GIS > 11121 LayerGeorefDlg.vwstrings > 62 "Setup..." - it should be "Reset" (see image Bug_GIS_Setup03).

VE-100705

In BCF Manager, "New" button is covered by "Delete button"

Nele De Moor

The buttons should be resized in order to allow for translated strings in languages other than English.

VE-100100

Fonts in the Vectorworks Cloud

Gerrit Vanoppen

For example: the font type futura.ttc is not supported on the Vectorworks cloud. However it is a font type installed by default on mac, an can be used without any problem within Vectorworks. It is not possible to put the font yourself in the cloud services map, because the extension is .ttc in stead of .ttf (however both are true type). Conversion is not always succesfull.

Wouldn't it be logical to include all mac and/or PC default types (if they are True type or Open type) in the Vectorworks cloud services? and include an abillity to handle .ttc fonts (which are actually a container of .ttf fonts)?

Now some clients decide to not process their pdf's in the cloud because their favorite (mac or PC default) font is not supported.

VE-100428

Slab Texture Control in Object Info Palette

Gerrit Vanoppen

Compared to the Wall object, the OIP for Slab objects is rather limited.
This wish is to expand it's possibilities as shown in the attached images (wall vs slab), more specifically parameters for scaling, mapping, rotating...

VE-100094

Spotlight Find and Replace

Gerrit Vanoppen

Right now, the pulldown list doesn't seem to sort itself.
The screenshot is still doable, but many projects have much more resources no doubt.

Alphabetical sorting is one way. On top of that, perhaps have hyphens create sub-categories (see Classes)

VE-99329

Curtain Wall Style Settings

Gerrit Vanoppen

Draw a wall with style "+CW-Multistory-Vert Fin Trip Glaz". Edit the wall style and choose "frame settings". Enter the settings of "Top boundary frames"...

Here, the standard setting are strange. Both the thickness and depth are 0. The depth should follow the wall thickness and the thickness should be something realistic, like 100mm.
Another problem are the default attributes settings. The fill and line are "none" by default. They should follow the class settings.

VE-100433

Wall Component Face Area Formula

Gerrit Vanoppen

To calculate the area of a wall component, it would be usefull you could choose the face (left, middle or right). At the moment you cannot choose the face of the wall component on which you can calculate the surface. The face is predetermined by some rigid and nontransparent rules:

1. The outer component's area (left) is always calculated by the outer face
2. The main component is calculated based on the inner face of the component. Except when the main component is the outer component.
3. The other component's area is calculated by the face which is the closest to the main component.

Most users are not prepared to this complexity, and don't understand what reference Vectorworks actually uses.

It might be clearer if you could use for example formulas like "=comparealeftbyname(name)" with "left" specifying you want to calculate the area of the component's outer face

VE-99355

Extend wall component name over 62 characters limit

Gerrit Vanoppen

The Wall component name length is limited to 62 characters.
We need this to allow for more.
The component name is part of our bill of quantities workflow. The longest name we might need (right now) would be around 122 characters. So maybe 256 would be a good number.

VE-100789

Structural Member should create a wall opening

Gerrit Vanoppen

If you draw a structural element against a wall and it links, it shout be cutting out the wall's geometry automatically. At this moment, the user needs to make the wall opening himself. This opening is not linked to the structural member's location, which leads to errors.

VE-99503

Support for MGRS file format

Gerrit Vanoppen

Please add support to handle MGRS format in Georeferencing

VE-100674

Export to Sketchup

Gerrit Vanoppen

This wish is about an export function of a .vwx file to a Sketchup file.

VE-100862

Rotating texture for texture bed is not possible

Gerrit Vanoppen

When you create a texture bed on a site model the texture is set randomly. There should be a way to rotate it to get good direction of the texture.

VE-99768

Plant massing coniferous shrubs (on a technical drawing)

Gerrit Vanoppen

According to Polish technical standards, a group of coniferous shrubs should look in a certain way. It is not possible to get that look using plant massing in Plant settings. The wish is to make it possible. See screenshot for further reference
Wish: additional options to further detail the Plant massing display

VE-100157

GIS Stake SET button

Gerrit Vanoppen

Coming from the Mode Bar Settings button, the Set Geolocation button does nothing, could perhaps be left out of this dialog box.

VE-99305

Texture Rotation on Hardscape object

Gerrit Vanoppen

In 2018, the user would right-click on a Hardscape object, choose edit slab and rotate the texture in OIP/Rendering Tab.
The 2019 Hardscape object doesn't support that approach anymore, so it's no longer possible to rotate the texture of a hardscape.
We take that as a step backward in functionality - hence the high priority.

Answer from Tech Support:

Myself and another tech have messed with this for awhile here, and it
doesn’t seem to be possible as it was in 2018. It appears that in 2019, you
would now need to create a new texture on the new rotation you want OR
extract the top face of the hardscape and apply a texture to a separate
object.

This definitely seems to be a downgrade in terms of functionality as this
used to be pretty easy in 2018. This seems like something that should be
submitted as a feature request.

Thank you
--
*ALEXANDER SAGATOV*
*SENIOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST*

VE-100924

Getting Structural Member profile dimensions with data tag

Gerrit Vanoppen

If you want to display a profile dimension of a sturctural member profile (for example "breadth"), you now don't gat a "real" dimensio, but some kind of record text. The display of this text is confusing. This should be rather a real dimension value which corresponds to the document's unit settings.

VE-100863

Constraints Palette docking

Gerrit Vanoppen

For some time now, we have been able to dock palets to the drawing with Vectorworks on a Mac. The Constraints Palette is the only one that responds differently on Mac than on Windows.

On a Mac you can dock it small, but on Windows it takes the full width of your screen. Which makes you lose a lot of space.

VE-100801

Locked object Associative Dimension error

Gerrit Vanoppen

When you place associative dimensions on a locked object, you will get an error every time you place a dimension.

It would be useful if there was a checkbox to choose to not show this error again.

VE-100799

Curtain tool give wrong weight based on the object dimensions

Gerrit Vanoppen

The total weight of the curtain object does not take in account the height. Only the lenght affects the total weight.

As the density of the material seems to be an arbitrary value, an enhancement of the tool should be to add a reccord format to the curtain object containing a selectable list of different materials with the corresponding density so we could choose the material of the curtain for the calculations

VE-99791

Possible improvement of AR

Gerrit Vanoppen

With the current implementation of AR, it is the user who decides where the AR model should be placed in the camera view. We might improve on that experience by adding the option to use geolocation ("automatic placement")

CONTEXT:
One of our employees went to a meeting about VR/AR/MR (organized by the Belgian scientific institute for the building world). A lot of contractors were present, all Revit users. They had been trying to use AR on their building sites. One of the things they complained about was that the Autodesk app wasn't able to automatically detect the location for the AR.

TRAIN OF THOUGHT:
Cell phones have a rough kind of geolocation. You have GPS, and you have the triangulation of cell phone masts.
Vectorworks supports geo-location. We already export the data with IFC and Shape, so theoretically we should be able to export it together with he AR model to Nomad. Not all Vectorworks flavors have geolocation, but the ones where this would matter do.
Based on that, Nomad could be able to suggest a position / location for the AR model. Obviously there should be an option to move the model away from the suggested location, and you should get a warning if the current cell phone position is too far away from the AR-model (maybe even with a direction and distance indication).

POSSIBLE OBJECTION:
It might be that the location data you get from cell phones is too rough to use. On the other hand, chances are that GRID-based GPS solutions will make their way to cell phones (if they haven't already). So even if current cell phones are not yet up to par, it might be a way for us to stay ahead of the curve.

VE-100793

Section VP Finite Depth Settings

Gerrit Vanoppen

In case of a stepped section line, it would be nice to have the Finite Depth reach to follow the stepped line, rather than to max out on the top part only.

VE-100792

Showing symbol in worksheet using its detail levels

Gerrit Vanoppen

When symbols are being shown in a worksheet cell through the IMAGE function, it would be nice to be able to set their level of detail display. This option is available within the Symbol 2D Edit level and should be available in a worksheet cell display options.

VE-100790

Opening the "Fine tune camera view" settings, should activate the camera view

Gerrit Vanoppen

At this moment, when you open the "fine tune camera view" settings vie the OIP, your view swithces to a 3D view which is identical to the camera's view. Hower, the camera is not activated. This is confusing, because the user might think his camera view is activated because of the identical view. But all changes the user makes after fine tuning, won't be saved in the camera.

Therefor, I suggest the camera view activates automatically at the moment you press the "fine tune camera view" settings

VE-100704

Worksheet Units

Gerrit Vanoppen

This wish is to provide the Document Units Settings inside the Worksheet format dialog box.
Users sometimes want the ability to indicate units differently in the document versus the worksheet.
----
As part of this wish, also provide the superscript "2" and "3", because "m2" and "m3" are not really correct.

VE-100700

Scale setting for "all layers" not saved within the template

Gerrit Vanoppen

If you apply scale settings to "all layers" and save as a template, any document based on that template, has this option unchecked

VE-100678

Select objects by criteria: record field value "contains" option

Gerrit Vanoppen

When you select object by criteria, for example in a database row in a worksheet:

When you want to select object by "name", you have the option to choose for
"name" "contains" "..."

It would be useful, if you could do the same for a record field value or several other parameters which can contain textual information. For example:

"field value" "..." "contains" "..."

It will expand the possibilities of worksheets and the command "select objects by criteria" significantly.

VE-100679

Add Bot Z to all extrusions

Gerrit Vanoppen

Extrusions drawn from the normal working plane (aka 'the ground' or parallel to it) have a Z-height.
Extrusions drawn on a different working plane (aka on the side of other objects or in a front/side view) have no Z-height.

This wish is for to provide the Bot Z value to all extrusions.

VE-100682

Advanced scaling options in section viewport

Gerrit Vanoppen

For 2D plan viewports, there are several advanced scaling options, like hatch scaling, symbol scaling, marker scaling...

In section viewports you just have option for line weight and line style scaling. the advanced settings of section viewports should be expanded with the same options as you have for regular viewports.

VE-100424

Event Fencing Tool

Gerrit Vanoppen

See document attached

VE-100416

Saved Views scripts option to run after view changes

Gerrit Vanoppen

Scripts in saved views run before the view changes. Having the option to run a script after view changes would be very helpful.

When a saved view changes the active and visible layers, using a script can't help to zoom into an object on the new active layer.

VE-100432

Spotlight - Curved truss

Gerrit Vanoppen

When you use the tool "Curved truss" you have several options for the profile, when you choose flat, the profile will allways be Horizontal. It would be nice to add the option Vertical.

VE-100430

Changing Slab Style Edge Settings

Gerrit Vanoppen

When you change the Slab Style Edge Settings relative to walls, the already existing slabs in this style don't change.

It is normal that the manually edited edges are not change, but you should have the option to edit the automatic edges by changing the object style.

VE-100429

Sketch Style by class

Gerrit Vanoppen

It would be very usefull if you could set a sketch style by class

VE-100427

Wall Framer Report Format

Gerrit Vanoppen

While creating timber wall framing there's a possibility to have two reports: a general info report and a report for Bill of Quantities.

The general report:
- has 5 decimal digits for centimeter values (2 digits would be better)
- the lengths are with no unit
- the areas are in plain cm, instead of cm2 , or m2.

Both reports, the general one and the BOQ report have cell frames of 0.3 pts that look rather ugly.

VE-100425

Select Similar for Spotlight

Gerrit Vanoppen

If you want to select similar lighting devices in Spotlight, you can not use the tool "Select Similar", you need to use the command "Spotlight" > "Find and Modify".
This is very time consuming.

This wish is to expand the Select Similar tool so you can select on "type lighting device" or make "symbol name" work for Lighting Devices
Perhaps check this plug-in: [https://benghiatlighting.com/software/99-select-similar-inst-1]

VE-100370

Installer Benchmark

Gerrit Vanoppen

The Lumion installer provides a Benchmark system analysis as part of the process.
For many users, this could be usefull to have that available in the Vectorworks installer.

VE-100285

Dimension on Image Fills

Gerrit Vanoppen

A Renderworks texture can be set to have certain real world dimensions.

An image does not have those parameters. Instead, when applied, it seems to scale down to a somewhat useless result.

This wish is to add the ability to assign fixed real world dimensions to an image. This should be added to the Import Image Fill... process as well as to the Edit resource... afterwards.

Having this option will allow us to produce highly usable image libraries.

VE-100250

Window in Rounded Wall

Gerrit Vanoppen

When inserting a window in a rounded wall, the window object is being flipped inside out.

See screencast.

We want to offer this functionality to our users, but cannot given these issues. So priority is indeed HIGH.

VE-100256

Class Visibility Settings

Gerrit Vanoppen

When importing a symbol in a drawing which contains viewports, and if this symbol has class(es), these class(es) is/are invisible by default in the existing viewports.
It would be useful to add an option (in Advanced Parameters for example), allowing to decide if the classes present in imported symbols should be made visible or invisible by default.

In the same manner as the layer/class creation menu - in bottom of creation dialog box (allowing to activate or not layer/class in viewports and saved views during creation).

VE-100258

Sorting of Resources Pulldown

Gerrit Vanoppen

While the Resources pulldown is in alphabetical order in the US version, that's no longer the case in any of our localized versions.
This wish is to implement an alphabetical (re-)sorting using localized names.

VE-100259

Add Dimension Style to Class options

Gerrit Vanoppen

See mockup attached

VE-100158

Reset All Plug-ins progress indication

Gerrit Vanoppen

After launching the Reset All Plug-ins command, it would be nice to have some kind of progress indication. Right now, there is nothing except a non-responding application

VE-100099

Stair Text size

Gerrit Vanoppen

The Stair object can show several text objects like step numbers, note...
It would be nice to have control over the text style, size...

VE-100098

Update Ganging tool

Gerrit Vanoppen

Spotlight objects have a channel number.
The Ganging tools allows the user to link these (arc with channel number).
However, if the objects' channel info is changed, the Ganging info is not being updated (not even with refreshing lighting devices).
This update should be implemented.

VE-100101

Spiral stair in square staircase

Gerrit Vanoppen

Top of the image = Cesyam Stair (now in Design Express versions)
Bottom of the image = VW Stair with square plan staircase missing

VE-100097

Roof object should have slope values in 2D view

Gerrit Vanoppen

As the flat roof drainage displays the slope values in the 2D view, there's nothing like this in the pitched roof 2D display. In the architectural projects we have to show the slope degree values both in the 2D view and in the section views.
Is it possible to have them in the future?

VE-100003

Renderworks Styles

Gerrit Vanoppen

Over time, Design Express staff members have come up with a collection of Renderworks styles that we believe to be more appealing than some of the styles that have been part of the Renderworks plugin forever.
We would like to share the styles we came up with, as possible additions / replacements in the present Library file.

Attached:
Renderworksstijlen DE v2020b203.vwx (the resources)
Renderworks_Styles.pdf (comparison sheet with images & comments)

VE-99764

Renderworks texture position in Object Info Palette

Gerrit Vanoppen

When we place a Renderworks texture on an object, it is very easy to change it's size or orientation using the arrow keys.
But to move the texture along the object, we just can access to Offset H and Offset V via coordinates fields, which is very complicated to reposition with accuracy a texture on the object.
A great improvement would to be to allow texture to be repositionned via the Horizontal and Vertical arrow keys, like for Size or Rotation.

VE-99757

OpenGL Render Styles

Gerrit Vanoppen

Because of it's speed and simplicity, many (interior) designers choose OpenGL as their presentation render default in an early stage of their design. Many are asking for a quick way to save and choose OpenGL render styles. Particularly those with SketchUp experience see the absence of OpenGL styles as a disadvantage in Vectorworks.
It should be possible to save OpenGL settings in combination with Light options settings as a style. Maybe a few default styles should be delivered with the software.

VE-99759

Solar exposure and solar diagram

Gerrit Vanoppen

According to the Polish law, all residential rooms require at least 3 hrs of daily sunlight. For all those projects, especially in the dense urban areas, there is a requirement to present to the authority a sun diagram for the least sunbathed rooms in the residential edifices in order to get a building permit (a simple sun animation is mostly insufficient).

Such feature is only present in the Bentley's AECOsim Building Designer. AECOsim is not very popular in Poland, and such feature in Vectorworks would give us an enormous edge over the competition.

Enclosed is the explanation of the sun diagram (alas, only in PL), and a few screenshots of the AECOsim functionality in this topic.

VE-99761

Opening Teamwork files from previous versions

Gerrit Vanoppen

Opening .vwxw files from a previous version should evoque a warning message, prompting the user to first update the file in the previous version, next save it as a regular file to update in the new version and finally setup the teamwork again.
Without the above steps, our users have reported problems with their teamwork files.

VE-99755

Import stories from another document

Gerrit Vanoppen

It is possible to import classes and layers from one document into another. In the same way, it should be possible to import stories

VE-99762

Vectorworks Benchmark

Gerrit Vanoppen

At the first launch of Lumion, the application presents the user with a benchmark, where the expected performance can be seen.

This would be a helpfull function to add to Vectorworks as well.

VE-99763

STL export: wish to export with a scale

Gerrit Vanoppen

With the STL export, there are not much export options. One extra option that could be useful is to export with a scale. Handy when you need to print a scaled model of a building or something else.

VE-99766

Create Multiple Viewports to Sheet Layer

Gerrit Vanoppen

Add the possibility for the user to pick a premade sheet layer (like when creating a single viewport)

VE-99769

Improve Viewport advanced parameters

Gerrit Vanoppen

Currently, it is not possible to diffenciate the scale from texts and dimensions text in a viewport.
It would be very useful to add a new option to do that.

VE-99767

Show Surface of Roof Face and Roof Objects in OIP

Gerrit Vanoppen

Like from slabs, it would be nice to read some numeric data of roof faces and objects in the OIP - like definitely surface, perhaps perimeter...

VE-99592

Include Slabs in the "Model to Floorplan" command

Gerrit Vanoppen

There should be an option to automatically create slabs in the "AEC- Space planning- Model to floorplan" command. It will partially solve the now existing link between conceptual massing and a BIM workflow.

VE-99349

Ramp Tool Revamp

Gerrit Vanoppen

It would be nice to have a revamp on the Ramp tool, to make it capable of creating ramps that meet the norm for disabled people and wheelchair users.

I'm adding a few images as examples of parameters we are missing at the moment: kerbs, handrails, landings, maximum flight lengths, etc.
These are by Polish ruling, but we have similar in Belgium.

The tool in it's present state doesn't allow too much of modelling. Perhaps there's even room for object styles.

VE-99352

Resources used or not ?

Gerrit Vanoppen

It would be nice to have some sort of indication on every resource, that shows whether or not it's in use in the active document.
At this moment, the user can only go to Purge... to figure this out.

A more direct visual feedback within the Resource manager is what this wish is about

VE-99370

Specify "Layers" as "Design Layers" or "Sheet Layers"

Gerrit Vanoppen

We'd like to ask the Technical Writers in the US to always use full names of sheet layers and design layers.
While translating a new feature enabling filering classes and layers, we didn't realise that this feature refers to both design layers and sheet layers. Unfortunately we use two different terms in Polish for sheet layers (arkusze prezentacji) and design layers (warstwy projektowe) and only one of them contains translation of the word "layers". Therefore, it's really time-consuming and misleading for us to figure it out which type of layers is meant. This request refers not only to the manual, but also to all functions and help text strings.
Therefor, it would be nice if US technical writers could take it into account and always precisely describe layers with those extra words as "design" and "sheet" to differentiate them. Otherwise, we have to guess or try to identify each string and then usually correct them during our test period.

VE-99354

Edit Class Category focus

Gerrit Vanoppen

Open the Organization dialog, Classes, select a class and Edit.
Next, pick any of the categories from the left sidebar - p.e. Textures and edit.
Now close the dialog, select another class and Edit.
The selected category (focus) will always be the top one by default.
It would be nice to have it returning to the last used position - Textures in this case.
Depending on the circomstances, this could save the user some clicks.

VE-99351

Story Support in User folder

Gerrit Vanoppen

Allow the user to save his/her story settings to the user folder, and pick from that list later - in a new document.

At this moment, there's only the Default Story Data.xml in the program folder, that is globally applied to every document.

VE-99356

Roof Component Behaviour

Gerrit Vanoppen

When connecting to a wall, roof components should behave better - i.e. in a more constructive way.
See attached file with annotated section VP

VE-99328

Room Finish Legend

Gerrit Vanoppen

The present 'Room Finish Legend' (Tools>Reports>Create Rm Finish Legend) doesn't automatically update when finishes are being changed in the Space object settings.
This wish is to have a dynamic worksheet with database row(s) and formula's rather than a static sheet.

VE-99353

Allow for Saved Settings in Section Viewport Advanced Settings

Gerrit Vanoppen

There are 3 tabs, each with a number of options.
Many combinations are possible, some frequently wished for.

Instead of going to numereous clicks, time and time again, at the risk of mistaking, this wish is for adding the possibility to save favorite combinations of settings.

Mockup attached

VE-99308

Extrusion values in worksheet

Gerrit Vanoppen

Create an extrusion from a simple rectangle, and setup a worksheet.

In v2018 and furthermore v2019, the formula's =LENGTH and =HEIGHT both return the same value, being the height of the rectangle.
In v2017 the formula =LENGTH returned the extrusion value.

This wish is to reinstall the v2017 behaviour, so the user can retract all information about extrusions inside a worksheet.

VE-100521

Irrigation: Add more calculated data in Outlet Type

Gergana Radenkova

Add some more calculated data into Outlet Type Object.
For example:
- drive type of the outlet (Impact,Gear,Ball,Cam)
- covered area based on radius and pattern
- gallons water per square feet per minute

VE-100549

Irrigation: Ability to integrate Irrigation tools with Landscape Area tool and Plant tool.

Gergana Radenkova

When we integrate the Irrigation tools with Landscape Area Tool is will having the information about the soil type. And the plant is contained information about the need of water for it.

The user can make a report in worksheeet or table with this and other information, which is important for him.

VE-100550

Irrigation: 3D water

Gergana Radenkova

3D image of water splashed by an Outlet tool.

Something like the attached pictures

VE-104823

What a Font Looks Like Everywhere

Gerardo Vierna

It is wonderful to see what a font looks like in the display view bar drop down so can we also see what a font looks like in the text menu and OIP.

VE-103029

Zoom in on cursor

Gerardo Vierna

I wish you could have an option to zoom in or out on the cursors location on the drawing when nothing is selected or selectable.

VE-102524

Multiple files at the same time

Gerardo Vierna

On a PC, I would like to open, view, adjust and drag between multiple files across multiple monitors.

VE-102536

Underhung Hoist in Braceworks

Gerardo Vierna

A common practice in the entertainment industry is to lift trusses or objects from a flown truss via hoist.

It would be great if there were pick up symbols that attached to the top chords of a truss but pointed down to accept either the low or high hook of an under hung hoist.

VE-101764

Visibility of light beam off of a reflective surface

Gerardo Vierna

When a light beam from an instrument or source hits a mirror textured surface the beam is reflected from the source to the surface on the surface but the light beam should then be visible off that surface. At the moment you can refract the bounce off with a bump texture but you still can not see the refracted light beam off the surface. I think the light beam should be seen with the same fog settings the source has to mimic a real world situation. I have not been able to get a beam to visibly reflect off of a flat mirror surface and see the beam in fog from the surface.

VE-101624

Render Start Timer

Gerardo Vierna

It would be nice for there to be a way of determining the time that it takes for a render mode other that wireframe to begin once that mode is selected.
A timer preference would add a user determined amount of time to edit something before the rendering starts.
This would help those that feel there is not enough time to select the next command after stopping a render with the esc key.

VE-101352

Send to Grid Center Command

Gerardo Vierna

Can we get a send to center of grid 0,0,0 command to send a selected object to the center of the grid.
This would be useful in modeling and object creation and editing.

VE-100774

Object Ram usage Info display option

Gerardo Vierna

It seems many problems in performance and display are based on not knowing how much processing and RAM a file is using. Like nudging a really complex document, you don't know how much RAM it takes to just hold the intended objects being nudged in wire frame mode.

It would be helpful to have a status of how much RAM a object is using as an optional feature in the info window. You select the object and the info windows says this uses this much memory and could do that in all render modes.

Many machines die from trying to do more than they can but the user has no way of understanding his hardware limitations other than what the basic is to run the software

VE-100561

Add super A3 paper size to the printer page setup

Gerardo Vierna

I want to print on 13"x19" paper but the A3 in the page setup is not as big as Super A3.

Even telling it to use "other" for the page size the setup references the paper size in the setup regardless.

VE-101920

Image effects settings changing

George Eales

When applying an image effect to a viewport, I select an image effect from the dropdown such as; black and white. Once this has been selected, the image effect is applied with no issues. However, when i go back into the image effects setting this changes to 'active settings'. I'm not sure if this is the way the tool should be working but I thought it would hold the previous option that I chose 'black and white' telling me what is currently active, instead of changing to active settings.

VE-100553

Data visulisation of a specific area on a viewport

George Eales

I have been in contact with a customer that is try to set the criteria for a data visualisation on a specific area of a viewport.

The customer has set a 20km mark on one of her radius circles on the viewport she is working on sheet number P19-1122.105. The circle that she wishes to narrow down to is within the class LVIA - Radii - 20km with a name of 20km.

We have tried setting the data visualisation to the name 20km and the class but this doesn't work. Tamsin looking over the file and said about setting the criteria to location and then to 20km so that it will show the objects within the 20km radius but this is greyed out.

VE-104058

ConnectCAD - Socket Tool cuts of text after space in name

George Croissant

When adding a name for the socket in the socket tool, the text after a space is cut of for the socket tag. Displaying the wrong socket description (here created with the array tool):

!image-2023-02-13-10-02-52-322.png|width=255,height=303!

[CMP] this is WAD but open to debate.

VE-104020

ConnectCAD - ReRoute - Allow defined offset

George Croissant

when using the reshape tool to offset parallel lines, it would be beneficial, if a fixed distance (e.g. grid space of 4mm) could be set. Currently it is difficult to get a consistens distance throughout the document.

VE-105087

ConnectCAD - Add option "Edit (R/L)Side of Rack"

George Croissant

!image-2023-10-06-09-59-13-664.png!

Really like this feature as it helps with the issue of being able to place all Racks in 3D as they are in real life. Which I couldn't do before. (Arranged them diagonally to be able to see all sides in ortho views.)
However, as far as I can see, there is no way of editing the side when racks are positioned next to each other as shown in your sample? Might be worth adding?

VE-103610

ConnectCAD - Align/Distribute Tool for Devices

George Croissant

might be more of a general VW feature, but since Spotlight seems to have its own tool, I thought it might be worth having one for ConnectCAD.

would be great, if there was an align and distribute tool for CC devices, to be able to evenly space devices of different sizes vertically and horizontally. (in my case everything is one grid unit (4mm) spaced). Evenly meaning the space from border to boder of each device.

!image-2022-11-03-16-38-46-406.png|width=334,height=509!

VE-104259

ConnectCAD - Cable patches 2D view

George Croissant

hi [~cpreen],
couldn't find anything regarding this on the forum, but this probably came up before:

are there any plans to add a 2D view of patches, as are done in visio sometimes? (the blue and yellow cable in the below web example)

this would be a fantastic feature for providing patch plans for the installers on site. (instead of lists or a not so readable cabeling schematics). and would probably be interesting for network, audio, video or lighting patches alike?

(for inspiration, although I have never actually tested this part of the software, because it would fall short in too many other areas we needed:
https://www.pathfinder.de/en/blog/cable-management/)

!http://nettech.webs.com/photos/Business/business%20network%20setup.jpg|width=261,height=221!

VE-104300

Worksheets - Input error in Database Formular field closes editor

George Croissant

When editing the formular in the worksheet formular field and one has a mistake, there is an error message. after confirming it, it closes and all edits have to be made again. Quite frustrating. Frustrating enough to create an Enhancement Request at least. :)

!image-2023-04-25-12-36-41-575.png!

it would be great if the editor stays open to be able to correct the error. this is what happens in Excel for example. you get told "something is wrong" and then get a chance to fix it, without having to do it all over again.

VE-104891

ConnectCAD - Circuit Graphics as symbols

George Croissant

Currently every circuit arrow that doesn't look like the rest has to be indivudually edited.
(I can of course select multiple arrow connections and edit them, but the selection wand can't be used, as the settings are not detailed enough.)

!image-2023-08-18-09-15-28-667.png|width=474,height=301!

Would be great, if the way circuit arrows are shown would be controlled by "nested symbols" (just like e.g. the device port layout).
That way I can incorporate changes to all similar connections in one central location?

VE-103625

ConnectCAD - Imporved alignment options for circuits (circuit labels)

George Croissant

We are using cable lable flags (diamond shaped) to show cable types in our schematic. The auto position by VW is usually in the center of the circuit but we would like to keep them in line with each other.

For inter-layer cables with an arrow it is possible to set them with Arrow End X Offset, whichis great. (Althought ideally I would like to select myself whether to use the center of the flag or the tip of the arrow as a reference point for alignment). But for the starting point of the cirtuit there is no such option. I have to manually drag the flags one by one to be in line.

Using ReRoute circuits for this won't work unless all circuits are straight lines, as it will literally do that, re-route the entire circuit ...and{*}{*} the flag. (Polyline circuits)

!image-2022-11-08-08-21-06-259.png|width=380,height=295!

VE-103872

ConnectCAD - Signal Types with invalid characters

George Croissant

Because the signal type ??? uses wildcard characters it can't be searched for when setting up a worksheet. So, it should get a "valid" name, liken "unknown" or "TBC"?

!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2023_01/grafik.png.a160b9e7fe5284322edbb048d2e8b74a.png|width=497!

see https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104474-escape-character-when-searching-for-signal-type/

VE-103575

ConnectCAD - Create devices from List... - Multiselect for Device Mapping

George Croissant

When importing devices quite often the Device Mapping window pops up. Since I have to chose for each instance even if make and model are the same, this list might become very long. (e.g. 40 positions on one of my last imports)

It would be very handy and speed up the process to have the ability to select multiple devices at once and set a single value.

VE-103969

ConnectCAD - Finer settings for Arrow Connection vertex points

George Croissant

Mentioned this before, but it becomes more of an issue now that we are able to change the arrow circuit layout more. (I repeat: which is great. :D)

!image-2023-02-02-13-24-44-552.png|width=286,height=322!

in the screenshot the line is on the position of the vertex of each of the circuits used for aligning them. As you can see it moves from the tip of the arrow to the center of the label. which works, but it looks rather strange, when layed out in a row and we would much prefer to align them by the arrow.

Feature - So being able to position the vertex point (e.g. in the Circuit Graphics dialog) would be great.

VE-104418

Worksheets - allow filters to be hierarchical (re)sorted

George Croissant

Since I work a lot with the sort feature of the worksheets when updating metadata, it would be great to allow sorting sequences to be resorted in a single window (as done in Excel)
!image-2023-05-24-12-32-21-797.png|width=365,height=167!

currently with 6 columns being sorted I have to remove the sorting for all columns, if I want to be applied in a different order, which is quite time consuming.

VE-104156

Title Block Manager with search function

George Croissant

!image-2023-03-17-09-24-20-104.png|width=558,height=446!

Since we have quite a few different sheets, the possibility to save sheet sets is great.

What would be even better is search function as used in the sheet organization window.
(The same probably holds for the Publish dialog, where a search function might interessting.)

!image-2023-03-17-09-24-54-989.png|width=633,height=78!

VE-103706

ConnectCAD - Eyedropper Tool for Circuits/ all CC Items

George Croissant

Being able to use the eyedropper tool for circuits would be great.

Maybe something based on the current Device-Pickup Attributes Mode tool? Where the conditions (currently Make and/or Model) as well as the values to paste should be selectable.
or similar to the Eyedropper tool with the ability to not only generally select Record or Plug-In Attributes but also which ones specifically. (e.g. only Cable and signal type, but not the cable number and not the circuit path and flag position.)

!https://forum.vectorworks.net/uploads/monthly_2022_11/grafik.png.9a34f15935106b9127de8106701f424f.png|width=410,height=605!

VE-103624

ConnectCAD - Make connections from list... between design layers

George Croissant

Usually I have layed out all my devices on different design layers for different rooms.

But I start out with all devices on one design layer. Make all connections I can with a list and then move devices to the various layers.
It would be great if I could add more connections even if the devices are on different design layers. Which is currently not possible.

VE-103607

ConnectCAD - Option to always keep Device Class (Signal) when moving connections

George Croissant

When moving connections/ circuits, it would be great, if the change of the signal to "???" would be optional.
We have many instances, where the ports can be used for various signals and when moving a circuit it defaults back to ???, while the "Cable" type (also CAT) stays the same.
(CAT is blue, default is black) Which is great as a reminder, if all ports can be set up that way.

!image-2022-11-03-11-08-14-578.png|width=391,height=465!

VE-104096

New functions required to create IFC Custom Psets by script

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

New functions required to create IFC Custom Psets by script. The old create a Custom Pset as a {+}Record{+}, but they are not managable by the Data Managers Manage Custom Pset.

VE-101417

Project Data at one spot.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

In the current (BIM) Workflow the user has to enter specific Project details twice, like in the Title Block Manager/ Title Block Border and in the IFC Project Export. Consolidating this Project Details at one place would make it more clear to the user.

VE-102506

Ifc wild card, to be used in Datavisualization and Data Tag

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

An Ifc Wild card for objects sharing the same parameter (e.g. loadbearing) but from different psets (e.g. Pset_CollumnCommon and Pset_WallCommon).

This would be very usefull in creating a Datavisualization of all loadbearing objects, firerating, isExternal etc...

From a conversation with Misho.

VE-102780

Having multiple buildings exported to IFC as ifcBuilding

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

At this moment only one building can be exported as an ifcBuilding. For Urban and Landscape desigfn this does not work in an open bim workflow as usually the scheme has more than one building.

So, please make it possible to have multiple buildings exported to ifc in one go!

VE-101387

Make Hatch Scaling for (Detail) Section Viewport possible

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Make hatch Scaling for (Detail) Section Viewport possible.

Page based hatches in "normal" viewport can be scaled by the Advanced Properties in the OIP, but especially Detail Section Viewport lack this option while they normally will be shown in a different scale (1:10 – 1:5) to the model.

VE-102571

Better way of attaching IFC Custom Psets to zones category.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Requested by Gaëtan Redelsperger: Attaching a custom Pset to a zone has to be done one by one. In their current project they have a huge amount of spaces and therefore a huge amount of zones. And attaching these Psets is a nightmare.

Rather they would select a zone category and add the custom Pset or select a group of zone to attach this pset.

VE-102507

Setting condition for Entry (entity) and Pset by Script function

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Add Vectorscript and Python functions to set the Entry (entity) condition and Pset condition. the last is possible, but only by removing and adding the pset...

From conversation with Misho

VE-102539

Space Zones: better ordering and handling of zones

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Because zones can by assigned to different spaces in different order the user has no way of ordering the zones. Result is that the user e.g. cannot create a good Data Visualization based on Zones out of the box.

Second, in a large project the amount of zones will be very long ( in the Netherlands Zones are used for assigning construction numbers, building/ apartment numbers, apartment types and fire compartmentalization) all the categories and names are in the same list browser creating a huge list: handling a zone is verry hard to do.

Perhaps the (because the user cannot assign more than 5 zones to a space) the dialog could be split up in the five zones (see screenshot), zo when the user selects a category in the first zone, only names belonging to that category are selectable in the second popup. And when the user has selected the name of the first zone the second zone becomes available.

VE-101415

Direct editing of Slabs, Roofs and Walls connections and their components in Clip Cube and Section In-Place

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Connecting Slabs to Walls and Roofs to Walls is done by their respective object styles dialogs. Making the connections happen is very unintuitive. For the default behaviour this is OK though.

To be able to alter the connections at given locations, it would be more intuitive to make these connections with the Connect/ Combine tool, Wall Joint and Component Joint in a Clip Cube or Section In-Place.

VE-101420

Clip cube should have an option to show the attributes of the original objects.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Clip Cube should have an option to show the attributes of the Original Objects, like a Section Viewport has or to use an Attribute Class. Additionally, the clip cube should follow the detail level settings.

VE-101428

Grayscale option instead of Black and White Only.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Black and White Only should be replaced by Grayscale. Grayscale is closer to what users expect.

VE-101414

Materials and graphic attributes

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Materials need graphic attributes separated in 5 ways:
# when the object is horizontally sectioned
# when the object is vertically sectioned
# when the object is in front of section plane
# when the object is behind the section plane
# texture when the object is rendered in 3D, with optional 3D surface hatch

At this moment point 1 and 2 are considered together. Point 3 and 4 are not possible on a material basis.

VE-101413

Repeating Units: Objects inside Symbols should interact with Stories on which the Symbol instance has been placed

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Walls, slabs, roof and other story level dependent objects inside a symbol should be able to connect to stories and story levels of the design layer containing the instance.

VE-101416

Phasing a project (i.e. Renovation)

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Phasing a BIM project is highly demanded; i.e. for renovation projects. Current workflow demands an overload of Classes and resources, which makes it hard to manage. Better would be to have improvements to the Data Visualization and a separate Renovation/Phasing tool.

Typically, a renovation project holds 3 objects states: ‘existing and remaining’, ‘to be demolished’ and ‘projected’. Views on the project should combine these 3 states.

Phasing can have an unlimited number of object states, maybe even date-based.

VE-101426

3D manipulations on hybrid objects

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

In case a hybrid object is manipulated in 3D, VW could hide the 2D part in plan view instead of refusing to do the manipulation. A warning about this would be recommended.

VE-101412

Repeating Units: Walls and slabs inside Symbols should interact with Walls and Slabs outside the symbol.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Walls and slabs inside a symbol should be able to connect to walls and slabs outside the symbol. This should be modifiable by instance.

VE-101427

Reset to Object Style & reset to default

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Object with Object Styles should have an option to be reset to default. At this moment e.g. a wall style can be un-styled but still leaving the user with all the settings in place.

The Preferences of Walls, Slab and other tools with Object Styles lack the option to be reverted back to default.

VE-101425

Multiple story Walls

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

- Walls after creation should become extendable towards a user-selected story.

- There should be a command to split (selected) walls by story.

To make this possible, 2D plan should be a horizontal section.

VE-101424

Fill and Line with Sketch Styles should follow the same shape.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Sketch styles are random for line and fill. This means the fill doesn't follow the lines. An option where the fill nicely follows the sketched line would make sketch styles more useful.

VE-101423

Extrude along path and similar PIO’s with multi surface sections.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

The extrude along path can hold multiple surfaces in the section group. They will however always result in an extrude along path object with the same graphic attributes on all extruded “parts”. It would be much more interesting if every surface in the section group could keep it’s own graphic attributes.

The same is true for structural members and framing members based on a symbol. If the section defining symbol holds multiple surfaces, the resulting PIO should have the option to show the graphic attributes of those surfaces.

If the surfaces in the section group would be assigned to classes, the resulting extrudes along path should also be assigned to the same class, inheriting thus the graphic attributes and textures.

VE-101422

Boolean operations on PIO’s

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Boolean operations should be possible on parametric objects. After subtracting a volume from a PIO, the result should remain a PIO, but with modifiers. This behaviour is similar to the slab behaviour.
* The structural member tool is often “abused” to create length objects like steeldeck and other construction objects. Steeldeck roofs are almost always cut by skylights...
* The framing member tool holds a lot of parameters to shape the framing member to desire. But still this isn’t enough in many cases, particular endings are impossible with the current tool.

After performing boolean operations on those objects, the user will still want to be able to get type, length, height, … data on the main object.

VE-101421

Symbols and PIO’S should behave the same in slabs and roofs as in walls.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Symbols and PIO’s should have the same interaction with slabs and roofs as they have in Walls:

- Simple drag drop on slab and roofs

- 3D Opening should be created, based on the 3D wall opening. “3D wall opening” should be renamed to “3D Opening”.

- Select, modify and move like in walls

VE-101418

Structural Member - graphic attributes

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

If a structural member is above section plane, it should have no fill in most circumstances. The user needs the possibility to change the fill attributes and not just the line attributes.

At the time being the only way to work around this issue, is by manually creating and assigning a bunch of classes.

VE-101411

Support Wall Niches in Slab Object.

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Slabs based on walls should extend into Wall openings. Similar to spaces that have the ability to respond to Wall Holes created from PIO’s. Of course only the slab part that matches the 3D wall opening should be added to the slab.

VE-101294

Make "Use World Z For Origin" as default for Walls

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Make the "*Use World Z For Origin*" option in the OIP Render Tab default for *Walls*: at this moment the user has to set this option in de the OIP Render Tab manually afterwards.

VE-100502

IFC model, Colors and Opacity

Gelde-Aart Nieuwenhuijzen

Hi Misho,

As discussed earlier hereby the enhancement request / bug from our key client Heren 5.

From ArchiCad and Revit it is possible to export IFC models, whereby different colors and transparency within one object are included in the IFC model (e.g. a window is not totally transparant, but only the glass). When opened in applications like Solibri and Bimkeeper (https://bimkeeper.com/) these attributes can be viewed and creates a better representation/ experience of the model.

Within Bimkeeper it is even possible to use these attributes in their home configurator so clients can configure their future home. While these attributes are not handled properly in Vectorworks our client lost one assignment.

Attached a Wetransfer link with models ArchiCAD en Revit

https://we.tl/t-mFSdgwqy6W

VE-104084

Site modifiers - grade limits defined by contour on existing terrain KO

Gaëtan Redelsperger

Grade limits defined by contour on existing terrain is not applied.

See attachments.

VE-104668

add an “users origins” saving ability

Gaëtan Redelsperger

Please, consider to be able to save different users origins and to save the ones used in saved view.

This menu exist in the french version.

Thanks !

28 sept. 2023

The main goal of this is the availability to export a dwg file in a cartesian coordinates of a EPSG and true north.

Currently, there is the option to match the georefercing coordinate system in the user origin window, but not the angle.

To add this in a specific menu would also allow to re-call precisely an origin and an angle for building with multiple angles.

VE-104570

Modify meshes : use reshape tool instead of selection tool

Gaëtan Redelsperger

In order to modify meshes, we should be able to use the reshape tool instead of selection tool so Vectorworks would be more consistent.

VE-103777

Ability to make clean cross junction of walls

Gaëtan Redelsperger

It would be really nice to improve the wall join tool to make possible more clean possibilities of wall’s intersections representations.

For example, in the attached file making the crossing of the walls without creating 2 different types of walls.

VE-103609

Re-arrange layers/stories configuration in IFC export window following the layers/stories configuration of organisation window

Gaëtan Redelsperger

In the ifc export window, it would be great to have a button which allows to re-arrange all the layers/stories ifc configuration (1) following the layers/stories of vectorworks (2) (which is showed in the organisation window).

On big projects, with time and many layers and stories, it can be confusing…

A “reset” button would be welcome.

Thinking about it, maybe it could even be an option with a checkbox which lock the layers/stories configuration in the IFC configuration (1) following the Vectorworks one (2), which could be deactivated if needed.

VE-103500

Enhancement of the drilled footing tool for more type of footing

Gaëtan Redelsperger

With CO2 calculation, be able to draw all the structure becomes important.

For footing, the drilled footing tool in very limited. More kind of footing options would be very welcome, like continuous footing, piled with piled head, strip footing, pad footing…

VE-102363

creation of window horizontal slider with 6 panels on 3 rails

Gaëtan Redelsperger

Hi,

Is it possible to add the possibility of creation of window horizontal slider with 6 panels on 3 rails ?

It definitely a functionally that I miss a lot in Vectorworks.

VE-103435

IFC option in the publish menu

Gaëtan Redelsperger

Would be great to add IFC file option in the publish options, when selecting a view, with the Vectorworks Cloud process option of course.

VE-103413

Symbol in wall should not be hidden if the wall is hidden to simplify ifc exportations

Gaëtan Redelsperger

If there is a symbol in a wall, each one in a specific class, it is quite necessary that if you hide the wall class, the symbol (or plugin object) should not be hidden.

Why ? because of IFC exportations :

Usually, you need to export your project without wall, whose are in the structural BIM file from the engineer.

VE-103346

resizable hybrid 2D/3D symbols with handle

Gaëtan Redelsperger

It would be very cool to be able de resize graphically with handle hybrid 2D/3D symbols - like it available for 2D only symbols -.

VE-99670

switching between 2D components using the number pad on your keyboard

Gabriel Lisek

Currently to change between the 2D views of a symbol in Vectorworks, you have to use the component edit menu to select which view you would like to edit.
In the 3D edit workflow, you can switch between views using the number pad on your keyboard. Using this to moving between 2D views could speed up the 2D workflow if you are editing multiple views.

VE-99669

hybrid symbol rotation in a side view

Gabriel Lisek

When using a hybrid symbol in Vectorworks, you cannot rotate the hybrid symbol in a side view. It can be useful to be able to use a hybrid symbol like a regular symbol.

VE-105050

Structural Member Default Content Styles should have Shape and Size set to By Style (and be more numerous)

Gabriel Dixon

In 2024 and prior, the Structural Member default content Styles have their Shape and Size parameters set to By Instance.

This creates some behavior that may be a bit unintuitive to users: when they change an SM's style via the OIP / Replace Style to a default content style, the shape and size does not change, because only the By Style values are loaded (see VB-199421 and VB-199422).

This is by design, because the styles are rather general in nature. However they do specifically mention the shape in the Style name. It may be best to add more styles using more of the shapes available in the content, and set the Shape and Size parameters to be By Style.

See the discussion in VB-199421 and VB-199422 for more info.

VE-99899

Lighting instruments clamps

Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson

Can an option for changing lighting instruments clamps please be added?

While C clamps (the current standard clamp in Vectorworks) are almost the sole use in the US, other countries would use G clamps, trigger clams, half couplers etc. - and never C clamps. If there was a drop down menu in the OIP, similar to when selecting label legend etc, it would be easy.

This would alter the lights hanging point as there are slight differences in clamp lenght, but there are obviously also longer versions (e.g. http://www.doughty-engineering.co.uk/cgi-bin/trolleyed_public.cgi?action=showprod_T20105) for specalised use.

This is useful for production designers, but also really _really_ useful for theatre consultants, such as myself, when I have to explain various different hanging methods and space requirements to architects. Vectorworks is a very helpful tool in that situation, with its huge selection of lighting instruments. I've attached a simple sketch from a recent project, which I had to bodge for clamps.

A total bonus would be if Vectorworks offered a bunch of clamps (to manufacturers specifications) through the online resource manager, but also a chance for users to draw their own (i.e. by adding a simple record format similar to lighting instruments, or some way for Vectroworks to regocnise the obejct drawn is a clamp).

An add on to that would be if omega brackets and other required hanging equipment for moving lights could be displayed.

This becomes further useful with things like ETC Eos Augmented Reality functions, for which I've drawn a demo plan before. We had to measure the space between fixture and hanging position for every moving light/clamp combination.

VE-100218

Dimension Tape Options

Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson

Could the dimension tape please have an option to show different unit of measurement than the document default, please?

VE-99898

Hanging Position Tick Marks

Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson

Can an option for identifying centre tick mark be added, please?

Before the lighting pipe tool came around I used to draw my own symbols in various sizes with tick marks. All the tick marks/hatch lines used to be twice as long as the bars width, and the centre one I'd make twice as long as the other ones. It's a small thing, but makes identifying centre so much easier, especially when pipes are irregular shape or slightly off venue centre. Great help for mirroring symmterical bars.

VE-99883

Modification to Lighting Instruments

Fridthjofur Thorsteinsson

Lighting instruments to split into further components than currently, and offer pre-combined instruments.

Example 1:
An opera house would rig a 5K HMI fresnel. Every time it would be equipped with a scroller, dowser and barndoors. Currenly, the only way to do this is to add the HMI, then the scroller and finally the barndoors. I know some opera houses and repertory theatres have created symbols the rerpesent it on a plan, but then counting doesn't work and it becomes a useless feature.

Example 2:
A venue (or hire company) has a stock of 20 Source 4 back ends, 10x 19° lens tubes, 20x 26° lens tubes, 10x 36° lens tubes and 5x 50° lens tubes (Alternatively a stock of 40 PAR64 cans, 20x CP60 lamps, 20x CP61 lamps and 20x CP62 lamps). By implementing the pre-assembled fixtures options, each typa of light can be split in two, either back end and lens - or lamp housing and lamp type. That way, counting will be significantly more accurate.

I realise this is possibly a radical idea and would welcome a conversation about it.

VE-105068

Turn off blue preview

Frédéric Abt

i don't know if this would be a bug or a wish. in any case it would be advantageous in certain situations to be able to switch off the blue preview when copying/moving/mirroring so that the performance doesn't suffer.

VE-104320

Plan head double click on north arrow

Frédéric Abt

Hi Vectorworks

In the past, you could double-click on the north arrow in the Classic plan header, and then you could set the degrees and the scaling directly in a small window. Unfortunately, this no longer works. It would be great if you could do this again.

Greetings Fredi

VE-103913

Bounding Box Problem in supplements in View Port

Frédéric Abt

Hi Vectorworks

I think this is not really user friendly. If you could customize this it would be a big help. The problem is with the bounding box when stamping sloping beams in supplements in a viewport. maybe you can also rotate the bounding box there. In the design layer it works. You can see it in the video. I know the video is german but I think you understand my wish.

Greetings Fredi

VE-103400

Possibility to define the z-value of the bottom from the posts

Frédéric Abt

Hi Vectorworks

It would be nice when we have the possibility to define the z-value of the bottom from the posts of circular stairs. In the attachemend file you can see that the post too deep in relation to the stair tread.

Greetings

Fredi

VE-101749

Stories | Edit Story

Frank Stöcker

Hello all!

Open the added file, open "organization" and "stories", click on "Default Story Levels" and edit the "Elevation Offset", confirm, leave the window and click on "Edit …". Now you will see the level type "UK RD" is duplicated with the new old (-0,24) and the new value (-0,22). The new value has to be checked, confirm the window. Reopen "Organization" , click on "Edit…" now you will see, that the old level is deleted.
This is since Version 2014 annoying.
The Elevation Offset field is or should be a common input field and in case of changing the value it has to have directly an effect. There is no reason to make a copy … and so on.

Have a look at the movie.

Kind regards

Frank

VE-99463

Door Style | standard classes

Frank Stöcker

to describe a little bit what I mean, you will find an image in the attachement. The option we have for the stage objects would be nice for the door/window.

VE-101279

Hardscape, Slab, Landscape Area

Frank Stöcker

Thera are 3 different tools for creating a surface for landscape architect but all have shortcomings or bugs. See the attached files.

Hardscape:
no base quantities in IFC 2x3 and 4
no components (should be fixed in SP2)
instable when slope planning

Slab
export in components and base quantities
wrong figure in NetVolume correct figure in GrossVolume
only for certain tasks usable (ok its for architects)

Landscape Area
base quantities correct
no export of components
do not stay at their created place, see attached IFC File.

All three objects are based on slab, not one is really perfect. When we talk about BIM including IFC there is a lot to do. Sorry!

Kind regards
Frank

VE-103282

Radius | no such function in spreadsheet

Frank Stöcker

Hello,

draw a circle or arc, create a report and try get the radius. There is no such function. You can solve the task with a formula
arc and circle = l = α/360° * 2 * π * r

Why is there no function like "Radius"?

See image and file.

Kind regards

Frank

!image-2022-07-25-10-19-51-750.png!

VE-100295

Seating section | missing hint

Frank Stöcker

Activate toll "Seating Section", use rectangle mode, draw a rectangle. After finishing the rectangle you have guess what to do. There should come a hint that says that you have to click once for the starting point of the direction arrow and finish the direction with the second click. It would be great to have a preview, to the arrow that will appear later.

Kind regards

Frank

VE-100234

Vectorworks Preferences | undos

Frank Stöcker

Can you please change vom 20 to 100 undos? I think the todays computer will stand this change.

kind regards

Frank

VE-99738

FS: Worksheet Functions enhancement for ComponentXXX(criteria, index)

Frank Sänger

With Index "1" you always get the outmost component of a wall.
But there is no way to get the innermost component of a wall.
Due to the fact that different Wall Styles have different numbers of components, it would be helpful to calculate with the component with the highest index. So you can get the area of the inner surface of a wall.

Usecase:
Create a generic Default Worksheet to calculate the area of the innermost component of the exterior walls in a project. The exterior walls are created with different Wall Styles with a different numbers of components.
The search criterias are:
-Objecttype Walls
-Class of the exterior walls

-> There is no way to get a result, bacause there is no index like "innermost index"

Also look a similar VE-96964

VE-104797

FS: Data Tag - Leaderline per instance starting point

Frank Sänger

The origin of this wish is a consequence of VB-194821

The leader lines of space tags of VW2022 and earlier had the option to have individual starting points of the leader line (normally somewhere around the space tag)

Since the data tag is used as space labels this functionality is missing.

Please look at the attached document and open this in VW2022 to see what I mean.

VE-99619

FS: Publish command - Order of Sheet Layers should be the same as in Organisation

Frank Sänger

It would be very helpful, if the order of Sheet Layers in the left column of the Publish Command could be sorted as in the as in Organisation Command #1, 2, 3....

VE-102829

FS: Tags in Resource Manager -> Worksheet Reports

Frank Sänger

This wish is especially interesting for the Report of Symbols:

I would be great if there was a way to analyze the values of Resource Manager Tags in Worksheets. Perhaps these Tags should work like normal Records or we nee Special Worksheet Function?

At the moment the Tags only can be used to get good search results in the Resource Manager.

VE-102898

FS: Worksheet adding also Pset as "IFC" functions

Frank Sänger

It would be great if als Psets could be selected to be added as functions.

The the worksheet directly could display values such as: "Pset_WallCommon / FireRating / xy-Value"

Please look at the attached screenshots and testfile.

1.png: Only IFC Entities can be selected

2.png: You can type in the desired function by hand (=IFC.'Pset_WallCommon'.'IsExternal')and it works, as long as you don't touch the dialog again. If you do so, the function gets corrupt: look at 3.png

VE-100080

FS: Curtain Walls with Default Openings like Windows

Frank Sänger

It would be great if in the Style of an Curtain Wall it is possible to insert Windows and Doors as defaults. So the need of later editing and inserting theese opening will be minimized.

VE-99860

FS: Space Values of height of Spaces modified with "Fit Top/Bottom of Space to Objects..."

Frank Sänger

In the Moment you get the value of the highest boundary of spaces which are modified with the "Fit Top/Bottom of Space to Objects..." command.
It is necessary to have the values of the highest AND the lowest boundary of the top of the space respectively the highest and lowest boundary of the bottom of the space.

VE-99856

FS: Manage Custom Properties in Wall Styles 1.

Frank Sänger

It would be great, if you can predefine Values in Custom Property Sets.
Then it would be possible, that every style based wall has the desired data from the beginning.
In the moment it is not possible to set the custom fields to "By Style"
Please see attached Screenshot

VE-99857

FS: Manage Custom Properties in Wall Styles 2.

Frank Sänger

It would be great, if PopUp Fields of Custom Properties would be available in the "IFC Data" dialog.
In the moment you have to enter a text instead to choose a entry of a PopUp Field of the record.

VE-100913

FS: Description in Help "Using custom IFC property sets" obsolet?

Frank Sänger

In my opinion the description in Help "Using custom IFC property sets" is obsolet since several versions?

I think the last Version where you had to note this was VW 2016.

With the introduction of the (IFC) Data Manager this became obsolet.

Quote VW Help:

"Creating IFC-compatible record formats

To use a custom property set, first create the record format to define the data to be captured and exchanged in IFC format. The record format name becomes the name of the custom property set. Record formats designated for IFC export should be named with a VwPset_ or ePset_ prefix, or use a name that is defined by a specific Model View Definition (MVD) or documented model Exchange Requirement (ER). Record format names are case sensitive, and should not contain blank spaces (use an underscore if needed). For example, you might use a record format named “ePset_MyData.”

The record format can consist of any number of fields, designated by a Field Name and a Field Type; see [Creating record formats|http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2020/eng/VW2020_Guide/RecordsSchedules/Creating_record_formats.htm#XREF_42463_Creating_Record]. The field types are automatically converted to equivalent IFC value types. For example:
|Field Type|IFC Value Type|
|Integer|IfcInteger|
|Boolean|IfcBoolean|
|Text|IfcText|
|Number|IfcReal|

VE-100143

FS: IFC-Export with 2nd level space boundaries

Frank Sänger

We need 2nd Level Space Boundaries:
2nd level space boundaries are used by many analysis packages that require a surface view of the building that can be transformed into the various simple topological models. Examples of such analysis packages include: (1) energy analysis, (2) lighting analysis, (3) fluid dynamics. ArchiCAD and Revit can export 2nd level space boundaries

VE-99880

FS: IFC - Big OpenBIM - Connection to Software "Desite MD Pro" by push GlobalID via (IFC) Data Mapping to VW Record Field

Frank Sänger

-There has already been a email communication to Misho about this wish-

Here you can find a more detailed overview of the usecase, why a clever connection to Desite MD Pro is necessary.

First thing is to understand the reason for this request: The architect is not responsible for all of the data he has to host in his plans anyway. For this reason there has to be a way to import this data from the appropriate planner.

Technically following scenario is proposed:

1.:
Create a record for each building element like. wall, slab, door, window etc.
The goal would be: Those records should be synchronized via SQlite to Desite MD Pro (https://www.ceapoint.com/desite-md-md-pro/)
The infos to be synchronized are infos for which the architect is no responsible. Regardless to that those infos should be hosted in the architects model because they also belong to the 2D documentation and should be labeled.
These are mainly fire safety regulations, U-values, sound insulation requirements, etc. For legal reasons, these entries are made by the respective specialist planner and expert.
The reasons for creating own records are:
> e.g. the new fire protection designations in Germany which are not covered by the ifc standard psets.
> to have a single record that is synchronized per component with the BIM software. Because only some fields of the standard psets are used for the planning. These fields are mapped to the own record via the IFC Data Manager.

2.:
Those own records are synchronized via the SQlite interface with Desite MD Pro. The identifier should be the Global-ID.

3.:
In Desite MD Pro, there are now various planner forms that are filled out (fire protection, U-value, sound insulation ....).
Each specialist planner then only has the right to make entries for his data fields.
These forms are kept very simple. The components can be selected and the necessary attributes are filled out.

4.:
These entries are updated via the SQlite interface in Vectorworks. Thus, then e.g. Include all necessary entries of fire safety in the plans.

Context:
The software Desite MD Pro is meanwhile used in the cities of Hamburg, Berlin, Bochum, Dortmund as the main test software for the introduction of the digital building application.
> So synchronizing data to Desite MD Pro will be very important!

VE-99878

FS: Space Numbering: "Space Number Style" // "Style - Name/Num"

Frank Sänger

If the numbering option is set to "Space Number Style" // "Style - Name/Num"
the numbering of the spaces is done automatically.
Due to the fact that "nobody" wants the spaces to be numbered automatically, this really nice option of "Style - Name/Num" is not used...
-> So the wish is to do the numbering manually with the all the nice options of "Style - Name/Num"

VE-99968

FS: Structural Member - New-Shapes

Frank Sänger

In the attached Testfile you can find a couple of shapes, which should be possible to draw with the Structural Member tool.

VE-99969

FS: Structural Member and Columns with Consoles

Frank Sänger

It should be possible to add geometry to Structural Member and Columns to build Consoles.
The functionality is comparable to "Features in Walls"
Ifc-Infos and the characteristic of PIOs should be preserved.

VE-99970

FS: Structural Member - "Recesses" and "Break Opening CW" should be possible

Frank Sänger

There should be the possibility to insert "Recesses" and "Break Opening CW" into Structural Members.

VE-100083

FS: Attach Record to Resource Manager Style Types like Walls or Slabs

Frank Sänger

It would be great if there would be the possibility to attach a Record with predefined fields could be attached to a Wall Style.
Then every wall of this Style has the same Record information when created in the drawing. Of course then it is also necessary to define the different Record fields if the field values are by Style or not.

In my with VW 2019 implemented solution of doing cost estimation according to DIN 276 the Wall and Slab Styles could then be predefined with the correct cost code so that the user has not to select the walls in the drawing and attach the Record and then define the cost code.

VE-100203

FS: Command "Ungroup" or "Convert to Group" should preserve IFC-Infos

Frank Sänger

Sometimes it is necessary to dismantle PIOs. Therefor the commands "Ungroup" or "Convert to Group" are usefull.

If possible it would be nice then, if the IFC-Infos attached to the PIO could be preserved, so that the user don't has to attach them again.

The cause for this VE was the request to add consoles to a column...

See also Wish VE-99969

VE-99874

FS: Space - Columns should generally be excluded in Custom Net Boundary

Frank Sänger

If a space is set to "Auto-Boundary" and is also set to "Custom Net Boundary" the Columns should generally be excluded from the Space area, if the Setting "Exclude Column "Islands"" is set to true.
Then the Checkbox should be renamed to "Exclude Column".

The Bucked fill mode of the Poly tool already excludes the Columns...

VE-99888

FS: Worksheet - Rotation Angle in OIP

Frank Sänger

It would be great if there would be a Rotation Angle in OIP

By the way:
1. If you take the Rotation Tool to rotate a worksheet on a Design-Layer, this is only possible if the "Plane" is set to "Layer"
2. Then the rotated worksheet "Plane" is set to "3D"

VE-100288

FS: Please add "Note" Field also to SIA Dimensions

Frank Sänger

Many user wish to have the "Note" field, implemented in the "Arch" Dimension Standard, also in the SIA Dimension.

Please look at the Testfile...

VE-99854

BF: Workflow Export Structural

Benedikt Fischer

During the distributor conference 2019 we had a presentation about the IFC-Export of structural componets in a BIM workflow. The goal was to show how users currently handle this and how they experiences this and what the shortcommings are. Darick and Steve asked us to create a VE and attache the presentation. Let us know if you have any questions.

We attached the presentation in different formats - with the PP presentation and videos and all the testfiles.

VE-99855

BF: Workflow Quantity Takeoff

Benedikt Fischer

During the distributor conference 2019 we had a presentation about typical tasks of architects. The goal was to show how users currently experience VW when trying to solve specific tasks. This one example looks at quantitiy takeoff. Darick and Steve asked us to create a VE and attache the presentation. Let us know if you have any questions.

We attached the presentation in different formats - with the PP presentation and videos and all the testfiles.

VE-99540

Created on wrong board

Frank Brault

VE-99994

No 'New' button to create a new callout database

Francois Levy

There is no way to create a new callout database from the callout preferences dialogue box. This seems to be an oversight and is inconsistent with common OS GUI. Please include a "new" option.

VE-100103

Text cannot have "pen" pattern

Francois Levy

I think it used to be possible in Vectorworks to assign a "pen" pattern to text, as a means to dither it to have it appear grey even in black and white only mode. This no longer seems to be the case, at least in 2019 and 2020.

I would like text to appear in a given color in color mode, and a grey tone approximating the color value in black and white mode. By assigning the same color to the foreground and fill, and an appropriately dense pattern, I can achieve this with a surface (see attached file). However, this is not possible with text.

VE-99472

Data Tag tool picks up windows even if PIO is not set to be "on Schedule"

Francois Levy

The Data Tag tool should only respond to windows (or doors) that are set to be "on schedule". Instead, it indiscriminately responds to PIOs even if they are not on schedule. Attached is a file that exhibits an instance of this behavior and demonstrates why it is undesirable.

An existing CMU wall has a window in it. The architect (me) intends to replace the unit with a new one. The existing window is assigned to a demolition class, a new window is inserted in a dedicated window class. Since the demolition class is off in the viewport, the Data Tag only responses to the new window; so far so good.

However, a new wall is to be added to the inside of the existing CMU wall—for plumbing, electrical, insulation, etc. To model an opening in that new frame wall to align with the new exterior, a window object is used. Even though it is not "on schedule", the Data Tag responds to it in the elevation viewport.

There are two problems here:
1) As stated above, the Data Tag should ignore unscheduled PIOs (windows X and Y)
2) In elevations/section viewports, the Data Tag should "latch on" to geometry that is closer to the view plane (windows P and N), and prefer it to occluded geometry (windows X and Y). Instead, the Data Tag is responding to distal window objects (X & Y) behind the proximal geometry.

If this is WAD, then it's bad design.

VE-104913

Site Model slope reporting and data visualization

Francois Levy

The colored slope analysis of the Site Model is a great feature, but it has two key problems:

—In order to derive the surface area of the various color-coded areas, the Site Model must be exploded (converted to group); the user may then use a worksheet or custom selection to tabulate all the like-colored areas. Ideally, exploding would not be necessary and the Site Model could populate worksheets (and the OIP) directly. Furthermore, the user should be able to choose 3D surfaces or 2D surfaces to report (as they will be different values).

—The Site Model is not controllable with Data Visualization (DV)—and to be fair the colored slope Site Model feature predates DV by years. The advantage of implementing DV is obvious: the user would not need to explode or create alternate Site Models (one for "normal" presentation and one for slope analysis)

VE-104917

Stairs that can skip one or more Stories

Francois Levy

Currently, stairs can only be bound to two consecutive Stories. Sometimes, though, in practice I'd like a stair to be able to skip a story.

Example: split level house. I need a stair to go from the main, lowest floor up half a floor to one wing, but I also need another stair to go from the main floor up a full story to another wing above.

Another example: a two-story house with a detached garage. Due to topography, the garage is half a story up from the ground floor of the main house. Ideally, I could create a Story-1.5 for the garage with its own foundation, wall, and roof design layer levels, but that would pose a problem for the stair from the main house ground floor to the main house upper floor.

My workaround is two create new level types (e.g., garage, garage foundation, garage roof) for Story-1, but that's inelegant.

VE-104918

Make Stories a Resource

Francois Levy

It is highly problematic that Stories cannot be exported or imported. They can be complicated to set up and manage. Moreover, once I have done all that work to set up my Stories, I cannot export them to another, similar project. This means I have to either recreate them manually every time, or have to set them up in my template. Unfortunately, not not all users are disciplined about maintaining template libraries.

I'd like Stories to be a Resource that can be imported into new files, or somehow cloned from one project to another.

VE-104914

Modernization and unification of Wall and Roof Framer

Francois Levy

Currently, the Wall Framer and Roof Framer tools are completely different. The former is quite old, and the 3D output consists of data-less, classed extrusions. The Roof Framer creates more modern Framing Members, but lacks the the worksheet reporting feature of the Wall Framer.

Ideally, both tools would produce similar output:

—modern plug-in objects for all 3D components

—viewports for 2D elevations of assemblies, where appropriate

—a worksheet or report tabulating an accurate bill of materials as numeric data in all cells (please see my bug report VB-182088).

These are really great and powerful tools that would greatly benefit from modernization and consistency.

VE-104558

Need different pull dimensions for primary and secondary drawers

Francois Levy

In the attached file I have a base cabinet. I want the hardware in the upper drawer to be centered on the 6" tall slab drawer, and the handle in the lower trash pullout drawer to be offset 1 1/4" vertically, so that it lies in the middle of the 2 1/2" rail. Unfortunately, I can only do one, or the other, which doesn't really work with the concept of primary and secondary drawers. Each needs it's own hardware controls

VE-104179

Please stop creating Resource Manager folders

Francois Levy

I would MUCH prefer that Vectorworks not dictate how I organize my Resource Manager. For example: every time I edit a Drawing Label style it moves the modified style out of my office standard "graphics" symbol folder and creates a new "Drawing Label Styles" folder at the root. I don't need a separate symbol folder for Drawing Label Styles, Section Marker Styles, Data Tag Styles, and so on {_}ad nauseum{_}. I waste so much time moving things back where they belong. Please please please stop this behavior.

VE-104376

Bill of Materials for roof framing

Francois Levy

The Wall framer command creates a detailed report itemizing all lumber for the framed walls. It would be great if the roof framer did the same, or at least if there was a ready-made Report for roof framing members

VE-104378

Purge Attribute colors (Colors as Resources)

Francois Levy

Once an Attribute color has been I added to a file, it appears in the Active Document color, even if all objects with that color Attribute have been deleted. It would be great for the Purge command to include the option of purging unused Attribute colors.

Alternately, Attribute colors could be a Resource, editable from the Resource Manager, like Image Fills, Hatches, Tiles, etc

VE-104303

ResCheck/ComCheck worksheets

Francois Levy

It would be wonderful to have a pre-formatted Worksheet/Report for ResCheck and ComCheck calculations.

VE-103635

Railing/Fence Tool needs compliant rail returns

Francois Levy

Here are a few images of common handrails for commercial ramps and stairs:

[https://www.erectastep.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Commercial-Stairs-IBC-Callout.png]

[http://www.wagnercompanies.com/wp-content/uploads/return-to-itself-300x282.jpg]

[https://www.trexcommercial.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Custom_GripRail_Levis_Stadium_72-1280x987.jpg]

Currently, to achieve something like this I have to add a custom model element to an Railing/Fence object, which is not ideal (see attached Vectorworks file). Instead, the tool should:

—allow a custom post at beginning and end that is distinct from other posts

—come with a library of accessible standards-compliant returns for starting and end posts (that can accommodate any slope of ramp or angle of stair), for a variety of markets/building codes

VE-102638

Restore attaching sketches to redlines

Francois Levy

My bug VB-184552 has been flagged as WAD. I think this is a poor design choice, or design implementation. Please restore this functionality, even for files with legacy 2D features disabled.

VE-102074

Snaps Pallette must float; user rearrangement of icons a bonus

Francois Levy

The new "feature" in 2022 that docks the Snaps to the bottom right is a poor UI design choice and I very much dislike it. A user should not have to drag the cursor all the way to a distant corner of the screen. It should be floating by user preference, and resizable. In 2022 the only option for semblance of floating Snaps Palette is to customize Smart Options Display, and substitute Snaps in one of the quadrants. This is a poor substitute for what has been a feature of the program for as long as I recall (MiniCAD+ 4). I urge engineering to return to the old Snaps Palette before releasing 2022.

Instead of this forced dock, allow users to rearrange the individual snaps within the palette as they prefer. For example, for decades the snaps have mapped to the QWER-ASDF keys (recently F was reassigned by default to Launch Quick Search by default; in my workspace I map Edge Snaps back to F and use / for Launch Quick Search). Rotate a physical qwerty keyboard 90° clockwise and these keys map to the vertical 2x4 arrangement of snaps. But it was never possible to reshape palette to a horizontal 4x2 arrangement and keep the mapped relationship to the QWER-ASDF keys; the snaps would cascade into a fixed order that is not user-editable. If users could rearrange the icons they could have a palette that maps to QWER-ASD(F), This keyboard visual aid would help users learn and use snaps more effectively and work faster and more accurately.

VE-102048

Callout Database to be relative path by default

Francois Levy

We keep all our drawings on a Google drive that everyone in the office shares. When we need to edit our Callouts Database, VW reports that "Database file could not be loaded" and gives a path to another user's local copy of the Database. Almost *every* *time* a note needs to be changed, I have to navigate to my local copy of the Database, and switch from absolute to relative path. Note after note. This very time-consuming and annoying. It would be great if by default the Callout would look for the relative rather than absolute Database path. If it already does this, and I'm unaware of the setting, then it needs to be better documented. At the very least, users should have the option when the dialog box comes up to "remember this option for future instances".

VE-102049

3D solid paintbucket

Francois Levy

I would welcome a tool whereby a concave solid could be "filled" similar to the 2D poly paintbucket mode. For example, if one modeled a complex swimming pool, one could use such a tool to easily "fill it" with water.

VE-101898

Framing Member slope defined by rise:run in addition to angle

Francois Levy

Currently we can only define a Framing Member's slope as an angle. Yet these objects are often used to model rafters, which in the US are typically defined by rise over run, where run is usually 12. Please allow the user to define Framing Members this way, consistent with roofs. The work around is to look up or draft the desired rise:run and convert to an angle, which is tedious.

VE-100005

Uncouple 2D and 3D contour intervals in site models

Francois Levy

Sometimes a user may want to display 3D contours in a site model at a different elevation interval than the 2D contours. For example, a user may wish to display 2' contour intervals in plan, and show 4" stepped contours in the 3D site model (simulating a layered chipboard site model). In this case, 4" 2D contours would be far too dense to display in 2D, while 24" 3D contours would imply deliberate terracing of the site rather than a sloped architectural site model. Uncoupling 2D and 3D contour intervals would make this achievable without resorting to separate 2D and 3D site models.

VE-100754

Redline tool improvements

Francois Levy

Please make it easier to edit the Notes in an existing Redline. Either give us a dialogue box option with a large field for lengthy notes, or have the note field in the OIP return (be multiple lines of text tall) so we don't have to stretch the OIP across the screen to edit/add to a longer note.

VE-100537

Keep user logo in WebView exports by default

Francois Levy

It would be great if I didn't have to select my own logo _every time_ I export a webview. I would very much like it if Vectorworks just remembered my last selection, instead of always defaulting to the Vectorworks logo for webview exports.

VE-100526

'K' to close/end chain, baseline, ordinate dimensions

Francois Levy

The 'K' key currently closes polygons drawn by vertex. Since the gesture to insert dimension strings is similar to drawing a poly, perhaps the 'K' key could serve as an alternative to (not replacement for) double-clicking to end dimensioning. This may be useful for those users who inadvertently add another small dimension when double-clicking instead of ending the string as intended.

VE-100384

Custom Cabinet face styles, thicknesses, plan view

Francois Levy

Given that most architects are not going to spring for InteriorCAD, it seems like some basic improvements to the Custom Cabinet tool are in order:
# Styles other than slab door and drawer faces ought to be available, such as inset panel (same styles as the Wall Cabinet and Base Cabinet)
# We need some control over partition and shelf thicknesses, or at least localize them to imperial dimensions in the US market.
# The plan view of the cabinet should not change with the detailing of the sub components; a nominal 24" cabinet should be 24" in plan regardless of whether it has open shelves, drawers, or doors. The plan view should be a nominal abstraction, not a literal representation.

VE-100305

Callout text formating

Francois Levy

It would be great to be able to selectively format parts of a callout text, for emphasis for example. In the Mac OS, I can right click on part of the callout text in the Notes Manager to format it, but that formatting is lost once the note is inserted. I wish it could persist.

VE-100289

Move command on curtain wall frames and panels

Francois Levy

I wish that when in Edit Curtain Wall Tool mode, the Move command would apply to selected frame(s) and panel(s), rather than the whole wall.

VE-100088

New application icon with new releases

Francois Levy

Having 2020's icon the same color/appearance as 2019 is an unfortunate choice. Having distinct colors for distinct releases makes it easier for users (like beta testers) who may maintain multiple versions to know they are launching the desired version.
PS. I used orange for my 2020 beta; it's nice.

VE-100014

Make new tool icons optional

Francois Levy

Personally I do not care for the new icons introduced with beta 6. They seem chunky, clumsy and not elegant. It was pointed out that perhaps they are designed to read better for those using Dark Mode (Mojave and later MacOS). For those who don't use Dark Mode nor Mojave, nor care for the icons, it would be appreciated to have a Vectorworks Preference toggle to switch back to the older icon set. Alternately, perhaps Vectorworks could automatically adjust the icons depending on the OS mode (if that is indeed the purpose of the new icons).

VE-99961

Ubiquitous and full-featured Text Styles

Francois Levy

Anywhere and everywhere text appears it should be able to have a text style applied to it:
—drawing label components (number, drawing name, scale) individually and independently
—dimension string primary and secondary, again, individually and independently
—scale bars
—site model major and minor contour elevations, again individually and independently
—etc. etc.

Moreover, ANYthing that can be done to text from the Text menu or Attributes palette should be included in the Text Style definition, including capitalization (UPPER, lower, Sentence case) and opacity.

As it is, some text features are not fully implemented, and should be.

VE-99316

Import Stories from another file

Francois Levy

I wish we could do that, just as we can classes and layers.

VE-101158

Record fields and graphic attributes

Francois de Felix

In recent years resources have been added to records, so you are now able to store a fill resource or a symbol definition in a record. This is great.

But it is not enough for plug-in objects that have different graphical attributes for each part of their geometry.

If we want to store the graphical attributes for 1 part of a stair for example, we need between 15 and 25 fields in the record (fill attributes, mapping, text styles, line styles, colors, texture, etc...), depending of the kind of part (2D, 3D, line only, etc...). Stair has 35 different parts with each having their own graphical attributes. So it is impossible to store more than 500 fields in the record to do that.
That's why we do store all this data elsewhere (Data Tag). But then some basic functionality like Eyedropper tool won't work for obvious reasons. And then, we have issues on Jira.

To solve that we need a better way to store those attributes in a record. May be not a full attribute settings in 1 field, but at least a way to store the complete fill attribute (with colors, pattern/tile/gradient/hatch/..., mapping, if it's by class or not) in 1 field, the complete line attribute (LineType, line weight, type by class, weight by class) in another, same with text, textures, building material, etc...
On the user end, if those field type are implemented, we could dream of OIP widgets matching all those new field types. Then users would be able to change directly in the OIP the fill attribute of the 2D landing part of a stair, for example.

VE-103776

Data Tag : adding a button in OIP to select the linked object

Francois de Felix

This wish comes from Space users. They usually like the change from Space label to Data Tag, but some of them are very frustrated because it is sometimes very difficult to select the Space object.

When the Space has its "Show 2D Boundary" option OFF then we have added a 2D Locus to help but that's not enough.
When we designed the Space label to Data Tag task (T02240) we missed that the Space label was the thing users were clicking on to select the Space. So now they still click on the label, selecting the Data Tag. Then they move to the OIP in order to change some Space settings just to realize it's a Data Tag object. Having here a button to select the Space would save them from some frustration.

Another option could be to have a command in the context menu of the Data Tag like "Select linked object".

Having both solutions would be great.

VE-103387

Worksheet: highlighting subparts

Francois de Felix

Subparts, QTO and Worksheet are great features in Vectorworks 2023. But we think something is missing: a way to identify in the drawing a subpart selected in the worksheet.

This should not be too difficult and the result could look like this :

!highlighting-subparts.png!

VE-103386

Worksheet: summarize comparison is using way too much precision

Francois de Felix

When using the summarize option of the Worksheet, we often find cells with the "—" value, because for Vectorworks, the corresponding cells have different values.

The problem is that this difference is sometimes very low. Two dimensions should be considered as identical if their displayed value are equal. Otherwise, users do not understand why the "—" is displayed instead of the value.

In this example the have a Railing object with 4 posts.

!RF_WS_1.png!

We can see that the posts Height is "—". But when we disable the summarize option :

!RF_WS_02.png!

Looking at this, all users will think that all posts have the same height and so won't understand why the summarize option is not working.

If we switch to millimeter units and ask for more precision in the worksheet, the we can see that one post is 20 micrometers longer than the others:

!RF_WS_03.png!

They all have the same height, but because the user has put a very slight difference between "Height Pt 1 and "Height Pt 2", one post is *20 micrometer* longer than the others. This is far below the precision of the unit settings.

*With this logic, the user should produce a quote for the railing with 3 posts + one 20 micrometer longer? Of course not.*

So either the Worksheet should use units settings *to apply precision of the summarize comparison of values*, or at least, give to the user the possibility to choose a precision with the summarize option. In the latter, the default value should be the one matching the unit settings of the document.

VE-101543

SDK access to new criteria dialog

Francois de Felix

We have several projects that need a criteria dialog to get an array of object to perform action on. We have made our own criteria dialog, matching the one used in Vectorworks for years.

The new criteria dialog for VW 2022 looks fantastic, but it is not realistic for us to change ours. So our users will still use the old criteria dialog in our plug-ins and the news from native Vectorworks commands.

To avoid that we need a SDK access to the "official" criteria dialog. It could be a SDK call from ISDK, with an array of objects as a result. And some options to display or not some options in the dialog (Viewport annotations, symbols, …).

VE-100202

Ignore space opacity to use internal objects opacity

Francois de Felix

Space allows the user to choose opacity of every part of the space object. But this is not working since VW is using Velum Opacity for plug-in objects.

The goal here would be to render the space ignoring it opacity, but using a "group like" render mode, using the opacity of every visible object composing the space.

When the user change the opacity of the space object using the attributes palette, then the space code will apply that opacity to the "2D Boundary" part of the space.

See https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-160038

VE-104792

Improvements to Wall Style

Flavio Bernardo

Hi all

I wanted to suggest a improvement to the wall tool.

Would it be possible to add a selectable box on the component TOP and Bottom where it would make them by Style.

VE-104429

VW2024 - Door/Windows Tool - New Settings Menu Window

Flavio Bernardo

Hi all,

Is there a way to make this window settings more customisable ?

1. can we make this smaller so we can see the 2. larger and have more options ??

Since there is a change in this settings window the text is more important than the preview window, and if we increase the settings menu only the preview window increases i think we should be able to resize this to our content as i believe i'm not alone that the options marked as 2 is more important and we want to see everything instead of scrolling backs and forwards to see which class belongs to each item... i have created a style and from there i can identify what my needs are, but this is lazy updating of the settings window menu...

VE-102403

Improvements to the Stair Tool (Timber construction)

Flavio Bernardo

Hi all,

I will try to explain the best i can, but i will also provide a file with drawings and pictures to make it easier.

Would it be possible to enhance the stair construction tool in TIMBER as the existing one does not create the timber stairs properly, specially the winders.

I believe the current tool is working in a similar way as other construction methods and it shouldn't be this way.

How the winders work in real life (UK standards, but i believe it should be very similar to other countries, also i will be using the metric system).

The winders have the centre pivot point in the corner post and this corner post is increased to suit. Meaning this corner post is what prevents the winders to have less than 50mm on the shorter end, as if the winders have less people will slip and fall.

(if you look into the file)

There is an attached picture of a proper way to create the winders with simple rules, winder angle is kept to a 30° (for 3 winders the most common used), 45° for one winder, 22,5° for 4 winders.

- 3 Winders corner post usually 90x90mm with 30° angle from the outside corner of the corner post.

- 4 Winders Corner post usually 90x90mm with 22,5° angle. from the last straight step before the first winder you add 100mm and you place the corner post (always centered with the Stringer) then from that last step you measure 150mm (from the inside of the stringer) to the outside and that is your centre pivot for the winders (shown in the attached file)

These corner posts are also part of the Handrail of the stair.

So this corner post will be increased in case of needed, but usually it is this corner post that prevents the winder to have less than 50mm.

If you have any queries please let me know, and if i haven't been too clear with the text i apologise, as english is not my main language.

PS. i've added this in the TECH-ARCHITECT (if this is not the correct one please change it or let me know so i can try and change to the proper Source)

VE-100610

Project File Commitment Note Tracking

Ethan Rosch

I love the idea of project sharing - only that people get a bit lost when they sign back in.

To help with this, I think that the "Commitment Notes" should be treated like "Release" and "Version" in the title block tool. They should also be "publishable" to a document that lives alongside the .vwxp or your local .vwxw

# Have an updating list embedded into sheet & design layers of what each COMMIT note is.
** I feel the code is there as it is a modified version of the titleblock "release" "issue" code?
# Being able to save as a stand alone document as well - as it will not doubt get long.
** Having it *_publish_* at the same time as any Save & Commits

VE-100009

Enhanced Symbol Importing

Ethan Rosch

As most of the freely available online symbols are for sketch-up, 3D Max, Rhino, AutoCAD, etc ... I would like to see an effort put to streamlining the import process of symbols.

I import all sorts of symbols and each one bogs down my VectorWorks.

VE-100010

Enhanced Symbol Importing

Ethan Rosch

As VectorWorks is under nourished in the existing symbol universe (3D Warehouse, TruboSquid, etc ...) I would ask that more effort be put into symbol importing. I spend a lot of time cleaning up imported symbols and geometry.

VE-99317

Rotate and Scale Textures on Slab Object

Eric Winter

As far as I can tell, Slabs are the only objects where there is no option to scale or rotate textures in the Render tab of the Object Info palette when Mode is set By Object. I end up creating duplicate textures which are rotated if in order to place textures on Slabs that are oriented correctly.

VE-101638

Property Line must create correct closed boundary traverse.

Eric Gilbey

A user provided a property line issue where the attempted replication of a surveyed property boundary plan, based off of bearing/distance and curve data, could generate the same resulting closed traverse boundary plan. This issue was first shared with Vlado and Bobi in 2016 and revisited in 2018, but I have not heard if this ability to accomplish this typical base map process has been resolved. I have seen in forum discussions that these enhancements are still in-line to be addressed.

VE-101639

Horizontal Components for Walls

Eric Gilbey

|Aside from the vertical components in constructed walls, every exterior wall also has a horizontal cap and a footer (foundation). The wall tool must either allow for horizontal components to be integrated into the parametric design, or there must be a tool that works off of the wall as designed to create a cap (coping), footing and other typical horizontally constructed materials, like wall ties and anchors.|

VE-101640

Footer object for posts, columns and walls

Eric Gilbey

Landscape design professionals specify footers for walls, fence posts, deck posts, etc. A tool is needed to create an object that recognizes previously created geometry (posts terminating above grade, posts terminating subgrade, walls and columns) and then forms the footer geometry from object-based parameters. An above grade post creates footer at X times the width and length with a collar to accept the post on top and an option for a spread footing on the bottom; below grade post creates a surrounding geometric form which is X times the length and an option for a spread footing at the bottom; a wall would generate a footing that matches the finished wall thickness, creating a ledge to hold the veneer and matching the core wall component, with an option for either a spread footing (freestanding) or heel and toe slab (retaining); column mode would be much like the wall mode, but relate to the dimensions of the column. Footers must account for reinforcing materials visually and in reports.

VE-101729

Proper display needed for 3D Cut and Fill on the Site Model

Eric Gilbey

For many years, the site model's 3D cut and fill representation has flattened the boundary of the site model object, while creating a depression or mound to represent the volume of grade being cut or filled respectively.

This representation seems to be counterintuitive, since the user would best understand and acknowledge the grade moves in their 3D modeled position of the proposed site model surface.

Recently, a distributor noted this concern in a forum post. [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/81805-site-model-3d-cut-an-fill-display-is-flat/]

A suggested resolution to this challenge with the site mode would be a color gradation for cut volumes in specific areas and similarly for fill volumes, on the surface of the proposed site model. This may also require studying the competition's treatment of this, which in my initial search, I noted something very similar to what I am proposing. !https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/SfjdWZSXdW8piXHZ_CGkYxMH2Hqg57INNBm0NOIreQygHn0Sm-o9e6gtQduaZwuk2ht5zp_gmQoiIBSy7xEqOzw2O8-e_rBEfhozoRVsemOETkfxC5pI9pdrj48GNMyhWaIf_tqx0HhVs3nqccc2WgWH3QUd!

Possibly, there should be a consideration for changing the 2D plan view to incorporate the gradation of the cut and fill colors as well. !https://insitesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/06graphics02.png|width=454,height=436!

Another benefit from conducting the 3D representation this way is to properly account for cut and fill sections for the site model. In its current state, the cut and fill representation would not give the proper section view, whereas the one I am proposing would. This would also require the software to provide a color "fill" to the area being cut or filled as the industry is used to producing.

!https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/image/serverpage/image-id/5698i9200F141091080E7?v=v2|width=507,height=381!

!https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRuI4MzrXpyXgqpIz85jLpHipxin4j7wgDjtw&usqp=CAU|width=344,height=148!

VE-100766

Grade Object Interpolation Tick Marks

Eric Gilbey

Users would appreciate the visual (and snapping) aid "tick marks" could provide along the path of a grade object line, to point out where contour lines would cross the grade object's path from one elevation to another.

VE-100551

Irrigation tools - Hydrozone tool. Add the ability to analyze existing drawing based on landscape areas and Site model in the drawing

Emil Kolev

In my opinion a completely new menu command or a dialog could be added to the hydrozone tool in order to assist with initial irrigation design. It could automatically search for data in the already existing site model (elevations and soil type in the future) and landscape areas (number of plants and their water usage) and georeferencing for climate. The user may be prompted to enter missing data such as existing water supply , etc. A result of the initial analysis may be any advice regarding exisiting drawing.

VE-99558

Automatic georeferencing of a layer when importing georeferenced images.

Emil Kolev

Our importer transforms the image (if needed) to match the layer's coordinate system. If the layer is not georeferenced then the image is imported at (0;0). QGIS software automatically sets up the empty layer so it matches the image's coordinate system. This is similar to our workflow when importing shapefiles.
The georeferenced images contain enough data so the layer should be georeferenced when image is imported. An "Yes/No" dialog should be added. This would ask if we would like to georeference the non-georeferenced layer from the image's data. See VB-158626 for details.

VE-104832

Users would like to be able to adjust Lighting Device Pan and Tilt values from Worksheets

Dylan Rinker

A user pointed this out on a call and I feel like it'd be awesome to allow this! We can adjust fields in Worksheets like Universes, DMX Addresses, and various other fields but the Pan and Tilt will not allow us to plug in a value.

='Lighting Device'.'Pan'

='Lighting Device'.'Tilt'

I'm not sure if there's some hard coded reason/purpose that these wouldn't be allowed to be changed, so it's possible this is currently all working by design. But it'd be such a great thing to allow the users to do! The user instead has to select the devices from the worksheet, adjust the values in the OIP, and then refresh the worksheet.

Please let me know if there's anything else we can do to be of any assistance and have a great day! :)

VE-104515

When using Seating Sections with Tables and Chairs, users would like to be able to number both the tables and the chairs seperately

Dylan Rinker

When using a Seating Section that's using a Tables and Chairs symbol, numbering will number the groups of tables and chairs (so it appears like it's numbering the tables) and there doesn't seem to be any easy way to number the chairs on those tables specifically. This makes sense since the chairs are symbols within those table and chair symbols.

We can get the total number of chairs and tables in the OIP or for reporting, but the user requested an option to have automatic numbering of chairs.

The only workaround would be to manually number the chairs or make two different seating sections (one with the chairs, and another overlapping with the tables).

Please let me know if there's anything I can help with and have a great day! :)

VE-104178

GIS Stakes are unable to be used as Source Data for Site Models

Dylan Rinker

When using GIS Stakes, we can't use those as Source Data for a Site Model. It would be awesome if we could though!

I assume this is Working as Designed, but it can be a bit of a pain for users who have set up GIS Stakes and aren't aware of this.

This was found and reported by one of our users, David Hamer (david@vermillionarchitects.com).

Thanks for your time and have a great day! :)

VE-104133

Unable to use the Reshape Tool on multiple Grid Lines when in a Viewport Annotation

Dylan Rinker

A couple of users have mentioned this, but we can't select multiple Grid Lines and use the Reshape tool to adjust the size with them like we can in the Design Layers.

This might be a VB rather than a VE but please let me know if there's anything else I can do to help out. Have a great day! :)

VE-103936

User requests the ability to "lock" the width of the name column of the Resource Manager while it's in Column View

Dylan Rinker

When we switch between files in the Resource Manager while in the Column View, the width will adjust to show the longest named item in the Resource Manager. It seems this is intentional so users are able to see the contents and names of their Resources.

The user is requesting a way to lock this width by file or as a general width.

This was requested by one of our users, Win Benbow (win@bwcsystems.com) in case we need to reach out to him for further inquiries.

VE-102045

Camera moves when selecting lights/cameras from the Visualization Palette

Dylan Rinker

Whenever selecting a light or a camera from the Visualization Palette (either by double clicking or right clicking > Select on Document), the camera will move to focus that light in the middle of the drawing.

This isn't too much of an issue in Top/Plan view, but it also happens in 3D and Perspective views, which can be a bit annoying if you're trying to adjust a light while keeping your camera in a specific view/location.

We can work around this by right clicking and Edit, so that's the best workaround.

This was brought up to us by user Chris Moran (chris.moran01776@outlook.com); linking him here in case there's any other questions/updates we may have for him.

Thanks for your time, and have a great day! :)

VE-101276

Resource Manager Columns in List View - Any way to make them

Dylan Rinker

When in a List View in the Resource Manager, there's no way to make the Name and Type columns "stick" to a set width.

This can be an issue for some users who have symbols with longer names, or after some DWG imports.

This doesn't seem to be a bug exactly, since I don't think there's any way to save the size of these columns, but it'd be an awesome improvement if it could be done.

The user requesting this was Winston Benbow (win@bwcsystems.com), and I've attached a video from a screen sharing session we did earlier where he described this issue.

Please let me know if there's anything else I can be of any assistance with, and have a great day! :)

VE-100984

Options to edit existing settings in the Data Manager

Dylan Rinker

While on call with a user earlier today, they stated there's no way to edit the Settings in the Data Manager; making any change will set the Settings to <Active Settings>, and there's no way to easily adjust any existing settings.

We would be able to make new Settings and then delete the older Settings to "overwrite" them, but the user was requesting a more streamlined option/approach to doing this.

The user requesting this is Don Seidel, [don@seidel-inc.com.|mailto:don@seidel-inc.com.] Adding this in case I need to update him on anything.

I'm not entirely sure if this should be submitted as a bug; it seems to be working as designed compared to other menus/features in Vectorworks.

Thank you for your time, and have an awesome day!

VE-100584

User Request for improvements with the General Notes

Dylan Rinker

I discussed Databases with an end user today (Stephen Ponter of Devlin Architecture), and he shared some thoughts that I think may help improve the user experience when working with the General Notes in VW 2020. His main points come down to two central points:

1. An option to have a default Database selected when adding in new notes or editing Notes that exist in the file.
2. More intuitive options when adding in new notes, to prevent accidentally overwriting things and making sure all notes are linked to a Database.

More information on specifics can be found here, and in the attached video.

When adding in a new note, it doesn't default to any database, nor is there an option to set what the default database should be in such an instance. Having the previously used Database from any prior note in the document would help prevent several additional clicks any time a new General Note is added.

From a user standpoint, it seems like we would need to add in a new note in the "Note Text" field, which we can do, but then it will ask if we'd like to update the Database. By default, this will be "No", which will place it in as a note unassociated with any database.

If a user does hit "Yes" there, it's a pretty straightforward process to adding it in as a New Note, but then it will select the second to last Note in the database, meaning that it's incredibly easy to accidentally overwrite a previously created note with a new note.

If a note is placed in not associated with any database, any newly added notes will also default to <None> for the Database, rather than the database an end user may have been working with up to this point.

Any database that was being worked on previously, when editing the Notes, selecting to Add in a new note will default to <None> as well.

This is a bit of stuff, and I assume everything is technically working as designed, but these changes could help him and other users. Thanks for your time, and have an awesome day!

VE-100358

Ability to create keyboard shortcuts reserved by Mac OSx

Dylan Rinker

This was discussed with a user, and it seems to have been present in previous versions of Vectorworks on MacOSx.

When attempting to make a keyboard shortcut in the Workspace Editor that uses one of the reserved shortcuts, there's no way to override these, even if the shortcut is turned off in the Mac Preferences.

In the attached screenshot, I tried making a keyboard shortcut for Command+Option+D, which is the default shortcut in Mac to Show/Hide the Dock. However, this shortcut was changed and turned off in the Mac System Preferences, which can lead users to question why this limitation is in place.

I assume this is working as designed, but we've seen some workspaces migrated over that have this keyboard shortcut still in place (it doesn't do anything, and users must change it to something else). Thank you for your time, and have a great day! :)

VE-99456

3D Grid Display

Dylan Rinker

There is currently no way to adjust the overall size of the 3D Grid; it will always remain a square that fits within the 8.5x11 size page.

In the Top/Plan view, you can have the grid within a page or tiling forever, which can come in handy in some documents.

Users are able to use a 3D grid that covers more space in the Design Layers by changing the scale size as a workaround.

This isn't very highly requested, but it would be a handy feature to have. Any input is always appreciated! :)

VE-99496

Unable to Mirror Lighting Accessories for Lightwright Data Exchange

Dylan Rinker

When inserting a Lighting Instrument, there is no way to easily mirror a Lighting Accessory, especially for asymmetric symbols. A user has informed me that, when setting up lights, they would be able to simply flip the accessory to have a half-hat show on the left side instead of the right side, for example.

In Vectorworks, when rotating the Lighting Accessories, there's no way to replicate this behavior (the accessory will only rotate around clockwise/counter-clockwise).

You can make a duplicate of the symbol and adjust/rotate your 2D and 3D Geometry, and this symbol will retain the correct data in Vectorworks; only the Resource Name will be affected. However, in LightWright, the Symbol Name will be listed, rather than the Data in the Light Info Record.

This is more of an issue within LightWright, given that description, but it would be useful for users to have more power over rotation of Lighting Accessories. I'm also unfamiliar with the workflows in real life, but have included screenshots and the file/XML document for further information.

I was unable to find any similar inquiries on this in JIRA, and apologize if this is a duplicate. Thank you for your time, and have a great day! :)

VE-99427

Multiple Size Framing Members

Dylan Rinker

When using the Wall Framers, Vectorworks will create all the lumber with one type of lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x10, or a custom size), but there's no way to include multiple sizes in this framing command.

Most users wish to have the walls framed with primarily 2x4's, but want their headers to be 2x6's; they'll typically just take those framing members and edit them in the document. I haven't found any way to do this by default with the tools, but it'd be a wonderful addition.

Thank you for your time, and have a great day! :)

VE-100964

Eyedropper tool not pulling all plug in parameters

Dylan Resnick

Trying to apply the attributes of the thicker rail to the thinner rails. Doesnt push all values.

VE-99494

Unilock Umbriano Hatch

Dylan Resnick

User requests we update our Unilock library, but is requesting for Umbriano specifically

VE-99344

Several Requests

Dylan Resnick

-The ability to set a view and render mode in the Instrument Summary Tool like how the Resource manager can set views and render modes per thumbnail.
-Instrument Summary Tool to also count things like truss, video panels, etc.
-Instrument Summary Tool to be able to show and hide symbols in the key per symbol.
-When lighting fixtures are all grouped into a symbol and you number them, they are not smart enough to know that each instance of the overall grouped symbol should have their own discrete number.

VE-99985

Wants the option of changing the Issue Data Number for Title Block Borders

Dylan Resnick

Unable to change the Issue Data Number after creation without deleting everything and restarting to correctly number.

VE-99971

Record format to pull all components of walls into single column.

Dylan Resnick

Users want to be able to see all of their wall components in one database column rather than doing =COMPONENTNAME(1), etc across several columns.

VE-99443

Add ability to add Hangers on Structural Member Tool

Dylan Resnick

User requested ability to add the hangers from the Framing Member Tool onto the Structural Member tool as the Framing Member Tool is being phased out.

VE-99299

Bim Tool

Dylan Resnick

Give option to select what unit of measurement the object will be imported in as from the website to prevent the need for scaling objects once imported.

VE-99309

Reports enhancement

Dylan Resnick

Give the option to format cells to show different measurement types so users can switch between feet and inches and milimeters.

VE-101379

Site Model Drainage

Don Ward

Hello All,

I was very interested to see the software development roadmap that was recently made available. It's very helpful for us to see what is underway or planned. A number of enhancements caught my eye: Variable sub-surface strata in the site model, Edge/curb object reporting linear quantity of materials). These will be fantastic.

I’d like to suggest that you consider adding the ability to design a pipe/drainage network as a future enhancement. Designing or documenting drainage networks is a fundamental task for landscape architects. It’s a critical component that is missing from Landmark and something that I believe should be developed before a roadway design tool. A drainage system tool would be tightly integrated with the terrain modeling and hardscape tools. It would allow the user to determine drainage areas, place drains, calculate flow volumes to size pipes, place a pipe network, calculate pipe slopes, and determine invert elevations. Collisions with other underground utilities or structures would be detected. Materials would be automatically calculated. As a landscape architect, this sort of tool, integrated with terrain and hardscape modeling would be my dream come true.

The attached files are examples of pipe mapping work that Anna prepared. The file Hunt_Inventory sheet set_2020-05-18_pages 12-16.PDF shows the drainage network that we mapped. Contractors spray-marked the pipe location and depth below ground surface, we marked this information on hardcopy plans and then drafted it in the office. The purpose of this work was to develop an understanding of the layout and function of the sanitary and septic systems. We then used this information to track work on the systems. Broken sections of pipe were fixed, sections of the network were removed or simplified and a new pipe was added. We tracked this work in VW as shown in the other attached PDF (Hunt_Site Worksheet set_2020-05-18_pages 2-5.PDF). Anna had to develop a number of work-arounds to inventory the network and track the work on it. For example, a method for documenting pipe depth at a location.

One other note about this project, it highlights the need to track changing conditions and work in VW. Our projects tend to be adaptive in nature. We start off with an inventory and then develop a plan. But while this is going on work is being completed or conditions change. For example, trees are removed, trimmed, treated, or pruned; drainage systems are repaired or reconfigured; natural areas are undergoing restoration. There is no clean/absolute separation between the design process and implementation. Design is adaptive, it needs to adjust to new conditions (or the impacts of a previous design or management decisions). Our VWX files need to be living documents. They need to allow us to track changing conditions, revise designs, and record work. With the impacts of climate change and the need for resilient design, I believe this cyclical process will be the way we as designers will need to work going forward. VW needs to be able to support this process.

Thank you for pushing VW to new and exciting places. You make our work exciting and allow us to pursue new ideas and confront new challenges.

We’d be happy to discuss any of the above with you at any time.

Dave and Anna

DAVID BIER

Futurity, Inc.

5121 North Ravenswood Avenue

Chicago, IL 60640

773-506-2007

[davidbier@futurityinc.com|mailto:davidbier@futurityinc.com]

[www.futurityinc.com|applewebdata://CC5D3BE5-CEC8-4C30-983C-127BF3BC6D31/www.futurityinc.com]

Anna Arbetter

VE-100038

Crown Molding, Base Board, Chair Rails, etc...

Don Ward

Here is a link to a tool developed by a user. We have worked with them in the past for the Foliage tool and we need this tool or something extremely similar. One improvement we would need to make to the tool would be to add the option to miter the ends.

https://andreafacchinello.wordpress.com/baseboard/

I get this request from users all the time and although Extrude Along Path works well in most cases this tool adds a lot more flexibility to multiple workflows.

Also, look into their gutter tool as well.

https://andreafacchinello.wordpress.com

VE-102164

Dual Dim inconsistent display

Don Seidel

when using dual dimensions:

1- we have no control over the "brackets" that are on the secondary dim text. We need to be able to select the character of the bracket, or have them off.

2- the brackets are used by the dimensions inconsistently. Sometimes there, sometimes not. No logic to the difference. Happens even WITHIN a single dimension string of say, 3 dimensions.

VE-103791

Stair handrail at landings wrong

Don Seidel

Stair handrails should NOT wrap the landing in an L-shape or u-shape stair. It's not required by code , and not wanted. We should have an option to turn this off.

This is an old request. But when the software does something wrong it should be fixed quickly. There's no work-around.

VE-102480

Sloped Railing offers false edit options

Don Seidel

Sloped railings can only be a straight line. No turns and certainly no curves.

Why then , does the polygon-like Edit option offer additional points? Any attempt is rejected. These should be disabled when editing a railing or fence PIO.

VE-102387

Purge does not remove worksheets

Don Seidel

Purge command does not remove unused worksheets

VE-101200

Stair Graphics - multiple Handrail Bugs

Don Seidel

These are Bugs, not enhancements, as the Stair object is showing incorrectly for construction drawings, without a work-around. See attached screenshot:

Issue 1
While we can turn off Handrails ABOVE the break, there's no way to turn off handrail BELOW the break. So for sake of seeing the handrail on the 2nd floor, it must always be on.

Issue 2
Most all Codes in the U.S. do NOT require the handrail to run around the landing on a U-Stair. We don't want railing here. Only solution is to de-construct a U-stair into 2 straight runs w/ a separate landing. again a mess w/ graphics 1st floor vs 2nd floor.

Issue 3
regarding which object is "front" between a stair object and 2nd floor slab...If stair is "behind" to hide the stair below the 2nd floor slab opening, then the top flight handrail extensions are hidden. If the stair is "in front" of the 2nd floor slab, then the lower flight is displayed beyond the floor opening.

VE-101178

Stair railings need dash

Don Seidel

A Stair PIO in plan has ability to dash above or below a break line. The Stair railing "show above break" is not sufficient to display graphically correct. We need both:

- option to separately display railing in plan above/below the break
- option to display railing dashed if steps are dashed

VE-100744

Data VP Criteria not updating itself

Don Seidel

When using a Data Visualization VP, if the original names (layers, classes, etc) of Criteria change, then the criteria set should auto-update itself.

Much the same as changing the name of a design layer (XY to XX) , which is used in a sheet layer VP. The Sheet VP will automatically list the NEW name (XX) of that layer, vs remembering the old name (XY).

This is NOT the case (and thus a BUG) with Data Visualization criteria. Changing a layer name which is used in the criteria ("objects on XY layer") is not automatically updated to "objects on XX layer". So the Visualization fails, looking for the old layer name.

VE-99549

Stair tool sad state continues

Don Seidel

A fairly common, simple outdoor stair is straight run WITH a landing at the top. See attached screenshot. It would be great if VW could model this simple stair, but alas, no. Not an option with the current stair tool. Is this really the state of modern BIM software?What am I missing here?

VE-105099

Cabinets, cabinets. Not industry standard visualization

Don Seidel

See attached screenshot. Rather than consider this as "you can't please everyone", I think VW has an obligation to meet the most common industry standards for graphic representation of objects...in this case cabinet elevations.

We have resisted for many years using the cabinet tools because after design, we need the construction drawings to represent industry standard for architectural construction drawings.

While anatomically correct, the elevation projection of cabinets includes far too many flush joints represented by a line. This adds visual clutter.

VE-105108

Table & Chairs plugin by Santa Barbara VW Group

Don Seidel

Excellent plugin to add many desired features to the Table & Chairs object! Someone needs to write the author a check :-)

https://www.verysmallgroup.com/table-seating

VE-105055

VW iPad reader

Don Seidel

Can we please get a VW reader for iPad?
Nomad only open files on VW server.

Nearly every other major software of all types has an iPad version, even if for opening files only. It's WAY PAST time for this.

VE-105058

Roof Component extension bug

Don Seidel

Extensions of roof components on Roof Faces has been inconsistent from the start. In actual construction, the top component gets extended 1" for example on ALL faces except the ridge. VW has this wrong for many versions.

Just as slab offsets and other PIOs in VW, the roof face should have individual edge controls for correctly modeling offsets. Yes we could push-pull these to correct positions, but then the roof face object is lost, with all its controls, etc.

Also, the extensions are not correctly joined at the ridge intersection of 2 roof faces. No option on the connect/combine tool will fix it. See attached.

VE-99362

Cabinets & Countertops: Time to make them work

Don Seidel

Cabinets & countertops need to be compatible w/ current BIM and drafting standards:

These tools need the following changes to be useful to the modern office:

- insert a 3D sink into a countertop like putting a window in a wall. Insert, move at will.

- rotate cabinet handles

- coincident cabinet units to not have a line between countertops

-"L" , "U" or angled countertop possible. Reshape possible, such as curved overhang or chamfered corners.

- the Custom Cabinet offers some improvements, but produces a handicap: won't render a simple 1-line drawing in elevation, which is the most common in architectural elevations

-"draw door swing" for a cabinet in elevation, similar to a door.

VE-104842

gate and post options fail

Don Seidel

Well I'm sorry but a huge opportunity was missed here. Operations of Posts and Gates in a fence are quite awkward.

One would hope adding a gate would be just like adding a door to a wall: select, insert, flip, resize. Reshape to add a gate? ok..but counter-intuitive.

- no apparent way to flip a gate (copy the gate symbol and reverse geometry?)
- no gate swing
- adding a post seems nonfunctional. Also, no popup choices there at all. Option-drag should add a post
- the popup menu when inserting a gate doesn't do anything
- swapping a gate symbol doesn't auto correct the fence until you move the gate

VE-104431

NO handrails at landing option

Don Seidel

How about the option to NOT model handrails at landings? Landings against a wall with handrails are:
- incorrect
- not required by code
- poor design

VE-104311

iPad VW viewer please

Don Seidel

Nomad has not worked as promised, plus you have to first upload files to VW servers.

Can we please get an iOS VW viewer? It would be most convenient for office meetings or review/markup to be able to see VW drawings as on-the-fly (live file view on local network) pdf or jpeg

VE-104314

Non-DB Worksheet sorting

Don Seidel

As wonderful as DB worksheets are, there are many times we need a simple text worksheet.

Currently there's no way to sort rows in any manner. This should be an option. I would think easy to code

VE-104273

Shared project auto settings

Don Seidel

Shared projects need these as OPTIONAL auto settings:

- Auto Save and Commit each XX minutes and/or XX operations
- Auto Save and commit on document closing
- Auto release on document closing

VE-103410

Randomized tile or paver tool

Don Seidel

Much as a landscape area can generate random plants based on user input, it would be most helpful to have a TILE or PAVER ARE tool that also generates random placements, within the "grid" of the tiles or pavers selected.

attached is a Landscape Area, which I have hacked by re-defining the 4 "plants" used to be 24x12 rectangles. The spacing settings desired to produce random pavers are not workable. This was a test of concept

VE-104284

Adding Notes to Notes Mgr

Don Seidel

When adding a note to the callout DB (Notes Manager):
1- it's great that the input field is already highlighted...ready for new text input
2- But then, after adding the note, a User must navigate the list to FIND the note just added

The user's obvious intent is to USE the newly added note, so the new note should be pre-selected for exiting the dialog and placing the note

VE-104276

New Interface - Project sharing refresh button

Don Seidel

The project sharing "refresh" icon should change to out-of-sync color (like references in the Nav palette).

The 2 states of sync or needs refresh look too similar. A color change would get noticed

VE-104228

Project Sharing default settings

Don Seidel

Project sharing Save and Commit settings should "stick" once set to on or off. By default the additional settings in dialog are always off.

VE-104173

Sheet Title and Number export (Smart Object)

Don Seidel

Would be handy to have a way to copy or export the list of sheet numbers and sheet titles, for use on our own (custom) cover sheets.

Even better if it were a smart object, that would allow selecting which sheets to list, and auto update as sheets are added and /or re-ordered.

VE-104171

Suppress Zero in Database Worksheet

Don Seidel

we really need a Worksheet option (simple checkbox ) to suppress display of ZERO. In large worksheets which have to sum columns of numbers, many cells with zeros is very much a visual clutter. Everyone understands a blank cell as "zero" value.

If the ultimate purpose of VW is to communicate design, then let's communicate as clearly as possible wherever we can.

VE-100555

Heliodon Saved settings

Don Seidel

It would be most handy if the settings for the Heliodon could be saved, and used for saved views, viewports, etc.

We often have to create more than 1 "Sun", and class separately to get the shadows we want on different views. For example, while factually correct, no one wants to see a building elevation in full shade on the Design drawings.

Similarly, it would be nice to recall 2 or 3 times of day (or days of the year) for a perspective view. At the moment these must be done completely manually.

VE-102684

Heliodon settings in Saved View

Don Seidel

Often doing a presentation, we have to create and class multiple Heliodons. For example, shadows that look nice in a Front Elevation VP, do not look good at all in the Rear Elevation VP of the same model.

It seems a small bit of code would allow the Heliodon settings to be saved in a Saved View. Then multiple Saved Views could have independent Heliodon settings.

VE-102880

Fence /Railing PIO should use Styles

Don Seidel

The Fence and Railing PIO should use STYLES in line with the typical VW practice.

The use of "symbols" is counter-intuitive.

VE-103040

Landscape areas - assigning class

Don Seidel

A landscape Area STYLE is difficult to assign a class to each instance. One must edit the style resource in the Resource browser; it's greyed out in the OIP.

It should be more direct to class a Landscape area which is styled. Either OIP or as part of the style definition.

VE-104032

Create typical office door w 2 panes of glass on the SAME side

Don Seidel

Apparently it's not possible to create a typical office door with 2 or more panes of glass (sidelights) on the SAME side of the door. See attached.

This is extremely common in commercial office and some retail interiors. There should be a simple way to do this.

NO, you don't want a door in a curtain wall.......

VE-103981

Stair railing can't do industrial railing

Don Seidel

Industrial use railings don't require the typical 4" max openings of a typical stair. Instead they can have only 2 horizontal bars, 1 at top and 1 at mid-height.

VW can do this w/ a straight railing, but there seems no possible settings to get this on an industrial stair. It should be simple...

See attached

VE-103860

Parking Space numbering as it's actually used

Don Seidel

The "Space Numbering" option in OIP for parking spaces is REALLY not useful, nor industry standard.

Parking spaces are rarely numbered individually (1,2,3), but each GROUP or ROW has the total number. See attached.

This is one of those small, but important, functions which do not show VW as "pro" software. Anyone in architectural or civil engineering industry would laugh at the function.

VE-103542

wall component callout text

Don Seidel

callout text assigned to wall components (or to materials) could then be used to create automatic text for Data Tags used as Callouts.

VE-103458

Drawing index hyperlink

Don Seidel

Hyperlinks for navigation cannot exist (won't activate) on the PDF if they reside within a symbol.

For small/medium projects, we like to have the drawing list in the title block. However, to create links for each sheet of drawings, the set of page links must be copy/pasted on each sheet layer to work. (multiple copies of an object vs a symbol)

it would be great if these links would work as noted (see example attached), or a VW function to create a drawing sheet index with the links in the TB to jump between sheets

VE-102891

Modern PDF exports

Don Seidel

By way of the Publish command, we can produce a single multi-page 24x36 PDF of a document with several sheets (A1 through A7 for example) in a single operation.

However, if you want to produce the same PDF, but reduced to 12x18, VW only allows 1 page at a time. Of course we can manually collate individual PDF's into 1 document, but that's extra steps.

A workaround is to duplicate sheets A1 -A7 with special names (A1.1...A7.1) and reduce the page size for those special sheets. Then you can use the publish command with only those special sheets to get a single multi-page PDF in 12x18 for example. This too is very much effort.

The goal is to be able to produce a reduced size PDF multi-page document with the Publish command, ON THE FLY.
- not duplicating and editing sheets for reduced size
- not having to manually collate individual PDFs

AND, of note, the reduced page size PDFs currently exported by VW are the same file size as the full-size PDFs. We would hope the reduced PDFs would be smaller file size(s)

VE-103094

Data tag as hyperlink

Don Seidel

A hyperlink function in a Data Tag would massively seed use of hyperlinks; to be able to tag any object with a simple hyperlink logo, without need for additional graphics.

VE-103056

Automatic PDF links for markers

Don Seidel

Data Tags & Markers should automatically be “jump-to viewport” links when exporting a PDF

VE-103013

Shadows by Shadow STYLE

Don Seidel

Managing 2D plan shadows of many type of objects in document can be quit the laborious task. Universal (document) shadows by class is not the way. Different objects have different fill, line, etc, etc.

We need shadow *styles* , which can be attached to any object or any class.

For example, 2D tree shadows would be longer than car shadows, and different from building shadows. Yet they could all project in the same direction with the same opacity and blur, if one manages only a few styles.

VE-102890

Organization palette not so organized (confusion)

Don Seidel

When ADDING sheets to a project already underway, VW assumes the new sheets will be added last. But often sheets must be added in the middle of sheet order stack. This causes the sheet number column to be out of sync with the "#" column. Very confusing with no apparent remedy. Frustrating because one cannot "page" through the document sheets in natural order. See attached.

VE-102438

(wish) Sketch/No sketch option for CLASS attributes

Don Seidel

Wish choices not available in Jira...

Sketch/No sketch option has been buggy (not respecting choices in rendered VPs), However it would be most useful; to have sketch/no sketch option for class attributes

VE-101974

Space Objects - simple size entry

Don Seidel

As long as Space objects have been around, there's no easy way to adjust the size. It would be very efficient to use the VW common method of simply entering new size dimensions in the OIP

VE-101975

Space Object - Label orientation on rotate

Don Seidel

Often we want to rotate a rectangular space object 90°. VW needs an option to re-orient the Lx W and correct the text of the label to normal orientation

VE-101940

Automated Callout text

Don Seidel

All objects in VW should have a universal data field for what I'll call "Primary Callout" text. The general description of an item vs detailed specification. Using a new Data Tag that reads this field, it would greatly speed noting of countless items.

There are currently many ways to attach Data, but the primary function there is an automated Schedule, and/or automated specification & calculation data.

IFC does not appear to offer a universal field for this primary callout.

The Wall Style Data tab in "description" does offer something in this way (only for walls), but currently the method of using a Data Tag to display this is awkward and cumbersome.

VE-100716

VW Mac Users render technology ?

Don Seidel

A bit overdue to get Mac Users some instant render, live link technology, please. VW was born on Mac, and enjoyed it’s early years of success exclusively on that platform. Feeling a bit like step-children at the moment.....(no, TM is not live link, thanks)

VE-100886

sketch with Open GL

Don Seidel

would be very nice to get sketch w/ Open GL "live"

VE-101605

Record Format edit needs "Duplicate " button

Don Seidel

In setting up a custom Record Format, it's a lot of work to create a similar field from scratch. Particularly if the field has Pop-up as the operation, and you have to re-type the list.

A "Duplicate" button would be most helpful.

Granted it would need to force the User NOT to use the same Field Name, but that's common elsewhere in VW

VE-101541

Ability for independent image in Worksheet

Don Seidel

Currently images in Worksheets are only allowed as image of an object.

It would be most helpful to be able to simply place an image in a cell. For example, if generating a Worksheet of furniture, plumbing fixtures or light fixtures. The image could just be manually inserted in a row to show the product.

VE-101434

ALL Hidden Line VP's with color ability

Don Seidel

Currently, only Top-Plan VPs can show Classes/Layers as grey or color line attributes. (Color overrides for the VP)

Why is the same ability lost on Elevation VPs in Hidden Line? No settings will allow color override by layer or class in this use. Attempting to grey a layer or class will cause it to disappear. This isn't consistent with expected behavior.

A very common method to graphically differentiate "Existing" with "New" construction is showing the existing as greyed, and/or showing the new in a distinct color.

VE-101143

shared Project exit without save

Don Seidel

when exiting a shared project without saving (you forget), rather than VW simply notify you that you've not saved to your local file, why not offer the OPTION to "save and commit" before completing the file close?

As it is, there's no pause or way back. You have to reopen the shared project and save and commit, then close and release. cumbersome

VE-101154

Mid-cycle improvements

Don Seidel

Mid-cycle improvements (not bug fixes) are missed. These small additions greatly improve the value of VW to the users. Some suggestions for 2021:

- gates (door objects) inserted into fences and railings

- 3D light objects inserted into ceilings

- wall base trim

- gutters along roof edges & downspouts

- continuous roof ridge vents

- roof component overhang on the sloping face (gable end)

- option to lock height of masonry components to a set masonry module.

VE-100884

Textures should "Use World Z" by default!

Don Seidel

I can't think of any reason NOT to have "Use World Z" as DEFAULT ON for textures / materials. After doing 15 outside walls, you have to come back and change all of them to align textures correctly.

At the least, VW could ask the User upon 1st assignment of a material or texture if we would like "Use World Z" as default.

VE-100390

Wall Sub-Components

Don Seidel

Wall Styles need Sub-Components which lie within a component.

An example is 4" of spray foam insulation within a 6" stud cavity. It's workaround to create the insulation, then air gap to equal the stud depth.

PLUS the stud depth may change in the project.

VE-100936

Grey layers in ELEVATION VP's

Don Seidel

Greying a layer is handy to contrast existing vs new construction, or to highlight particular information on special layers (typically lighting drawing has the base plan greyed).

Does not work this way in an Elevation VP. It would be nice to simply grey the 1st floor of a building (as existing for example) and have the roof be normal black display.

Of course this can be done with classes and class-overrides. But there should be no reason not to easily render a layer in grey lines (not transparent) when viewing a model in 2D elevation or 3D

VE-100885

Predictive settings for plugin objects

Don Seidel

generally when I assign a hardware set for a door, I want the same for most of the other doors. VW should use predictive choices here, so I don't have to start from the whole list of choices each time I pick hardware type, height, etc.

Similarly, once I set trim parameters for a door or window, most of the next ones will follow the same settings.

VE-100663

Roof Edges like the real world

Don Seidel

Ever since roof components were introduced, the option has been missing to specify WHICH edges of the roof can accept a component overhang (offset). In the real world, if there's a "lip" overhang at the low edge of a roof, that same overhang occurs on the side edges too.

Much like SLAB Components can have specified offsets on specified edges, it's long overdue VW have this for roofs. Meanwhile it's a detail that's not correct BIM, so both design images and construction drawings are incorrect in representing this very common condition.

VE-100651

Keynotes for the real world

Don Seidel

It's not uncommon for professional design offices to want ONE UNIQUE Notes list for the whole project, where for example Keynote 8 is always the same note text on every sheet. By default VW wants to start numbers from 1 on every sheet. This is confusing communication to others using the documents because Note 8 is DIFFERENT on every sheet. This hobbles the communication efficiency of using Keyed Notes.

Our office operates on the UNIQUE NOTE method. The entire project uses ONE Keynote Legend (i.E, "master Legend"). This can be placed on any sheet, but typically off-page. But this is a work-around method that we shouldn't have to do.

Therefore, it would be a most helpful if:

VW offers a "unique note" option (document preference), where Notes have unique numbers, and only those notes appearing on the sheet are displayed in the Legend for that sheet.

VE-100451

3D printing Service workflow

Don Seidel

We would love to print 3D models of our buildings. But despite improvements for industrial applications, there remains little offered for architectural models, in that there are too many formats and variables, and the cost too high for the average office. Why, in the year 2020, do we have to jump through multiple exports and software programs to get a 3D printer file?

Similar factors for purchasing and running a 3D printer that outputs anything larger than a tennis ball :(. Every time we seem to find a Vendor, they are gone 6 months later.

VW has a great opportunity to "partner" with 4 or 5 production houses that could offer easy workflow to get from a VW model to a 3D printed model. Revenue to VW via the partnerships would pay for the software development to simplify the export process.

Most firms (IMHO) do not care what material the model is made from. That's not the issue. Simply getting a good monochrome study model is 95% the goal. Large models could be "cut" by the VW software into connecting cube parts for assembly by the designer.

VE-100443

Exploded Model View

Don Seidel

VW needs a tool/command to create exploded model view in a VP. This is possible manually, but not without a significant effort, which usually means creating a copy of the model to "explode".

An explosion automation MOVIE would be a great tool as well.

VE-100321

Stair Handrail extensions - by code

Don Seidel

Most all U.S codes require stair handrails to extend at the bottom run of the stair. This is an option in the Stair PIO. However, the code further states that to avoid a "hip-catching" hazard, handrail extensions must return to a wall, post or back on themselves.

See attached illustrations.

VE-100319

Select Walls by Height

Don Seidel

Oddly, there's apparently no method in VW to select Walls by HEIGHT criteria. This should be added to the Custom Selection tool.

VE-100217

Data Stamp for Date is undeveloped (regression)

Don Seidel

To "trigger" an update to the Data Tag, used as Date Stamp, you have to enter setting dialog, poke around, and even then no apparent "update" button. Only after exiting the dialog do you notice the date is updated.

There should be an UPDATE or REFRESH button in OIP for the Data Stamp

VE-99937

Closing a shared project

Don Seidel

If you close a shared project without saving to your working file, VW dialog gives you a warning, but no way to go back and save...the file closes (no option).

You have to reopen and save. There should be an option to respond to the warning.

VE-99753

Project Sharing commit on exit

Don Seidel

If you've made changes to your working file, then "close & release", you'll be notified from VW that you've not committed the latest changes.

There should be a "Save & commit" option in that dialog box! As is, VW continues to close. no choice.not even a "cancel" option.

You have to reopen the file and Save/Commit the latest info. Then close/release again

VE-99574

Roof Component overhang control

Don Seidel

Just as we can designate individual faces of a slab for an offset value, so do roof components need the same control.

The default setting works only on the "downhill" edge of a roof face. Often this overhang is needed on more than 1 edge

VE-99568

Push Pull subsurface mode should work in OpenGL

Don Seidel

Push Pull in Surface mode works much the same as Sketchup for splitting a surface and extruding the sub-portion.

Push Pull Subsurface mode only works in wireframe. This is a mystery, given the same auto-working plane functions work in Open GL just as wireframe.

And one would think ESPECIALLY when modeling in 3D view, Open GL would be the mode of choice, as wireframe can quickly get confusing in a complex model.

VE-99363

Railing Tool wishes

Don Seidel

- CORNER POSTS AT 90 DEGREES, NOT 45

- Railing STYLE function

- Railing respond to Eyedropper tool for settings

VE-99538

STACKED Wall Components....

Donald Martin

Hi guys!

Vectorworks trainer and Recent Spanish Beta tester here!

Please forgive me if I don't convey my queries properly in english ... my technical knowledge (and work) is in a Spanish speaking country ...

Wanted to kick off my contributions with something I find VW lacks since wall/slab components were announced .... and many clients have inquired about.

As an architect in our practice, we often design different wall finishes or material combinations on a single wall within a room ....

And showing and modifying them ... 'easily' ... is kind of a necessity when trying to convey design criteria to clients and/or when defining room esthetics ... to begin with...

For instance:

Incorporating different finishing materials (stone, wood panelling, acoustic panels, paint, carpet or textiles etc..), flashings, running boards etc. that may ( ...or may not) have the same outer finished dimension (... i.e. stacked outer finish (i.e. ... maintaining the wall thickness throughout) and are part of the wall or walls... (door/window/plugin conscious...)

Basically using components vertically, that can be easily edited in: thickness, vertical location from the floor level, component height and editable texture orientation etc...

I imagine that giving each component, a core surface related displacement value could be a solution ... since all other values are accounted for..

I always end up ... trying to 'paste' secondary walls or adding extrudes on top of each other and having to subtract solids for windows, doors etc ... or adding solids onto walls .... and end up hating retracing my steps or editing the composition afterwords ...(becomes very cumbersome in large projects)

Is there anything in the works in that sense coming soon?

Also ... (this maybe be a spin off ...) in SLAB components... dynamically editable floor tiles ... (i.e. ceramic, wood, concrete etc..) that can be easily re-dimensioned (... unit thickness, height and length) on the fly .... also including the grouting and textures ....

e.g. changing floor tile dimensions easily ... from 30x60cms to 45x45 to 10x120cms and their respective thickness.

I say this, since many flooring suppliers, sell the same floor material but in different size options ... and it becomes a 'hazzle' making alternate renderworks textures for each... (which increase document memory requirements also...)

In other words ... 'One texture - different editable tile dimensions'.

I find this a vital item that's lacking (tool wise) in my daily endeavors .... and would GREATLY appreciate a solution.

I've enclosed a sample image...

Thx!

VE-102695

Braceworks - Calculation of ground and hanging loads

Dominique Rivard

Have the possibility that Braceworks calculates the loads on the floor supports.

VE-99976

Seating Section Rectangle tool, Distance between table, Replace symbol

Dominique Rivard

Hi,

I work with the version 2020 Beta5 (build497978)

1- the basic rectangle tool works with delta X and delta Y. When I want to use the rectangle tool of Seating Section it's only X,Y coordinate and the Aisle tool is length and angle... This is not useful. Please set all with the standard floating bar for all option.
2- Distance between table must be table to table even if there are chairs or not. The reason why is the National Code provide distance from table to table. Also, the staff who install those tables measure from the border the table. It's always table to table. The only time we used leg to leg is with a theatre style.
3- When I try to replace a symbol in a seating section by a symbol with different number of chair (because it's often the case) the count is correct but if I change the settings, I lose my substitute.
4- Where Is the Text Option parameter ? I must continue to use this option. The client wants to see the number of chairs per section. It was a good option in the previous tool like the 2019 version.

Thank you !

VE-102888

DOM: Data Tag 3D Objects in Layout

Dominique Corpataux

VE-102203

DOM: Diameter Dimension DIN Standard

Dominique Corpataux

A Report for a bigger Building Supplier. Which produces parts for panic rooms. Ans also Design panic rooms.

The diameter dimension, do not support dimensioning a stand-alone circle with two arrows outside the circle as it would be desired for DIN Standards. This Standard is used for building suppliers (Building Parts/Devices, Carpenders etc.) so it could be worth to address this

I don't know if this is WAD, a bug or a wish. It seems to be reality at least since Vectorworks 2016.

Please whatch the Attached Movie which shows the behavior

VE-102202

DOM: Radial DIN Dimensioning

Dominique Corpataux

A Report for a bigger Building Supplier. Which produces parts for panic rooms. Ans also Design panic rooms.

The Radius dimension, do not support dimensioning a small radius and have the Dimension Text inside the Radius but outside the radius line.
I don't know if this is WAD, a bug or a wish. It seems to be reality at least since Vectorworks 2016.

Please whatch the Attached Movie which shows the behavior

VE-103573

DOM: STEP Export -> Sheet body need to export as sheet instead of one sheet per face

Dominique Corpataux

We have here some startups and Concrete Firms which pushing Concrete Printing of houses. One of our customers is involved with a secrete project and working on that. It seems that other Users with other software are also involved. We are not really involved but it is a secret project they do not talk about printing houses. I think it is https://www.holcim.com/

Seemingly the concern need STEP files with open Solids. no bottom and no top to be able to directly process the file in their software.
Unfortunately this kind of open Volumes seems not to be supported by Vectorworks. I try to test in some viewers. Then I tried to research with autocad fusion 360, the online Tool.
What I can see is, that a closed solid from Vectorworks is one object. An open solid addition with surfaces results in several surfaces. The Example File from the concern contains surfaces which are combined to one solid (open Solid)

VE-104626

DOM: Publishing Job Memory management

Dominique Corpataux

Attached to this report a (big) File from one of our customers. He need to publish all his sheet layers als PDF, DWG.
If the section viewports are refreshed in that process his 64 GB RAM will not be enough and the process stops or geting very slow after about 5-10 Layouts. He said, cloud publishing could handle about 15-20 of his sheet layers.
But In every case he need to publish bundles with just a small number of sheet layers.

I think it is not a real bug but in my opinion but it would be nice, if you maybe could take this document to include in your thoughts and tests.

I make the following thoughts:
1. The publishing process could maybe be more intelligent and refreshing viewports on sheet layers after the other sheet layer. After one finished, cache could be cleaned (overwritten) to have enough memory for the next viewports.

2. Maybe it is necessary to have 128 or 256 GB RAM on a client. Maybe this is the best solution. Because we want to have primary best speed and not want to make it slower by saving memory space.

3. As this customer said, cloud publishing is very good for him in all projects. Also the VW Cloud computing seems to have access on more memory than the clients in the office. So maybe it would be a solution to have 256 MB Memory on the Cloud Service for publishing.

Attached a screenshot of his publishing jobs. 10 Sheet layers took about 4 and 10 Minutes. Publishing all sheet layers failed because it did not finished after 24 hours. It is not one sheet layer with an issue. It is the amount of memory usage. Locally and on the Cloud Service.

Link to the File:
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/ndumkh14eak8xts/1715_Rieter_41_O.vwx?dl=0]

VE-102158

DOM: Export Worksheet semicolon Delimiter

Dominique Corpataux

csv is a common standard and per definition uses comma as a column delimiter. In some european countries, the comma is also used as a decimal separator. So many software products are working with csv but with semicolon (";") separators as a standard. Mainly this is related to furniture lists and part lists which are imported to other application.

It would be perfect If we could use semicolon as a column delimiter.

VE-102637

DOM: Title Block Page Numbering

Dominique Corpataux

First I am not sure if it is a Bug or if this ist the Design of the Feature. Every case I know, users wants to use page Number to identify the page if they have more than one page on a sheet layer. Also at the end, they want to number ist with page 1 of 10. So the Worker on the site know, how many drawings he need to have the complete drawings. So stacking order seems to be a workaround to number the title blocks because there is no feature to identify the page the title block is lying on top of and also there is not total number of pages.

So the design of the feature either way is away from what we think users wants to do with the page number. Users want a representation of the number in the print dialog. Print page 4 of 25 as Example.

Beside that I think there is a bug. The Number include pages on other sheet layers. I am not sure if this is also the wanted feature-design. In my opinion, the number should start at 1 on every sheet layer. Do I maybe understand something wrong about this feature?

Also you can watch the attacked Movie which shows, what I mean. Thank you.

VE-102985

DOM: Vectorworks more precisely port list

Dominique Corpataux

Upon some of our customers, it is more or less a political and technical issue to open many ports for an applications like Vectorworks.

Our "Positiv-List" of ports is quite big and many ports are not essentially needed to activate the License and working in Vectorworks. Also our proxy-access requires to write password and username in clear-text into a text file, which looks not good in the eyes of a security focussed system advisor.

https://cw-downloads.eu/vectorworks_forum/support-tipps/VW_Positivliste.pdf

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/articles.html/articles/downloading-activating-and-proxy-servers-r82/

What we think would be a welcome (or first) step to improve that situation is to group that urls and ports in "essentially" "recommended" and "licensing" or communicate more precisely for what kind of event an url would be used.

As example one Customer (Axpo Power AG > an Energy Firm like E.On just much smaller :-)

They are not completely isolated from Internet (Users have Internet) and would make some exceptions for Vectorworks but they are restricted. I am a little scared to advice them to open all ports we have on our list. Also good possible, that activation would not work because of proxy or other security arrangements and because of that Vectorworks would be part of a bigger discussion there which could be resulting in danger of not using Vectorworks anymore.

VE-101288

DOM: Unfold Geometry should be more precise

Dominique Corpataux

For a quite significant number of our customers, the „unfold“ function delivers a geometry, which is not
exact enough for their use. It can be more exact, if the setting „3D Conversion Resulution“ is set to very high, which
seems like a „Workaround“ and result in slow Modells (This Modells are normally quite complex). Anyway "Resolution very high", still is not exact enough. Hard To say how exact it should be but normally this Industry uses a standard of 0.1mm - 0.001mm Resolution

That theme is quite important for this Market. We discussed this with different Resellers, sales and training People
and this point is Number 4 on a list from 1-10 (1. Assitiative Dimensions in Section VP, 2. Faster Sections, 3.Multi-Reshape, 4. Unfolding ...)
Just to give a fair and founded assessment.

Some Bug-Reports about unfold and accuracy:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-170379 (CW)
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-140189
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-105402 (CW)
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-103012 (EG)
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-81549 (EG)
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-78281

Enhancement Requests:

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-95182

VE-100343

DOM: Rhino Inside implementation

Dominique Corpataux

Two docents from ETH reports, that they are starting Grasshopper projects in combination of BIM Software. While ArchiCAD has a direct interface to grasshopper/rhino, the revit users can use [https://www.rhino3d.com/inside].

We try to push Vectorworks as a direct and BIM- intergrated tool that can handle native BIM Objects in Vectorworks. Still the workflows on the ETH based on different software and different teacher which each time focus on their Rhino/Grasshopper examples. So it is not very realistic they will switch to Vectorworks/Marionette. In this realistic scenario Vectorworks hast a disadvantage in cooperation with Rhino/Grasshopper.

It is hard to understand how many Vectorworks Students we will have in Future because of that progress. Algorithmic Design is an important direction to go in future and it would be hard we loose this field because we have an own Graphical Scripting (Marionette) Tool. Marionette in my opinion can solve much more requests of real-live projects. But in educational area there is no way around Grasshopper at the Moment.

The question is, if you already sighted this rhino.inside project and if any implementation would be a realistic task.

Would be nice to have a feedback from your point of view.

VE-105116

Attributes palette no longer can minimize as it used to in 2023 or older. VW 2024

Domas Kudakauskas

Hello All!

I have noticed that the attributes palette can no longer be minimized to become more compact and take less space on the left side of the screen as it used to. The design is great but just having it a little bit more compact could benefit users to have a clearer view of all the tools in the basic and tool set's.

As well a way to snap it to the top of the screen on 2024 or future releases would be great.

VE-105115

Tool sets. Icons and text sorting.

Domas Kudakauskas

Hello All!

When tool sets palette is set to be icons and text sort in our default workspace palette positions it it impossible to see some of the tools. There should be a way to scroll the tools sets as we can scroll the tools if they would not fit into the window.

VE-103843

Colour brightness slider which was removed for 2023 version of Vectorworks.

Domas Kudakauskas

Hello all!

I have ran into some calls where users are quite happy with the new colour systems that were introduced with 2023 version of vectorworks but people are looking for the brightness slider which helps them just dim the colour or brighten it up without changing the actual colour in a very simple way.

Could that be re added at all?

VE-102467

Add decals video outdated for 2022 version of Vectorworks.

Domas Kudakauskas

[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2022/eng/VW2022_Guide/Textures/Creating_decal_textures.htm?rhhlterm=add%20decal%20decals&rhsearch=add%20decal]

Video for this tutorial no longer shows how it actually works for 2022 version of Vectorworks and Needs to be updated.

VE-102018

Palette position reset.

Domas Kudakauskas

Hello Guys!

Wanted to talk about one thing which is a very big pain and we actually have quite a lot of calls about this problem in Technical Support. Palette positions.

Most of the time we get calls due to a couple of reasons:
# Users have a messy interface. They just move floating palettes on the go getting frustrated that some palettes block parts of their design layer.
# Undocks a specific palette from either Object Info or Navigation and looses it. (there is a separate option for that i know but sometimes i just want to dock everything back into default places with all palettes)
# Sometimes in rare occasions they get graphics corrupted on palettes and we need to either reset the workspace (ask the to recreate it) or reset whole user folder.

We could save quite a lot of time if we could have a button to "Reset all palettes" or dock all palettes. Ideally palette size would be restarted as well maybe the whole palette cache could be restarted, if we have a user that has a very unique interface its complicated to reset those palette positions without completely dissecting the user folder files. We get calls in technical support quite often with palettes not being visible or not opening up properly. I have a couple of cases where palettes would completely fail to open on specific workspaces forcing us to ask users to recreate workspaces.

VE-103957

Message Center - filter and search function

Dimitri Sonnenberg

For now there are just three options for messages (see screenshot):
1. mark all as read
2. delete all
3. preferences for subscriptions

It would be great if the messaging center had a filtering function and a search function. Then you could better search through the existing messages.

VE-102558

grid lines in section viewport on design layer

Dimitri Sonnenberg

Grid lines made with a grid line tool are regularly visible in a section viewport placed on sheet layer. Section viewport placed on design layer has no possibility to enable the grid lines.

Most of our customers are intensively using section viewports on design layers and missing the intelligent grid lines (see attached vwx-files and screenshots).

It would be great if the functions of the tool were expanded.

VE-102811

Use the Mapping tool on parametric objects

Diego Rodrigo

It would be very useful to rotate textures in a slab, a wall, or roof using this tool, right now if you have a non-orthogonal slab and need to apply a texture to have some angle to it, you have to edit the texture outside Vectorworks

VE-103412

Plant Tool: Dialog Plug-In Object Style Options are not present.

Denis Lüthi

Hey Vectorworks

In the rescue manager isn't the dialog for the object style options present. So you can't edit the primary class of the plant. It would be nice, when you can definet beforehand the object class and also the other insert options. Currently the plant tool uses by the insert the active class.

Best regards, Denis

VE-103371

Copy/Paste: z-value changes by pasting in 3D view

Denis Lüthi

Hi Vectorworks

3D Objects which are copy/paste in a 3D view becomes a new z-value. The value is taken from the Z-value of the mouse click. This is OK for the values x/y, if you determine the insert point with a mouse click. By the z-value it would by nice the object would keep the z-value from the object.

I've attached a short screen record and my test file.

best regards, Denis

VE-103261

Spotlight Find and Modify: Object Counter is missing

Denis Lüthi

Hi Vectorworks

The command "find and modify" from spotlight had in version 2021 a output that count all applicable objects. That one is missing in the Version 2022.

Best regards, Denis

VE-103217

Data Tag: Button for "replace selection"

Denis Lüthi

Hi Vectorworks

It would be useful to have another button next to "Add to Definition " and "Replace Current Definition" that replaces only the highlighted part in the formula. This would make it easier to customize more extensive formulas.

Best regards, Denis

VE-102219

DWG Export as 2D Model Space always in Detail Level High

Denis Lüthi

Hi Vectorworks

The DWG export as 2D graphics in a model space exporting always in the level detail "high".

A test file in the attachments.

Best regards, Denis

VE-102867

Hardscape - Changing the style from the Object Info Pallet fails to update Hardscape Name

Dean Spearman

The attached file 'HS Library.vwx' has three hardscape styles (two in folder H_Mulch Paving, and one in folder H_Turf).
Open a new blank Vectorworks file.
With the resource browser pointed to HS Library.vwx Place three hardscape objects in the new blank file by dragging the hardscape style objects from the HS Library (in the resource browser) into the drawing window of the new blank file.

Note that each of the hardscapes placed in the new file have different names. These are the names of the hardscape when the style was created.

Note also that each of the hardscape styles are found in a folder of the same name as in the library file.

Duplicate the third placed hardscape.

From the resource browser Drag one of the Hardscape styles over one of the placed hardscapes in the new file (with a different style) to change the style of the placed hardscape. Note that the name changes to match that from the style and the hardscape appearance matches the new style. This is the expected behaviour. Note also that the hardscape styles remain in the same folder.

Select the third hardscape and using the object info pallet style pull down replace the style with the style with the first object shown in the resulting dialog. Do not attempt to select a different different style. Note that the resultant hardscape name does not change to match the style. This is the bug and it is concerning as it might result in a number of placed hardscape objects that have names that do not match there appearance leading to quantity take off errors.

There appears to be a second bug if you select a style other than the first one offered and this will be reported separately.

VE-102446

Place Plant Tool - Settings sticky

Dean Spearman

With the place plant tool,

if you click on the 'Settings' button in the mode bar
Change the pane to "Size and Spacing"
Change the spread and hight information and then click ok
and place a plant by clicking into the drawing window.

Then the placed plant uses the size and spacing that was entered into the plant preferences dialog. This is the expected behaviour.

However, at this point there is no clear or obvious way to reset the Size and Spacing to the size defined in the plant style. This applies regardless of wether the active style remains the same or changes.

The plant size does not defer to the plant style if we change the active plant style (different plant styles normally have different sizes. The dialog will not accept a null value in these settings.

At the very least I would expect a button or some other way to change the setting to defer to the values set in the plant style. As it stands with this build, once you change the settings in the plant preferences you will need to change them again every time you place a plant that requires different values. Most plants will need different values... This largely defeats the purpose of using plant styles in the first place.

VE-104646

Add Check out layer to check out object dialog.

David Towle

When editing an unchecked out object VW displays a dialog to check the object out. Could a button be added in the dialog to check out the entire layer the object is on as an option. For various reasons it is more desirable to stick to layer level checkouts. This would save a lot of steps checking out the object then remembering to check out the layer as well, and closing all the various dialogs.

Thanks.

VE-104367

Add A button for updating references to the view bar next to the refresh document

David Towle

Hi. Currently working file refresh and reference updates are handled in 2 different locations. I request that indications for both be displayed together in the view bar. This would show intuitively show the status of the working file in one place.

Currently I have to look in the view bar for project file refresh, then in the resource browser, tab 6 (which may not be active) to see if references are out of date.

For extra credit, add a third indicator showing there is stuff in the current working file that has not been committed to the project file.

Perhaps keeping with the colors used now:

Blue/Green indicator for uncommitted/unreleased

Yellow/Green for project files has a new update

Red/Green for a out of date file reference.

Thank you

Prerelease Modebar1. Build 698306

VE-102913

Add 'No Results' message to class list in Nav Pallete

David Towle

Opened a drawing today and didn't see any classes available in my navigation palette. The Pallette had held on to a previous class search, and none of those classes were in the newly opened drawing. Left me confused for a moment why no classes were not displaying. Suggest *No search Results* or similar message to be displayed in the class list when there is an active search and no results are found.

Thank you

VE-100146

Tool Mode Popup at curser location

David Towle

Suggesting a faster method of selecting various tool modes.

It can be a long distance to move the cursor up to the corner of todays larger monitors to set a tools various modes.

Using the key strokes is an option but is always problematic as each tool has a different set of options and they are toggle type commands whose result depends on the current setting of the tool. Setting the selection tool to non-interactive scaling for example. If the selection tool is set to interactive scaling two presses of the key are required to disable interactive scaling. If interactive scaling is already set, a press of the key unsets, requiring 2 more presses to get back to the desired function. Operator eyes must be taken off the cursor, refocused up in the left corner of the monitor, process which mode is current, hand taken off the mouse, placed on keyboard (correctly lol) and the correct key pressed the correct number of times based on the current tool settings. takes a frustating amount of time.

I suggest a single keystroke to bring up at the cursor location a clear popup of the currently selected tools settings and ability to set them at that point focused right at the cursor location via mouse click or the standard keyboard keys.

VE-99292

resource browser resource type filtering enhancement

David Towle

request a row of icon/buttons to control visibility of each resource type. The current system is cumbersome and limited in function. Current function only allows all resource types or only a single type to be displayed. A row of buttons would allow a subset of different types to be displayed. The buttons would also act as an indicator showing which resources are visible/hidden.

Screen shot attached.

VE-104147

Navigate back to object from Graphic Legend

David Schneider

I have had customers requesting the ability to navigate back to, or select the object on the design layer from a within the graphic legends. Something akin to the "Navigate to Design Layer" option on Sheet Layer Viewports, or the "Right Click > Select Item" on database rows in worksheets.

VE-103816

Find Vectorworks Log file easier

David Schneider

I just had a user request an easier way to find the Vectorworks log file from enabling the "Log Time in Program" in Preferences. Currently It can difficult to know where to look for the file, and it can sometimes be a challenge to navigate to the User Folder, either through Finder/File Explorer, or through Vw Preferences

Something like a Menu option under the Vectorworks/Help Menus (mac/windows)

Or a button on the home screen that just looks for that file name in the user folder and opens the file in the default text editor? Or make the file an XML/HTML and open it in the default system web browser?

VE-105145

User Data Fields for Wall, Slab and Roof Styles

David Poiron

Many types of objects (doors, windows, cabinets) have the ability to use user fields for data. Can we get this for walls, slabs and roof face objects? This would make it much easier to add data information for these types of objects. It would be nice to "name" these user fields as well.

VE-104307

Data Tag Text Width

David Poiron

Like many, we use data tags for space labels. I would like a way to force long text (room names) onto multiple lines, either by adding a carriage return in the text or having a handle outside the data tag (preferred) to revise the text width. This would keep the room title "inside" the room. The width would have to be variable on a per instance basis. The text would have to remain on one line for the purposes of worksheets, etc.

Unless there is already a way to do this?

VE-103914

Zero Thickness Components

David Poiron

I would like to see "zero thickness" components for walls, slabs, roof faces, etc. This is necessary for representing very thin membranes. Trying to represent these materials with very thin values seems not to work as they keep getting changed to zero, which is not allowed (maybe due to document dimension rounding??). Maybe removing the rounding for this field is the better solution.

VE-103796

Window/door exterior extensions and OIP

David Poiron

I would like to see exterior jamb/head extensions. We often trim out windows with flashing at 90° to the opening. The exterior trim parameter aligns the trim to the inside of the window trim, whereas we would like this trim to have an option to work similarly to the jamb extension which aligns to the exterior of the window, but is only available for the interior of the window. wrapping does not work as sometimes out flashing is a different colour/material than the cladding.

Also, can we get the 'Use wall closure' checkbox in the OIP, and move this and the Wall Closure button under the 'Hide style parameters'?

VE-103634

Graphic Legend improvements

David Poiron

We are getting into graphic legends and they are pretty great. A couple of items for possible improvement so far:

1. It would be nice to be able to navigate to the cell item in the resource folder (or go directly to edit it) from the cell. We are using graphic legends with walls, roofs and slabs and making data changes right from the cell would save us from having to navigate the resource manager to find the correct item.
2. In the dialog box for Cell Visibility and Sorting there is a Show column, which allows you to show or hide a cell. The problem is that if you hide a cell, and later go back to show it, the annotations get deleted. I would not expect this behaviour from the term "show" or "hide". If it is technically not possible to save the annotations so that they can reappear when clicking hide, then a warning should appear if you are setting a cell to hide and it has annotations. I think a similar warning should be present for viewports as well. A visual non-printing reminder of whether or not a cell (or viewport) has content would be very useful.

VE-103328

Publish Dialogue layer stacking order

David Poiron

Add the stacking order for layers as a column on the left side of the Publish dialog box - I really wish this layer list looked the same as the other layer lists I am used to seeing. As it is now you have to really look to find the correct layers as some in our default list are A1, vs. A01, vs A001 (different phases).

VE-102518

Connected Roof Drains in Slabs

David Poiron

The roof drains in slabs have not been updated since they came out 4-5 years ago. We commonly design buildings that are linear with low sloped roofs and a central valley. We add drains along the length of the valley with saddles between them. It seems that VW cannot connect more than two drains with saddles between. Additional drains between the initial tow do not work. I remember discussing this with someone at the 2018 summit but it has not had any traction so I am bring it up here. Also, we need drain depressions (sumps) to be part of the 3D model to make it more realistic.

VE-102490

text fields too short (restricted number of characters)

David Poiron

We are using data tags to extract the name of components to create wall/roof/slab assembly listings. However, there appears to be a limit to the length of the component name (about 60 characters?) that is too short. I would like this limit increased to 200 characters. It would be nice if dimension and worksheet text leaders and trailers could be much longer as well.

VE-102392

Attributes Colour Palette Size

David Poiron

When selecting a colour in the attributes palette, the colour palette that opens is too small to show all the colours on the standard VW colour set. I would like the colour palette to be large enough to show all the standard colours without having to scroll.

VE-102366

Stair Improvements

David Poiron

1. for stairs with handrails on both sides but between walls, option to *not* have handrail follow along on the landing on the outside - we usually show handrails as continuous on the inside but not on the outside.
2. individual end of handrail controls editable in top/plan and/or in 3d with option to end towards wall or around and parallel.
3. rake back on stair risers for wood construction like you can for concrete - our code does not allow abrupt undersides of stair treads for commercial work
4. option to not show handrail in 2D for the dashed portion of the stair - or at least dash the handrail.

VE-102024

R-value total and air films

David Poiron

Can we get a total R-value at the bottom of the component list for walls, roofs and slabs? Often we "design" the assembly by trying out different insulation widths and currently have to close the style dialog box and look at the OIP every time we make a change.

Also, having an option to add the R-values for air films would be great as well.

VE-102013

Sheet Layer List in Publish - Stacking Order

David Poiron

Can we get a stacking order column in Sheet Layer view in the Publish dialog box? This would allow us to set the order of the sheet layers to the same view as we have in other Sheet Layer list views.

VE-102012

Editing Camera for Viewport should activate camera

David Poiron

When editing a camera in a viewport, the camera should be activated by default when you are placed in the camera view. Right now, the camera is not activated, and if you forget to activate it and change the view, the viewport reverts to its original camera view. Maybe activating automatically could be an option. This was discussed a while back in this forum thread: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/44463-camera-activation-via-viewports/#comment-225804

VE-101955

Attributes Palette Live Opacity Update

David Poiron

In the new 2022 Attributes palette, the opacity slider updates itself as you slide it, but not the selected objects - these only update when you release the mouse. It would be nice if the selected objects also updated as you are moving the slider to give a live view of the changes.

VE-103351

RW Camera Associated with a VP Should Still be Displayed in Design Layer

David Oliveira

When creating a VP linked to a Renderworks Camera we have 2 options:
* Linked to the Camera. Which moves the camera from the Design Layer to the VP
* Linked to a Copy of the Camera. Which leaves the camera in the Design Layer and creates a copy in the VP

None of the above options will allow the visualization of the same camera with its visualization displayed in the VP also in the Design Layer (or in any other VP showing the plan view of the project...).

The cameras with view in a VP in many times need to be displayed also in a plan view...

VE-102552

Improve the naming convention for Datasmith exported geometries

David Lopez-Gutierrez

Currently we use the symbol’s name to label the exported geometries. Using a generic name is causing problems with customers since they cannot use the name they assigned in Vectorworks to filter/select the objects in Unreal or Twinmotion.

VE-104975

Cabinet tool - Can't apply a handle to false drawer

David Hamer

I the attached drawing I am unable to apply a handle to the drawer of the base cabinet inserted in the drawing.

!image-2023-08-31-16-47-47-179.png!

VE-104978

Vectorworks UI in windows

David Hamer

Vectorworks new UI is difficult to see the difference between greyed out options and available options when using the standard light mode. It is easier to view in Dark Mode. So against my desire to keep using Light Mode I have swiched to Dark Mode. That being said it would be better in my opinion if some of the background in Dark Mode were still White. For example the Resouce browser should have white background in the viewing panels. Please make this adjustment or give us the option to make this adjustment.

!image-2023-09-05-13-27-16-930.png!

If this option unchecked is supposed to do this, it does not work.

!image-2023-09-05-13-34-20-255.png!

VE-104888

Visibility Tool - Symbol Class selection

David Hamer

When using the Visibilty tool to hide the class of a symbol it hides the class of the objects in the symbol rather than the class that the symbol is on. This is an issue because most if not all of our symbol objects are on Class "0" (none) but the symbol itself is on the class that should be turned off.

Please enahance the tool to choose the symbol class not the symbols internal object class.

VE-104862

Reduce the time to display the print or printer setup dialog in new documents

David Hamer

See video of the long delay to open the printer or printer setup dialogs. This is excessive and should be reduced.

This is consistent on all of our windows machines but does not affect our mac

VE-104587

Data Visualization

David Hamer

Data Visulization drop down needs a "None" button.

If you have many Data Visuliation profiles selected you have to deselect each. Previous versions had a "None" option. Please return that option.

!image-2023-06-30-12-00-30-141.png!

VE-104815

Door Trim outside edge of jamb as with Metal Panel Walls

David Hamer

It would be amazing if the Door PIO had an option to ajust the leading edge of door trim so that it could be started at the outside edge of the door jamb. This condition is usually typical in buildings with metal panels.

!image-2023-07-31-15-43-01-399.png!

VE-104776

Quick way to edit class desciptions from the Orginzation Palette

David Hamer

Please add a column to the Class list for Descriptions so they can be edited similar to ACAD.

See attached ACAD image

VE-104588

Vectorworks New Enviroment Readablity

David Hamer

I like the new environment in VW2024 but I find it hard to read at times. It seams the contrast level is very low compared to VW 2023

First Image.

Dialog on the left is 2023 and the one on the right is 2024. 2023 is much clearer and therefore faster to use.

I would recommend increasing the contrast between the text and the background or giving the user the option.

Second image (Dark Version)

When matching system settings the symbols can be hard to read

VE-104573

Look at Working Plane button missing

David Hamer

Align Plane button is on the menu bar but Look at Working Plane is not. We use the Look at Working plane much more. Maybe make them nested under one button.

VE-102239

Custom 3D "LED Screen"

David Dauphin

Hello,

LED Screen is a great tool, and really fast to build screens.

Many times, I need to create LED Screens with real accessory behind the modules count. Then I had to work with 3D symbols with more real geometry than LED Screen.

See my exemple, with ABSEN PL2.5Pro in 3D Symbol and LED Screen. Exteriors dimensiosn are the same, but accessory behind must fit inside the LED Screen object to be in correct position.

So, it will be great to have possibility to customize LED Screen symbol.

(I try to do had correct 3D geometry in my LED Screen symbol, and after that, it' no more a LED screen symbol...)

VE-103832

Speaker and Speaker-Array Tools VERY VERY important improvements

David Dauphin

Hello,

We use speaker and speaker-array tools every day with more than 100 users. We've got many restrictions with those 2 tools, mainly when using with symbols instead catalog mode. Symbols are really important to have correct geometry. Here are our problems with those tools :
* Speaker-array tools is unworkable with symbols. When array is populated, then you can't easily move array, or do anything else, because it seems hat this tools draw new 2D geometry permanently. A solution will be to don't use 2D and use only 3D when speakers inside array are angled. Like Truss tools. You can have hundreds of truss angled and easy to move
* Speaker array files are too much big. Here attached files example. One set with 4 configurations : Speaker-Array-Catalog no populated = 17,1Mo, catalog populated = 17,8Mo, speaker-array symbols no populated = 123,1Mo, symbols populated = 1,79Go (I can't upload it, too big) !!!!
* We need to have our yoke, with correct geometry, and with real insert point. Now, the insert point is systematically at the center of the speaker, but that's not right in many real speakers. There is usually a Y/Z shift. Real yoke is very important to have corect geometry with scenography, decoration, ...
* Same thing, we need to put our correct tripod with real geometry
* sometimes we need to have specific shift between speakers in array
* When a speaker is used with a yoke, the weight doesn't change. It will be very important for braceworks calculation when we will able to put our correct yoke with symbol
* Speaker-Array tool is limiting global angle to 90°. We often use array with more than 90°
* Many often we have a second bumper in line-array but not the same than the first. Actually the tool is limited to 1 sort of bumper. I have a tip, I duplicated all my bumper and modified them as speakers. So I can insert them between 2 speakers in array (but then limited to 2 sort of speakers instead of 3). We need to have more than one bumper sort in an array.
* A tip to have correct yoke is to use speaker-array instead speaker for one speaker+yoke. But then when you angle the speaker, the alignment with the yoke is moving. So that tip isn't efficient.

VE-104040

Need extra classes in 3D truss to export to Robot Structural Analysis, RStab, ...

David Dauphin

Hi,

I've modified all my trusses librairies with 3D lins inside. Each line as a special class name with its section and material, for example ASD Round 50x3 alu EN AW 6005 T6, ...

I export only those classes, so only lines, in DWG-DXF, that I can open in Robot or Rstab, RWind and be able to calculate wind effect, tilting, sliding, ... and produce a legal document.

The issue is that when I set an horizontal truss (or angle or...) in vertical or other angled position, VWX create a new 3D truss symbol, but that new symbol doesn't include all my special lines inside with special classes. And it is not possible to put those lines in a classic vectorworks classes because we need that thousand lines comes in Robot or Rstab with specifics layers to be distinct by section and material. See my attached file and screenshot.

Hope I have explain correctly with my poor english ;)

VE-103879

Data visualization sort

David Dauphin

Hi,

Would it be possible to sort data visualization n° by number ? It actually looks like it is sorted by text, 1, the 10, then 100, then 11, 12, ..., 2, 20, ...

See attached screenshot

VE-103525

Braceworks enhancements request - Tips with plate, magical angle, tower, ...

David Dauphin

Hi,

Here is a good example of trusses that we have to calculate each day. I have many tricks to success in calculate, but I hope a day those examples could be calculate without tips…
I know, that the results of my tips are not exact, but it a good indication of the reality.
My english isn't good enough to explain, so here are the file and screenshots (1 to 5) of explanations how I do to success in calculate those trusses.

VE-102252

Change in one time many symbols presentation in the preview ressource manager window

David Dauphin

Hello,

We can set many symbols thumbnails in the ressource manager in 1 time. Just to select all symbols and change the view, the render of the thumbnails.

But this operation isn't possible to do in the preview window for many selected symbols. We have to select one by one and change the view by one. It takes a really long time when you want to change things in hundreds symbols libraries...

VE-102242

Records and classes exhaustive documentation, ...

David Dauphin

Hello,

I'm sure that long time VWX users have all plenty of personal and custom librairies. That's right for me, I'm a VWX user since Vectorworks 8 and have thousands of symbols of our Novelty event equipment stock.

Version after version, it's difficult to keep a correct and functionnal library with all changes that are not specifically documented. Like others users I think, I really need for each version :
* new implanted database records, their fields and the correct units to feed them if necessary, can we write the unit inside if it's text fiel and is this units count?, ...
* changes on previous records (maybe some field must have change, transform from text fiel to number field, or removed fields; or added fields, ...)
* new implanted classes in plug-ins (for me all spotlight tools)
* removed classes
* complete list of removed and added menu commands and tools
* and when online libraries are updated, it will be wonderful if we could have a list of changed symbols. So, if we customize some of them in our personal libraries, we could check and make the changes if necessary.

Thanks to listen to my request ;)

If possible, could VSS custumers have access to those changes since 3 ou 4 last versions ? If those changes are documented somewher.

VE-102241

Adjustable truss tower

David Dauphin

Hello,

I'm sure this request has be demand before...

It will be great to have adjustable towers in height. And greater to have possibility to attach hoist between truss and top tower.

Actually I create special tower with special height each time I need them, that's a job to do each time and could be upgrade.

I construct towers like a truss corner and customize 3D height each time. See my example.

VE-102209

Ability to put AudioToolSetData.xml in workgroup folder

David Dauphin

Hello,

{color:#000000}I manage 47 VWX licences on server licence with about 100 users. I provide them all librairies, templates, workspace, specially design for our society and job.{color}

{color:#000000}To do that I use google drive, with a shared folder, and every users just have to put this folder in "Workgroup folder".{color}

{color:#000000}Everything works fine (librairies in favorite, templates, workspace) except my AudioToolSetData.xml. This file is in the right folder in the drive/workgroup folder, but Speaker and SpeakerArray tools aren't able to read this file in workgroup folder.{color}

{color:#000000}{color:#000000}To complete my investigations : If I select the workgroup folder as my user folder, then AudioToolSetData.xml works fine with Speaker and SpeakerArray tools.{color}{color}
But it is not a valid solution because this shared workgroup folder is write only (in google drive) for my users, I’m the only permit to write symbols, librairies, templates, …
And if users can’t write in their user’s folder, it might create problems...

Could you permit Speaker and SpeakerArray tools to read in the workgroup folders ?

Thanks for your support.

VE-102206

Customised ASD Truss H system with magnet

David Dauphin

Hello,

With new tool magnet, I think it would be possible to create those truss symbols. I try with straight truss, corner, ... I found something works (but red line isn't in the good way)

I can attach light (with active red line attach guide on H) to my H but when I "select system objet", only H are selected, not the lights

VE-100917

Slow Redraw of VP on a Sheet Layer when changing active Design Layers in the Navigation Palette

David Bruhnke

With certain files, when viewing a Sheet Layer with a regular old viewport displayed in wire frame, no rendering/open GL, if the design layer visibilty is adjusted in the Navigation palette, the Sheet Layer on display will redraw the VP with every change.

Open File.
View Sheet Layer 01A
Open Navigation Palette.
Add layers to be visible or invisible.
Every click for a visibility change causes a redraw of the VP that takes 2-3 seconds each time.

VE-100504

Ability to have a Company/Project Wide Dictionary Stored in a Workgroup Referenced Folder for Spell Checking

David Bruhnke

User Folders contain a dictionary file that is used for spell checking.

*Users/~/Library/Application\ Support/Vectorworks/2020/Plug-ins/Dictionaries/UserDictionary.txt*

Placing this same text file in a Workgroup Referenced Folder in the same location should make it available to VW. It does not.

To constantly have the same *AFF* and *UNO* spell check results and other "non-dictionary" words and phrases pop up is a pain in the butt and people do not LEARN words to their local dictionary text file. Project or Company specific dictionaries would be wonderful.

VE-100840

Ability to WindowShade multiple docked Palettes

David Bruhnke

Having the Navigation Palette in 3 tabs and docked side by side.

The ability to have the group window shade as a unit would be nice.

VE-104720

Icon for Wall Join Tool on Screen resemble the mode selected.

David Bruhnke

When joining walls, there is a constant back and forth in changing how a wall joins to another wall. The Wall Join tool remembers the last selection and I'm constantly going to the menu bar to see the current selection state and then adjusting accordingly with the "U" key. When doing a tenant plan for 12,000 square feet with many wall joins, it becomes a back and forth with eyeball focus on the walls and then to the current mode. There are only 3 icons required.

The number of times I want a "T" join but end up with an "L" join that then requires an undo is more than I'd like to admit. It's only fractions of a second to look up and left but needless seconds if the icon showed the current state.

Reposting for upvotes

VE-104673

Icon for Wall Join Tool on Screen resemble the mode selected.

David Bruhnke

When joining walls, there is a constant back and forth in changing how a wall joins to another wall. The Wall Join tool remembers the last selection and I'm constantly going to the menu bar to see the current selection state and then adjusting accordingly with the "U" key. When doing a tenant plan for 12,000 square feet with many wall joins, it becomes a back and forth with eyeball focus on the walls and then to the current mode. There are only 3 icons required.

The number of times I want a "T" join but end up with an "L" join that then requires an undo is more than I'd like to admit. It's only fractions of a second to look up and left but needless seconds if the icon showed the current state.

VE-103830

Ability to WindowShade Floating Palettes that are docked together

David Bruhnke

Have the Object Info Palette and Navigation Classes, Navigation Design Layers, and Navigation Sheet Layers floating and docked together. Placed on the Extended Monitor.

Would like to have the option to WindowShade all 4 palettes in connected mode.

VE-103829

Saved Views List Syncs/Links to Viewports

David Bruhnke

Have the settings for a VP automagically match and stay updated in Saved Views.

Users are constantly navigating from a VP to Design Layers.

We have Saved Views established for different tasks (floor plan, RCP, power, elevations, partitions, etc) but these Saved Views "expire" or get corrupted when someone pulls in a DWG file or an older file with different/unique class names.

Sometimes for a VP, one will add a new layer or class to satisfy a particular need but never are these additions tracked across the multiple Saved View scripts. Updating the Saved View, to match the VP settings can be easily done by simply navigating to the Design Layers from the VP and then Save the View with the same name. Again. And Again as changes take place.

Automation would be nice

VE-102705

Tile contents Not Responding Favorably to Class Settings in VP and RM

David Bruhnke

Created a Tile using a Hexagon with all attributes defined by Class

Added lines to the Tile and placed in a Group that was Classed for Visibility Purposes.

VP Overrides of the classes Preview properly but upon exit from the Classes Window, the VP reverts.

If all classes contained in the Tile are Off in the Design Layer, there is no change to what the Design Layer displays.

If one Edits the Geometry of the Tile while the classes are Off, there is nothing to Edit AND the RM thumbnail of the Tile also turns Blank.

Was trying to quickly show options for an elevation of tile in a break room with different color tiles and was hoping to change the Class Override Fill Color on 2 Identical VPS to a different color to show different options. (with and without lines)

VE-102839

Button in VP Advanced Properties to allow Annotations to follow Scaling options for Line Weight Scale

David Bruhnke

Annotations in a VP do not respect the Advanced Properties for Scaling.

Understand why this is the case.

Would like a check box that would make Annotations respect the Advanced Properties settings.

VE-102749

Add the ability to edit the color palette of an existing document.

David Bruhnke

Once a color is added to a document, it is there for the duration. Have a file that has been experiencing cumulative "creep" of colors. There are 4 identical black colors and multiple versions of the exact same grey colors. Having the ability to delete a color and have a pop up similar to when you delete a Class that asks "What color would you like to replace the deleted color?" would be well received.

VE-102662

Double Clicking a folder when importing a Resource should select the folder

David Bruhnke

Double clicking a file when in the Open File dialog will open the file.

Double clicking in general, selects the item that is Double Clicked.

When Importing Resources from a template file or any other file, the window does not accept double clicking. This requires one click to select then a second click (or "Enter"/"Return") to start the import.

Double clicks should work wherever possible.

VE-102075

Ability to Change an objects Layer from inside a Group

David Bruhnke

The ability to change the layer of an item is not possible inside a group.

The work around is to Cut from the group, exit the Group, Paste in Place and then change the Layer.

VE-102076

Class Menus Everywhere start Sorting when typing Name

David Bruhnke

When you want to change the Class of an object on the drawing and go to the OIP class list, you can shorten/search the list by typing in text input.

Typing in text in the Class pull down menu in the strip across the top of the drawing also automatically sorts/searches the list of Classes when typing.

This same behavior should work Everywhere that a Class list exists (or Sheet Layer or Design Layer or...) Having to hit Enter or Return then "fixes" the search and you have to start over if your subset wasn't small enough of if the class name does not exist (cause you typed it wrong/misspelled)

The Organization Window

The VP Classes Window

The Navigation Palette

VE-102077

Worksheets to have the ability of "Set Print Area" for what displays on screen

David Bruhnke

Use Worksheets all the time for calculations of area, occupants, plumbing fixture counts, BOMA calculations, Suite RAF splits, etc.

Many times there is a need for additional calculations or check calculations that are for internal use only and not to be displayed on screen.

Currently if the need arises, we drop the Worksheet on a design layer and then Crop a ViewPort to the final location on a Sheet Layer. Workaround.

When the worksheet moves, or columns get wider or narrower, then there are adjustments needed to the crop.

Sure would be nice to "Set Print Area" and forget it.

VE-100214

Walls-Ability to pick the fixed location when changing the thickness of a wall.

David Bruhnke

When the thickness of a wall is changed, it always adjusts based upon the centerline.

Many times, we change the thickness of a wall and want the outside, or inside face of the wall to remain at the same location. Having extra "points" in the Info Palette to select the fixed location would work.

Styled walls allow for determining the "line of replacement" but this requires use of styled walls. During initial design and layouts, styled walls are overly cumbersome and time consuming for the level of detail and involvement at this early design stage.

VE-99597

Allow for Walls to have Opacity separation for fills and linework.

David Bruhnke

Currently the opacity for a wall fill and surrounding line work is linked together.
Would like the ability to have the fill of a wall 20% opacity and the lines be at 70%. This example is related to wanting to show demolished existing walls on a plan with a fill but not full strength.
Have also had occasion for showing a plan with "optional" walls that could be added in the future for an office spec suite.

PS...
The "Affects Version/s" below does not list 24.0.0 as a released version yet.
Currently 24.0.3 is a released version
#JusSayin

VE-100056

Data Visualization Criteria to Include Class Name containing "XXX"

David Bruhnke

The only option available is Class is or Class is not.
Would be wicked sweet if we had the ability to use the same functionality that is available for Symbols.
is
is not
starts with
does not start with
ends with
does not end with
contains
does not contain.

We import DWG files and Prefix them with CADD.
Would love the ability to show all linework from an imported class as light grey, as an example.
Or any class starting with "A-Wall" blah blah blah.

VE-100057

Data Visualization Applied Attributes contain Opacity Option

David Bruhnke

Currently DV can only impact Fill and Line colors.
Would be nice to include opacity as an option.

Turn any Symbol containing "HermanMiller" Red lines with grey fill and 30% Opacity.

VE-100408

Command UpDown Arrow to Switch Layers. Respect the Navigation Sort for Layers.

David Bruhnke

Working in files with 100+ layers, would be nice if the *Command Up* and Down *Arrow* would respect the current sort for the Navigation Palette.

Keystroke always follows Stacking Order.

Many times have the Navigation Palette set to sort by *Visible* or *Name* instead of Stacking Order. Would be very helpful if the keystroke followed the Palette Sort.

Same would hold true for the Classes (Command Right/Left Arrow) respecting the current sort.

VE-100279

Setting Class to "Use at Creation" does NOT follow its own warning dialog

David Bruhnke

Select the +*Use at Creation*+ button for a *Class* that was not previously set to use this attribute.

Warning dialog pops up stating...

*Do you want to set +ALL+ the objects of this class that have already been created to use the graphic attributes of this class?*

Selecting "Yes" does NOT change objects that are drawn inside a group or inside a Symbol. All objects should be all objects.

Extremely annoying when converting a DWG file and every object that arrives is not set to use all attributes. Selecting All Classes and then Edit to turn the Use at Creation ON should work for ALL objects.

Filed as Bug too. VB-166075

VE-100230

Attributes Mapping for Hatches to rotate around "Zero" point, not opposite side

David Bruhnke

Have been working with some angular/non rectangular layouts recently.

When attempting to rotate a hatch using the attributes Mapping tool, it is multiple steps and frustrating.

Currently, the hatch rotates only from a center point of the Mapping Square and the point of rotation is the opposite side of the Square. To rotate a hatch to align with an existing non rectangular layout, where the rotation angle is not known (not 30° or 45°) one must align the center of one side of the Square with the geometry, rotate, then set the origin point.

Would prefer is one could Move the Hatch Origin point to where you want the hatch to start and then rotate about the origin point. Not possible. But should be.

Example layout and process graphics attached.

VE-100238

Add Font size and information to the Info Palette for Dimensions

David Bruhnke

All Objects that have a text component should have Font and Font Size drop downs in the Object Info Palette.

While Dimensions can have styled text options, many times want to increase, decrease or change the font on a dimension to highlight or accent it. Going to the Text menu works but... having it available in the Info Palette would be sweet.

VE-99775

Show Font and Font Size in the Object Info Palette for Dimensions

David Bruhnke

Show Font and Font Size in the Object Info Palette for Dimensions.
Currently showing Text Style drop down but not the full text control drop downs.

Now, to change the font or the size of a font for a dimension, one has to select the dimension then go to the Font menu and find the font and then a separate click and drag for the size.

VE-99680

Door Tags (and Data Tags) maintain horizontal orientation relative to Viewport Orientation.

David Bruhnke

We are working in a building that is kinked at 45° for each wing of the building.

We are developing tenant plans for a building tat is cocked at 45 degrees.
The entire floor and will have 1 viewport for each wing of the building at 1:96 scale.
One of the VP's will be rotated 45° to be parallel to the page.
When we do this, the door tags for are at a 45° and look...out of place with the rest of the notations.
Wish that we could keep the door tags horizontal with each other and horizontal in a VP, regardless of the scale of the output.

VE-99367

Add the search functionality for Classes when Deleting a Class

David Bruhnke

Delete a class.
The dialog window that pops up does not have the ability to search/sort/refine the class list like all other instances of the Class lists.
Would be nice.

VE-104148

Minor version new features for workspace editor

Dave Donley

User on forum noticed that we didn't list USD features as new in workspace editor. We only have 23 as a choice for version and not 2304. If we had finer granularity the new features could handle minor version feature introductions.

VE-104432

Wish for light names in C4D export

Dave Donley

From the forum:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/108234-c4d-light-export-request/]

I have been using C4D and Vectorworks for quite a while now. I have a suggestion that would save me a ton of time....

If the Lights that are exported to C4D could instead of all being named "Spot Light" they could instead assume the Fixture Type name + the Class they are in, it would make things a lot easier to organize.

As of right now the only thing distinguishing the Spot Lights from eachother are the "Inner and Outer Angle" values.

If there is someone out there who could write me a Script that would do the same thing as "Export to C4D, > Lights" but with the addedcharacteristics that I mentioned above, that would help me out immensely...

VE-104391

HDR floating multi-view pane for Vision in VW

Dave Donley

This forum post gets really bright on my laptop, because my Mac supports HDR imaging. Imagine a floating multi-view pane showing Vision with this HDR bright view going, it would be breathtaking! EDIT: Couldn't find the forum post but here are some examples:

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfNJro9jGdE]

VE-104149

Wish for complete marking of legacy tools in workspace editor

Dave Donley

From forum:

[@Dave Donley|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/profile/2601-dave-donley/] Off topic but somewhat related: Can you add a request to have all legacy tools and commands noted as such in the Workspace editor? I believe this was begun in VW22 ("legacy" added to name + hazard sign added to the icon), but many older tools are not labeled.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/articles.html/articles/tech-bulletins/2023-sp4/&do=findComment&comment=841]

VE-102872

Background image background for elevations

Dave Donley

User at US open house suggested this:

Instead of manually compositing an image object behind an elevation viewport, it would be better to have an option to quickly set the background plate to an image.

(Backgrounds don't show in RW ortho because these are parallel projection and resolve to a single pixel at most).

VE-102873

Wish: interactive view showing shaded and line styles like hidden line

Dave Donley

User at US open house suggested this:

User is coming from Sketchup and wishes Vectorworks had an interactive viewing mode that showed shaded but also with hidden line on top (like the final rendering for a shaded background and hidden line foreground including line type, line on/off, thickness, dash, color, etc.).

VE-102871

Support for Quixel textures

Dave Donley

User at US open house mentioned he would like it if Vectorworks could import Quixel textures, and also that when they are sent to something like Twinmotion that Twinmotion would get the full fidelity version, i.e. no info in the original Quixel texture would be lost from importing it.

[https://quixel.com/megascans/home/?type=surface]

VE-102869

Cast shadows from clipped objects option for horizontal design layer section VPs

Dave Donley

User at Australian open house mentioned this to me. In Australia they commonly do solar penetration studies, which show how the sun will go into a building. To see this, the user needs objects that are sectioned to cast shadows. Currently this is possible for section viewports using the VP advanced option->display cast shadows from sectioned objects. Apparently this option is not available for design layer horizontal section viewports. The wish is for the option to be available and work for design layer horizontal section viewports.

Design layer is necessary, to use heliodon and solar aninmations, as well as to see these rendering change live. A slideshow using multiple viewports on sheets is not satisfactory for the user.

VE-102868

Auto exposure

Dave Donley

In order for users to create a realistic rendering, they need to change light distance falloff to Realistic. Then, because default virtual camera from Maxon is best for bright exteriors, they will usually see a dim rendering. Then they would have to either learn all about camera objects and how to use camera effects to set ISO, film speed, and shutter speed, or instead change their light brightness values to large numbers to see acceptable brightness in the rendering.

Having auto-exposure (like Twinmotion and others) would allow users to set up their models easily for rendering and always produce an acceptable result, without having to learn all about physical brightness and physical camera settings.

VE-102477

Option to export C4D 3D loci as Null objects

Dave Donley

From design summit nov 2021 post-report [~kchance]

"Option to bring a Vectorworks ‘Locus into C4D as a null"

VE-102476

Export C4D lights should be mixed in with scene hierarchy

Dave Donley

Right now lights are in their own separate group. Users would like an option to have the lights contained like in the VW hierarchy, so that when they move a fixture the light also moves.

From design summit Nov 2021 post-report from [~kchance] :

- There needs to be a smooth transition of bringing the lights into C4D from Vectorworks

- They need to be brought across with the hierarchy and ‘null’ so you can continue to reposition them straight away in C4D

VE-102459

Purge Unused Tools and Menus from Workspace

Dave Donley

During discussion of view bar redesign task we were talking about what render modes people use or don't use. We gather usage logs as the user runs VW.

After a time, half a year or a year, we have data that says what menus and tools a user has used in that time and which ones they have never used. I think it would be a good feature to add a purge unused tools and menus to the Purge dialog (or maybe workspace editor).

I do not know if search has an option to add a found tool or menu to the current workspace if it is missing. So as an additional VE if the search could have an option to add a tool or menu to the current workspace that would allow users to run with a minimal workspace and easily add any tools they need later.

VE-102188

Wish for control over point cloud graphical size

Dave Donley

Users would like to see point clouds chunkier and not sparse when they zoom in.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/56981-point-size-control-for-point-clouds/&do=findComment&comment=400595]

VE-99372

Import Arroway Textures should be modified to fo general batch texture importing

Dave Donley

This little-known menu command imports images in a batch and create texture resources from them. It looks for Arroway naming conventions like "_b" means bump map, etc.

This menu item should be modified/extended to be a more general utility. It's very close and could be a simple and useful task for an intern.

Request from user on community board:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60224-importing-textures/

VE-105181

Option to be able to see design layer scale in navigation palette

Darren Paner

Hi there,

Got a user asking if it's possible to add a feature where you can see the scale of the design layers within the navigation palette.

VE-104972

Editable clicking behaviour for Corner vertex mode in Polyline tool

Darren Paner

Hi there,

A user was asking to be able to edit the clicking behaviour of the Corner Vertex mode in the polyline tool so that when you click and drag it wouldn't create a curve or at least be able to change the timing for the hold click that activates this feature.

Is there already a way to edit this?

VE-103849

Keynote styles.

Darren Paner

Hi there, a user has submitted a feature request:

_Good morning,

We'd like to submit a feature request to Vectorworks, or seek a solution if this is something already possible in Vectorworks.

When placing callouts in the sheet layers, viewport annotations it's possible to use a user-defined font formatting style. When this is placed as a keynote, options for setting the fonts isn't available which means every keynote needs to be formatted individually between new projects.

Our initial workaround for this is to copy and paste the formatted keynote between sheets, but this isn't an ideal way of working as it's not built in to the template we've developed in the office.

Additionally, as projects develop and we change the drawings/viewport scales from 1:100 to 1:25, the annotation styles don't scale. It would be good if we were able to set this to automatically scale, or have an option to quickly update fonts to a larger scale to suit the drawing scales._

Is this something already available in Vectorworks?

VE-101225

Wish Lists From Computerworks

Darick DeHart

VE-100264

Wish list from A&A (AandA) October 2019

Darick DeHart

[https://jira.vectorworks.net/issues/?filter=19917]

We demands are as follows for Vectorworks 2021 in Japan.
These lists are what we continues to requests since 2017.
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-98377?filter=19917

Please make sure that the requests goes smoothly.

Best regards,
Shige

VE-102296

Wish Lists From Computerworks August 2021

Darick DeHart

wishes located in issue https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101225

VE-100998

Stair and Railing Wishes From Product Marketing

Darick DeHart

Met with Luc Ruby and Eric on 7/16 to review.

VE-101326

Cove Tool Cove.tool prototype

Darick DeHart

Robert created a prototype in Marionette. Right now it lives in iMeetCentral here:

[https://vectorworks.imeetcentral.com/p/ZgAAAAAAyGpo]

VE-100252

Wish Lists From Computerworks October 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99648

Spotlight Round Table from A&A Japan

Darick DeHart

See attached pdf

VE-99647

Landmark Round Table from A&A Japan

Darick DeHart

Attached pdf contains a description of the firms that participated and a list of wishes. Note that many of the wishes are general vectorworks improvements. Many of the Landmark specific issues could be addressed with content.

VE-99575

Window Object with different Jamb Widths for Top / Bottom / Sides

Darick DeHart

See the attached PDF.
The main wish is for variable Jamb Widths but it's also an interesting look at a problem where they need to support many (600) similar windows with many small variations.

Posted by Jutta Telivuo about the firm: 3+1 Architects

VE-99516

Spotlight Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99520

Renderworks Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99519

Cloud Services Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99518

Fundamentals Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99517

Landmark Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-99515

Architect Wish List from Computerworks Feb 2019

Darick DeHart

VE-104243

Provide more hatch-editing options in attributes palette

Daniel Jansenson

Apply a hatch to an object. In the Attributes palette, click Fill Hatch/Tile Settings to open the popover. The popover has a _Use local mapping_ checkbox, to help modify the local mapping display.

*The enhancement request:* within the popover, place a direct link (or checkbox, etc.) to do the following:

-locate the hatch in the Resource Manager
-create new hatch from Locally Mapped hatch
(not unlike the available options when right-clicking on a hatched object).

This would allow for immediate access to vital hatch-editing functions, bypassing the extra step of right-clicking on the hatched object and choosing those options there, thus saving several clicks during a session.

VE-104245

Enhanced Batt insulation tool: add U-factor and R-Value parameters

Daniel Jansenson

In addition to the existing dimensional attributes such as thickness, add an option to select thickness via U-factor and R-value.

Increasingly, energy requirements control both the R-value and U-factor of wall and roof assemblies, and this often requires showing the Authority Having Jurisdiction insulation that complies with specific R-value and U-factor values.

At present the information must be researched and then obtained elsewhere, and then input in the Batt Insualtion Object Preferences dialog. The effort could be greatly reduced when using a tool that lets the user select the U-factor or R-value of the insulation, and have the tool create a batt insulation object with the corresponding thickness.

VE-104244

In the layer and class selection list sin the View bar, provide the options of aggregating layers or classes in groups.

Daniel Jansenson

In the layer and class selection lists in the View bar, provide the options of aggregating layers or classes in groups.

This would enhance and improve the ability to to filter by tag, for example, and provide a direct visual approach to layers or classes upon the user's discretion. Visually observing specific layers or classes aggregated together would help users work with those classes or layers directly without needing to access (or set up) tags, for example. For smaller projects this could be a serious time saver.

VE-104250

Revision Cloud tool: automatically add a revision marker to each instance

Daniel Jansenson

Revision Cloud tool: automatically add a revision marker to each instance (optionally).

When revision clouds are placed in a drawing, a revision marker is often located immediately adjacent to the revision cloud to identify the revision number or instance. In architectural documents, the revision marker is often a triangle with a number or letter within it.

A document may contain multiple revisions–and multiple revision clouds–simultaneously. Revision markers help identify the most recent revisions, among other things. Large documents with multiple revisions can require an extensive and time-consuming effort to go through all the sheets and apply the correct revision markers in the proper locations.

The enhancement request: automatically add a revision marker to each revision cloud instance, using predetermined parameters (number or letter, for example). Clicking on the revision cloud tool, and then drawing a revision cloud in the plans, would automatically place a correctly-numbered revision marker immediately adjacent to the drawn cloud each time the tool is used.

VE-104248

Site drainage tool with automatic slope and drop calculation.

Daniel Jansenson

In my area, every project requires a drainage plan showing how water is collected from the site and the building roof, and then conveyed to the street (or to an in-site collection spot).

This means that drainage lines must often extend lengthy distances, and the total drop becomes a significant challenge to resolve, since the water must emerge through the curb at the street’s elevation, and the line’s slope must conform with code requirements. This often results in much trial-and-error drawing and redrawing of drainage points and lines, to ensure that the slope is adequate and that the line emerges at the correct elevation.

Operationally, the user of a site drainage tool would do the following:
-click on the tool
-set up (perhaps in the tool’s preference dialog) a starting invert elevation and minimum slope
-then draw a line all the way to the street.

Upon completion of the action, the tool would place a label near the end of the drawn line, showing an invert elevation, and another label _along_ the line, showing a direction arrow and average line slope.

VE-104246

Drainage slab enhancement: Provide instant water runoff calc

Daniel Jansenson

Drainage slab enhancement:
Provide instant water runoff calc when certain criteria entered. The output should show the number of runoff gallons of water per square foot of roof for specified rainfall (such as 1 inch).

Note: this calculation is often required by Authorities Having Jurisdiction when sizing Low Impact Development measures in the permit process, and when calculating the number of drains. The manual calculation is straightfoward but can be lengthy and tedious. Having the drainage slab provide that info instantaneously would save considerable time.

VE-104247

Legacy Simple Stair tool: retrieve and enhance

Daniel Jansenson

The legacy Simple Stair tool is an incredibly useful quick-planning tool that helps lay out and calculate a building's heights and stories with minimum fuss and adjustments. For many residential projects, laying out stairs is one of the first planning/design tasks as the resulting info helps determine floor-to-floor dimensions, available clear head height, and floorspace occupied by the stair. All of these are more complicated to calculate using the standard stair tool because of the complex interaction of its many options.

The bare-bones nature of the Simple Stair tool makes for an easy-to-use and extremely efficient planning tool. Enhancement with a couple of features would make it even more useful: control of the stair object's thickness (helps provide info for available headroom beneath) and fix the Show Top Tread feature, which is currently broken.

VE-104249

Stipple tool: add a Preview button to the Define Stipple Pattern dialog.

Daniel Jansenson

Stipple tool: add a Preview button to the Define Stipple Pattern dialog.
A preview button in the dialog would speed up the process of creating stipples, and shorten the lengthy trial-and-error process of creating a suitable stipple object.

VE-102493

Request for more integration or links to third-party renderers

Daniel Jansenson

VW Mac users could really benefit from links to more third-party renderers. Most other popular BIM programs have multiple, high-quality rendering options (including Sketchup), and the relative dearth with VW puts our users at a competitive disadvantage. I mention this because I'm encountering this in my own practice.

While Renderworks works well, Redshift has some ways to go before it matches RW, in my view, both in speed and in implemented features.

We have, on the Mac, a link with TwinMotion. TM is strong in animation, entourage and exteriors, but for interior renderings it does not match up--in my view--to Renderworks Styles. Also, the latest versions have removed user access to certain features, such as ambient occlusion, so it's hard to control the quality of interior renderings. In other respects TwinMotion is a fine program but there are others which would be extremely helpful to incorporate or link to (not the least because they're powerful and can yield superior results).

V-Ray is very desirable, from my personal viewpoint. Its integration with Sketchup makes it relatively simple and quick to use with that program because of a simplified interface that appears quite intuitive. No reason the same could not be done with Vectorworks.
Others would include:
Enscape for the Mac (when it comes out next year)
Maxwell
FluidRay (which, I think, is a dark horse, and its relative newness might make them amenable to some kind of deal)
perhaps Artlantis (which has a link to Archicad).

Other programs, such as Sketchup, Archicad and Revit all have several integrated or linked rendering options readily available. Vectorworks Mac users, at this moment, notably only have (aside from RW and Redshift) TwinMotion. Other powerful renderers are out of reach, either because they don't operate on a Mac, or because they're not available via VW integration (and few of them have standalone versions). This leaves Mac-based VW users operating at a real and significant disadvantage out in the real world. Hence the reason for this enhancement request.

VE-99419

Comm Device Tool: provide more types of data outlets

Daniel Jansenson

The Comm Device currently provides a single type of data outlet. The data outlet types currently used have increased in number significantly. These include fiberoptic outlets, ethernet, CAT 5, LAN outlets, radio outlets, a variety of signal outlets, sound system devices, microphone wall receptacles, and many others, all of which are used–in simplified form–in architectural work. The single simple data outlet option available via the Comm Device Tool has been outgrown by reality in the field.

So the enhancement request is:
provide more types of data outlet options within the Comm Device Tool.

VE-100631

Comm Device tool updated with new data outlet types

Daniel Jansenson

The Comm Device tool could benefit by updating with more contemporary data outlet type options. Examples include fiberoptic outlet, Cat5, POTS, recessed LV, etc. Currently this must be modified manually, a chore that can add hours to a project.

VE-101266

Preformatted Door Schedule Reports Door Thickness Incorrectly when file's dimension settings are changed

Daniel Jansenson

The attached file contains a wall with five inserted doors. Each door is a different thickness.
The file also contains a preformatted Door Schedule. The schedule shows the thickness of each door listed.

The thickness of each door in the door schedule does not match the thickness of each door leaf in the door settings. (For reference in the sample file, each of the doors shown has the input thickness shown above it, in text form).

The reason the door schedule reports the door thickness incorrectly: in the Document Settings, the units for “Dimensions” have their rounding precision set to a fraction that doesn’t match the door thickness in the door settings.

This becomes a problem when a user produces construction documents and door schedules. The door schedule should represent the _actual_ desired door thickness with accuracy, irrespective of any file settings.

A typical residential project can include dozens of doors. A commercial project can include hundreds of doors. The difference between correct and incorrect door thicknesses can amount to major errors in the specifications and project cost. The user should not have to choose between providing an accurate door thickness and an appropriate dimension-rounding setting.

The door thickness shown in the preformatted door schedule, and in custom report worksheets using the door record, should not be dependent on the document’s dimensions rounding precision. The schedules and worksheets should report the _actual_ thickness that was entered in the door leaf setttings, whether or not that thickness matches the dimensions rounding precision settings.

VE-99423

Bath-Shower Tool: enhance to include more items

Daniel Jansenson

The Bath-shower tool is an effective tool for planning bathrooms and showers. It could gain a large amount of functionality with the addition of a few items:
-bath and shower controls
-shower heads
-curbs for shower
-shower door
-platform for drop-in tub

The tool would also greatly benefit from allowing the user to select specific fixtures from a manufacturer's catalog (perhaps already included with VW or Select): tub, faucet/control, showerhead, drain are examples. The link to specific fixtures along with their attached records would make it easier to prepare a bathroom fixture schedule–preferably a nicely-formatted preformatted schedule similar to that of doors and windows.

So the enhancement request is:
Add more items to the Bath-Shower tool, including manufacturer's links and attached records, and an accompanying preformatted bathroom fixture schedule.

VE-100729

Machine Learned Image Style Transfer: ideas to enhance

Daniel Jansenson

Three ideas for enhancing the Machine Learned Image Style Transfer.

1. Once processed, allow the user to control the strength of the image stylizing, perhaps with a slider and instant thumbnail image feedback.

2. Use style sources created from historical architectural rendering methods. Examples could include:

a. Beaux Arts watercolor:
https://architecturalwatercolors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Gennevilliers.jpg

b. 1930s modernist pencil and watercolor:
https://compote.slate.com/images/2caaef59-32be-4511-a52e-4df94028fd37.jpg

c. Early 20th Century ink and watercolor:
https://compote.slate.com/images/d3eed895-74c9-4ec9-969f-cb39118adab1.jpg

d. Futurist pen-and-ink:
https://d7hftxdivxxvm.cloudfront.net/?resize_to=width&src=https%3A%2F%2Fartsy-media-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2FWad6YM-PUKk8D-dMEI4upg%252Fd7hftxdivxxvm.cloudfront-15.jpg&width=1200&quality=80

e. Precisionist Painting:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precisionism#/media/File:Demuth_Charles_Aucassiu_and_Nicolette_1921.jpg

f. Pencil black-and-white:
http://fmcostantino.com/2018/02/17/e-street-residences-washington-d-c-black-and-white-architectural-illustration-rendering/

g. Pencil, color:
http://finearchitecturalillustration.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/JMG-SCU-in-Color-small.jpg

i. Contemporary ink-and-watercolor:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/8233545/Architectural-Rendering-Retrospective-1998-to-2014

3. Cues from other machine-learning applications already in existence could be useful. For example, the phone-based app Prisma has several interesting styles that could be emulated. Attached to this report is a Renderworks rendering, followed by several alterations created with Prisma (lo-res because phone).

VE-100638

Wishlist: Detail Cut Wood tool: add glulam and microlam

Daniel Jansenson

Engineered wood alternatives to solid wood are now in widespread use in the construction industry, and can be found in many–if not most–wood-framed projects. Currently we can only represent those in section by drawing manually. Adding these material options to the Detail Cut Wood Tool would save the user time, and greatly enhance the tool.

VE-100637

Wishlist item: add rigid insulation to Linear Material Tool

Daniel Jansenson

Rigid insulation is now becoming the norm in many installations, due to greatly-enhanced energy code requirements.

The Linear Material Tool is the ideal form of adding this capability when preparing construction details. Double-line, hatched interior.

VE-100629

Wishlist item: a tool that automatically creates legends

Daniel Jansenson

A tool that automatically creates legends.
Example: plumbing legend.
The user would place plumbing PIO or symbol objects where needed.
The tool would scan/review the file, identify the relevant PIO or symbol objects (meaning in this case plumbing objects), and generate a legend.

The advantage here: a legend would contain only objects used in the drawing, and not extraneous ones that may be included in a standard legend. Contractors consistently request deletion of items not actually used in the plans.

VE-100639

New electrical circuit tool for architects to help generate an electrical plan

Daniel Jansenson

An electrical circuit tool for architects to help generate an electrical plan.
Operationally, the user would:
a. place a variety of electrical items on a plan,
b. click on the tool to activate,
c. click sequentially on each desired electrical item to be included in the circuit,
d. double-click to complete the selection,
The tool would automatically generate a graphic circuit linking the selected items, label the circuit and configure wall switch labels.

VE-100630

Revision Cloud Tool: add an optional revision marker to each instance

Daniel Jansenson

Revisions are made throughout the lifetime of a project. The Revision Cloud Tool is extremely useful. But revision markers must be added manually. Apart from the time involved, there's a chance of making errors, such as missing some revisions, or not marking them with the correct date.

This enhancement to the Revision Cloud Tool would allow the user to select a revision marker (such as a triangle, say) with a designator such as number or letter prior to using the tool. Each clouded revision cloud would then be accompanied by the appropriate marker alongside.

It would be helpful, also, to link it to the title block, automatically updating the revision list there.

VE-100362

Wishlist item: a plug-in that helps calculate the environmental impacts of building material selections

Daniel Jansenson

In brief, something like this would be extremely useful to many Vectorworks users and would expand our universe of service offerings:
[https://choosetally.com|https://choosetally.com/]

The plug-in would allow VW users to quantify the environmental impact of specific building materials used in a project for comprehensive building analysis, and for comparative analyses of different options. The plug-in would include information about materials related to the specific material selected–an example is steel, which is often paired with concrete, although the latter is often not counted when calculating the impact of the former.

This would be in the form of an add-on that would yield additional information within a BIM model, calculating in a more refined way the amount of material used, and the amount of related materials that are often neglected. The plug-in would allow the user to compare two or more separate sets of building components side by side, and enable the user to select combination of materials with the least environmental impact throughout a project's lifetime.

The web page for the example software mentioned above has this cogent statement (which I am unable to improve upon, hence the quote):
"In principle, architects and other building professionals should be able to conduct LCAs [Life Cycle Analyses] using the Building Information Models (BIM) that are a part of standard architectural practice. In reality, building models do not contain all the ingredients that go into a building. A BIM model might recognize a steel assembly, for example, but it would not take into account that most steel assemblies use a significant amount of concrete as well. In order to address this challenge, KieranTimberlake's affiliate company, KT Innovations, partnered with Autodesk and[ thinkstep|https://www.thinkstep.com/] to create [Tally|https://choosetally.com/], a Revit plugin that allows Revit users to imbue their BIM models with information about the building materials and architectural products their completed structures will ultimately contain. In addition to *quantifying emissions to land, air, and water, Tally also factors a building or material's embodied environmental impacts.* Essentially, Tally adds another layer of detail to BIM models by recognizing materials that are not modeled explicitly, like the concrete in steel assemblies, and by taking into account a model's diverse range of material classes. In doing so, *Tally gives its users the power to conduct whole building LCAs* or to *use LCA data to run comparative analyses of various design options."*

*https://kierantimberlake.com/pages/view/95/tally/parent:4*

VE-99774

Saved View drop-down: relocate Search box for greater ease of use

Daniel Jansenson

With an open file, click on the Saved View drop-down. The window opens and the new Search box (which is a great feature) is at the very top. To save the view, one must navigate past the search box and move further down. The Save View... link is very close to the search box and requires some additional effort to avoid clicking in the Search box instead, especially when moving fast.

It would be very helpful if the Search box was relocated below the Save View... and Edit View... links. Those would then be at the top (where they've been till now), and then the Search box would be located right beneath them, and above the saved view list. I feel this sequence is more logical and would result in fewer errors and mistaken clicks.

Please see the attached image showing the current arrangement, and a mockup displaying the proposed revision.

VE-99685

Wishlist item: uprez capability for exported images

Daniel Jansenson

Exporting smaller images (in pixels) and resizing them using AI-capable software to increase sharpness and resolution (among other things) may be a way to increase ultimate rendering speed; especially for large scenes.

An example of such software is Gigapixel AI:
https://youtu.be/itxW_SB2Na0

Perhaps incorporated into the export image dialog...

VE-99415

Toilet Stall Tool: provide control over distance between fixture and side partition

Daniel Jansenson

Today's codes often call for the distance between the toilet fixture's centerline and a sidewall to be 15". The Toilet Stall Tool places the toilet at a greater distance from a sidewall, and does not permit altering that dimension. To use a smaller distance than provided, the user must ungroup the resulting object, taking away from the tool's functionality.

So the enhancement request is:
provide control over the Toilet Stall Tool's distance between fixture and side partition.

VE-99413

Linear Material Tool: class control over components

Daniel Jansenson

The Linear Material Tool does not include much control over the components of objects made with this tool. This makes it difficult to alter the attributes of those objects without ungrouping them (and thus removing their automatic attributes). For using this tool in creating construction details, adding class control to the tool's object components would add considerably to VW's capabilities.

So the enhancement request is: add class control over components in objects created by the Linear Material Tool.

VE-99414

Linear Material Tool: plaster/stucco too wavy

Daniel Jansenson

The Linear Material Tool's stucco/plaster option is so wavy that the great variations in its thickness often render the tool impractical to use when creating details or wall sections. There is no way to control the thickness or its variations without ungrouping the related object.

So the enhancement request is:
Enhance the Linear Material Tool's stucco/plaster option by providing a way to control the waviness of the resulting object.

VE-99412

Linear material tool: add rigid insulation

Daniel Jansenson

With new energy regulations, rigid insulation is used now, by necessity, in an increasing percentage of projects, not only on (or beneath) the roof, but on walls as well.

VW does not include a specific tool that can be used to automatically draw rigid insulation. The correct place to add this would be, in my view, within the Linear Material Tool options.

So the enhancement request is:
Add rigid insulation to the Linear Material Tool options.

VE-99411

detail cut wood tool: add glulam and microlam

Daniel Jansenson

Add glulam and microlam options to the detail cut wood tool.

Today's construction methods include updated techniques in wood construction. Glulam and microlam are used so widely that it's hard to imagine a project that doesn't use them. Unfortunately we cannot select those options using the detail cut wood tool.

So the improvement request is:
Add glulam and microlam options to the detail cut wood tool.

VE-99422

Simple smart electrical circuiting tool for architects

Daniel Jansenson

For architects, drawing electrical plans is nearly always a necessary though very tedious aspect of preparing construction documents. Typically light fixtures and switches are placed in a reflected ceiling plan, and then circuits are drawn linking the appropriate switches, outlets and lights. Adding relevant information such as light types, switching modes (as in three-way) and circuit designations, followed by circuit and fixture schedules, only adds to the utter fascination of this task.

The work could be speeded up enormously with the use of a smart but simple-to-use circuit tool that would draw a circuit and yield a preformatted schedule.

With such a tool, the user would first place lights and switches in the drawing, then click once on the circuit tool and select, in the drawing, the appropriate fixtures and switches belonging to that circuit (or alternatively, the user would select all the appropriate fixtures and switches first, then click on the circuit tool to create the circuit automatically).

Double-clicking to finish the operation would automatically create and display an appropriately-labeled circuit, along with an associated record.

Accompanying this tool would be a nicely-formatted worksheet, not unlike the Door or Window schedules, available as a preformatted report. The preformatted report could include:
-light fixture count
-light fixture types (surface mount, recessed, etc.)
-light fixture manufacturer, model number, etc.
-switch count
-switching mode (2-way, 3-way, etc.)
-switch type (dimmer, sensor, etc.)
and other information as well.

So the enhancement request is:
Create a simple-to-use and smart electrical circuiting tool, that would automatically create circuits between selected fixtures and switches, accompanied by a preformatted schedule.

VE-99410

2D tool palette with separate icons or tools for different line weights & attributes

Daniel Jansenson

Using the line tool, select the tool, click in the file and draw a line.
-To control its line weight, it is necessary to perform a number of additional actions, either before selecting the the tool, or after creating the object.
-A user could save a good number of clicks if there was some kind of palette containing pre-set line-weight buttons from which to select the desired line. In that case a user would click on the desired button, and then start drawing, with the object automatically containing the desired attributes and classes.
-This functionality has long been partially available via the Custom Tool/Attribute script command, but it is unwieldy and not as comfortable to use as a simple button with a depictive icon.

So the wishlist item is: provide a 2D tool palette (line tool or 2D polygon tool) with pre-set attributes as a shortcut for drawing 2D objects.

VE-99408

Context menu for VW document tabs

Danh Nguyen

Sometimes when I was writing a bug report, I needed to attach the active file which the bug came from, but I couldn't remember where I saved it. My first thought was to look into the File -> Open Recent menu, but it didn't show the file's full path, so it didn't help much. What I actually had to do was re-saving the file in another location where I could find it. All those thoughts and mouse clicks were for only finding the currently active document in Vectorworks.

Therefore, in order to save my (and our users') neural spike trains as well as muscle movements, I created a little context menu that helps me to quickly find the location of any file that has already been saved on disk, which is shown in actions in the attached video. Of course this is just an example of how we can use a context menu for the document tabs to achieve many simple things that will make our lives easier (attached image).

This is for later, but in order to activate the last 2 menu items in the attached image (New Horizontal/Vertical Tab Group), we'll need to set up something called "MDI Tabbed Groups," which has a lot of powerful features that we can take advantage of: https://www.bcgsoft.com/featuretour/tour177.htm

VE-103974

Adjust the page to the TBB format

Damian Psik

Our VIP customer (PPP) wishes to have a function (Blattgröße an gewähltes Papierformat anpassen) which exist in the old VAA Titel Block (Plankopf Classic). It is a checkbox that adjusts page to the VAA Titel Block format. Please look at the attached video and test file.

VE-102066

Constraining TBB parts to different corners

Damian Psik

In TBB Settings > Title Block > Constrain Title Block there are all possibilities to position a Title Block. However sometimes our customers wish to place another title block in other corners. Of course, it is possible to draw in the Title Block Layout but it always stays in the same position after changing the size.
It would be nice to have a possibility to define which part of the Title Block should be connected to which corner.
I present it on a short video where I connect rectangles which would represent each title block part.

VE-102336

Opening a VWX file as a copy

Damian Psik

Working in Teams our customers encounter situations in which it is necessary to open a file without a purpose to edit it. Of course, they can use VW Viewer, but it is a separate program and e.g. copying and pasting between Viewer and VW is not possible.

Currently it is possible to open a file as a copy when it is in use by another person. A notification shows up which says that “The file is currently in use by XYZ on xyz-pc. Do you want to open a copy of the file with a new name?”

The idea is to implement a notification which would ask: “Do you want to open the original file or a copy?” (Or similar).

In this way the person does not block the actual editor of the project if he/she temporarily doesn’t hat the file open.

This wish comes from our VIP customer.

VE-102207

TBB, Position of the Drawing Stamp and the North Point

Damian Psik

The Drawing Stamp and the North Point currently when used are always inserted in the center point of the Title Block Layout. After arranging the whole layout with data and graphics it is common to place these objects within the title block or somewhere close to it.

The user after changing the sheet size or the orientation notices that the Drawing Stamp and the North Point stay in the same position. That implies the necessity of moving those two objects afterwards.

It would be great to implement an improvement, in a form of a check box for example that would say – move the Drawing Stamp/North Point when changing the sheet size/orientation and override the X and Y positions.

VE-101458

Compound material – inappropriate hatch

Damian Psik

There is a problem with showing an appropriate hatch of a compound material. Let’s consider reinforced concrete. We cannot show one of the simple materials that create a compound material because the norms define a different hatch.
My solution is just an example, there can be some other better way to solve it.
Please have a look on the attached video and vwx file.

VE-100573

Class attribute override for multiple viewports

Damian Psik

Dealing with plan components like walls, windows, doors, spaces, users keep them in one design layer and slabs in other. When a suspended ceiling needs to be shown in the floor plan, it will cover important elements.

In order to see what is below you need to override the graphic attributes such as fill and pen. Having a big amount of plans to override one at a time can be very time-consuming.

This is the current workflow:
* select viewport
* click Classes... in the OIP
* double-click class
* make override changes
* OK OK OK

~> repeat for every viewport

To save time, we propose the following additional feature enhancement:
* Open class organization
* Select one or multiple classes and hit edit
* On the left column select Visibilities
* Select one or multiple viewports and hit edit
* make override changes
* OK OK OK

For this to work only a few minor changes to the current dialogs are needed:
1) Visibilities (in Edit Class(es)): New Edit button
2) Graphic Attributes: New dialog with the already existing dialog layout for the graphic attibutes.

VE-102204

Not all dimensions have the ability to control both sides of a Dual Dimension style.

Cris Dopher

In the attached file, select various dimensions that have been set to the Dual Stacked dimension style. Note that only orthagonal, linear dimensions can have the secondary dimension manipulated, which I've done here to eliminate the brackets and add a unit mark. But I can't do the same for non-orthagonal dimensions, nor radial or diametre dimensions. Aren't they all supposed to have secondary dimension control?

VE-102199

mirrored dual dimension doesn't read correctly

Cris Dopher

In the attached file, there's a single example of the problem. I have the original symbol on the right, which includes an arc dual dimension with prefix on the primary dimension.

On the left is a mirror copy. Note the dual dimensions now reads, in this order: secondary suffix, secondary prefix, secondary dimensions, primary prefix, primary dimension.

They should look identical, should they not:

VE-99981

provide support for multiple 3D file imports at once

Cris Dopher

I exported a model from clara.io as an .stl. What resulted was a folder with textures and the model spread over several .stl files. In this case, I have need tot be able to import all of the .stl files at once, and to have them pay attention to their common 0,0,0 such that the model comes in complete. Right now, I have to import each one separately, running the import command over and over then align tthe disparate parts.

In a CAD world more and more dependent on modeling and tthtus model-sharing, beefing up import/export capabilities should be a high priority.

VE-99334

For Detail Levels, we need a universal on/off switch, as we have for Drop Shadows

Cris Dopher

I love the capability to turn all the Drop Shadows off when I need to see things differently and navigate around faster, then turn them on before Publish.

Working with Detail Levels in our symbol libraries lately, it occurs to me that we really need a similar on/off switch, where "off" would simply show everything - pre2019 behaviour. "On", of course, would then follow any settings found in the objects and in the document preferences Auto Display Detail Levels for Design Layers. This would be especially helpful when troubleshooting and finding that missing piece of text or linework.

VE-99700

would like to use Visibility Tool on visible geometry inside groups/symbols/etc

Cris Dopher

I find it odd that I can use the Visibility Tool to turn off specific geometry inside a Viewport, but can't do the same with groups and symbols and PIOs and other container objects.

I think what would be great is an alt-key functionality, so that when in the tool and the Alt key is held down, it treats all geometry equally and if you can see it, you can get it's class or layer and act on it.

For instance, I could turn off annotative text I find in a group.
Or I could turn off the chairs I have inside a 12-round table symbol.
Or I could hover over a Video Screen PIO and turn off the centerline (knowing that I should make sure it has its own class first or else the whole thing will disappear -- but that's on the user.)

Make sense?

VE-99585

Data Viz dialogue needs a Preview button

Cris Dopher

Much like changing/overriding layer colors or class attributes in viewports, where we have a Preview button to help save us time, it would be good to also have a Preview button in the Data Visualization dialogue of a viewport. Similar reasons and time savings. Also goes toward consistency in the program. Thx.

VE-99584

Need right-click menu option to Select when examining viewports in Organization Palette

Cris Dopher

In the Organization Palette, I can see what viewports I have, what kind they are and other details.

However, I can't use that list to actually select a viewport. I often need to hunt down some stray VP (usually a DLVP) and could really use some right-click functionality to assist this.

VE-99337

Need to be able to Eyedropper Detail Levels and Text Styles

Cris Dopher

If you could add "Detail Level" and "text style" to the list of things that can be eyedroppered, I'd be thrilled. Managing my libraries would become a lot easier. :)

VE-99279

Ability to Lock Resource

Cris Dopher

Here's what I want to see, and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to initiate:

I'd like the ability to right-click on any resource in the Resource Manager and lock it. The Resource thumbnail would get a lock badge in the lower left or upper left corner. This then shows up in the Purge dialogue as an option: a checkbox to purge (or note purge) Locked Resources.

This way, I can keep certain items in a file that I need to use from iteration to iteration of a show without having to keep a "parked" design layer &/or class just to make sure they don't go anywhere. I'm talking about things like predrawn turning radii for specific vehicles, for instance.

Yes, I realize I could make any symbol a red or blue object, but honestly, I don't want to turn on "Convert to Group" as a symbol option usually. It can be a problem. And this strategy doesn't work at all with any other Resource Type. I need to lock down not just symbols (of all hues), but also certain textures, worksheets, and the like.

This is what I want for Hannukah, pretty please.

VE-101816

Trying to use the Spotlight numbering on Focus Points produces wrong cursor values

Cory Pattak

I suspect this technically isn't a bug, but it feels buggy. If you have some focus points...such as A2, A4, A1, A3. And you want to reorder them to be sequential from L to R, if you use the Spotlight numbering tool, and start clicking manually from L to R, the little cursor value would lead you to believe you are putting down the correct number. But that isn't true, because if you try to put down A1, it won't let you, because there already is an A1.

I'm not sure what the solution is here, but if the cursor makes it looks like you're about to place A3, but in reality it becomes A5, that's a problem. At that point, the program is knowingly giving you inaccurate information.

Is there a better solution to renumbering Focus Point that I'm not thinking of? If you need to rename existing with names already on the drawing (in essence, just rearranging them) it's actually quite a headache since two points can never share the same name.

VE-100260

Clicking 'Show Direction' in the OIP for one objects is applying to ALL objects

Cory Pattak

See attached. This is a bug right? Only the arrow should be showing up for the one item I selected, not every line in the drawing?

VE-102848

Solaframe 2000 symbol

Cory Pattak

Hi,

Looking for a High End SolaFrame 2000 symbol in the VW library. Maybe I'm being dumb, I can't seem to find it. Does it exist?

thanks,

Cory

VE-102629

There needs to be a way to disable lighting devices auto-orienting to the position in 2D

Cory Pattak

There is a setting in Spotlight Pref called "Orient Loads with rigging objects when snapping in 3D" however the toggle of this setting seems to have no bearing how lighting devices are treated in 2D, which is where most people place lighting devices.

Turning off snapping is not an acceptable solution to this as I still need to snap the light to my aligned tick marks in my hanging position.

I've been told this new feature is "WAD" but I don't know anyone who agrees with this behavior or finds it helpful. I would direct you towards this discussion here:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/90102-when-i-place-a-light-on-a-hanging-position-why-is-vw-automatically-rotating-the-light/]

If VW thinks this is useful behavior (and I still would like to hear an argument for how this is useful based on the way light plots are actually created) then at the very least, there needs to be a way to toggle it on and off. Either the setting above should apply to both 2D and 3D, or there should be another setting to control 2D behavior. This is a major regression of efficiency and I think that would've been made fairly clear in discussions with Spotlight users in the Beta Group before the implementation.

VE-101747

If a custom focus point shares a name with a resource, VW needs to give you a window explaining that something needs to be renamed

Cory Pattak

I created a custom focus point. I inadvertently named it the same name as one of my text styles. After placing that focus point in my user folder and choosing it in an open file, the focus point was not displaying correctly, it was just showing the text, not the circle. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why. Only by trial and error did I realize it was because I had a text style sharing the same name. After deleting that text style and trying to insert a new focus point, it worked correctly. There needs to be some kind of feedback from VW if that conflict exists. If a focus point sharing the name with a resource results in the FP not displaying properly, VW should present a conflict window upon trying to use that focus point and explain why it is not possible.

VE-101763

List of Label Legends should remember sort order in LL Manager

Cory Pattak

Every time I open the LL Manager, all the items are in an un-sorted mess that appears to have no rhyme or reason so I click the column header to sort alphabetically. But the minute I close and reopen the window, it's back to being unsorted. Please can it retain the sort order?

VE-100731

Can we get the secondary unit to display in the Tape Measurer?

Cory Pattak

This one seems like a no brainer and I think would help out a lot of international designers! The Tape Measurer already has a heads up display showing the length, how about (either by default or an option to display) the secondary unit in that same floating display. I'm so tired of having to use a 3rd party widget to hop from feet/inches to MM for instance when working overseas. How great would it be to just be able to measure a thing and get both numbers without having to actually create a dimension as a work around?

VE-99987

In Dark Mode, file tabs need a lighter colored outline to delineate them.

Cory Pattak

While in dark mode, it's impossible to see the outlines of the tabs. They need a white or grey outline so they are just as visible when not in dark mode.

VE-99931

Upon quitting, Vision shouldn't ask you to save if a save was your last operation

Cory Pattak

In VW, if you save, and then quit the app or close the file, it does ask you "do you want to save" because Save was the most recent operation. In Vision, it seems like it asks "do you want to save" even if you just did. That is annoying and the behavior should function like VW.

Maybe this is a bug but I'm filing as a VE.

VE-99687

Vision tools should should keyboard shortcuts in the tooltips

Cory Pattak

The keyboard shortcuts for tools in Vision are not particularly intuitive. (Pan is "H", Flyover is "Shift C"). Those shortcuts should be listed in the tool tip just like in VW so users can find them and learn them without having to dig into the manual.

VE-99498

Spotlight should have a "Mirror Across Center Line" command

Cory Pattak

If there is one thing stage designers do constantly, it's mirror across the Center Line...Stage Left to Stage Right, etc. Assuming the CL is on the Y axis (as it should be), we have to select the object, and draw two points along the CL to set the mirror line. There should be menu command called "Mirror Across CL" or "Mirror across Zero" that would do that entire task in one click. The command could either automatically use the Y axis as the mirroring line, or allow the user to define the "center line." But either way "reverse and repeat" is how all light plots are built and VW should have a faster way to perform that task.

VE-99417

You should be able to select a resource in RM, right click, and choose "Select all instances in drawing"

Cory Pattak

Problem: You receive a file from someone else that is full of symbols, could be hundreds. You perform a Purge command to get rid of the unused ones. All the symbols that don't purge are still in the drawing somewhere. You might not want those symbols in the drawing (because it's clogging up the RM) or more likely, you want to change the visual appearance of the drawing (like a venue or scenic drawing) but if it's full of symbols so you can't easily change the pen, fill, opacity, etc.

Solution: The best solution for this, I have already asked for in VE-98242 (add an option to convert to group when deleting from the RM). Please consider implementing this. In addition to that, or instead of, there should be an easy way to select a symbol in the RM and have all instances of that symbol in the drawing also select. Right lcick, "Select all instance in drawing." So you can do one easy "Convert to group command." Or you can now delete them seeing where they actually are. This isn't a perfect solution as symbols that are embedded in groups or other symbols wouldn't show, but it would be better than what exists now which is no solution. I receive drawings often and it takes hours to find all those rogue symbols hiding out in parts of the drawing. There needs to be a better way to track them down.

VE-99420

Deleting a layer should present you with the same kind of options as deleting classes.

Cory Pattak

When you delete a class with objects on it, you get a window asking you what do with those objects. Delete them or move them to another class. When you delete a Layer, it just says "are you sure" and then deletes the layer including everything on it. You should get the same window for Layer deletion asking you if you want to move the objects to another Layer or delete them?

VE-99974

Fixture Request: etc s4range

Content Delivery Agent

Name: Jake Sliv
Email: jake@lightdesign.co.il
Telephone: +972523585504
Link to Manufacturer/Product web page:

Eligible SN: BEXARZ-LZMBBL-ZRZDZ4-13C3FC

Message:
All kinds of lecos don't have an option to rotate the barrel in Vision, so shutter cuts cannot be adjusted as in real.
Please sort it.
Thanks
Jake
PS: same goes for Altman Shakespeare and others.

VE-101784

Worksheet images that have precise dimensions

Conrad Preen

Right now when you set worksheet row height and column width in mm or inches what you actually get is the nearest point size. NOT the precise value you asked for.

This severely limits the use of worksheets for example in creating printable labels that have to fit in specific dimensions. The Scale Factor parameter that has been added is only an overall scale so you can choose between correct X or correct Y...but not both.

My suggestion would be to have OIP controls as per a rectangle i.e. X, Y, DX and DY so that the user can precisely size the object. Row and column boundaries would be proportional to those set in the worksheet.

SDK calls must also be provided so that this feature can be used programmatically.

Applications for this in ConnectCAD would be:
# Labeling for all standard rack-mount panels (jackfields, term panels etc.)
# Cable labeling - e.g. self-adhesive cable labels are commercially available on standard sheets. Each sheet has an array of labels at specific spacings. This feature would allow us to implement *one-click label printing* direct from Vectorworks.

For our purposes internally in ConnectCAD even just having API to do separate X and Y scaling would allow us to tick these boxes for now and we can follow improvements later.

This matter has been outstanding for decades. Thanks to Jim for bring it to my attention - I had given up.

VE-103903

ConnectCAD: allow Device Builder name prefixes to define start of a numeric series

Conrad Preen

While entering data for new makes/models into the device database I've discovered an annoyance that we could fix. for example some audio mixers have input connectors like this:

INPUT 1 XLR3M
INPUT 2 XLR3M
INPUT 3 XLR3M
INPUT 4 RCA
INPUT 5 RCA
INPUT 6 RCA
INPUT 7 RCA

in the database we have to write this as

XLR3M 3 L INPUT      IN
RCA       1   L INPUT 4 IN
RCA       1   L INPUT 5 IN
RCA       1   L INPUT 6 IN
RCA       1   L INPUT 7 IN

now it would be much cooler if we could enter this as say

XLR3M 3 L INPUT      IN
RCA       4 L INPUT [4] IN

so that the 4 connectors are in a single line in the database.

I'm open to suggestions for the best way to encode this behaviour in the name prefix string.

VE-104876

ConnectCAD: TASK - Integration with architect spaces

Conrad Preen

Following conversation with Thomas K. we have a candidate task. Make ConnectCAD work nicely with the Space object in the same way it now works with Layout Rooms. Points to bear in mind:
* Both Spaces and Rooms can be nested and mixed and nested.
* Create Equipment should understand Spaces

Just adding here so we have it [~nzhelyazkov] .

VE-104541

ConnectCAD: Connector Panels need a 3rd mode

Chuck Walthall

These two icons are misleading. What they actually signify is which side of the schematic connector is the front of the panel.

!image-2023-06-22-13-30-29-125.png|width=376,height=173!

In fact there seem to be 3 cases:
# bare-ends on the left : cable connector on right
# cable connector on left : bare-ends on the right
# cable connector on left : cable connector on right

Some chassis connectors are feed-thru's e.g. BNC or RJ45, or fiber-optic barrels. In these cases (#3) there is a cable connector on the cable coming into the back side of the panel.

The reason for the icons being this way is that we hijacked the Socket.Type parameter plus the Socket.Orientation = X to give us a bi-directional socket. But now that we have outgrown Vectorscript it is time we did this properly.

So here's what I think the *real* truth table is:

Socket.Type is IN, IO, or OUT depending on the *use* of the socket. The default should be IO because a passive connector on a panel doesn't care how it is used.

Socket.Orientation should be extended to cover the 3 cases above, so we have:
# L - normal left-facing socket
# R - normal right-facing socket
# T - normal up-facing socket
# B - normal down-facing socket
# X - bi-directional socket: bare-ends L : cable connector R
# Y - bi-directional socket: cable connector L : bare-ends R
# Z - bi-directional socket: cable connector L : cable connector R

Orientation Z works fine if it's the *same* cable connector on both sides. I think that is a reasonable simplifying assumption. In the case where the front and backside connectors are different then the user will have to create a custom device.

*Important note to think about here is forward translation. We should probably implement this on a major version boundary unless minor version changes can be detected.*

[~smonninghoff] FYI might need some icons here...

VE-104563

ConnectCAD: T02355 - Create Panel View dialog doesn't remember which layout is assigned to each panel

Conrad Preen

On each execution the Create panel View dialog does save the previously assigned layout for each panel device.

VE-104436

ConnectCAD: Add all equipment in Share Report database

Conrad Preen

At the moment the database created by Share Reports contains no reference to Equipment that does not have a devices on the schematic. Moving forward we need to make the database more complete and add in all Equipment. Let's discuss this when we get to implementing this and look at Rack Frames, Racks and Rooms too. It's an opportunity to get everything into the database so the Cloud team can improve reports and filtering.

VE-103931

ConnectCAD: Device Builder add disclaimer

Conrad Preen

Following discussions with Darick, I want to make sure that users are clear as to the term under which we provide information about devices. To this end we need to display an alert with the following text with the Don't Show Again option.

"The product information provided in the Device Builder has been created by Vectorworks, Inc and is based on manufacturers' publicly available product data, CAD/BIM models, and/or specifications that can be found in any of the following sources: product websites, product specifications, product documentation/brochures, product photographs or imagery. In most cases the information was not developed in partnership, or with permission from the manufacturer. Vectorworks, Inc has compiled this information solely for the purpose of assisting industry professionals in creating devices. This information is not meant as a complete specification or ordering system nor is it guaranteed to be free of errors or omissions.

Vectorworks, Inc. implies no relation with any manufacturer. All information is subject to change by the manufacturer. We strongly recommend checking the product information on the each manufacturer's web site for complete product options, installation options and other technical specific data as information is subject to change without notice."

I think the ideal logic would be to trigger the alert on first use of either of the popups Category: and Make/Model.

If the user just exits with OK hide the alert for the rest of the session but show again in the next session. If the user checks the Don't Show Again button the alert is not shown at all. If the user has unchecked the Enable Database tool pref. then the alert is not shown, however if the user subsequently enables the database again then the Don't Show Again status should be reset so that the user sees the alert at least once.

VE-103265

ConnectCAD: Make Rack Equip Worksheet extend configurability and save config in doc

Conrad Preen

User suggestions regarding Make Rack Equipment Worksheet command:
# Save column widths in doc - it is a nuisance to have to set up the columns each time you run the command.
# BIG ASK - can we add any parameter and any attached record field as columns in the worksheet? And can this config also be saved in the doc?

VE-101906

ConnectCAD: Renumber command to optionally update Equipment on Device renumber

Conrad Preen

Small improvement to save users from a gotcha. Let's add a checkbox enabled by default to apply renumbering to related equipment when we are renumbering devices.

VE-104048

ConnectCAD: Add JetBuilt Export worksheet to Create Reports: Pre-formatted Reports

Conrad Preen

As Brandon rightly points out Per-formatted Reports is the place people would go looking for our sample Export to JetBuillt worksheet. Right now it's kinda buried in Libraries / ConnectCAD / Sample Worksheets. Good to have the alternative.

VE-104532

ConnectCAD: Socket double-click to open popover

Conrad Preen

As originally designed use a popover for double-click socket edit.

VE-104809

ConnectCAD: Mounting depth option for rack frames

Conrad Preen

User request - rack frames to have a Mounting Depth option like Equipment Items.

VE-104774

ConnectCAD: Report Sharing - additional password

Conrad Preen

One of our beta testers has expressed misgivings about sharing installation data with no protection. He says his company are unlikely to adopt the new workflow without some level of access control beyond knowing the link. His suggestion is an optional extra password to be shared independently with the authorized users of the link.

Here's a mock up the dialog:

!image-2023-07-25-15-04-02-266.png!

Note: SQLite3 has the ability to set a password for the database file that we export if that would be useful. Let us know if we should add this on the Vectorworks side.

VE-104572

Wall Penetration object

Conrad Preen

As discussed with [~mpanzer2] in ConnectCAD we're looking towards adding automation to our Cable Routing tool to make it more "architecture aware". The basic insight that drives this is the fact that conduits and cable ducts don't cross the empty spaces of rooms - they follow walls, floors and ceilings and by convention they also run horizontally or vertically. _This is because tradesmen armed with drills don't expect diagonal cable runs!_ So with these constraints we have enough to figure out a reasonable route.

But how do we get from room to room? We could have the Cable Path object just make a hole in wall, but in my experience it's more polite to ask before you drill a hole! In some cases holes need to be approved by the structural engineer. So they really need their own object through which our Cable Paths can pass.

Wall Penetrations need to be either rectangular or circular that are automatically the thickness of the wall. Here are some pictures:

!image-2023-06-29-18-53-17-414.png|width=476,height=313!

And in Top/Plan :

!image-2023-06-29-18-55-22-236.png|width=479,height=349!

I constructed these holes using symbol wall hole components and I have to say it was a bit laborious. Would be cool to have this as a parametric object.

VE-101595

ConnectCAD: USITT hop-over style

Conrad Preen

Add the USITT alternative hop-over style as an option. See attached image.

VE-101596

ConnectCAD: Device Builder socket group label option

Conrad Preen

Another one from USITT. See image. They have the idea of a socket group label which could be an option in the Device Builder. The text showing the use of a socket is not amenable to automation and we should ignore it.

VE-101544

ConnectCAD: Re-engineer back-end storage of signal types etc.

Conrad Preen

Possibly a task rather than a VE.

Currently we have a burgeoning number of tab-separated text files containing data:

CableTypes.txt
ConnectorTypes.txt
SignalTypes.txt

ConnectCAD Devices DB.txt

JFdata.txt
TPdata.txt

CustomParams.txt
CableLengths.txt

Basically all text or number data in tables. The file format we are using makes no sense. It limits our ability to leverage the relations between these tables. All this data could be much better handled in a single file using an SQLite database. For example, device definitions in the ConnectCAD Devices DB reference signal types and connector types. And there are relations between signal and cable / connector types that could be defined as tables e.g. sig->conn. Then dropdowns can be populated using SQL queries that extract the relevant connectors and cables for each signal saving users from hours of scrolling.

Editing these tables can be done either in the Settings dialog or for more complex tasks using any of the many SQLite database editors available.

SQLite is already integrated in Vectorworks so all we need to do is use it.

VE-100594

ConnectCAD: Device Builder option to save new Make / Models in workgroup folder

Conrad Preen

Suggestion from Hugues on the forum. I can already think of one customer who would like this.

VE-102756

ConnectCAD: Use color-blind friendly color schemes

Conrad Preen

Bearing in mind that some 8% of males (i.e. those with X and Y chromosomes) suffer from color blindness, we should bear this in mind in our choice of colors for UI elements and highlighting.Suggest we review the use of color in ConnectCAD and make sure the default colors used are helpful to persons with this common variant.

Here are two palettes that we can use:

7-color:

!https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbookdown.org%2Fhneth%2Fds4psy%2Fds4psy_files%2Ffigure-html%2Fapx-color-blind-palette-show-1.png&f=1&nofb=1|width=551,height=165!

15-color:

!https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjacksonlab.webhosting.cals.wisc.edu%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F8%2F2016%2F05%2Fcolorpie.png&f=1&nofb=1|width=396,height=376!

VE-102006

ConnectCAD: Device Builder admin mode

Conrad Preen

At the moment Content are working with a Filemaker database that is used as a master for the tab-separated text file shipped with ConnectCAD as the device database. In the Device Builder we store user-created device definitions in a similar tab-separated text file in the user folder.

So, logically the Device Builder could very easily be set to edit the the application database removing entirely the need for translating the data from Filemaker. All we need is a switch to enable an admin mode.

There's another potential benefit to this: at the moment we are logging new makes and models with a view to adding these to the database. We could potentially retrieve all the information entered by the user in the tab-separated format via logging and review it in the Device Builder, and save if useful.

An easy workflow for the above would be to add the incoming device definitions in the user folder and have a Save to App Folder button in the admin interface.

Entering as a VE to save the thought.

----------------

A second part to this: if you click on a device, could the Device Builder be able to read in its config. That could be a very useful admin tool for getting information from drawings into the device database...

VE-102817

Universal names for resources

Conrad Preen

We are seeing more and more customers who have multi-lingual teams. For example a mix of English and German speakers. These people have a mix of German and US English Vectorworks and that's where the problems start. In ConnectCAD some PIO use symbols as part of their draw (very handy because users can customise the symbol). Now when a user takes a file originating on German Vectorworks and opens it on English Vectorworks there's a symbol in the document called Anschluss but our software is looking for Socket...

This makes Vectorworks less useful for international teams. We could solve this by having universal names and localized names.

VE-102673

A way to cut down on "nuisance" dialogs

Conrad Preen

We have an awful lot of dialogs in Vectorworks!

Quite frequently I find myself just pressing OK - particularly when I've done the process once before and made the settings I want. Of course we have those "Don't show again" and "Always do" checkboxes but resetting those choices is a bit tricky. So here's my idea:

When a dialog is close with a simple OK and no change to the settings, the next time that command is invoked it should proceed without a dialog. And we should show an "Oops" button that the user clicks if that wasn't the expected result. "Oops" undoes the previous command and re-issues the command showing the dialog this time.

_I don't know if Oops is the right word but it'll do for now_

VE-102665

Create API for plug-in to be able to add a context menu item at the top of the list

Conrad Preen

At the moment when a plug-in adds an item to the object context menu this goes at the bottom of the menu. Thus a user right-clicking on a plug-in object to perform some edit has to visually search the menu all the way to the bottom to locate the new item and then move the cursor down to select the item. This introduces an unnecessary hiatus.

It would be useful to have to option for plug-ins to add their context menus at the top of the list right next to the cursor. My 2c worth is that this will be a better guess as to the user's intentions.

My ideal world

!image-2022-01-24-11-38-07-090.png!

VE-101221

ConnectCAD: Users want devices in front of circuits

Bryan Seigel

See screenshot: request from users via Support

It annoys people visually that the Circuit line extends all the way into the socket graphics to the insertion point. It is mostly a matter of stacking order and to us a minor point but Bryan tells me it come up again and again.

VE-101053

Wish: Searchable heirarchical popups in OIP and dialog to be able to present with tree control open

Conrad Preen

Searchable hierarchical popups are really useful for grouping items under headings however we (ConnectCAD) need a method that will allow them to present with all the tree controls open so the user can just scroll and select.
When they start off with the tree controls closed the result is an extra click for the user with EVERY selection. That adds up over the day.

VE-100612

ConnectCAD: page numbers on arrow connections when printed

Conrad Preen

It would be useful if a page number annotation was added to arrow circuits when these are printed out. See the forum thread below.

VE-100611

Mode bar - allow more than 6 groups

Conrad Preen

In ConnectCAD task T02101 we ran up against the limitation that only 6 control groups are allowed in the mode bar. It seems that the reasons for this limit are lost in the mists of time.

If it is possible (and wise) to lift the limit, it will allow us to comply more fully with current UI standards.

VE-100414

New command to select database worksheet rows corresponding to selected drawing objects

Conrad Preen

Right now we can select the drawing object that corresponds to a database worksheet row.
But the inverse is not possible. It would be handy to have a command that could select
the database rows in the topmost worksheet which correspond to the currently selected
drawing objects (where applicable).

VE-100204

Align to Grid and parametric objects

Conrad Preen

This comes from ConnectCAD. We need to keep things on the grid generally, in particular our Device objects. So initially I thought that the standard Align to Grid would have our needs covered. The command works as specified i.e. it aligns the top-left of the bounding box of the selected objects to the grid.

With parametric objects however I find it hard to comprehend the use case. Wouldn't it make more sense to align the PIO insertion point to the nearest grid point?

Be interested to hear comment before I go away and write my own Align Devices to Grid for ConnectCAD.

VE-99462

image button widgets in OIP

Conrad Preen

Wouldn't it be nice....

to have visual controls in the OIP (easier to localise too)

VE-103502

Difficult to edit hided 2D boundaries in space objects

Conny Hammar

In VW 23, the reshaping of a space object where the 2D boundary line is turned off has become very complicated. Previously, you could select a space object and using the double-click option to directly reshape the boundary line. In VW23, data tag will instead be selected if the 2d boundary is off. If you only have a simple square room, you can find the boundary line in the upper right corner even when the 2D boundary is off, but if there are walls all around, this will not work. As the wall for example will be selected instead. The only way to edit the boundary line seems to be if the space object has the 2D boundary line active and even esier if it´s also filled. Compared to how it worked before, when you could quickly double click on a space object and get to the reshape mode of the a boundary line, I find it much harder to reshape the space object quickly now. I would like to see an easy way to flip between the space object/boundary and the data tags for example by hitting tab when one of those obejects are selected.

VE-102380

Space opacity change fails

Conny Hammar

The space opacity is not possible to change in the attached file. It will change if the layer opacity changes, but not if the space object opacity is changed.

VE-102451

Parking Tool - Accessible Parking Requirements UK

Colin Wardle

The Accessible parking standard in England (minimum requirement) cannot be represented by the Parking Tool in VW. here is also a widely adopted extended accessible parking standard employed by many planning authorities which also cannot be represented by the VW Parking Tool. A few additional controls would accommodate those requirements and probably those of other countries too.
Suggested changes and enhancements;
1. An option to have an 'aisle' across the open end of the parking bay and associated side aisles.
2. An aisle option for 'left AND right shared sides of an accessible parking space
3. The default height for the international symbol for accessible parking should be easily set to a national standard, the default symbol is 1829mm high and in the UK it should be 1400mm high. A UK version of VW would benefit from this 'out of the box' or have the ability to select a preconfigured symbol appropriate for different countries where the standards differ.
4. Accessible symbol is located very close to the parking space numbers, it would be beneficial to have some control over the location of the symbol and parking space numbers, possibly by offset from default location.

VE-102453

Parking Tool - Reverse direction of bay numbers

Colin Wardle

Enable control of parking space bay numbers for left to right or right to left. You can flip the spaces to get that effect but any accessible parking spaces will have their symbol reversed.

VE-103833

Door PIO - Vertical Roller Shutter

Colin Wardle

Industrial style roller shutters as a type in the Door PIO.
Working on a project with 9 different custom sizes, all modeled as symbols and used in the Door PIO. It has brought into sharp focus that this is absent.

VE-102770

Space objects Length max and Width max alignment correction

Colin Wardle

If rectangular spaces aren't aligned to the x and y axes, the returned Length(max) and Width(max) are meaningless dimensions. There needs to be a method to correctly report the dimensions in a logical representative way.

As an example I often prepare, not unreasonably, a schedule of space in a worksheet which lists the rooms by number and use, length and width, height, area and volume. At the concept stage this is a clear and convenient way to confirm to clients the sizes without cluttering the concept drawings with dimensions. If the building isn't aligned to X and Y axes the reported dimension aren't correct. If the layer view is rotated using the rotate plan tool, the plan can be made to look like it is aligned to x and y but the space length and width are still reported incorrectly.

One approach might be to use the plan rotate angle to 'correct' the length and width.

An alternative could be to test for rectilinear spaces, and if true, report their actual side dimensions, not Ymax - Ymin and Xmax - Xmin. Then the reported room dimensions wouldn't be affected by alignment to the main axes. If the test is false, then don't return a dimension.

VE-102525

Toilet Stall Width

Colin Wardle

Currently the Toilet Stall PIO calls the centre to centre of the stall partitions the 'stall width', so as the partition thickness increases the clear space, the bit humans inhabit, gets narrower.

This I think needs to change. The clear space should be the 'stall width' and the partition thicknesses should be in addition to that. So if you set a stall width of say 850mm then that should be the clear space between partitions. This would make it much easier to ensure compliance with statutory space standards.

If say the left hand partition is deselected, that end stall will have a wider clear space than the adjoining stalls by half the partition thickness. Normally you would want the clear spaces in the stalls to be consistent.

The stall depth (length?) retains it's clear dimension irrespective of the partition thickness, which is a very useful implementation but inconsistent with that of the width.

VE-102340

Publish sort oder by issue date wrong

Colin Wardle

In the publish window, if you sort the list by issue date, using the UK date format, the list is sorted by the day number not by the year then month then day.
It would obviously be really useful if it could sort in date order.

VE-100849

Window and Door PIOs - Wall Components don't wrap if Use Symbol Geometry is selected

Colin Wardle

For example, Select 'Use Symbol Geometry' in the Window PIO to define a window which the standard options can't portray, this stops the component wraps from working on that object.

The component wrap options are available in the settings dialogue when the 'Use Symbol Geometry' option is selected giving the impression that the option is available.

This same behaviour is present in the Door PIO.

VE-100851

Window PIO - No Sill available for the window frame.

Colin Wardle

The Window PIO has a no option to include a sill in the frame of the window. In the UK traditional forms of timber windows have a projecting sill which forms part of the bottom section of the window frame. (see section)

This is not available in the Window PIO.

The Windoor PIO provides this option.

VE-100806

Door PIO - Pocket Door recess dimension control

Colin Wardle

It would also be useful to control the recess pocket length with a clearance in addition to the leaf width so that the recess can be set up to match manufacturers' pocket door systems for accurate wall frame setting out.

VE-100805

Door PIO - Pocket Door Flush When Open

Colin Wardle

It would be useful to have an option to allow the sliding door open flush with the jamb when a stile push/pull is used.

VE-100804

Door PIO width by Leaf Size

Colin Wardle

Doors controlled by 'leaf size' use a combined leaf width not individual leaf widths, so if you want to use say 726mm wide doors and select 1 door, the opening is shown as 726 in plan, but if you choose 2 doors, each leaf is shown as half the dimension in the 'leaf size'. I would expect the 'leaf size' to be the individual leaf width, and the by 'unit size' to equate to the leaf width multiplied by the number of leaves. There should also be a tolerance between the leaf width and the clear distance between the jambs.

VE-100053

Phasing Filters

Colin Wardle

There was a post called Renovation Filters, by Kane which asked a simple question about control of phasing for a renovation project. They were an experienced Archicad user who had moved copmanies is now using VW.
This I I beleive a common scenario and one which VW should look to address in a simple elegant way.
The advice from VW was to set up searate classes for each phase state.
This I think is a work around for very simple class strategies but try applying this to Uniclass 2015 and you would disappear down the rabbit hole of complexity. Some years back Classes became the answer to every question, they aren't and shouldn't be.
A VW guidance document published a few years back suggested the use of layers for control on a remodelling project with Existing, Demolition or Proposed as part of the standard layer names. This has for us been the simplest work around to date bulking up the layer control (helped by filters!) and keeps the classing system 'standard'.
I had hoped that TAGS may have offered a simple phasing organisation without needing to trebble up on layers or classes, but they don't, yet.
An elegant simple solution to allow control of phasing would be a major step forward to remove the need for added complexity in layer or class structures.

VE-99665

OBJ import Export

Claes Lundström

It would be useful to have a YZ flip option and a scale factor future in the import export dialogues. Many modeling and rending programs use Y as up, which means that the model comes in and goes out flipped. They also often use obscure scales so a scam factor would be good.

Pesonally, I use the format a lot to import UV mapped objects as it's quicker for me than mapping in VW. I have included a small example (to the right) witch renders better without doing anything both in Open GL as well as in RW

VE-104733

Add ‘0’ Increment to Renumber Device

Chuck Walthall

Add “Increment by 0” option to Renumber Device or Socket. In many cases, I number ceiling loudspeakers, volume control, etc. by room #. Since there are often more than (1) loudspeakers in a room, I # each of them the same. Currently I have to number each of them individually; lots of mouse clicks.

Just a thought...

VE-104466

Multiple frames for Line Aral Tool

Christian Blaschke

There are various line array manufacturers who offer the option of hanging a smaller speaker series underneath with an adapter frame. For example, with the MayerSound Leo M it is possible to hang a Lyon loudspeaker underneath with the Transition Frame MTF-LEO-M/LYON. Therefore, I would like this to be displayed in the tool as well. Especially since the symbol for it is already there. This would not only give a better representation of the angles, but also the exact weight.

VE-100981

Cabel tool funtions

Christian Blaschke

Hello Moritz and VW team. I am happy to see that the Kabel Tool is being completely rewritten. The implementation with the traverse and automatic cable laying looks great. But what I already noticed during testing, is that it has become a tool with a lot more work steps by combining the cable types. When I do a cable planning I often jump back and forth between the Multicor and Jumper cables. This takes a lot longer because I always have to select it with the mouse on top. I also miss the fact that there is no more key combination for merging headlights into one channel or skipping plugbox channels. Please do not try to outsource everything to mouse commands. This costs much more time in daily use than simply pressing a key additionally. But thanks a lot for taking care of this topic. Thumbs up.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

VE-100980

DMX Mode in Instrument Summery

Christian Blaschke

I would be glad, if the DMX mode for the lamp can be faded in the Instrument Summery. This is now stored for many spotlights.

VE-103478

Separate Default 3D View Projection setting for plan and elevation views

Christiaan Taylor

*1. Control 'isometric' and plan/elevation views separately*

We'd like an additional setting under 3D Vectorworks Preferences, to control the default projection of plan and elevation views separately from the 'isometric' views.

We have had the ability for some time now to control the default 3D View Projection, between Orthographic and Perspective, which is great. However, as mentioned by Andy in [this thread|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101471-change-default-projection-to-perspective-when-orbiting-from-topplan/#comment-444368], if we set this to Perspective then this setting not only applies to 'isometric' views but also to the plan and elevation views, which is not desirable. Instead we'd like to be able to set the isometric views to perspective while setting the plan and elevation views to orthographic.

*2. Provide option to have these settings apply regardless of which projection the user is switching from*

Additionally, we'd like an option to have the above settings apply regardless of which projection the user is switching from, instead of only applying when switching from Top/Plan view, as they do now.

!3D_Preferences-1.png|width=518,height=263!

!views.png|width=366,height=396!

VE-104112

Can't associate or re-associate Data Tags to some windows in SLVP elevation

Christiaan Taylor

Open attached test file to the only sheet layer in it and try to re-associate the Data Tag to window AW09 and try to add a Data Tag to window AW10, as attached screenshot.

I find it impossible to re-associate to AW09 and I can't add a Tag to AW10, instead adding it to AW14 or AW15 in the background.

Even if you manage it, it just should behave like this. Why does it prioritise objects in the background over objects in the foreground?

VE-100224

Ability to share DWG import and export via Workgroup Folder

Christiaan Taylor

We'd like official support for sharing DWG import/export settings via Workgroup Folders, including the ability to manage personal settings and Workgroup Folder settings separately. So, for instance, when you click on the _Settings_ dropdown menu or the _Manage..._ button in the _DXF/DWG Export Options_ window the user would be presented with personal and workgroup settings split into two areas.

VE-104623

Relationship between overall size and Shim Gaps should be more apparent

Christiaan Taylor

Having now used the new *Shim Gaps* in 2024, and in particular being able to edit each side separately, it's apparent to me that the Shim Gaps parameters would be better off in General settings, right under Width and Height, instead of the Jamb setting. Width and Height are inextricably linked with Shim Gaps. And a similar argument can be made for the *Gap Below Leaf* parameter, given that it can effect overall size.

Matt rightly points out that there's currently no room in General for these parameters, so it would either need a redesign or we need some other way to more readily see the impact of editing one on the others.

VE-104193

Game-like navigation through 3D models

Christiaan Taylor

This wish was originally for Vectorworks itself, and I would still love to have this kind of navigation built into Vectorworks, but where we could *really* do with it, for the sake of our own clients is VGX web views.

What I want is real-world navigation physics:
* Awareness of solid objects, default mode should be that you can't walk through them.
* Ability to walk up stairs
* Ability to walk through doors/gates. Or, even better, VGX would parse the model for doors/gates and animate opening them when you walk through them.
* Ability to climb through windows, as item above
* Ability to jump/climb over objects
* Gravity, jump over an object and land on the surface below etc.
* When you click on first-person mode it should set you down softly on the nearest horizontal surface with a smooth animation.
* The viewing height should remain consistent relative to the surface you're on.
* And perhaps with a stepping motion rather than a smooth camera effect (with the option of smooth motion), or an option for third-person navigation (i.e. you can see your character in front of you)

We should be navigating VGX models like this:

https://twitter.com/SimonOliverUK/status/1639275444427018241

VE-104110

Change default Viewport naming to put Sheet number first

Christiaan Taylor

Please change the default Viewport naming behaviour to put the Sheet number first, so that our viewports are organised in a logical fashion.

It's incredible that somebody made the decision to name Viewports in the way they are. But it's equally incredible that it continues to behaves this way.

Surely changing the default behaviour to put the sheet number first is the modification of a couple of lines of code? At least do this until a better, more dynamic solution is found.

VE-104187

Viewport Auto-naming

Christiaan Taylor

There're a few wishes floating about regarding the naming of viewports, but, after discussing it with various people, including Matt, I wanted to make one that specifically requests auto-naming, and describes how it might work:
* It would be a document setting called _Use automatic viewport naming_ under _Document Preferences > Display._
* It would be indented under _Use automatic drawing coordination_ and would require automatic drawing coordination to be turned on (this is because without auto drawing coordination turned on it's possible to have Viewports with the same Drawing Number and Drawing Title on the same Sheet).
* It would be off by default when converting older files to avoid overwriting Viewport names in older files when being brought forward. But it would be turned on by default in all of Vectorworks' template files etc. from that version onwards.
* Turning it on in an existing file would warn you that existing Viewport names will be overwritten, providing an opportunity to cancel. And maybe even a chance to undo the setting?
* The default naming format would be _[sheet number] - [drawing number] - [drawing title]_
* But Viewports would have a setting that would allow you to modify the order (so, for example, you could put the drawing title before the drawing number in some instances). You'd be able to apply this setting to multiple Viewports at once (including when you have multiple Viewports selected on a Sheet or when selecting multiple Viewports in the Nav Palette or Organisation window). Each Viewport would remember its setting even if the auto-naming document preference was turned off and on again.
* When mousing over the setting in Document Preferences the tooltip would read "Automatically names viewports with the sheet number, viewport drawing number and viewport drawing title. The order of these can be modified for each viewport."
* Ideally there would also be a document setting to modify the divider, with the default being as above: " - "

VE-100482

Ability to tag walls in Workgroup Reference files

Christiaan Taylor

Apparently we're unable to tag walls in Workgroup Referenced files with the new Data Tag tool. I'm pretty sure a loss of functionality as I believe we used to be able to do this with the old ID Label tool.

We'd need this functionality please.

And my preferred way to bring this functionality back would be to get rid of Workgroup Referencing and replace it with something else:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/61003-workgroup-reference-that-works-more-like-project-sharing/

VE-104163

Story Groups

Christiaan Taylor

*Wish:*
* I'd like support for split levels built directly into the Stories feature.

*Reason:*
* For projects with split levels (floors on the same storey with different heights) we currently have to create multiple Level Types (e.g. FFL-0, FFL-200, FFL-300) to deal with each split level (and the same goes for projects files with multiple buildings at different heights).
* This adds an enormous amount of complexity to an already complex feature.
* I don't think Level Types is the right place to provide this capability.
* It means that any standard Level Types one would typically have in a model (e.g. FFL) need to be multiplied by the number of split levels you have (e.g. FFL-0, FFL-200, FFL-300), creating unnecessary complexity and management overhead.
* If we want to control top and bottom bindings by Wall Style it means multiplying all our Wall Styles so they can bind to the relevant Level Types (FFL-0, FFL-200, FFL-300) and then you have the issue of visually identifying these different Wall Styles to make sure they don't end up being used on the wrong split level.
* And/or it means we can't copy a wall across from one part of the building to another without being forced to redefine the top and bottom bindings to suit that level

*Possible Solution:*
* Story Groups
* Each group of storeys could have its own elevations defined independently of other storeys
** *Story Group 0:* Story-0-0, Story-1-0, Story-2-0
** *Story Group 200:* Story-0-200 Story-1-200, Story-2-200
** *Story Group 300:* Story-0-300, Story-1-300, Story-2-300
* That would allow us to maintain standard Level Types (e.g. FFL-0) that would work across Story Groups (e.g. FFL-0 would be the same definition across split levels, and the Storey Group would control any elevation height difference between split levels.)
* Which means we could have Wall Styles with top and bottom bindings defined by Level Type that work across split levels.
* And/or we could copy a wall from one split level to another and not be forced to redefine the top and bottom bindings

*Result:*
* The result, when dealing with split levels, would mean less Level Types, less Wall Styles and less manual manipulation of top and bottom bindings.

VE-104170

Layer Groups

Christiaan Taylor

Everybody wants some kind of layer grouping.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/106611-grouping-of-layers-please/

VE-104168

Layer Import and Design Layer Viewport referencing in the same file

Christiaan Taylor

I want to be able to use both Layer Import and Design Layer Viewport referencing in the same file.

Reason:
I want to use Layer Import for referencing my own files into each other (because this provides better control of Class and Layer visibilities and overrides) but I want to use Design Layer Viewport for referencing third party files because I want to be able create viewports that I can move into the correct position relative to my model (and it's also a good way to avoid contamination of Classes from the third parties).

VE-101614

Rooflight Object

Christiaan Taylor

It's long past time for a real Rooflight Object, no?

3D skylight symbols are horribly slow and clunky things to work with, especially in the early stages of the design process.

VE-101463

Section lines that can bend, not just step

Christiaan Taylor

We need to be able to create Section Viewports by bending section lines rather than stepping them. Stepped section lines make for some very messy sections on some building shapes.

We currently work around this by creating separate viewports for each bend, but it's time-consuming and messy, and it amplifies the number of errors one can make. Especially when we have a faceted building like the one I'm modelling now, needing six separate sections to take a long section through it.

VE-104077

Home Screen: unread not clear enough

Christiaan Taylor

I was looking at Message Centre in the Home Screen today because it was saying I had an unread message, but I couldn't easily tell which message was unread.

I don't have an example now of what it looked like but I'm pretty sure the only difference is that the title text was a bit bigger.

It would be useful if it was much clearer. Perhaps by changing the colour/shade/boundary of the box it's in?

VE-104076

Additional anchor and reshape points for the Structural Member

Christiaan Taylor

Structural engineers always work to the centre of structural members because it makes the calculations straightforward.

But architects are equally interested in how structural members interface with adjacent objects.

To enable this we need more anchor points and reshape handles than the current centre-only one.

For example say I want to shape a cranked beam to match the pitch of a timber roof structure by following the bottom edge of the timbers. At the moment, in a side view, I have to do that shaping the member using the centre grab handles, and then move the beam down into place. But if I there were reshape handles to the top of the beam I could shape the beam directly in place and not need to move it down afterwards.

VE-104061

Peer-to-peer file sync

Christiaan Taylor

Has peer-to-peer file sync architecture ever been considered, instead of the current file-server architecture?

The more I use Resilio the more superior I find it to all other sync services.

It uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to securely transfers files machine-to-machine in an encrypted fashion, allowing us to employ asymmetric encryption that cannot be accessed by anybody. And files are not backed up to a central server, but are instead transferred peer-to-peer.

It also allows files to be transferred locally across networks, limiting users only to their company's local network speed.

And there's no file storage limit.

If Vectorworks switched to this kind of architecture they could offer users the security benefits of such architecture (for those who really need it) and lower it's own server overheads.

This kind of architecture does of course require that a device running a sync client must be on at all times to ensure the latest files are available to other devices. In this case Vectorworks users can choose to run their own storage device (providing a higher level of security and no additional subscription fees) or alternatively, VCS could provide this server in the cloud (with additional subscription fees depending on size of storage, and an acceptance a slightly lower security), with the added benefit of being able to process the files and provide rendering services etc.

Or, on this very last point about processing/rendering, is this is where things could come unstuck?

VE-103408

We should be able to set horizontal eave cut of Roof objects

Christiaan Taylor

There's a discrepancy between Roof Face objects and Roof objects:
* We can edit the horizontal (or vertical) parameter of a Double Eave Cut for a Roof Face object, which is great
* But we can't edit the horizontal parameter of a Roof object, only the vertical figure, which is not great.

See attached screenshots.

This is a problem because we often know the horizontal figure (such as the stud bearing thickness) but not the vertical figure.

There doesn't seem to be any good reason for this discrepancy.

VE-103877

Preformatted Report for combined window and external door schedule

Christiaan Taylor

Can we please have a _Preformatted Report_ added for a combined window and external door schedule, assuming 'W' ID Prefix for both windows and external doors (and assuming internal doors have a different ID Prefix, 'D')?

It will require IF statements, as noted here by Pat:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104578-door-and-window-schedules-combination/#comment-455772]

VE-102593

T02172 Graphic Legend: standard built-in way to identify external doors

Christiaan Taylor

When we produce a window schedule we nearly always include the external doors in the same schedule. So it would be useful if there was an easier way to identify external doors.

Attached is an example of Graphic Legend criteria, where I've had to manually identify external doors by IDSuffix. But this is prone to error because if somebody adds an external door to the model they need to remember to update the Graphic Legend criteria to include it.

If there was a standard and highly visible way to identify doors as being external then this error could be avoided. It could also mean that any external door styles that are duplicated to create a new one would also be identified as external by default (a desirable behaviour).

Perhaps as simple as a check button in the _Door Style > General_ dialogue window?

VE-102473

Plug-in Options should be more discoverable

Christiaan Taylor

It took me a lot of messing about to get the new wall closure feature working properly. This is partly because wall closures necessarily have a complex relationship with walls but I think the main problem was that Plug-in Options are tucked away in a contextual menu. And many of the problems I see people having with wall closures (and plug-in object offsets) also relate to the discoverability of Plug-in Options. I've even heard/seen people say they haven't seen the Plug-in Options window before.

Plug-in Options are quite a bit more important now that they include wall insertion and wall closure options, equally important as Settings.

So I think there's a simple fix for this: every single plug-in object should have a "Plug-in Options..." button in the object Info palette. And if the plug-in has a Style dropdown menu in the OIP, that also needs a "Edit Style Plug-in Options..." option.

Examples of people having problems due to this lack of discoverability :
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/65619-ability-to-control-where-a-windowdoor-is-offset-from-in-a-wall/#comment-415277]
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/87667-2022-wall-component-modeling/#comment-405066]
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/87703-any-luck-with-win-door-in-2022/]
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/102011-door-tooloffset-gone/]
* [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103702-problem-with-doors-in-v2022/]

VE-103611

Can't model this stair configuration with Stair Tool

Christiaan Taylor

If our stair manufacturer can model and make this stair, we should be able to model it in Vectorworks with the Stair Tool.

VE-103292

T02172 Graphic Legend: more auto-dimension options needed

Christiaan Taylor

I have some auto-dimensions feedback:

{color:#FF0000}*The most important one for us is item 4. Without item 4 implemented we won't be able to use Graphic Legend for windows legends, because we work to structural openings and we need to dimension to the floor. Please, we're so close!!!*{color}
# I don't think the dropdown menu listing various combinations of dimensions is the right way to go. This requires that Vectorworks second guess the combinations its users may want. And, to prove a point, the combination I want is not there (i.e. rough opening + sill to floor). While it's conceivable that you may be able to provide a list of all the combinations users may want, I think it would be much more desirable (and more intuitive) if instead of a requiring a single choice, we could simply check or uncheck the types we want and make our own combinations.
# It would be extremely useful if we could override auto-dimension settings for a single cell. Or perhaps the ability to go into a cell and simply delete dimensions (and not have them regenerate?)? There are many examples where I might want to show sash dimensions in some cells but not others, for instance.
# Missing auto-dimension types:
## Unit size (i.e. 'rough opening minus shim gaps'). I thought Frame might be 'rough opening minus shim gaps' but it doesn't seem to be, or perhaps there's something peculiar about my window jamb configurations? Because Frame provides a much smaller dimension than 'rough opening minus shim gaps'.
## Mullions and Transoms. We don't really dimension to sashes. We dimension to rough openings and when want to show a correlation of heights across different windows we generally dimension to a transom, not the sash.
# {color:#FF0000}Missing combinations:{color}
## {color:#FF0000}Rough Opening + Sill to floor [sill in this case being the bottom of the rough opening){color}
## {color:#FF0000}Rough Opening + Sill to floor + Unit **{color}
## {color:#FF0000}Rough Opening + Sill to floor + Unit + Sash **{color}
## {color:#FF0000}Rough Opening + Unit + Sash **{color}
## {color:#FF0000}Rough Opening + Unit **{color}

{color:#FF0000}** if Frame is indeed meant to provide 'rough opening minus shim gaps' then substitute "Unit" with "Frame"{color}

VE-103572

Cloud Services Project Sharing Server

Christiaan Taylor

Am I being optimistic that [upcoming improvements to Project Sharing|https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/public-roadmap?url=project-sharing] would also be a perfect time to develop Vectorworks Cloud Services Project Server? Or do we need to wait until these improvements are in place before we see such a task?

VE-103392

I want to be able to mix doors and windows in the Graphic Legend

Christiaan Taylor

Vectorworks REALLY wants me to have a separate window and door schedules. But I don't.

It's possible to have doors and windows, but it causes problems like this:

!screenshot_1.png|width=700,height=545!

VE-103476

Ability to adjust size of thumbnails in Resource Manager

Christiaan Taylor

"Resources, above all symbols sometimes can be very detailed. The preview-thumbnails in the resource manager are too small sometimes. An Option for adjusting the thumbnail size of resource objects would be great. A preview function like pressing the spacebar in the macOS finder would be great as well."

VE-103405

Resources in Resource Manager should stay selected after setting view or render mode

Christiaan Taylor

When setting the view or render mode of a Thumbnail or High Res Preview in the Resource Manager all resources are then deselected.

This is annoying because what I usually want to do is set the View and THEN set the Render Mode. To do so I have to reselect everything again.

VE-103279

Parameter numbering should use same bubble graphics as key legend

Christiaan Taylor

There are a number of windows in Vectorworks that use numbering to identify parameters against a graphic key legend. See attached example.

To make it easier to match these numbers as efficiently as possible I'd like to see the parameters use the same graphic as the key legend (instead of using text in brackets) and I'd like to see the number bubbles stand out more, with a background fill and a bolder outline.

See attached example.

VE-102819

Window setting for Elevation in Wall should be able to reference Structural Opening

Christiaan Taylor

If the *Size Reference* of _Window Style > General > Elevation in Wall_ is set to *Structural Opening*, then the *Elevation in Wall* height should also be to the structural opening, not the unit (as it is now). Otherwise we end up have to manually do math to remove the shim gap from the height. And if the shim gap changes we need to come back and amend this setting.

The height in this example should be 2100, for instance, but I have to make it 2090 to allow for the 10 mm shim gap. If the shim gap gets changed, to say 12 mm, we also need to remember to change this setting to 2088. Suffice say this has caused us a few headaches in the past.

VE-103211

New tool for modelling cavity barriers

Christiaan Taylor

Ever since the Greenfell Tower tragedy, which killed 72 people, the installation of cavity barriers (used to inhibit the spread of smoke and fire in concealed spaces) has come under the microscope in the UK.

Partly in response to this we've started modelling cavity barriers. This makes them a more prominent part of the design process and has helped me to put earlier thought into their arrangement. Instead of applying them as 2D objects latter in the process. It also provides the possibility of displaying them in 3D, in a 3D view or even on an elevation, with the outer wall components turned off.

The problem is I've only been adding horizontal cavity barriers to the model, using the Slab object. At the moment I'm still relying on 2D for vertical cavity barriers. Because there's no suitable tool that comes to my mind that can conveniently model vertical cavity barriers and insert them into walls. And the Slab object is not particularly ideal for the horizontal barriers either, as it would be useful to be able to insert these into walls also.

So I'd like a tool designed for this purpose.

See also Cavity Closers:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-103210

VE-103251

Ability to convert line drawing to hatch

Christiaan Taylor

The German version can convert a line drawing to a hatch. Please add this capability to the base version.

See this thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78132-drawing-convert-to-hatch/]

VE-100386

Search field for the New Class window

Christiaan Taylor

A search field in the New Class window would be great.

VE-103210

Support for modelling cavity closers

Christiaan Taylor

'Cavity closers' are used in cavity wall construction around openings in the walls—in particular windows and doors—to protect against water ingress, damp, heat loss, condensation. In some types of construction they're also used to inhibit the spread of smoke and fire in concealed spaces too (in the UK their name actually changes to Cavity Barrier in this case*).

I'd like to be able to models these and show them on our 1:50 floor plans and sections.

*See also Cavity Barriers:
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-103211

VE-103189

Window sill improvements

Christiaan Taylor

I think Martyn Horne might have already referenced this post in a VE, but I just wanted to lodge it on Jira too. Best viewed on the forum with embedded images:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49479-window-sill-improvements/]

VE-103128

Ability to lock width or height of custom sashes, to compliment interactive window sizing

Christiaan Taylor

Now that we have [interactive window sizing|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97038-2500-t02309_interactive_sizing_for_door_and_window_creation_and_editing/] we could do with some complimentary custom sash options.

In v2022 we can lock all configuration settings of a custom sash, including width + height.

What we now need is the ability to separately lock each configuration setting, but in particular the ability to lock just the width or just the height of a custom sash.

VE-102900

Ability to define sides, top & bottom Window shim gaps independently

Christiaan Taylor

We need to be able to define the sides, top & bottom shim gaps independently of one another.

These shim gaps are often different. We need to be able to model these correctly so that things like our window schedules are correct and so that our elevations correctly show the relationships when we're dimensioning to things.

The bottom shim gap can be effected by the depth of wall and the need to allow for the fall of a sill. The top gap can be effected by different lintel arrangements. I've not had an example where each side is different (although this can often happen with internal doors), but I can imagine examples where being able to define each side independently would also be required.

Same issue with the door tool:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49508-ability-to-define-gaps-for-door-tool/]

See also:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64381-window-and-door-tool-maturity/]

VE-102881

VectorBench benchmarking tool

Christiaan Taylor

I was just watching this benchmarking video for Apple's M1 MacStudios and kept thinking how handy it would be to have a Vectorworks benchmarking tool:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYwkNu9amZM]

One question I'd love answered, for instance, is how important the extra RAM in an M1 Ultra is, for Vectorworks.

More here from Jonathan Reeves on the beta forum:
{quote}This may be considered a little of topic, but how about the idea of some kind of Vectorworks Benchmarking system for monitoring and comparing performance. It was wonderful to see Rubina appear on the recent Apple Peak Performance Event videos, talking about Vectorworks. Associations like this are invaluable Kudos for Vectorworks in raising awareness, and presence in the AEC market and the fact Vectorworks is the first mainstream Apple Silicon native CAD/BIM software was the reason this happened.

If there was a Vectorworks Benchmark Application (How about VectorBench as a working title) it could aim to become like Cinebench. This always get used in reviewers with new hardware to use these benchmark Applications to compare performance, especially as its cross platform so reviewers can spare Apples with PC's.

This is obviously an amazing way to raise awareness (think free marketing) of the application. It would alos be incredibly helpful for customers to make informed purchasing decisions for hardware and also Vectorworks Upgrades.
{quote}

VE-99868

Window and Door Tool maturity

Christiaan Taylor

This is intended to bring together the features needed to bring the window and door tools to what I (and some UK architects I worked with on these) consider maturity. These tools have been neglected for too long. These aren't interface improvements, nice-to-haves or radical ideas, but rather basic features needed to model windows for the vast majority of our projects (mostly medium-sized residential buildings in UK/Europe).

The last set of items are the interface improvements, nice-to-haves or radical changes that we'd love to have but are posted more to contrast with the basic features needed for window/door tool maturity.

*Window Tool:*

Additional window sash types required
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49476-additional-window-sash-types-required/]

Additional window panel types required
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49477-additional-window-panel-types-required/]

Window sill improvements
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49479-window-sill-improvements/]

Brick header and decorative window lintels
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49481-brick-header-and-decorative-window-lintels/]

Control attributes of individual window panes/panels
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49478-control-attributes-of-individual-window-panespanels/]

Support for 3D 'Wall Detail' component returns at windows
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50263-support-for-3d-wall-detail-component-returns-at-windows/]

Window setting for Elevation in Wall should be able to reference Structural Opening
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/93659-window-setting-for-elevation-in-wall-should-be-able-to-reference-structural-opening/]

*Door Tool:*

Ability to define gaps for Door Tool
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49508-ability-to-define-gaps-for-door-tool/]

Frame stops for Door Tool
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49502-frame-stops-for-door-tool/]

Custom ID tags for windows and doors
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/51066-custom-id-tags-for-windows-and-doors/]

Bi-folding sliding doors for Door Tool
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49506-bi-folding-sliding-doors-for-door-tool/]

Meeting Stiles for Door Tool
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49503-meeting-stiles-for-door-tool/]

More refined control over complex door opening arrangements
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49504-more-refined-control-over-complex-door-opening-arrangements/]

*Window/Door tool interface improvements:*

Ability to configure doors within the Window Tool
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49369-ability-to-configure-doors-within-the-window-tool/]

Traditional window schedules
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49480-traditional-window-schedules/]

2D front view vector-based door schedules
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49364-2d-front-view-vector-based-door-schedules/]

Ability to define Wall Hole Component of Window/Door Objects
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50187-ability-to-define-wall-hole-component-of-windowdoor-objects/]

Ability to manipulate windows/doors directly in model
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49482-ability-to-manipulate-windowsdoors-directly-in-model/]

Ability to define our own sash types and markers
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/50577-ability-to-define-our-own-sash-types-and-markers/]

Need better way to hide Window ID Tags irrelevant to current elevation
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/53910-need-better-way-to-hide-window-id-tags-irrelevant-to-current-elevation/]

Undo function for Custom Sash Options
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/51103-undo-function-for-custom-sash-options/]

VE-102737

Better PDF optimisation

Christiaan Taylor

Whenever I produce PDFs of rendered viewports, I export them with no file size reduction and then compress them on iLovePDF.com

This is because iLovePDF produces a superior quality to file-size ratio. Which says to me that PDF file size reduction in VW could be greatly improved.

And it's a pain to have to process files on iLovePDF one at a time. But it's so good in comparison that it's worth the hassle.

VE-102728

VCS: more options when generating PDFs

Christiaan Taylor

When generating an PDF with cloud services it would useful if we could:
# Choose to generate a PDF file for each sheet (as opposed to grouping all sheets into one PDF file)
# Choose which sheets to selectively generate a PDF for

VE-102599

Stairs and railings should be separate tools

Christiaan Taylor

Instead of having the railings built into the stair tool, railings should instead be a separate object that can be associated with stair objects.

Railings are something that can go beyond a stair and are found in many places other than stairs, so by having railings built into the stair tool as well as a separate tool for railings, Vectorworks is doubling up on development effort. These tools should be separated out, so that Vectorworks can focus on making each of them excellent at what they need to do and so that use users can focus on modelling separate elements with less limitations and less variables to worry about.

The more I model with Vectorworks the more I want to break things down into separate elements so that there are less variables and connections to think about. When too many things are bundled up into one tool it creates limitations that don't exist in the real world. Fine if you're modelling a square box. Not fine otherwise.

Breaking slabs and roofs down into internal finishes, structure and external finishes is a good example of this. And it makes even more sense to me to do this with railings and stairs.

VE-102299

Improve Nav Palette and Organisation Window performance

Christiaan Taylor

There are various Nav Palette and Organisation Window behaviours, performance issues and bugs that I'm gathering here in the hope that they can be a focus in v28.0.0 or earlier.

To avoid masking these issues with a fast machine, it's probably best to test with a machine similar to mine (iMac with 3.6 GHz 8-Core Intel Core i9)

*Class Navigation Palette scrolling should stay put when editing Classes*
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-140593

*Ability to stop side-ways scrolling of Navigation Palette*
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-102569

*Undoing Class visibility changes takes too long*
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-166364

*Scrolling in Navigation Palette sluggish and jumpy*
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-163356

*Organisation Window slow*
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-165572
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-180234

VE-102569

Ability to stop side-ways scrolling of Navigation Palette

Christiaan Taylor

I'd like the ability to restrict scrolling of the Navigation Palette to be vertical only.

I use an Apple Magic Mouse and I'll often accidentally scroll the first three columns out of view. If I want to see some text to the right I'd rather have to widen the palette (or optionally turn sideways scrolling back on).

VE-100474

Notes Manager search field should search whole note, not just description

Christiaan Taylor

The search field in the Notes Manager and the Edit Callout windows should search the entire note, not just the description. Database Filters (as shown in my screen recording) are a clumsy substitute for search. Just think about it for a second. If I have to create a filter for each note that I want to search for then all I'm doing is replacing one list with another. Search needs to be a live function and we need to be able to search the entire note, not just the description. This is especially the case when using codes as the description.

VE-102320

More explicit buttons in Updater app

Christiaan Taylor

The Updater is quite confusing when you first deal with it because it's unusual in that some buttons refer to itself while other buttons refer to a separate application.

It would less confusing if it was more explicit:

[Quit] [Cancel] [Launch Vectorworks]

Or even:

[Quit Updater] [Cancel] [Launch Vectorworks]

!updater-1.png|width=700,height=456!

!updating_updater.png|width=699,height=458!

VE-101609

Modernised Workgroup Referencing

Christiaan Taylor

Despite the advent of Project Sharing we still find ourselves (reluctantly) splitting files up in order to minimise memory usage when working in the main model file (and, to a lesser extent, save and commit time). If we weren't slowed down by large numbers of Sheet Layers and Viewports we'd almost certainly keep everything in one file.

So in order to split files up we have to use Workgroup Referencing. But Workgroup Referencing is cumbersome, because the process of editing the model file, then doing a save and commit, then waiting for Dropbox to sync, then updating the workgroup reference is a long one. But the main culprit is the last step, updating the workgroup reference. Because it fetches the entire file every time you do it.

So until Vectorworks can handle a large number of Sheet Layers and Viewports without getting bogged down, it would be great if we had a new form of referencing that worked more like Project Sharing:
# It would support delta updates rather than having to fetch the entire file
# It would have a refresh button like Working Files do
# But it would behave differently to a Working File in the that you could create Sheet Layers that aren't pushed back to the Project File

Additional reasons to modernise WGRing:
* Wall tags [currently don't work|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68686-ability-to-tag-walls-in-workgroup-reference-files/] in WGR files
* Any adjustments to gridline bubbles are wiped out any time the reference is updated.
* I invariably find bugs that make something look different in the WGR file than in the original model file. If that bug gets fixed, then next time I find something else. One example I've come across this week is the foliage tool. I have a particular hedge type that looks way denser in the WGR file than in the original model, which forces me to move my viewports back to the original model file.

VE-102342

Dropdown menu for Edit Section In-Place

Christiaan Taylor

To avoid the problem identified in this report: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-177358 we need a dropdown menu to be able to choose the active layer when double-clicking on a viewport.

See attached mockup

!mockup.png|width=438,height=608!

VE-102318

Preview of treads and risers when creating stair

Christiaan Taylor

I love the new rectangle and polygon creation modes for the stair object in v2022.

A great addition would be a greyed out preview of the treads in 2D + a greyed out preview of the risers/treads/structure in 3D, so that we can see exactly what we're going to get each time we click.

Seems to me this will also necessitate having the Standard Configurations as a mode bar setting that can be changed while using the tool, instead of only being tucked away in the Stair Settings.

VE-102325

Workflow to model structure, internal elements and external elements separately

Christiaan Taylor

The more I model in Vectorworks and the more I coordinate with structural engineers the more I find that I want to model these parts of my model separately:
# Elements external to structure
# Structure
# Elements internal to structure

The reasons being:
# When we model complex walls/slabs/roof objects the automatic connections between these objects are just too opaque and prone to error. Separating them makes it much easier to make and maintain constructionally correct connections.
# It also becomes easier to coordinate with the structural engineer. For instance it becomes very straightforward to isolate and export one's own structural model.

You can model in this way now but it's messy because you have to manually manage the position of multiple walls/roofs/slabs instead of one.

One way to solve this might be some kind of parallel wall, roof and slab connection, so that we can "magnetically" snap walls together in parallel, roof faces together in parallel, and maybe slabs (but to a lesser extent).

These parallel connections would work across layers. And—unlike Grouped objects—we'd be able to make standard joins with other wall/roof/slab objects, independently for each object connected in parallel. When you move objects connected in parallel they all move together but their connections with other objects are maintained. When you insert an object (e.g. window, roof light) they're inserted through all objects at once.

VE-100730

How could the Notes Database could be done differently?

Christiaan Taylor

I think the Notes Database/Notes Manager needs a rethink. There's something fundamentally wrong with it. The ratio between our experience of problems compared to the engineer's ability to reproduce our bugs is too high, so our experience doesn't improve. It's the only piece of Vectworks that I fear to work with anymore.

I have bug reports that have been marked as fixed because the engineer found some way to overcome the symptom but the underlying problem doesn't get fixed because it's too difficult to track all the tiny little steps that lead up to the problem. There are too many variables. So the problems keep occurring.

I don't know how other CAD vendors deal with notes (I'd be curious to know if anybody can explain) but do they all have the same problems? There's got to be a different approach that's more robust, no? Perhaps we could be given the choice to embed notes databases directly in the file (because the fact that it's a separate file is half the problem in my experience)? Or create a new tool that takes some different approach and eventually deprecate the current tool?

VE-102285

RailingFence tool vertical and horizontal frame bar spacing

Christiaan Taylor

Separate controls and needed for the vertical and horizontal spacing of Frame Bars in the Railing/Fence tool. See Settings screenshot.

See also attached images of a couple of examples of the kind of fencing where this is needed.

The workaround I've used in the past is to use Posts for the vertical elements and Frame Bars for the horizontal elements, and then model the posts separately.

The other thing needed is the ability to fix the bar spacing to a specific figure. At the moment we can only provide a "maximum" spacing dimension; which means the only way currently to fix the spacing to a specific figure is to make the railing an exact increment of the 'maximum' figure.

VE-102281

Show Shim Gap as Solid in 3D

Christiaan Taylor

We'd like an option under _Window Style > Jamb and Sash_ to *Show Shim Gap as Solid in 3D*.

In the real world shim gaps in architecture are not air gaps but rather they're filled with something. Usually a mixture of polyurethane foam, expanding foam tape and/or silicone.

In Vectorworks the shim gap is just a clear gap and there are some situations where that causes a problem:
# It creates a see-through gap in rendered views that doesn't exist in reality
# It means we can't dimension to the rough opening of windows unless they're inserted into a wall.
# And with the new Wall Closure feature in v2022 there's a conflict with the workarounds I use for the two problems above.

h3. 1. See-through gap

In rendered views of a 3D model, but particularly elevation views, there is literally a gap around windows that you can see through. This is a problem for obvious reasons.

h3. 2. Inability to dimension to rough opening

This is a problem for us in the following use case:
* We include window elevations on our window schedules, by laying out all the window styles on a design layer and rendering them. They're not inserted into walls, because it's a lot easier to lay them out without being in walls.
* We then need to dimension them to the rough openings but we can't because the shim gap doesn't show unless they're inserted into a wall.

h3. 3. Workaround (and conflict with new feature in v2022)

One way I've found to work around the above problems is to create an Interior Trim that is 0.5 mm thick and the width of the jamb + the shim gap. This creates an object that closes the shim gap in 3D without appearing in plan view and also gives us something to dimension to when a window is not inserted into a wall.

The problem as of v2022 is that we also want to use the new Interior Profile Offset feature of Wall Closures (_Plug-in Object Style Options > Wall Closure Profile Offsets_) to show plasterboard wrapping around into the window. But we can't have both an Interior Trim and an Interior Profile Offset. It's one or the other.

The new wall closure feature obviously closes of the gap visually (dealing with issue 1) but we're then we're left with problem 2 still, unable to dimension to the rough opening of a window unless it's inserted into a wall.

VE-101119

Cloud Services Integration support for Resilio Sync

Christiaan Taylor

Not sure if this is technically possible but Cloud Services Integration support for Resilio Sync would be great.

VE-101840

Layer Import workgroup referencing should include Storey Levels

Christiaan Taylor

Please include Storey Levels when creating and updating Layer Import workgroup reference files.

It's a huge time waster as it currently works (i.e. manually need to create and update Storey Levels).

VE-101604

Ability to control the attributes of Shim Gaps

Christiaan Taylor

We'd like the ability to control the attributes of Shim Gaps for doors and windows.

In the real world these gaps are often visible (most often in brickwork walls) but filled with material (sealant, foam tap, expanding foam, etc).

So we'd like to be able to control the attributes of this gap so that we can:
# Make it opaque, so that you can't see through it in model views, especially elevations.
# Make it an object that we can dimension to when placing a window style in isolation of a wall, as we typically do when we draw elevations of windows for window schedules. Because we typically dimension to the structural opening of windows.

Currently we use the Trim feature to workaround this by creating an architrave that's depth = 0.5 mm and width = jamb + shim gap.

VE-101536

Ability to define main slope of slab drainage, rather than valley

Christiaan Taylor

When working with slab drainage I typically want to define the main slope of slab drainage, not the valley slope.

Currently, if I want the main slopes to be a certain figure, I need to incrementally edit the valley slopes until I get the figure I need on the main slope.

VE-101537

Ability to show Slab Drainage slope values as rise over run

Christiaan Taylor

I typically want to display slope values as a rise over run (e.g. 1:80) rather than a percentage (e.g. 1.25%).

I'd like the option to do both.

VE-101535

Texture Mapping for Slab Objects and Columns

Christiaan Taylor

Texture Mapping is available for Roofs, Hardscapes, Floors, Extrudes, etc but not for Slabs and Columns.

Please add.

VE-101534

Slab Drainage default drain symbols: floor gullies needed

Christiaan Taylor

All the default drain symbols available in the Slab Drainage out of the box are roof drains. It would be good to see a few floor gullies in there too, flush with top of slab.

VE-101155

Window and Door placement height in walls

Christiaan Taylor

How it currently works:
When windows and doors are placed in a wall they're placed at their heights relative to the bottom of the wall. This means if your window or door is placed in a wall which is, say, 225 mm below Design Later Z (typically floor level), the window gets placed in with an offset of -225 mm.

How I expect it to work:
They should instead be placed relative to Design Later Z no matter where the bottom of the wall is. This is the way symbol placement works. Why are window objects different?

It doesn't make any sense. We want to place our windows and doors relative to floor level. But the bottom of walls aren't necessarily at finish floor level. In all our models the walls go down to structural slab level and wall components are offset appropriately.

It's perhaps gone largely under the radar because many of us have in fact worked with wall bottoms set to floor level historically. But we stopped doing that a long time ago when wall component offsets became possible.

VE-100064

Ability to control where a window/door is offset from in a Wall

Christiaan Taylor

The Plan Wall Offset setting in Window Style > General is currently based on the centre of window frame to centre of Wall. This is not a figure we're generally interested in practice.

As designers we're interested in where the outside or inside face of a window frame sits relative to the outside or inside face of a wall, or relative to the outside or inside face of a particular wall component, more often than not the Core component.

So instead of being a simple offset from centre of window frame to centre of wall we'd like the following offset options added to the OIP:

OFFSET FROM:

1. Outside face of window frame
2. Inside face of window frame
3. Centre of window frame

TO:

1. Outside face of Wall
2. Inside face of Wall
3. Centre of Wall
4. Core component of Wall [or, if possible, specific component of Wall]

VE-99949

More control over visibility of Wall Components in Viewports

Christiaan Taylor

From Asemblance on the web forum:

"I like the introduction of the Display detail levels in 2019, but do miss the old 'on/off' switch for wall components to display in a viewport. I'd like to see this returned as a simple control because:

1. Less prone to error/less opaque (If I turn the detail level down to low, what else may turn off in my drawing without me noticing it..?)
2. More customisability. You may want to display a viewport without the wall details, but with other details showing."

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64787-detail-level-and-control-wall-component-visibility/
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/64854-display-detail-levels-walls-in-particular/

VE-100574

I only want to tag visible windows in elevations

Christiaan Taylor

When tagging windows in elevation I don't want to tag all eligible windows in the model. I just want to tag windows visible in my elevation (and I don't want to have to take every single window separately either, which is currently the only other option).

See attached example screen shot.

VE-100333

Slab object anchor control point, like Space object?

Christiaan Taylor

Why does the Slab object not have a anchor control point like the Space object?

If it had an anchor control point then we would be able to use an _Update Boundary_ command on existing slabs, instead of having to use _Pick Boundary..._

VE-100436

Extrusion-based window geometry

Christiaan Taylor

An option for the window (and door) tool:

Ability to create extrusion-based window geometry from a detail section. That way the windows would finally be geometrically correct. Often a detail section of a certain kind of window configuration is available from a manufacturer -> easy to set up an extrusion, in principle. While it is currently possible via a custom symbol, due to the time required and difficulty of editing, that is not a desired workflow.

VE-100421

Support for Mail Slots in doors

Christiaan Taylor

Can we have support for mail slots in Door Styles please?

VE-100388

Highlight new note when adding note from Edit Callout window

Christiaan Taylor

I'll often add a Callout by duplicating an existing one and then editing it and adding a note in the Edit Callout window.

Problem is once I've done this the old note is still highlighted and I've got to do and search for my new note and click on it before I can add it to the design layer. To solve this the new note should be highlighted when clicking on OK in the Add Note to Database window.

VE-100387

Remember choice when sorting Keynotes

Christiaan Taylor

When using the Note Description for Keynote Display we can sort the Keynote list in numerical/alphabetical order by selecting the Keynote, clicking on Edit Notes and then clicking on the Description header. Click again and you can change between ascending and descending.

This is great, but I don't want to do this every time I add a note. I want it to remember my choice.

VE-100378

Correct naming of Sections

Christiaan Taylor

There are two types of section naming in drafting convention:
# Full Section
# Partial Section

In the first instance such a Section would be titled "Section A-A" and the Section Line Instance should have *one* A at *each* end.

In the second instance such as Section would be titled "Partial Section A" or "Section A" and the Section Line Instance would have *one* A at *one* end.

VE-100356

Change default Viewport naming

Christiaan Taylor

When creating viewports the default naming convention is:
* [viewport number]/[sheet number]

We would rather it followed this convention:
* [sheet number]-[viewport number]

Reasons:
# We'd rather the sheet number was first so that when we're sorting viewports in the nav palette they're grouped by sheet.
# The forward slash is not a good practice because some systems don't deal well with forward slashes in file names.

VE-100329

Slab object Pick Walls Mode should be able to choose walls inside a Group

Christiaan Taylor

# Select the Slab tool and choose _Picked Walls Mode_ and try to choose some walls inside a Group
# Or select an existing Slab object, click on _Bounding > Pick Boundary..._ in the OIP and then try to choose some walls inside a Group

Behaviour experienced: Unable to choose walls inside a Group
Behaviour expected: Able to choose walls inside a Group

By way of interest, select the Slab tool and choose the _Inner Boundary Mode_, now click inside a set of walls that includes walls inside a Group. This mode actually has no problem identifying appropriate walls inside a Group. I just want the _Picked Walls Mode_ and _Bounding > Pick Boundary..._ to have this capability too.

VE-100309

Space object anchor control point should stay where it's put

Christiaan Taylor

Sometimes, when moving walls around etc., the anchor control point of a Space object will inexplicably move, often to a space adjacent or sometimes even further away, resulting in the boundary being recalculated somewhere else other than the space the user intended.

It shouldn't. The anchor control point should have one job: stay where it's put.

VE-100277

Lost animation functionality in v2020

Christiaan Taylor

An excellent piece of feedback on animation in v2020:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/66753-changes-to-create-animation-2019-vs-2020/

VE-99493

Measuring Tool support for Sheet Layer Viewport PDFs in Nomad

Christiaan Taylor

I'd like the Measuring Tool in Nomad to support Sheet Layer Viewport scale.

Or for us to be able to calibrate the scale using an object of known size in the drawing (such as a scale bar).

Nomad 6.4.3 (455)

VE-100180

Make it easier to split existing projects up into multiple files

Christiaan Taylor

In order to make it easier to split up existing projects into multiple workgroup referenced files we'd like the ability to replace existing Design Layers when creating a new Workgroup Reference (with Layer Import method).

Splitting a project into multiple files has some disadvantages (mostly stemming from the need to manage workgroup references but including the inability to edit the model in Edit In-Place mode) so we tend to start a project off in one file and split it up only at a later date if it gets too large to manage.

But splitting a file up is not straightforward. The kind of split we tend towards is to have the model in one file and sheet layers in the other(s).

To do this we use the following steps:
# In the original file identify any design layers with Design Layer Viewports and rename these design layers with a “ref” prefix to easily identify them later, and save file.*
# Duplicate original file.
# In the duplicated file delete all existing design layers (except for any of the ref layers identified in step 1 that have design layer viewports)
# In the duplicated file make sure Reference Settings are set to use the Layer Import method, then create a new Workgroup Reference to the original file, selecting all the layers (except for the ref layers).
# Because we've deleted the original design layers we now have to go through all the Sheet Layer Viewports (and the Design Layer Viewports on the ref layers) and reconfigure Layer and Class visibilities (the quickest way being to use the Eyedropper tool from the original file's viewports)
# Now that we have all the sheet layers configured in the duplicated file we can delete the sheet layers in the original file (except perhaps sheet layers with Section Viewports so you can continue to edit the model using Section In-Place)
# This newly created file can easily be split further into multiple files, but bear in mind if you want to merge them again you'll need to manually create the sheet layer viewports.

It's step 3 and the cumbersome step 5 that could be omitted if we could instead choose to replace design layers when creating a Workgroup Reference.

*This method won’t work if you have design layers with a mixture of design layer viewports + other objects, because the design layer viewports will be deleted when the Layer Import reference is created.

VE-100061

Import Settings for Unstyled windows/doors too

Christiaan Taylor

Can we have the 'Import Settings' button available for Unstyled windows/doors, not just Styled windows/doors? See attached screen shots.

VE-100018

Allow adoption of existing Design Layers when creating new Storeys

Christiaan Taylor

When creating a new Storey and a layer already exists for one of the Level Types we get the following message:
"A layer named "example" already exists in the document. Please use a different layer name prefix/suffix"

If there are no negative implications could we instead have an option to adopt the relevant layer into the Storey?
"Would you like to adopt this layer? Yes/No"

VE-99972

Window Style 2D Visualization '2D Loci'

Christiaan Taylor

Window Style > 2D Visualization > Visibility Classes

Couldn't you squeeze "2D Loci" in where it currently says "2D"?

See attached mark up.

VE-99943

Space Style should track Space Label Symbol name changes

Christiaan Taylor

Current behaviour:
Changing the name of a Space Label Symbol results in it being decoupled from the Space Style; it treats it as missing.

Wanted behaviour:
Changing the name of a Space Label Symbol results in the Space Style seeing this change and keeping it assigned as the Label Symbol.

The Space Style is complicated enough as it is (with so many levels: Space Styles, Label Symbols, Text Styles, Edit Layout, etc.) without also losing these associations.

VE-99514

Section fill for stair objects

Christiaan Taylor

A lack of section fill for stair objects could be relatively easily worked around in the past by placing a mask on the Annotations Layer.

With the Clip Cube feature this is no longer as easy task. We need section fills for stair objects.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/61800-stairs-with-no-section-fill-in-clip-cube-viewports/#comment-308008

VE-103299

Color should be able to be replaced to remove old color

Chris Baccala

We need to be able to replace colors from the document that are not purgeable.

This comes from the following issue with the information copied from the original bug VB-189062:

"If you open the "Blank (Imperial).sta" file and look at the Colors in Active Document, you'll see that these three swatches exist by default:

• CMYK: (0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000)

• CMYK: (0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 1.000)

• CMYK: (0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.467) [side note - why is this not 50% gray?]

It would be better if these default swatches matched the nomenclature in the Standard Vectorworks Colors palette:

• White

• Black

• Gray 50%

Otherwise when you choose black or white from Standard Vectorworks Colors, these are brought in to the file as new swatches, so now you have two blacks and two whites, etc. This is messy and annoying.

The blank template should be updated to be consistent with the standard color palette.

(This wish is magnified by the fact that we can't currently delete and replace swatches in a file, which is a necessary future improvement.)"

VE-104514

Workspaces: Shortcuts for Entertainment workspaces

Chris Baccala

Andre,

We will need to layout the shortcuts for AEC vs entertainment products and determine if the AEC ones can be used for entertainment features. ConnectCAD will also need to be considered, since this will eventually be used for other industries besides entertainment.

Let's talk before proceeding to see where the priority is at that point.

VE-104889

Human Figure Tool and content removal

Chris Baccala

The Human Figure Tool has been a legacy tool for a long time. Can this plugin now be removed along with the content we have in, \Vectorworks29.0.0\Packages\NNA\Libraries\Visualization\People\Legacy Human Figures\Entourage Figures.vwx ?

This is 128mb of content.

VE-103511

Distributor Tool & Content needs improvement

Chris Baccala

Content Development would like to see the Distributor tool improved for better handing of the content. I am adding this VE so we can discuss the details of it later

The Distributor content then should be restructured but this will affect the IDs to the plugin..
* Ideally the objects that can simply be dragged a dropped (ready to use) should get moved to Libraries/Entertainment/Distributors/. This is content that the Resource Selector will display.
* If there is supportive content for a tools preference/settings, that should get stored in the Libraries/Defaults/ location.
* We should clean up all the zNested Part folders and symbols.
* Adding RM tags for instruction could be an improvement too.
* Establish and document any special naming.

Reference for naming

Confluence>1.1 Libraries - Folder Structure overview

[https://vectorworks.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CD/pages/2014871629/1.1+Libraries+-+Folder+Structure+overview]

VE-102667

Workspaces: Should not need duplicate workspaces for module tools and menus

Chris Baccala

We need to have better design to not have to create duplicate workspaces just to include certain tools and features that are available through having a module.

If the module's license is not present, then the module enable tools and menus should not appear. And vice versa for when the license is present.

See workspaces for Spotlight and Braceworks. These are the same workspaces but with the Braceworks menu included for that module.

VE-100944

Materials: Multiple classifications should be able to be assigned to a material

Chris Baccala

Currently we need to duplicate material resources in order to assign a different classification. Most materials resources represent a real world material that is the same where ever you are. Content should be able to be more universal.

Also, many countries/regions may need to use more than one classification system and a designer should not be limited to have to create duplicates in order to accomplish this.

Here is a link showing many classifications just in Europe from ArchiCAD, [https://www.graphisoft.com/downloads/archicad/BIM_Data]

VE-100826

Tools>Utilities>List Symbols command should be updated to include any VW resource type

Chris Baccala

The Tools>Utilities>List Symbols command should be updated to include any VW resource type. It only does symbols.

VE-102227

Add new Spotlight Selection commands to User Workspace to allow keyboard shortcuts to be assigned

Charlie Winter

Very excited to see the addition of context selection commands for spotlight lighting devices, however as a longtime user of Sam Jones AutoPlot plugins I am very used to his scripts and the ability to quickly select a light and execute my keyboard shortcut.

Is it possible to add the new context commands to the user workspace?

VE-101195

Update DMX Address Default Value to 1 in DMX Patch Dialog

Charlie Winter

# Create New Drawing
# Insert Lighting Device - Clay Paky Sharpy
# Assign (1) to the Channel field in OIP
# Select the DMX Patch tool from Spotlight menu
# Select Channel 1 in the Device window
# Adjust patch settings to [Patch Universe & Address]
## Here the *DMX Address* should *default* to *1* instead of *0*, as most often the user will want this as the default start number when patching lighting devices.

Screenshot attached.

VE-100266

Add a Keyboard Shortcut for Render Still & Render Movie

Charlie Winter

Would be great to have a keyboard shortcut for both Render Still & Render Movie commands.

VE-99962

Class Filters should also filter class overrides

Charlie Winter

See attached screenshot.

It would be an excellent addition to quickly find which classes have overrides applied to them in viewports.

VE-99535

[WINTER] Add Tabbing into Description text box in 'Add New Issue' Dialog

Charlie Winter

1. Enter Issue Data window in Title Block Border Settings or Title Block Manager

2. Add new issue

3. Tab 1,2,3 makes sense, running through no. , date, and by.

4. Is it possible to add Tab 4 into Description?

VE-99566

CAW: Update Ambient Intensity control to 16bit

Charlie Winter

VE for Vision 2019 24.0.2 B462756.

Ambient Intensity parameter would be much improved if it allowed for 16bit or more control of the intensity. (GrandMA 2 allows resolution control up to 24 or 32bit, aka Ultra.)

In the current code, when operating the Ambient Intensity via DMX Control from my MA Command Wing setup, DMX output 001 registers an ambient intensity of 0.37 in Vision.

This is on the higher end of what I prefer for my low ambient lighting, so I still need to reach for my mouse to lower intensity more.

I am enjoying the feature this provides, especially for the period of time I am importing my model and verifying textures imported properly etc..

VE-105042

ConnectCAD: Ability to place things on top of racks

Charles Dabezies

Please see the attached video.

VE-104674

ConnectCAD: Add :Force Select: as default in ConnectCAD workspace

Charles Dabezies

Hi all!

I am making a personal preference request, but I think other users may appreciate it, so I wanted to raise it for consideration. It's sooooo low priority, sorry to waste your brain cycles!

I learned VWX on a Spotlight workspace. I got very used to have the Force Select command in the right click menu. Moving to the ConnectCAD workspace, it is something I missed. While I could edit the workspace and add it-- I do wonder if it's an unnecessary friction point for users coming from Spotlight to ConnectCAD? Since that's the journey I made, and I hope more in the live events market will make, I wanted to raise it. A small default workspace change to make things more familiar for new users!

If you folks disagree, I totally appreciate that, and feel free to close the ticket!

VE-104915

Increase Speed that Title Block Edit Window Opens

Charles Dabezies

The window to edit title block settings takes a long time to open, it does not feel responsive. See attached video.

VE-103806

ConnectCAD: Export Equipment Patch Report

Charles Dabezies

Conrad and I discussed this idea on a call a couple months ago. The idea is you should be able to right click on a device and select an option like "Export Equipment Patch Report"

This would export a CSV that would show all the connection for that device. The use case of this is to represent the connections as a table. I often patch devices like routers/matrices or network switches from a table.

Alternately, instead of exporting a CSV, it could create a VW worksheet I guess? That might be a more ConnectCAD way of working?

I have attached a screenshot showing what I think the report would need to have as a CSV export. Let me know what you think!

VE-103520

ConnectCAD: Avoid drawing circuits over devices

Charles Dabezies

Hello all, please see video for context.

Top level summary: I am wondering if ConnectCAD should not draw circuits on top of existing schematic devices? Let me know what you think!

VE-99570

Assign Class Tag improvements

Chad Lussier

I recently discovered how much I like the Class Filters. I have mine setup to filter by Tag. There are two things that I discovered that I think could be better.
1) When creating a new class, there is no way to assign a tag to it. You have to first create the class, then go to the class right click, and assign.
2) While using hierarchy display in navigation palate, allow me to select the parent and still assign a tag. i.e. If I have, 1-Cable, 1-Lights, 1-Data, 2-Speakers, 2-Speaker Cable, 2-Speaker Coverage. I should be able to click on 1-Cable, then shift click on 2-Speaker coverage, and be able to select them all. Currently I can't do this because I am also selecting 1- and 2-, which are not classes. So instead I have to either select all the 1- classes, then assign, then repeat with 2-, or command click each class.

VE-105125

Replacement for Cut Wood Tool

Chad Hamilton

It would be useful if the Cut Wood Tool could toggle between wood studs/blocking or metal studs/blocking. This could be either a replacement for the Cut Wood tool, or a new stand-alone tool, but replacing the old tool would be better.

This would also provide more tools for architects practicing in areas or building types where metal studs are preferred or required due to project size.

VE-99508

Creating space style does not allow manual updating of area

Chad Hamilton

The space style feature is great, but it has a fatal flaw that inhibits its usefulness. In using space objects, we usually need to be able to do a manual update of boundary in order to keep the area current. Only the most simple and perfect models will suffice for automatic updating of areas with the space object. In creating a space object style, which is very useful for formatting and office standards, there is not an option to allow manual triggering to update boundaries. In addition, the space object frequently shifts from auto boundary to manual boundary - there is no option to switch from manual to auto in the space object style. It would be good to fix these shortfalls.

VE-99315

Daylighting analysis

Chad Hamilton

Vectorworks can do shading and solar exposure analysis, but cannot currently perform standard daylighting analysis, such as required by LEED v4. Daylight analysis is an essential tool in optimizing a building's design for energy reduction, and competing BIM software has feature.

Vectorworks already has an artificial lighting tool, but it only responds to light fixtures. It would seem to be a small step to re-work the existing light analysis tool to respond to the helliodon tool, to allow at least daylight access analysis (only part of the LEED v4 requirement, but better than zero).

VE-105214

Fence: Asymmetric scaling of Gate configuration

Carol Reznor

Draw Fence (ex style Fence Fabric Wire 5-strand)

Add Gate using Reshape tool (Gate Leaf Metal Pipe 12ft 6-Rail...)

Select the Fence, click on Settings, click on Unstyled

Choose the Gate Configurations pane

Select the Gate Leaf Metal Pipe 12ft 6-Rail....

Below 'Gate'-tab select Asymmetric

Z Scaling Factor: set to 0,5

Click on OK

Result: no change

Expected: Gate height should only be 1/2

VE-103868

LANDSCAPE_AREA: Styles - include Information in preferences

Carol Reznor

Landscape Area only lets users add Unit Price & Price Code per instance in the OIP. These preferences should be included in the Preferences - Information so Unit Price & Price Code can be set by Style

VE-105196

Landmark Tool Settings: add button Save Preferences

Carol Reznor

Within the Wall Settings dialog window there is a button (see screenshot)

Wish: Add button *Save Preferences as 'Object Style'* within:
* the Fence Settings dialog
* the Hardscape settings
* the Landscape area settings

VE-105062

Site Model: Nurbs as source data

Carol Reznor

Be able to create Site Model with Nurbs

Steps:

Draw a minimum of 3 Nurbs

Set the Z height for every nurb

Select all nurbs

Create Site model from Source data

(ArchiCad

!image-2023-09-29-11-39-58-584.png!

+ Reshape Tool that allows editing without needing to get into the Recreate from Source Data

VE-105024

STAKE: add Elevation with TAB key

Carol Reznor

improvement for UX - add the ability to add the Z-value for a Stake into the floating data bar

VE-105022

Add message that warns tool is not part of module

Carol Reznor

When adding a Tool that is not part of the module via Workspace editor the software should, either when adding the tool via the Workspace editor warn the user that the Tool they are adding is not part of their module

or should display a warning message the moment the user wants to start using the tool

User case: customer using Vectorworks Architect saw his colleague working with Existing Tree tool. He like the tool and added it to his own Workspace. When he wanted to use the toll it did not work. As in he did not see anything appear in his drawing.
In this case it was the fact that the resource file 'ET Symbols.vwx' is not accessible for Vectorworks Architect users...

Waring could be:

This tool uses resources which have a product fingerprint.

The resources used by this tool can only be used in one of the following Vectorworks products: Design Suite, Landmark

VE-104691

Plant-tool: remove automatic class Plants-Components-Polygon from Plant-style

Carol Reznor

When creating a new Plant from an object using 'Create Plant style from selection', the class Plants-Components-Polygon is generated.

Please add the field 'Class: with dropdown ' for the Plan View Effects within the 'Edit Plant Style' pane so users can choose which class they want to use for this.

VE-103516

GIS Feature Service - unlimited download option

Carol Reznor

When using the feature service to get GIS geometry I noticed a request limit of 2000 objects. When I want to download the 'DKKv4 - Kadastrale Grens' feature service from ArcGIS online, that's the dutch parcel property lines, a lot of geometry isn't being downloaded. This feature service contains a lot of lines so when I zoom out by only a little bit the 2000 limit will be reached. Making this feature not workable.

Perhaps Vectorworks could make use of the '&startIndex' parameter. See here: [https://gis.stackexchange.com/questions/430493/how-to-get-all-records-if-wfs-output-limited-to-1000]

From what I understand most GIS applications use this by default to get around the limitation. That's properly why it's not an issue for me to load the same source completely in Qgis. See attachment. Would be nice if VW recognize by itself that the limit has been reached and use the startIndex function to load the remaining data.

Also see here the discussion with Boris here:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101861-feature-service-seems-to-have-an-unwanted-request-limit-of-2000-objects/]

VE-104130

Existing_tree: add 2D Property to set color for Significance: Custom

Carol Reznor

Object: Existing Tree

OIP: Significance: Custom

2D Properties

Use Significance Colours:

WISH to add a colourselector for the Significance option Custom

!image-2023-03-10-14-28-12-026.png!

VE-104218

Button Update Site Model

Carol Reznor

When the Site Model itself is selected and needs to be refreshed the text in the button is red.

This should also be the case for the button Update Site Model in the OIP of a Hardscape and Site Modifier.

As the Landscape Area can also generate a Site Model update the OIP of Landscape Area should also include the button Update Site Model

VE-104152

Redline tool: let classes define the color

Carol Reznor

At the moment the Redline tool only allows annotations in red.

To make clear for who the annotations are it would be nice to be able to assign apart for the textual Assigned to - a colour coding. It could be as simple as making the tool use the graphic attributes from the class it resides in.

VE-103469

Plants Library: Plant styles and Image Prop textures

Carol Reznor

Customers often ask if there is more 3D content available that can be used for the 3D Plant Graphics.
Now I was wondering why the Renderworks textures from the 3D Image Props Photorealistic are not used in the 3D Graphics of the corresponding Plant styles:
For example: Acer campestre - the texture exists but is not used in the Plant styles (it contains Rhus typhina)

Maybe the library with the Species Specific plants could use a double check - which Image Props can be updated with the Photorealistic textures
(in line with this finding I also made a bug report: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-190415)

VE-103212

HARDSCAPE Preferences: Draw 3D Defaults

Carol Reznor

tab *Draw 3D:*

*3D Type:* Slab option as default
Reasoning: similar with tool Wall - immediate hybrid drawing workflow

*Main Area Components...*
*Datum: Top of component* as default selection
Reasoning: more in line with industry expectation

*Border Components...*

*Datum: Top of component* as default selection
Reasoning: more in line with industry expectation

VE-103213

HARDSCAPE Settings: Add Name as a Style field

Carol Reznor

Add Name ('Hardscape'.'ID') as a field in the dialog when defining a Hardscape Style
REASONING: tool consistency, when saving a Landscape Area style this Name (='Landscape Area'.'name') field is an option.

screenshot Schermafbeelding 2022-07-04 om 16.37.23 shows:
- the missing Name field in the Hardscape settings dialog
- the corresponding field OIP

screenshot Schermafbeelding 2022-07-04 om 16.37.40 shows:
- the field Name in the Landscape Area settings dialog

VE-104064

Hardscape - multiple course option for Paver Border

Carol Reznor

The Hardscape tool allows only one row for a Border made out of pavers.

Often a border can consist out of multiple rows of pavers. Adding this functionality would improve the tool

VE-103917

LIB Content Location of the file 'Imperial Landscape Walls.vwx'

Carol Reznor

In Vectorworks 2023 the file Imperial Landscape Walls.vwx is located in /Libraries/Building/Wall (styles)

As these Wall styles are not intended for the use of Building I would suggest to relocate them in the folder Site/Wall (styles)

VE-103682

Add option in Attributes palet to use Shadow settings from Document Preferences

Carol Reznor

Add option (checkbox) in Attributes palet to use Shadow settings from Document Preferences

VE-101247

2021 and Precision and thousand separators still apply only to dimensions

Carlotta Birelli

This is one of the most long lasting bugs in VW. There is a pertinacious refusal to acknowledge the problems it causes us. On anything outside the American Unit's system.
We international users need different units and control on the precision of any number displaying on drawing.

Dimensions and Chain Dimensions use the Unit's dimensions' settings.
While any other object uses Document's settings.

Even data tags, where the user can shape up nearly any kind of dimension-like object, disable the settings for non-dimensions parameters: one cannot correct the precision of a real number nor the thousand separators.

We need this limit to be resolved, it ruins our drawings, it coerces to endless workarounds.

Expected:
* *Document settings*: for the Object Info palette, floating data bar, etc.
* *Dimensions settings*: for any dimension-like object
* *Data Tags*: free to use user-defined units/precision/thousand separators on any number (real or even integer, to allow alignments etc.), unregarded the original formatting, just like we'd do in a worksheet cell.

VE-101180

Stair CW- volumes not correct in IFC (VW 2019-20) and VW (VW 2020 only)

Carlotta Birelli

In VW 2019 the volumes of exported CW Stairs are not correct in the calculation (in the example it's around 4 times too large).
The calculated value in a Worksheet is OK.

In VW 2020 the volume of the same object has a bad units issue: it gets out in mm instead of m.
The calculated value in a Worksheet is also wrong.

Please compare the values returned by a Stair Object and by a simple extrude tagged with IFCStair.

Please fix this in VW 2019 SP5, it raised hell here.

VE-100335

IFC Custom mapping fails to sync after edits on the original record

Carlotta Birelli

Custom record used as mapping (custom psets in IFC) fail to update upon:
* renaming of the custom formats
* renaming of the custom formats fields
* adding / removing fields
* changing field types

This causes truly unpredictable mistakes during IFC export.

It is very difficult even for the experienced user to manage this situation. It is probably impossible for the average user to cope or even understand what's going on.

We must be able to edit the custom formats while the psets must follow automatically.

Please open the attached file. It contains a custom record named "Format-1" mapped to Walls (screenshot 1)
* Rename the custom record in the resource manager (screenshot 2), or
* Rename any field (screenshot 3), or
* Add/delete a field (screenshot 4), or
* Change field type (screenshot 5)

--> the mapped ifc pset fails to update

This is still valid on the latest Build for VW 2020 downloaded today.

VE-100028

Doors: no acceptable workaround to draw door hole down to raw slab

Carlotta Birelli

We need doors whose wall hole goes down to the raw slab. This is the standard praxis. On concrete walls wall openings cannot be approximated.

There is no easy way to achieve this basic need. The only way seems to be to draw a threshold whose thickness = finish floor thickness.
The threshold doesn't go downwards (as in the Window), it goes upwards. So we must correct the wall height accordingly.

Facit we must choose between 3 kind of unsatisfying errors:
Error 1- Door hole not down to the raw slab, or
Error 2- Unneeded threshold + door height wrong
Error 3- Unneeded threshold + door sizes wrong

Why cannot we achieve this basic architectural need without error?

VE-99744

Notes Manager: still confusing duplication of Notes Text edit fields

Carlotta Birelli

There is a Notes Text edit field in the Notes Manager dialog.
There is a Notes Text edit field in the Edit Note dialog, which is only accessible through the Notes Manager dialog.

This was always confusing and is still there.
Actually, this was the only confusing thing in the previous command.

VE-102978

Data Tags: edits on multiple selection only affect last selected object

Carlotta Birelli

Please this cannot be a design.

If there is a multiple selection of data tag items, and their content is eligible for editing, they should all change upon edit.

I just had to edit some 300 of them, stuff that couldn't auto-generate because applied to referenced objects, another substantial problem, and was by no means happy to be, on top of that, unable to edit a multiple selection.

In the attached file:

Select the Data Tags > Edit Data Tags > enter some other value

--> only one changes.

VE-100027

Windows: impossible to make wall hole fit raw slab

Carlotta Birelli

We have door-windows and need to display the exact wall hole.
According to the common praxis, a door hole goes down to the raw slab.

There is no easy way to achieve this using the Window Tool.
This causes extreme errors in the concrete calculations, given that we have concrete walls.

A sill can be drawn as workaround, but a slice of wall will alway display.

The only secure fix is to draw, for each window-door, an extra wall feature below the window. You can imagine if this is feasible in large projects.

VE-101553

[WISH] Option for Data Tags not to flip, unregarded document / VP setting

Carlotta Birelli

In EU it is a wide spread standard to display width OVER height for wall openings, see screenshot. They should be vertically placed and separated by a line.

This display is not realisable using dimensions and is very difficult with Data Tags: It depends if you use one single text item or two, on Data Tag's "Align to walls/objects", document's AND viewport Adjust Flipped Text status, and viewport rotation.

It is impossible to achieve a configuration good for all text objects, not only data tags.

All in all, it would be good if we had an override on text flips, so that these objects will display always right, unregarded the combination of other settings.

VE-101464

[WISH] VS: List Browser's Direct Editing also in Vectorscript

Carlotta Birelli

With VW 2020 we saw the introduction of fields' direct editing for List Browsers. As of now, this still isn't accessible by Vectorscript.

Please enable direct editing in Vectorscript.

From the SDK:
* EnableDirectEdit(bool enable); void EnableDirectEdit(bool enable);
* IsDirectEditEnabled();
* SetItemInteractionType(EListBrowserItemInteractionType interactionType);
* SetItemInteractionType(EListBrowserItemInteractionType interactionType);
* EnableItemDirectEdit(bool enable);
* IsItemDirectEditEnabled();
* VWListBrowserEventArgs

VE-101694

Tapering tool, documentation evasive on tapering first clicked face

Carlotta Birelli

It is not possible to taper the first face clicked of a solid, this face will be used as pivot, not as target of the tapering.

This is on my opinion described evasively in the documentation: it has to be made more evident that the *first clicked face* of a solid *CANNOT* be tapered.

We somehow intuitively expect to taper that face on first click-drag.

Please open the attached file and try this on the solid:
* click on a face you want to taper
* drag along the face to define a plane. You think thus to have been setting the pivot through that click and drag, similarly to an angular dimension in Reference Line and Edge mode.
* no drag widget appears, ever, on that face and you are left wondering why

[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FShapes2%2FTapering_faces.htm&rhsearch=TAPER&rhsyns=%20&rhhlterm=TAPER]

VE-101348

WISH: 2D wall hole group (vectorscript)

Carlotta Birelli

Currently walls only allow for a parallel cut wall hole using loci or plain geometry.

Any other kind of wall hole in 2D implies reconstructing missing components and wall instance attributes.

While this can be done developing custom objects, it is extremely complex and makes said objects slow in regen.

Wish:
* create a polygon/polyline large enough
* store it in a new 2D wall hole group
* it is used as clipper on the 2D wall display

See screenshot and attached file.

This would solve ALL situations where a wrapping of components is NOT needed. It would help reducing our code of thousands of lines. It would allow to complete the 3D display now detached. It would exploit in full the hybrid core of VW.

It would give the developer full control on these items.

VE-101590

[WISH] IFC export to tell us where they are, the non-exportable objects with no fill.

Carlotta Birelli

The dreaded warning "... objects with IFC Data were not exported, because they had no fill" is too little to be able to resolve the condition or even to evaluate if there is a condition at all.

We need some fast method to visualise and eventually resolve these objects. If a worksheet could be populated with a list of them, it would be a blessing.

Please see screenshot: I have 126 that didn't export because they had no fill, but I don't know where they are. A search by criteria yielded nonsensical results.

!image-2021-02-10-13-13-50-918.png!

VE-101385

[WISH] Support for IfcCovering

Carlotta Birelli

I am trying to create a proper support for IfcCovering. This is a need for proper IFC export and also for a correct Classification by DIN 276, which is our standard.

Walls, Slabs and Roofs (and Roof Faces) can be used as covering items, not constructive or structural: insulation layers, wrappings and cladding of various kind. We don't have a dedicated way to flag such items as covering and must map them out of the wall/slab/roof data.

Wish:
* select a function in the Walls/Slabs/Roofs data
* IFC maps the element as covering if appropriate

Example in the attachment of how this is done now (and I doubt I got it all right).

VE-101344

The term "Component" is used in too many similar contexts

Carlotta Birelli

We have
* 2D Components (top, bottom, cut etc.)
* 3D Components
* 3D Wall Hole Component
* Components (previously "cavities")

This is far too confusing. I suggest renaming, something along these lines:
* 2D Components into *2D Displays*
* 3D Components into *3D Displays*
* 3D Wall Hole -Component- into *3D Wall Hole*
* -Components- into *Wall Layers* (compatibility with IFC, more understandable)

VE-101346

Wall Niche: please implement a niche for generic inserted objects

Carlotta Birelli

In-Wall insertions should allow for a niche: a part of the wall where the thickness is reduced. While this can be achieved in 3D with a 3D wall hole, the 2D is a major task.

The niche needs special 2D attributes depending if it's hidden by an internal sill (dashed) or not (solid) relatively to a cutting plane elevation.

A niche is nearly ubiquitous in our environment. Historical walls, in particular, always have a niche where we put the heating. The niche, depending on the overall wall thickness, can be important.

For the pleasure of it see this beautiful French castle in the screenshot.

VE-101345

Round Walls: please implement a radial cut (vs. straight parallel cut)

Carlotta Birelli

The way brick walls are build, is that the brick shouldn't be cut. This implies a radial cut.

VW currently doesn't allow for a radial cut in round walls, only a straight parallel cut.

It is a MAJOR pain to achieve a radial cut, specially when components are involved. This can only be done at custom plug-in level, with thousands of lines of code.

VE-101245

[WISH] Please use the Internation System of Units (sq m problem)

Carlotta Birelli

According to the International System of Units (SI) we shall use m2 for squared meters and m3 for cubic meters and derivate units. Ideally superscripted, but we can do without. Most applications don't superscript all the times.

We international users do expect to have that as default when we buy the international version.

Instead, there is the string "sq m" and similar popping up from every corner. For example, w have 77377 entries of "sq m" in VW, see screenshot.

It is embarrassing for us, when the drawings have that old style string. That compels to workarounds that are truly annoying.

VE-99636

[WiSH] Batch Convert: options to log only eligible VW files, not a whole file list

Carlotta Birelli

Batch Convert processes all files in a chosen folder in order to search for eligible VW files. The list of ALL files in a project folder can be large and Batch Convert will spend a huge time just writing a list of files that were NOT converted.

On large archives this is a fatal problem.
We need an option to suppress all files' listing and only write down eligible VW files.

Please open the attached Excel file describing a full project list needing conversion. This is a generated document from a shell/applescript mix that I wrote for pre-processing an office archive of odd 1.400.000 files (about 1000 projects). Around 42.800 of them were VW files.

Alone writing a list of 1.400.000 files somewhere is nonsensical.

VE-99347

[WISH] Optimise edits in special groups

Carlotta Birelli

I spend most of my planning time going in and out of special groups:

* in and out of slab modifiers, specially the 3D ones (my current mayor pain)
* in and out of symbols components (this is massiv now)
* in and out of annotations
* in and out of live section elevations edits
* in and out of auto-hybrid
* in and out of extrudes along path
* in and out of simple extrudes
and these special groups often combine...

Whenever there is a plane-change involved, this is SO extremely cumbersome for the user. Example: edit 3D modifiers in a slab. It takes a huge lot of view changes, the environment is visible but not actually there, there is no snap....

Please collect beta data and quantify these actions.
Please do something to optimise it.

VE-100887

Grid Line: skipped characters please no default and in Styles

Carlotta Birelli

Grid Lines with alphabetical listing can skip certain characters upon creating a sequence. The sequence is defined in the contextual menu upon right-click > Re-Sequence.

We are not used to "skip characters" and I broke my head a while to see if omitting the letter "I" was somehow by design. It was.

I don't understand who needs this, but I certainly don't and I wish it wasn't a default buried that much.

If you wish to offer this possibility, please
* Make this option a feature on the object's style dialog, so that the user know that it exists
* Make the default skipped characters "" (empty), now it is "IOio"

VE-100725

Please add Support for BIM-Collab's Instant Coordination plug-in

Carlotta Birelli

Many CADs offer support for BIM-Collab, it would be very good if VW had it too.

This is a very strong motivation for some to switch to Archicad. BIM-Collab is often "prescribed" (read: made compulsory) by BIM-Managing offices in our environmen.

VE-99749

[TWISH] Data Mapping > Define Field Mapping: remember user choice

Carlotta Birelli

The new Data Manager tool > Define Field Mapping dialog defaults on Simple Formula at each launch. I wish to use Expert formula all the times but the dialog compels me choose this again and again.

Please make my choice be remembered and have that Define Field Mapping dialog open on whatever I chose last.

VE-99724

[WISH] Energos: EU_Generic data source to be thematically listed (see VW DE)

Carlotta Birelli

The German VW has a far more usable and professional lambdas' database for the materials. Please take the German system and data.

Screenshot 1:
* US VW: The materials are listed only alphabetically
see EU_Generic.xml from [VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Energy Analysis/Building Envelope/Building Element Wall Component Lambda/EU_Generic.xml

* DE VW: The materials are listed by groups and alphabetically
see DACH_Generic.xml here attached from VW DE 2019
Screenshot 2 and 3

* Moreover the EU_Generic files are pretty much lacking compared to the USA version. Why so?

compare [VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Energy Analysis/Building Envelope/Building Element Wall Component Lambda/US_Generic.xml
with
[VW]/Libraries/Defaults/Energy Analysis/Building Envelope/Building Element Wall Component Lambda/EU_Generic.xml

See screenshots and attached xml files.

VE-99418

VW User/Beta logs: don't let them grow

Carlotta Birelli

The User log files grow too much, causing a considerable performance issue while working.

A beta user log of about 5 MB already causes around 10 seconds on each selection on a brand new MacBook Pro, and exclusively spinning ball just for editing a singular object on a fully empty file, on a freshly created document from shipped templates.
This cannot be.

Please let these logs empty after a few kb AND improve File I/O processes, they are still a pain.

VE-103593

Truss Swap Still FAR Too Involved

C. Andrew Dunning

This is an echo of VE-100627 & VE-102759. Swapping truss sections...an "every-day" task for designers in the different production/event disciplines...remains FAR too involved for what should be very simple. If VEs had the "Regression" marker, it would be selected for this one.

VE-104176

Seating Section Tool Needing Refinement

C. Andrew Dunning

This VE is related to VB-193764.

The Seating Section tool needs a bit of refinement so as to work better with non-"solid-filled" layouts. At-present, allowing for things like partial aisles and sight-line/fire-marshal kills ("every-day" tasks for event designers/planners) is far more difficult/involved than it should be. Things that should take a few minutes are taking hours.

In the attached file is a "starting" Seating Section instance and a "Desired" layout. There are at least 3 ways to get from one to the other, but each has issues:
* Manually editing the layout: By-far the easiest method to get the desired layout but chair labels are not correct and all edits are lost if the "Settings..." dialog is opened.
* 2D Clipping: +Lots+ of trial-and-error, incorrect alignments, edits lost if the "Settings..." dialog is opened, chairs-per-row counts are changed if Fill Direction is changed - and more trial-and-error to fix that.
* Aisle tool: +Lots+ of trial-and-error to get row/chair counts correct and potential for problems if the user hides the aisles and then moves the Seating Section instance.

My initial thought is that the Seating Section tool would be +far+ easier to use if it were more intelligent about compensating for manual edits. (Double-click to edit...delete a chair or 2...add/move a row...etc.)

VE-100627

Truss PIO - "Replace" Function

C. Andrew Dunning

The Truss PIO system greatly needs a "Replace" function.

To illustrate:

Let's say one has a 40' run of truss, consisting of 4 black 20.5", 10's. Types need to be swapped out for one reason or another: silver replacing black...4, 10's need to become 5, 8's...2 of the 10's need to become 4, 5's...etc.

With a Symbol-based system, making those swaps is as simple as selecting one or more pieces, selecting "Replace..." in the OIP, choosing the replacement, and then adjusting the location(s) of the replacement(s) and/or creating duplicates as-necessary. Classes...trims...etc. are all maintained.

With the current Truss PIO based system, this simplicity does not exist. Users are forced to resort to deleting old instances and inserting new sections. "Replace Truss Type" wants to do things like replace 20.5" w. 12". "Replace Truss" doesn't seem to do what needs to be done, either.

VE-102759

Truss Replace Rethink/Redo

C. Andrew Dunning

Replacing Spotlight/Braceworks Truss instances should be as simple as clicking an OIP button and choosing a different truss section from the Resource picker. As things stand, this functionality is everything but intuitive, way more involved than it should be, and is nearly impossible to use for the every-day/typical work of designers.

See VE-100627 from 2 years ago.

VE-102475

Data Vis. Criteria Editing

C. Andrew Dunning

Currently, Object Criteria settings are only made/changed through the familiar Criteria dialog. And, once set, the criteria can be seen in a text box in the Edit Data Visualization dialog. But, that text box cannot be edited.

The desired improvement is to allow the direct editing of the criteria - either from-scratch or after being set by the Criteria dialog (similar to the functionality of Worksheets). This would allow for more intricate criteria settings, such as AND, OR, VAL, etc.

VE-102293

Schematic View Creation Issues

C. Andrew Dunning

Open the attached file, select the Truss System, and create a Schematic View. When VW returns to the model space and is awaiting a cursor click to designate the Insertion Point click on the 3D Locus in the middle of the truss arc.

2 observations:

1) The SV objects are rotated incorrectly relative to the referenced objects (the fixture at the bottom of the circle in the original geometry should be at the bottom of the circle in the SV.)

2) The expected Insertion Point of the SV does not meet expectation. Instead of the center of the SV objects, the Insertion Point is that of one of the Symbols referenced by the SV.

This was originally reported as bug 181804. The response was that this is WAD. There are multiple problems with this:

1) Using the Insertion Point of one of the Symbols in the System for the Insertion Point of the SV is not intuitive. While the SV assemble can be moved, this is unnecessary work for the user.

2) The initial rotation of the elements in the SV is not intuitive. While the rotation can be adjusted...
* This is unnecessary work for the user.
* As this is not at-all intuitive, the user can easily miss the fact that the rotation is not what was expected and the error may not be seen until on-site during construction and could result in expensive re-builds and delays.
* Even if the user catches the rotation problem, he/she could easily choose an incorrect reference when adjusting the SV rotation, again introducing an error that may not be seen until on-site during construction and could result in expensive re-builds and delays.

VE-101758

Create Report - Hidden Parameters

C. Andrew Dunning

The "Create Report" dialog/system needs a toggle to allow the including of hidden ("__XXX") Parameters in reports. This would really help in the trouble-shooting of PIO code.

VE-99891

Schematic View - Element Editing

C. Andrew Dunning

The Schematic View system needs to allow for full editing of elements in the Schematic View "Child" space - including things like adding and/or swapping truss sections and adding and/or distributing Lighting Devices, LED Screen instances, and hardware.

VE-100636

Label Legend Manager Stay Open

C. Andrew Dunning

The Spotlight Label Legend Manager stays open after clicking "Edit Fields...," editing a given LL, and closing the "Edit Label Legend" dialog. This allows users to edit several LLs w/o closing the dialog.

On the other hand, at-present, the Label Legend Manager does not stay open after clicking "Edit 2D/3D Layout...," editing a given LL layout, end clicking "Exit Symbol." This forces the user to go back through the menu system to re-open the Label Legend Manager each time a LL layout need to be edited - making editing several LL layouts in a row more difficult than it should be. This should be changed to keep the Label Legend Manager open after editing a layout.

VE-100199

Data Tag Refinement

C. Andrew Dunning

At-present, for anything beyond placing existing Style objects, the Data Tag tool is unintuitive and confusing to use.

1) The "Define Tag Field" dialog needs to be reformatted to make the intent clear. At-present, it is not clear which of the 2 following group boxes the Data Source pop-up applies to. And, the meaning of Link Field is initially confusing.

Suggestions:

- Move "Data Source" to be in the same GroupBox as the relevant settings.

- Change "Link Field" to a GroupBox instead of a CheckBoxGroupBox. Add "None" to the "Data Destination" Pop-up and make "None" the default. If "None" is chosen, disable appropriate dialog elements.

2) In the "Define Tag Field" dialog, the parameters listed in the 2 "Parameter Name" Pop-ups are frequently confusing due to the fact that many PIOs use leading spaces in localized names to format the OIP. DT should automatically strip those spaces out and alphabetize things accordingly in those Pop-ups.

3) When invoking the DT tool from w Tool Set:
* The "Use Leader" setting should not be in the Preferences dialog. That setting should be one of the modes in the Tool and Data Bar.
* The tool should know that it is being run "from scratch" when Active Tag Def is "Unstyled." Then, it should...
** ...Know that a user either has an object selected or the user should be giving the option of selecting an object.
** ...Automatically enter the Tag Layout Editor...with the Define Tag Field dialog open...with a suggested Data Source selected...and, a suggested Object Name selected.
** ...Automatically place field and label text in the Layout Edit window when "OK" is clicked in the Define Tag Field dialog - allowing the user to have a starting-place - similar to the way Spotlight Label Legends are created.

VE-101291

Save Pan and Tilt values for Lighting Devices in DWG Export

Bryan Seigel

I had a user request to have Pan and Tilt values for Lighting Devices preserved when they export the file as a DWG. Currently, the user has to re-focus all Lighting Devices when the DWG is opened in another program.

VE-101446

Include option to pull fixture Instrument Type with Distributor Data Tag

Bryan Seigel

In a recent training session, I showed a user how a Data Tag on a Distributor Object could display info such as channel, and universe/address for connected Lighting Devices. The user expressed that he would like to also be able to pull the Instrument Type of a connected Lighting Device.

VE-101293

Add option to retain attachments with Replace Lighting Device Command

Bryan Seigel

If you replace a Lighting Device that has attachments using the Replace Lighting Devices Command, the attachments are automatically attached to the replaced fixture. Generally speaking, this is awesome!

However, since a user may replace a lighting device symbol with another symbol that already has attachments in the 3D component, it would be nice to be able to disable this behavior. This would also be relevant if the user simply didn't want to retain attachments for some other reason, like replacing a conventional fixture with a mover.

VE-101292

Highlight Selected Cell when editing Multi-Cell Lighting Device

Bryan Seigel

When editing a selected cell of a lighting device, it is not immediately clear which cell the user has selected. The proposed enhancement would be to have whichever cell is selected in the edit cell dropdown highlight differently than the other cells. This would likely use the red-highlight used for tool highlighting, since the overall fixture will already be selected.

VE-101256

Send Pan and Tilt Values from VWX to Vision for Conventional Fixtures

Bryan Seigel

In VWX 2021, we introduced the ability to focus instruments using pan/tilt values rather than focus points. For conventional fixtures, it would be very helpful to have the pan/tilt values from VWX to apply to the Vision fixtures when using the MVR format.

VE-101235

Enable Manage Scenes to store Pan and Tilt Values for Lighting Devices

Bryan Seigel

I received this request in a recent user group meeting. With the new focus improvements it would be very useful to be able to store multiple scenes with different focuses for Lighting Devices using the Manage Scenes command. Currently Manage Scenes will only store information for the focus parameter. The request would be to store info for the pan, tilt, and throw distance parameters as well.

VE-100780

Link Beam Angle 2 and Field Angle 2 parameters to Light Object in Lighting Devices

Bryan Seigel

Currently the Beam Angle 2 and Field Angle 2 parameters can be adjusted to produce an oval-shaped beam from a Lighting Device. However, this change only appears in the Draw Beam graphics. The improvement would be to have the light emitted by the light object in the Lighting Device adjust and produce an oval-shaped beam as well. Screenshot and file attached for reference.

VE-100734

Worksheet Criteria to list objects within a viewport boundary on a sheet layer

Bryan Seigel

This is a request from a user I was working with this week:

In this users file, he had a number of connected truss laid out on his design layer

For his paperwork, he would create a viewport for each series of connected truss and place those viewports on various sheet layers.

His request was to create a worksheet for each viewport that would tell him how many pieces of truss were in that viewport.

To my surprise, I discovered that this did not seem to be possible. Even though I could set worksheet criteria based on location and choose the viewport, the objects contained within the viewport were not recognized.

I would love to see this functionality in Vectorworks as I can imagine numerous cases where our customers would like to report on a number of objects visible in a single viewport. Furthermore it would be great if the number of items listed changed when adjusting the viewports crop.

Thank You and let me know if there is anything I can clarify

VE-100699

Customizable watermarks to protect users from having custom symbols stolen

Bryan Seigel

During a user group meeting, I had a number of users express a need for having a way to prevent other users from "stealing" customized symbols from a document. For example, if a user creates a set of custom Lighting Device Symbols, any user with access to one of their files can "steal" them by adding them to a personal library or document. This is especially impactful to users who might sell customized symbols.

There may be a better way to prevent this, but one option the users found appealing was using a customizable watermark. Exactly like what we do for educational files. In this way, when a symbol or any other resource is taken from a file with a custom watermark, the watermark comes with it. This watermark may be a simple as a large company logo or perhaps some sort of legal statement.

VE-100274

Show Label 3D Option for Focus Points

Bryan Seigel

Focus Points have the ability to toggle the label on or off in 2D. But in any 3D view the label text disappears. There are many use cases where a user would want to see the label text in 3D as well. This improvement could be as simple as adding in another checkbox for "Show Focus Point Name 3D" in the OIP. Similar to the way ID tags function for doors.

This same issue was previously submitted as a bug in 2010 https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-88493

VE-102430

Detail Callout bubble corner radius Entire object option in OIP not functioning

Bryan Goff

When a detailed callout is drawn by setting the Fillet Radius in the mode bar will set the radius fillet for all four corners. After drawn if a choice to change the corner radius The move and Vertex options in the OIP are not working as expected. When choosing Vertex Only the ability to scroll through each vertex and make changes works as expected. However the Entire Object is selected and the radius or type is changed only one corner at a time needing to scroll through each point. When selecting Entire Object all corners should adjust together.

VE-101078

Site Model Snapshot linked to DTM and adjusts

Bryan Goff

When creating a site model, take a snapshot move that snapshot to the side and adjust the contour settings. The Snapshot will adjust to the new settings. This is reproducible in 2018 so this may be WAD but I am wondering why. I want a snapshot to stay as I took it. not adjust. I am posting as a bug.

VE-102924

Plant Style-More Data Improvements

Bryan Goff

When entering data in the More Data fields at present you cannot "tab" to the next field. Many users would like to se this simple improvement allowing for faster data entry.

VE-102926

Plant Style (All/None Button)

Bryan Goff

In the plant style ver. 2022 we now have each possible setting by style or instance. This is 64 selections to be made for each plant. The addition of an "All By" instance or style button would speed many of these choices up for users.

VE-102928

More Plant Generated Shape Options

Bryan Goff

In the Graphics tab of the plant style when using the "generate" option. There are limited options. It would be great to have a more robust list of generated shapes giving the user the ability to customize their plant to their liking.

VE-102931

Texture and Color Picker for Generated Plant Geometry

Bryan Goff

In the Generate 3D Plant Geometry Section of the plant style dialog it would be great to have a color and texture picker. At present you can edit the generated plant through a backdoor process however this is quite confusing for many new and existing users. Having the ability to select these during creation would greatly enhance this process for our users.

VE-102194

Site model components terminology

Bryan Goff

The use of site model components as an industry terminology is incorrect. This should be changed to "soil horizon". Also Geological survey Points is also not the industry terminology. This should be "Geotechnical Survey Data".

I understand the need for a universal feel in Vectorworks however industry expectations are to use differing terminology and I force user confusion and an un-intuitive workflow in their process.

I realize this may be a VE however if this could be corrected this would be great for the user experience.

VE-102246

Component Datum Offset

Bryan Goff

The datum with components can now only be set to top or bottom of the component. In the case of many styles with components in Landmark, these two options offer a great disadvantage to effective and proper design of the site. I am proposing an offsite value from the top or bottom datum setting. Example: 4" of concrete as of now will be st to grade to the top or bottom of the concrete. However, often concrete(surface ) needs to be set 1" above grade for proper design when it meets to turf, or plant bed. This will set grade datum to the preferred offset shifting the surface of the hardscape up one inch as desired. This will also eliminate z-fighting with the model.

Also check enhancement (VE-102247) in regards to all hardscape elevations should be set by top of top component. Not Datum.

VE-102247

All Hardscape elevation to be set to top of top component not Datum

Bryan Goff

All hardscape should use the top of the top component for elevation settings not the Datum. This is evident when designer sets the hardscape and sets elevation to 24 inches. The designer is expecting the hardscape to have the surface set to 24 inches of elevation. If the datum is set to top of the second component or the bottom of the first. a hardscape elevation is now greater than the expected 24" elevation of the surface.

Example file attached.

VE-102606

Hydrozone Plant Options

Bryan Goff

Currently the dropdown for the Hydrozone Plant Type has limited options for plants. This list is often not what users want or their terminology. This would be great to custom edit this list much like the line weight or line marker custom settings.

VE-102607

Irrigation Loop Mainline

Bryan Goff

This is one of the most asked for needs in the irrigation tool and calculations.

VE-102917

Scale Bar Style and Improvements

Bryan Goff

I get many users during training that like the functionality of the existing scale bar. However overwhelmingly they do not like the graphics or the fact that without copying an existing scalar the process is lengthy with multiple clicks and choices over and over. Adding the ability for custom graphics and to set as a style that can be easily applied would be a fantastic improvement.

VE-102920

North Arrow Style improvements

Bryan Goff

The north arow has some great functionality in regards to auto locations per the heliodon. Most users find themselves scraping its usefulness due to the inability to create their own graphic styling. This would be a great user enhancement giving them the ability to set a style of their own.

VE-102921

Irrigation Zone Layer linking

Bryan Goff

On very large and medium sized jobs it becomes imperative to set zones on different layers for analysis and ease of design. When this is done the network looses all connectivity thus canceling any calculative analysis capabilities. The ability to set a zone to another layer without loosing its connection to the network is a must.

VE-102922

Add North Arrow and Scale Bar (Style) to viewport creation dialog

Bryan Goff

Many users add per VP a scale bar and a North Arrow. This becomes an extra task that is repeated over and over on a job. If both the Scale Bar and North Arrow had styles (VE-102917 and VE-102920 respectively) a check box and style selector in the VP Dialog along with the Create Drawing Label check box would speed this process for our users.

VE-102925

Plant Catalog Warning

Bryan Goff

When modifying data in a plant a warning appears telling the user they are modifying the catalog. 1st if they do want this done the addition of an always do the selected check box would enhance the user experience. 2nd if the "Update Plant catalog with Vectorworks style changes" was DE-Selected as a default this would not be a problem.

VE-102927

Plant Style (Style Manager)

Bryan Goff

With the new plant style options by instance or style there are 64 selections to make. Most find a general combination that works however many users would like certain options based on their usage such as perennials, shrubs and trees may have slightly different settings. At present it can be difficult to memorize all these unique settings especially when not always producing new plants. Thus the ability to save specific settings in a "Style Manager" such as in the site model dialog or Data Viz dialog. These could then be applied presetting the choices for the user offering a better user experience.

VE-102932

Image Prop Centroid

Bryan Goff

Within the image prop itself there is no way of defining the pivot centroid. this is most obvious with a tree where the trunk is not precisely centered in the image. This can look strange especially when using the rootball as the trunk is strangely misaligned. The centroid would allow the user to place the center pivot and even the z elevation when needed for a better image prop rotation and placement visually.

VE-102918

Notes Manager improvements

Bryan Goff

The notes manager is a powerful tool however many users would like to select multiple texts at once to create a note not one at a time. To further this the ability to have "preset note groupings" allowing for a single selection to inset a set of notes would be a fantastic upgrade for the user.

VE-102923

Flyover Tool (Site surface awareness)

Bryan Goff

When using the flyover tool and a site model is present. Users experience (most of the time) (second mode) that the tool locates to zero. this is a problem when your site is a 100' elevation or better. An addition of a "Site Surface Aware" check box in the Mode bar would improve the user experience.

VE-102919

Add "Close Open Curves" button to the mode bar for the Offset Tool

Bryan Goff

Users like the functionality of the Close Open Curves check in the Offset Tool. However the need to constantly enter the preferences dialog to ensure it is either on or off is a design annoyance. By placing this in the mode bar a user could ensure their choices by just looking at the mode bar vs having to enter the preferences every time.

VE-102245

Geo Location EPSG Lookup pre designation

Bryan Goff

When using EPSG Lookup, once selected the entire global list has to load before a more refined search. It would be advantageous to have a pre designation box that automatically narrows the list before loading. An Example would be to add before the lookup button a field to type a location, such as Maryland, then choose the lookup button. This will bring up rapidly only the 16 options for Maryland vs the hundreds of worldwide values. This will save a lot of frustration while waiting for this to load.

VE-101254

Tile Overall enhancements

Bryan Goff

Overall enhancement request for tiles to

1) export correctly to DWG

this should be at the export of the DWG file. a simple selection box to export tiles as line work and another selection box to include graphic attributes.

2) be used in full replacement of Hatch (everywhere)

primarily in hidden line renders and as hatch replacement in or option to use in texture hatch option especially for materials.

3) add functionality to embed symbols with data record attached (this will allow for item count within the tile.)

This would be necessary for true BIM calculations. such as 5 individual pavers in a pattern. We could now achieve piece count by size as many pavers are sold as individual size, not in a mix. And for wall or floor tile to create a count of said tile. also as firms intermix colors and differing units to create a custom layout this could be automated and offer true count based on their parameters.

VE-99510

Plants (To many areas of adjustment)

Bryan Goff

I like where the new plant tool is going, but there are way, way,way to many areas to adjust the plant settings. This is causing confusion with users trying to figure out why the plant is not responding as they believe it will. I count 6 different areas to make changes and some override others. Can this be streamlined please.

For instance, the plant is set to 24" width in Edit Plant Style in the OIP it shows 24" in the OIP main dialog but is inserting at 4'. This can be adjusted in the OIP but the culprit is in the Plant Tool Preferences>size>custom size is modified to 4' and sticks. There is no selection in the OIP to chose Use plant style or Custom without going through Advanced settings.

A simple addition of use "Plant settings or Custom" button would elevate this issue.

VE-100336

Data Viz Color Options

Bryan Goff

The auto color is fantastic however a great addition would be to have the option to manage color ranges per user needs. If the user wants light blue to dark blue (user choice) or yellow to red. Along with this the ability to set the opacity of the fill in the Data Viz dialog box. At present the opacity will take on the objects fill opacity. The controls via the Data Viz dialog box would give the user better control over their graphic data choices.

VE-99564

Select Similar Improvement

Bryan Goff

The Select Similar Other Attributes is great however, Symbol Name and Dimension Standards (At least when I try it) affect the outcome giving a Warning banner to select an object with selected parameters. Size can also individually modify the criteria. Could these be moved indignantly to the bottom of the list representing that this may affect the outcome substantially different. This may help with people recieving unwanted results as a choice of selecting the all button.

VE-99407

Image Enhancement for Worksheets

Bryan Goff

The ability to reframe or at minimum eliminate the leader lines from an image in the worksheet. I would like to capture the Leader data and symbol not the 30" leader line attached.

VE-102294

Saved Views allow control over saving of editing mode

Bruce Ferguson

When a user is editing a group and creates a saved view. It saves that the user was editing that group. There are checkboxes to control everything else that is saved in a saved view. A checkbox named something like "Save Editing Mode" should be added so the user can control whether it saves what group is being edited.

This idea came from VB-70504, which was resolved as WAD.

VE-100675

Hatches and tiles do not have default settings that can be edited.

Bruce Ferguson

When no object is selected and the fill style is set to hatch, the hatch settings button on the attributes palette is disabled, as there are no hatch default settings. Tiles also do not have default settings. There are default settings for gradients and images. A user entered a bug about create similar not using the hatch settings from the object (VB-93942). That is a consequence of not having default hatch settings. The default settings for images and gradients are in the HdrRec node. If default settings were added for hatches and tiles, then the hatch and tile settings buttons on the attributes palette should be enabled when no object is selected, create similar should set these settings and eyedropper pickup should set them if pickup defaults is enabled.

VE-99852

"Black Lines Only" preference button

Brian Goodridge

As the existing 'Black and White' preference button has now been changed to include colored images, a new preference is now needed. As 90% of construction drawings printed are primarily black lines on white paper, why not make a new Quick Preference button on the tool bar that I am sure the majority of users would utilize: "Black Lines Only" which would effect only the lines in the drawing, not images. So now you would have the existing "Black and White" button which converts everything including images to B&W as expected, and with "Black Lines only" one can instantly convert all colored lines to black for printing and still retain colored images as backgrounds to elevations or for colored title blocks.

VE-99787

Mouse wheel affect the video camera oddly

Brandon Eckstorm

When you activate the view and scroll the mouse wheen the whole scean moves. This should only zoom the camrea in and out.

VE-102327

Bridles and Hoist with steel for a down leg

Brandon Eckstorm

To successfully create a bridal and hoist combination that will secure a truss or other rigging object to a house rigging point or steel requires the user to use two different tools first the Hoist tool and then the Bridle tool.

Users would like the ability to add a Hoist, a Bridle, or both at the same time to streamline the workflow.

VE-102326

Improved Truss replacement

Brandon Eckstorm

Replacing Truss in a common workflow. The current method for doing this in Spotlight requires running 2 different menu commands Replace Truss and Replace Truss type.

Users have reported the UX of the Replace Truss Type dialog is not intuitive, they do not understand all the restrictions or how to add more options.

Users have also reported that the Replace Truss workflow is too complex and hard to understand.

The request from the users is to have 1 system that is simple to use that will allow them to change the configuration of truss systems inside of Vectorworks.

VE-100535

Attaching to rigging objects workflow improvement

Brandon Eckstorm

Workflow issue from a user

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/69247-prevent-objects-from-auto-attaching-to-truss-objects/]

Idea for the solution:

if a rigging object is “Grayed” out or we have the class/layer set to anything but Show/Snap/Modify Others and the rigging object is not in the active class or layer it will not auto attach. To me this would make it easier when planing in tight spots and would give me a way to not place something in the wrong spot

VE-102471

Replace with Stock Symbols should create Braceworks enabled truss

Brandon Eckstorm

When using the Spotlight replace with stock symbol command and adding truss to the document the truss is not Braceworks enabled. We should update the command so that the truss is being added in braceworks enabled.

VE-102447

Truss Position name improvement

Brandon Eckstorm

Currently, Vectorworks forces the user to have a unique name for the "Position Name" field of a truss object.

However, this is not always how it works in the real world. In normal productions, all the trusses that make up a position will almost always use the same name. Forcing the user to add a number causes issues identifying truss systems.

For example, a user may have 7 or 8 trusses in the house that are labeled "House Truss 1", "House Truss 2", and so on. This will cause data tags and other methods of reporting to show "House Truss 1-1" and "House Truss 1-2" and so on for each truss object that makes up the position name. This can make the paperwork and data tags very confusing

If Vectorworks needs to have a unique identification system then it should use a different field or give the user a new field for the position name.

VE-102262

Cable tool "Auto Numbering Preferences" dialog needs a "pickup" option

Brandon Eckstorm

For the US market/workflow it is very rare for a Cable to use s different name then the name of the Break-out in our case the distributor. To make working with the tool easier the user should have an option to pick up or use the label of the break out distributor.

VE-102159

Focus Lighting device needs a Height filed

Brandon Eckstorm

When useing the "Focus Lighting Device..." command to focus ground lights, if the user chooses to add a focus point it is inserted at a Z=0 and this changes the focus of the light. The user will need a way to set the height of the focus point for this workflow.

VE-101111

Option for Cable tools to not use the height of "Grayed" out design layer geometry

Brandon Eckstorm

When trying to add cable in the attached file I need to see the Stage so I know where to place the cables and the path but I don't want them to snap to the height of them. It would be great to have an option in the cable preferences that would ignore geometry in classes and design layers that are turned off or set to gray. Even better could be a mode or settings to ignore geometry depending on the interactive settings of classes and layers. For example, if I have "show/snap others" selected the cable would snap but if I had "Show others" selected then the cables would not snap to things not on the active design layer or class.

VE-101067

Cable tools Dialog should use search popup's

Brandon Eckstorm

In the Cable Settings dialog, the have a few popup like the ones used to set the connector type that should use the "Search" style popup to find the setting more easily.

VE-101020

Cable Configuration dialog and cable parts update

Brandon Eckstorm

In the attache Video, you can see a few discrepancies between the Bridle and the Cable. Some of this could be improved maybe for SP3 by having a "Modifier" key you can hold to note a new part of the cable or to have "Cable Path" automatically make a part so it can be later tracked and worked with.

This is something that is currently done with the current cable tools and is very helpful and a requirement for most tour prep.

VE-100515

Can not choose sliders for LED wall

Brandon Eckstorm

If you make a Video screen object LED in steed of front or rear projected you can not choose to use sliders to connect the wall to a truss. This breaks the recommended workflow.

VE-100383

Spotlight DMX Patch window

Brandon Eckstorm

When the filtering option is changed in the DMX patch window to something other than Channel the Channel field should be used as a secondary sort option.

Currently, if I sort by Fixture Type or position the fixtures are not in order making it harder autopatch

VE-99986

New Fill type for Seating

Brandon Eckstorm

In a chat with Don in training he told be at almost every class people ask how they can do a “Banquet layout”. This is layout will place the 2nd (even numbered) rows at the center of the 1st (odd numbered) rows, depending on fill. See attached image. This is different than offset rows that is used in theater style seating.

VE-102489

GDTF Color/Gobo/Anim wheels do not display in Vision Properties Palette

Brandon Budzon

In this example, I've used a Robe MegaPointe in standard 16bit mode. I downloaded the GDTF off of the fixture share and pulled it into the fixture builder to ensure that this fixture does indeed have all 3 wheels (gobo, color, and animation).

It is understood that when using GDTF, if customizations are to be made they should be made via the Update Fixture Type context menu (which launches the gdtf fixture builder).

However, GDTF fixtures should still populate the gobo/color/anim wheel UI (even if it is read-only).

VE-100614

Add "Enable Shadows" on a Per Fixture basis

Brandon Budzon

Currently, either all lights have shadow maps or no lights have shadow maps. For performance reasons, it would be beneficial for the end user to turn off all shadows except for the necessary ones.

VE-100461

Assign Video Input dialog should provide more information

Alexander Thiel

Currently, when assigning a video input to a mesh you are only given a text input widget. This makes it difficult to know what other names exist in the scene and what video inputs are associated with them.

We need to find a better way of assigning video input to our meshes.

VE-102431

Vision should have orange/red outlines for selected objects similar to VW

Brandon Budzon

Vision's original "selected object" design and it's "individual edit mode" were inherently flawed when we acquired it.

A selection box for selected objects is not ideal as it is not always clear what items are selected. The White/Blue PgUp/PgDn "individual edit mode" is broken in that we cannot guarantee White/Blue light without removing the light train (which breaks other user workflows).

(First problem)
Why was White/Blue added?
Because you couldn't tell what individual edit as "active". The red/orange outline solves this issue as a red outline will identify the item being individually edited; just like VW.

(Second problem)
Why is it hard to tell what lights are selected if all lights are already at 100%?
Because we render a bounding box and not each selected item with an orange outline.

I believe one fairly straight-forward solution would be to remove the White/Blue behavior, keep PgUp/PgDn for cycling through individual edits, still force the dimmer to 100%, and implement proper orange/red highlights.

You could use PgUp/PgDn and see what is selected via a red vs orange highlight; which solves our "first problem". If a fixture is already at 100% and it is selected, you will be able to tell it is selected via an orange highlight; which solves our "second problem". And, we can still force the dimmer to 100% in the event you want to edit the light train for live feedback of things like shutters or changing gobos.

VE-100417

GDTF/MVR/Vision/VW data has to be entered twice

Brandon Budzon

VW Spotlight has always had 2 colors and 2 gobos per fixture (regardless of whether or not these fixtures supported gobos and colors or not). When Vision was integrated, it's backend was stored off in a new separate location. This meant that in order to get a gobo to render in Vision/VW at the same time you had to enter the gobo "twice". This is true for colors as well. MVR/GDTF hooks into the data Vision uses. So, this is true for MVR/GDTF as well.

We have two approaches I can think of:
# Always keep the VW data and the Vision/MVR/GDTF data "in sync". There will still be duplicate data, but in theory the user should only have to enter it once. It is critically important that the first color be synced to some slot in the first wheel and the second color with a slot in the second wheel. This is true for gobos also.
# Remove the old VW colors and gobos. If a fixture/gdtf mode is not set, every fixture can get 2 color wheels and 2 gobo wheels (each with 1 slot) by default to keep the old behavior. All code can now read from these fields instead.

Solution 1 is complicated.

If a fixture has one gobo wheel with 10 slots and one color wheel with 10 slots, in order to support the older VW behavior we would need to add a gobo wheel with 1 slot and a color wheel with 1 slot. BUT, we need to ensure at export time that this isn't exported.

Solution 2 should be straightforward.

Assuming we are using getters and setters for the older VW data, we can just update those to point to the new data. The least straightforward part about this is removing the old UI, which is less of a technical complication.

VE-100215

Marquee Select in Vision Viewport

Brandon Budzon

We now have the ability to Click and Shift+Click in the Vision viewport for selecting objects or adding to the selection.

It would be nice if we could now add a Click+Drag in the Vision viewport for selecting objects contained entirely inside the marquee. A Click+Drag+Option could select objects with any vertex inside the marquee. This is, I believe, how VW works.

VE-100210

Quad views should have splits and be floatable.

Brandon Budzon

Currently our quad views aren't very useful, imho. However, during a tech support call with a customer I saw how a competitor handles this and it's pretty awesome.

The main advantage really comes with floating the viewports as this allows the end user to put the rendering on one monitor and the rest of the UI on another.

Given that we've fixed floating palettes and we have a splitter UI for our Video Inputs, this should be more than doable.

VE-100207

Vision should drop Dark Theme support in lieu of Dark Mode support

Brandon Budzon

Before 10.14 was fully supported, we were able to very quickly and with little effort add a Dark Theme to Vision.

Unfortunately, when Dark Mode shipped for OSX and PC this caused some issues. There are a few VB's opened up against "readability" and "proper UI contrast". I will link these once the ticket is created.

Similarly, Vision doesn't update it's "Mode" when the Operating System settings are updated.

I suggest that Vision should no longer have a Dark Theme context menu and should instead always follow the Operating System settings. If VW handles things differently than this, we should probably attempt to do things as similar to VW as possible.

VE-100102

Lighting Pipe Ladder tool should have adjustable insertion point like new Lighting Pipe tool

Bradley King

Currently, the lighting pipe ladder insertion point is always anchored to the middle of the object. Increasing the ladder height or width always does so from center out.

Much as the improved Lighting Pipe Tool can be aligned Left/center/right, the ladder tool should let us align top/middle/bottom/left/center/right like a rectangle.

This would go a long way towards aligning ladder positioning to real world applications. Ladders are almost always trimmed from bottom rung to floor, and then either L or R point.

VE-99502

Add ability to relatively align user/internal origin

Bradley King

VW currently allows multiple ways to center a drawing on the internal origin OR to align the user origin to the internal origin. However, there is currently no way to make the user origin match the internal origin AND have existing objects keep their positions relative to (0,0).

For example: I receive a drawing of a theater and set from a set designer. The drawing has a user origin placed at Centerline and Plasterline, as per drawing conventions. However, the internal origin is some 100' away on the x coordinate.

There is currently no way for me to align the user/internal origin while keeping all objects relative to (0,0) at Centerline/Plasterline.

VE-104667

T01987 - Cabinets Box/Face Type depencency - smart conversion

Bozhidar Zarev

Sometimes only specific Box/Face Type combinations are allowed. For different Box Type choices, specific Face Type and Face Items settings should be forced.
* Implement this workflow.
* If possible, filter existing Face Items settings and transfer them to the new Face Items. E.g.:
** X doors to X+ doors;
** X drawers to X+ drawers;
** X drawers (if only drawers present) to X- drawers - transfer the first X- drawers.
** ... etc.

VE-104679

T01987 - Cabinets dialog - Face items workflow should disable some controls

Bozhidar Zarev

Changing some specific settings by instance may affect other settings by style. There are forbidden combinations. That is why, as stated in T01987:
{quote}*{{If set to "by style/catalog", editing other logically connected settings may be restricted...}}*{quote}
As stated in T01987, changing some specific settings by instance may affect other settings by style. Also, there are forbidden [Box type - Face type] combinations.

Logically dependent controls:
* Face Items (by style) - item height would change upon editing Frame type, or any height settings (cabinet height, rails, reveals, base...
* Face Type (by style) - popup value would change upon editing Box type.

Solution: Face items workflow should disable some logically dependent controls (face items, height, base, frames...). Override help text to show why they are disabled.

VE-104670

Cabinets - Synchronize dialog and shape pane fields enabled state

Bozhidar Zarev

This has already beed the root of multiple issues.

{color:#ff8b00}Problem:{color} Some fields being enabled in the dialog and disabled in shape pane (and vice versa).

{color:#ff8b00}Cause:{color} With so many parameters and dependency logic, it is hard to keep enabled state synchronized for dialog and shape pane.

{color:#ff8b00}Solution:{color}- A single instance of code should do the enabled state updates for both dialog and shape pane.
- Style support and Selection support (for multiple selection) should still be correctly applied.
- Idea: add by-instance/by-style/by-catalog data in Selection support. Use both determination state AND instance/style/catalalog data to set enabled state.

VE-104669

Cabinets - Dialog fields enabled state in multiple selection

Bozhidar Zarev

Some cabinet settings may enable/disable other settings.
An important workflow of the new cabinets is multiple selection editing.

{color:#ff8b00}Problem:{color} In multiple selection, only the settings of a single object decide the overall fields enabled/disabled state - both in the Settings dialog and the Shape pane.

{color:#ff8b00}Solution:{color} Selection support workflow should be implemented;

Possible workflow features:
- Single selection: fields may be disabled based on other settings.
- Multiple selection (workflow A): fields must be enabled if at least one object supports them.
- Multiple selection (workflow B): fields must be disabled if at least one object does not support them.
- Multiple selection (with styled/unstyled objects): fields must be disabled if set to "by style" for any selected object.

VE-104336

T01987 - Cabnets data validation

Bozhidar Zarev

(/) Done (x) Not done (-) Won't do.
* (x) Validation of UI input - negative or zero values.
Test and validate each method's input. Catch unexpected values.
* (x) Validation of UI input - override logically dependent values.
* (x) Validation of UI input - worksheet changes.
Worksheets could bypass UI restrictions for >=0 and logical dependencies.
* (x) Verification of containers and object generation.
(Solids may show issues with "zero" extrudes or "empty" additions/substractions.

VE-104335

T01987 - Cabinets geometry speedup

Bozhidar Zarev

(/) Done (x) Not done (-) Won't do.
* (x) Do profiling tests.
* (x) If possible, optimize solid operations and used type of extrudes.
* (x) Mark parts of geometry as "frozen" to avoid redrawing them.

VE-104671

T01987 - Cabinets defaults localization issues (imperial/metric numeric defaults)

Bozhidar Zarev

Parameter defaults should include {color:#de350b}\002@{color} localization issues could occur.

Otherwise:
* If distributors change {color:#de350b}unitMark{color} in AppSource\Vectorworks.vwr\Units\1-Length - numeric defaults may appear as 0.
* Issues with symbol names - see VB-157158 (Localized Foliage Tool does not display default symbol).

VE-105223

Cabinets - Doors/drawers with single-piece frame

Bozhidar Zarev

Users wish for a single piece frame of doors/drawers (no individual rails and stiles).

Source: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/110403-2024-new-parametric-cabinet-tool/#comment-486743]

VE-104372

T01987 - Cabinets - DACH standard requires diagonals in 2D visualization

Bozhidar Zarev

Add support for DACH - users must be able to show (or hide) diagonal lines in 2D Top/Plan view.
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104908-t02368-wall-cabinet-improvements/&do=findComment&comment=469353]

VE-105110

Cabinets - Double click to open Settings dialog

Bozhidar Zarev

What users are missing badly is the possibility to go to the settings of the cabinet by double clicking.

However, it is still unclear what functionality would be added with future improvements accessed and with such action.

VE-105111

Cabients - more visualization settings needed

Bozhidar Zarev

DACH design standard:
* "Show diagonals in Top/Plan" is needed.

NKBA design standard:

Please see attached thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/104908-t02368-wall-cabinet-improvements/]
* It is expected for a cabinet to draw differently depending on the vertical position of the cabinet:
** If the cabinet is completely below the section plane in plan view (i.e. a base cabinet), it should be drawn in top view. The possibility to indicate door openings and divisions is wanted. All the graphical attributes should be user-modifiable. Typically these graphic attributes are used (but any user should be able to modify this):
Cabinet in top view: white fill, black 0.1 mm solid line.
Door opening indication (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm solid line.
Cabinet divisions (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm dashed line.
** If the cabinet is sectioned in plan view (i.e. a tall cabinet), it should be drawn as sectioned:
Cabinet: fill & line equal to the fill & line in a section viewport through the 3D model. Typically a grey fill, black 0.18 mm solid line.
Cabinet cross: black 0.1 mm solid line
Door opening indication (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm solid line.
Cabinet divisions (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm dashed line.
** If the cabinet is above the section plane (i.e. a wall cabinet), it should be drawn as sectioned:
Cabinet: no fill, black 0.1mm dashed line.
Cabinet cross: black 0.1 mm dashed line
Door opening indication (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm dashed line.
Cabinet divisions (if selected by user): no fill, black 0.1 mm dashed line.
** The kick inset isn't represented in 2D.
** The drawers/doors are represented by rectangles, like if they are sectioned in plan view.
** ...

VE-104663

Mark symbols direction

Bozhidar Zarev

Vectorworks presents no way to mark symbols direction.

For example, imagine it was a long handle - you may to place it vertically on a cabinet door edge but it must be rotated to horizontal position for drawers.
Clearly, some symbols must be always rotated depending on insertion settings. Other have logical direction - and we cannot know if it is ok or not to rotate them.
* Solution 1: Add mechanism in Vectorworks that would tell what kind of symbol is used and what direction it has.
* Solution 2: Change the UI and add more settings, and let the user manually adjust for specific handles.

VE-104334

T01987 - Cabinets dialog speedup

Bozhidar Zarev

Main slowdown for Base/Tall/Wall Cabinet dialogs is the preview - which is temporary object reset upon dialog changes.

Limit the preview object resets upon dialog interactions:
(/) Done (x) Not done (-) Won't do.
* (/) Add timer or focus change workflow - focus change implemented.
* (/) Disable preview updates for specific dialog panes - Data pane.
* (x) Disable preview updates for class/material/texture/finish changes (depends on rendering).
* (x) Disable preview updates for door/drawer/hardware changes (depends on 3D Detail Levels).

VE-102382

Geological Survey Points import and format concerns

Bozhidar Zarev

Accrotding to US and UK research, current user workflow is not covered well enough in Vectorworks.

/.../
The reports (that geotechnical engineers produce) do not seem to come in a tabular form. They seem to be traditionally created in a page per soil boring type scenario.

For a site with 20 borings, there would be 20 individual boring report pages. For a designer to create survey points in Vectorworks, they would have to enter them all manually (recognizing layers which may not be found in each boring because the tool requires them to do so).
They would have to assemble the table (worksheet/spreadsheet) first, then get it into the proper import format, then import to see the points placed and changing the existing layers of soil under the surface.

The other option would be to place the survey points manually in Vectorworks, again trying to remember all of the layers included throughout the site that may not be included in each boring report page. (Again, not very easy.)

VE-102383

Site Model: Report component volume for partial cuts and holes

Bozhidar Zarev

*Idea:* Polygons or clusters of Survey points representing partial area to be used in partial data presentation (from specific cut from a Site Model).
Report component volume independently based on a given “hole” or multiple holes.
*Note:* There could be some ways to calculate such data for that purpose - Site Modifiers and Site Model snapshots - but no worksheet presentation is available.

VE-103190

R-value of air cavities and air films, various widths

Bozhidar Zarev

Some issues have been reported about R-value calculation of air.
In small cavities air and other gases act as isolators - yet, in wide space they are thermal conductors.

"Therefore, lambda values do not really work with air cavities as they are based on a constant value per unit of thickness."

Also, air films cannot be added to the assembly R-value. See expected values in the document: [https://www.ahfc.us/iceimages/manuals/building_manual_ap_1.pdf] .

VE-105166

Landscape area, Hardscape and Plant: ‘convert hand’ tool icon will be used for converting geometry to PIOs (instead of the bucket).

Bozhidar Stanchev

A discussion arose regarding what symbols to use in the toolbar

The ‘convert hand’ will be used for converting geometry to PIOs (instead of the bucket).
The hardscape doesn’t have this yet, (but will with the new task T02364), and the Landscape area and Plant will need the icons updated

VE-100070

Site model: Application of terrain modifiers needs to be speeded up.

Bozhidar Stanchev

With the aligned hardscape task we have introduced "mesh-like" modifier -
this is a mesh that represents the complex aligned hardscape 'smooth' surface and might consists of a huge number of triangles.

Site model interprets the "mesh-like" modifiers as a set of pad modifiers (where every pad is a triangle of the mesh).

Take a look at the attached test file - there is a complex site model and huge "mesh-like" modifiers which consists of almost 9000 triangles.
Their application on the Site model takes about 3 hours on my machine.

We need to speed up the application of modifiers as a whole (including the application of the "mesh-like" modifier in particular).

I see this to be done in two steps:

1) To implement a new 'mesh-like' modifier class which will make use of the 'mesh' connectivity.
This should be done in some of the VW 25 service packs (as soon as possible).

2) To optimize the algorithms for modifying the TIN and for correcting the 'inner' TIN.
This step is more complex as it will modify some basic algorithms. There is room for such optimization.
As it will highly affect the intended Roadway as well, this optimization should be done for VW 26.

VE-104798

Fence: Add/Allow vertex-based controls in Fence OIP.

Bozhidar Stanchev

the Fence OIP doesn't show the 'poly' vertex-based controls at the bottom (which is typical of the other path-based objects).

!image-2023-05-25-19-22-39-626.png|thumbnail!

In addition to allowing editing of the object path, these controls allow also to track the path poly, i.e. the type of each vertex, its coordinates, whether the path is closed or open, etc.

VE-104682

Site Modifiers: Draped Spoil Pile modifier.

Bozhidar Stanchev

{color:#1d1c1d}Currently the Spoil Pile is part of the surface hierarchy that defines the proposed site model surface and as such it takes the part of its parent's surface that overlaps (i.e. it is the surface it will be influencing / Z-offsetting).{color}

{color:#1d1c1d}The parent is the surface that the modifier falls entirely into, which can be either the existing site model surface or any other defined-surface modifier (i.e. such that completely defines its surface) such as Pad, Aligned, Path modifier , etc.{color}

{color:#1d1c1d}For the case when the Spoil Pile falls inside a Grade Limits, it (the grade limits) is actually still not a defined-surface (still is not generated the defined-surface of the Grade Limits with all modifiers within {*}since the Spoil Pile is part of the hierarchy and is also taken into account while generating this Grade Limits' defined-surface{*}). So therefore the Spoil Pile actually uses the surface of the Grade Limits' parent (which is usually the existing site model surface).{color}

{color:#1d1c1d}The behavior of {color:#1d1c1d}the Spoil Pile{color} should be changed so that when it defines its surface *it behaves similarly to the drape objects* (such as the Draped Hardscape and Landscape Area) *by draping over the proposed site model surface* (with all modifiers already applied). This means that the Spoil Pile modifier should be taken out of the surface hierarchy defining the proposed site model surface, and applied afterwards, similarly to the other drape objects.{color}

{color:#1d1c1d}That would be a good enhancement, and the more logical behavior; also, it will be useful for C&F calculations.
{color}

VE-103906

Site Model Phasing

Bozhidar Stanchev

Previous week, during our talks with [~kollikainen], an idea for Site Model Phasing/Staging enhancement arose.

The goal is to be able to *preserve the current state of a portion of the proposed surface* utilizing the Grade Limit's capabilities rather than by extending the Site Model itself to keep additional states beyond "existing" and "proposed".

The boundary of the Grade Limits always fits to the current surface and so defines (encloses) a portion of it. When the Grade Limit has internal modifiers, they are applied to the limited surface area and, depending on their settings, either smooth slopes or vertical transitions are created between their edges and the region's boundary.

The idea is to add a new button (or perhaps an option?) to the Grade Limits object.
This button will be used *to "fixate" the modification within the Grade Limits* (means the overall modification inside the Grade Limits).

As I see it behaving, it will "convert" the Grade Limits modifier, along with all the modifiers inside it, into an object specifying the state of the modified surface (i.e. one that completely defines its surface).

As I see it behaving, it will "convert" (or use) the Grade Limits modifier, as well as all the modifiers contained within it, into an object that fully specifies the state of the modified surface within the former Grade Limits (i.e. into a new fully defined surface object).

For the way the new object will define its surface, I can think of two options:

Option I. The new surface-state object will be defined by:
* Base surface - a copy of the part of the current surface that was bounded by the Grade Limits.
* The set of all modifiers that were internal and applicable in the Grade Limits.
That is, *it will be defined in the same/similar way that the proposed Site Model surface has been defined so far* (as a Surface Collection, i.e. hierarchical multi-surface TIN model), and *will include internal modifiers to define it hierarchically*.
This seems to imply that its internal modifiers must be stored and accessed in a special edit group.
These modifiers should be integrated into the new surface-state modifier object.
However, *there will be a problem with this approach because in addition to the Site Modifiers, other objects provide modifier components* for the Site Model as well (such as the Hardscape (which embeds the Site Modifier), Roadway, Massing Model, etc.).
We don't want to lose such objects, so we can only use their modifier components to define the new surface-state modifier object (note that this is not the case with the Site Modifier which is only used to modify the site model and has no other functions). The modifier components of such objects could be copied into the newly created surface-state object.

Option II.
* The new surface-state object will be completely defined by a single finished surface, which will be the same as the result of applying the Grade Limits modifiers to the surface it bounds.

In both cases, the *question is what to do with the modifiers and objects that provide modifier components, now that they are included in the new generalized surface-state modifier: disable them as modifiers and lock them, or do something else?* This is a flaw in the concept.

VE-102251

Site Model Components: Top Component with zero thickness for Fills (modifications above the land surface).

Bozhidar Stanchev

The idea is by default the components model to have a top "Fills" component with 0 thickness (note that it is currently not possible to create a 0 thickness component).

Notice that a component will be visualized (will create meshes) only for the component's areas where the thickness is not zero (this is how the components visualization currently works).

So if there is a top "Fills" component with zero thickness, it won't be visualized unless there are modifications above the land surface. And only the modified areas will be visualized.

VE-102401

Site Model: 'Geometry Lowest Z' should report the elevation in local layer's coordinates instead of in global coordinates.

Bozhidar Stanchev

Currently the OIP 'Geometry Lowest Z' shows the elevation in global coordinates.
It should rather report the elevation in local layer's coordinates.

VE-102885

Plant: Add option that allows disconnecting from sending to surface and locking current elevations.

Bozhidar Stanchev

Here is how the Plant currently works:
When a Plant is created over a Site Model or a Plant over a Site Model is recalculated, the plants (each of its plant symbols) are automatically sent to the Site Model surface. I.e. internally, during the recalculation of the Plant, the plant symbols will automatically conform (adjust elevations) to the Site Model surface and it is done whenever the Plant is above a Site Model.

Note that *there is no option to control this behavior - the plant symbols always conform to the first found Site Model* (over the Plant area).

Calling the Send to Surface command for a Plant object only triggers object recalculation, thus, it only ensures that the plant symbols conform to the Site Model surface (for example, in cases when Plant position or Site Model position have changed).

The idea is to *allow "disconnecting" the Plant object from sending (of its plant symbols) to the surface and along with it their current elevations to be "locked"*, i.e. the next recalculation to not make the plants elevations zeros but to keep them as if they are still adjusting to the surface as it was at the time of locking.

VE-103388

Hardscape cut&fill surface vs. finished surface when applied on Site Model (similar to Landscape Area).

Bozhidar Stanchev

Currently, when the Landscape Area applies on the Site Model surface, the contours are following the unmodified surface, while the cut&fill surface follows the bottom of the lowest component.

A similar behavior is required for the Hardscape. However, due to the fact that Hardscape has borders (curbs) where the bottom of their lowest components might not follow the bottom of the main area lowest component, we decided that the cut&fill surface should comply with the main area lowest component:
!hardscape-cut&fill-3.jpg|thumbnail!

Note that the Hardscape can behave as a modifier (unlike the Landscape Area, which conforms to the Site Model surface).
For this reason, a choice between 3 options will be added:
- Acts as modifier
- Conforms to site model and cuts volume for subsurface components
- Acts as modifier and cuts volume for subsurface components

When cutting volume for its subsurface components (when applied on the Site Model), the cut&fill surface will follow the same rule as shown on the above picture.

VE-103622

Landmark: Add "Update Site Model" button for Grade, Stake and Landscape Area.

Bozhidar Stanchev

In VW2023 there is already an "Update Site Model" button in the Site Modifier's OIP and in the Hardscape's OIP when it uses (acts as) Site Modifier.

It is useful as the user can update the Site Model after making changes to the Site Modifier (or to the Hardscape that uses modifier) directly from the modifier's OIP without changing the selection.

Such "Update Site Model" button will be useful if added to the OIP of the Grade, Stake and Landscape Area objects. Note: This button should be available in the OIP only when the object acts as modifier.

VE-102407

Edit Profile context: 3D geometry in layer coordinates.

Bozhidar Stanchev

When we are Edit Profile context, it will be more convenient if the 3D geometry in the profile group shows in layer coordinates (of the layer in which the object is) instead of global coordinates.

Specifically, such a change is required for the Edit Profile context of the Site Model (the 'Recreate from Source Data' edit context), but the question is more general.

VE-100891

Add ability to copy images from the Plant Catalogue

Bill Vincent

Please see the attached video which highlights the ability to do copy by right mouse click in the Vectorworks Plant Data Base but that facility is not available in the Catalogue List

For client presentation the ability to do this is important. Most clients simply do not recognise latin names or even common names of plants!

VE-100254

Adding "Price" as a field to the BlankPlantCatalog File .xlxs

Bill Vincent

This would allow such clients as nurseries to circulate more useful data to clients. At present you cannot import that file correctly if it is modified in any way

VE-100995

All Walls on 2021 Appear to be set relative to Story

Bill Vincent

That almost all walls from the Vectorworks libraries appear to be set to the story as opposed relative to the Wall is going to be very confusing to many users. It will require many users to edit any wall style they use.

I used a wall from the library as shown. There was no wording as in other libraries to the effect that the walls were story bound.

VE-102727

Data tags in section tag the wrong object

Bill Treen

When working with tags in section, the tags will frequently snap to and reference an object that is in the distance.

In section, data tags should prioritize (always reference) objects that are on the section cut plane, not off in the distance somewhere.

The data tags are a powerful benefit but only if they convey the correct information. If they show the wrong information, well, that is something other than useful.

See the attached test file and video.

VE-103070

Publish PDF should make smaller PDFs

Bill Treen

Publish PDFs make very large file size pdfs

Open a vectorworks file and publish a sheet layer to PDF

Now print the same sheet layer to PDF ( go to print then save as a pdf )

The two PDFs should be the same paper size. Notice the published PDF sheet has a much larger file size than the printed to PDF sheet

I understand this is due to two different PDF engines being used - one for publish and one for print.

It would be beneficial if publish PDF used the same engine as print, or least produced a smaller file size.

Large size PDFs are difficult to share and sometimes collaborators cannot even open the files or find them so bulky they can't use them

VE-104346

What happened to the Color wheel ?

Bill Treen

The color wheel was the way I chose custom colors. Unfortunately, it has been removed from the attributes palette in VW 2023.

The color wheel is much easier to use than the remaining custom color selectors.

Further, the custom color drawer has been removed. I like this place to store colors I've taken the time to assign to objects.

I don't know why this functionality was taken away but please, bring back the color wheel and the custom color storage drawer.

Taking these away has removed very useful functionality that I used to depend on.

See the attached two screen shots.

VE-104181

Ability to switch units in the OIP

Bill Treen

In vectorworks we can have Units and Secondary Units for dimensions.

It would be wonderful to have these two unit systems available for use in the Object Info Palette too.

Currently if we want to see the secondary units in the OIP we have to change the units for the entire drawing. This is inconvenient and not bug free.
I would like to be able to change the units in the OIP so I can quickly do what I have to do in the other units and then change back without causing the entire drawing to be recalculated.
This is not an infrequent requirement for those of us who work in imperial and metric or feet/inches and decimal feet.

VE-104177

Add the ability to add columns to the various panes of the navigation palette.

Bill Treen

See the attached image file.

The navigation palette currently shows various columns at the top of the panes for Classes, Design Layers, Sheet Layers, Viewports, Saved Views and References.

We should be able to add our own columns to these panes.

Classes allow us to see and sort by Visibility and Class name. I would like to add Tags or Description or the other listings possible under the filters.

Layers allows us to sort by Visibility, layer name, stacking order and storey. I would like to see the layer's Z elevation or scale or the other listings possible under the filters.

Same with Sheet Layers, Viewports, Saved Views and References.

Functionally, these new columns might be accessed by right clicking on the column header and selecting choice(s) to be added from a list . These would then be added and would be sortable.

The impetus for this enhancement request comes from me wanting to see more information at a glance. This morning I just wanted to know a layer's Z elevation without having to go through another pane to get to it. I have come up against this limitation time and again.
I think this could improve navigation palette functionality for the user.

VE-103855

Vectorworks needs a "Lock Position" Function

Bill Treen

Further to my earlier Enhancement Request, VE-103576:

Currently, Vectorworks does not have the ability for an object's layer to change while ensuring its Z position is retained. If the layers have different Z origins, most objects will move their Z position when moved to another layer. Examples object are the +roof object+ and +aligned hardscape+ with internal Surface Modifiers.

Sometimes, it is desirable to changes an object's layer. In most cases, the *+hard fought for+* Z location should not change but it will. The Z location will change by the distance between the two layers' Z origins.

Vectorworks needs a "Lock Position" function. Currently, we have the "Lock" function. It retains an object's X,Y,Z position but also locks all other aspects of of an object, including its layer. The layer of a locked object cannot be changed.

A "Lock Position" function would retain the object's X,Y,Z position while allowing the other characteristics of an object to be changed, including its layer. This would allow an object to be moved to another layer, retain its Z value and, importantly, its constraints with other objects.

For users who work in 3D there are many challenges and many, many rewards. In my opinion, working in 3D is the best workflow. This one inability of Vectorworks unnecessarily frustrates the user's 3D workflow. It is, so seemingly, easy to remedy.

The current workaround of group / ungroup on the active, target layer works to retain the object's Z location but is cumbersome and threatens an object's constraints with other objects.

Kindly develop a "Lock Position" or similar functionality in Vectorworks.

VE-103993

Wall direction needs to be shown in 3D

Bill Treen

I'll keep saying this until it happens, Vectorworks walls need an indicator, visible in 3D, that shows the direction of the wall.

I encounter this shortcoming frequently, daily, hourly, all the time.

Vectorworks has become a great product for working in 3D. Coupled with Zoom and Teams, we have 3D design sessions with clients and colleagues on a regular basis. The results are impressive. Clients, Engineers, Contractors, Architects love it and always ask "What program is that?"

However, one of the most annoying limitations to working in 3D is not being able to tell which end of the wall is the beginning and which is the end. I can't tell in a 3D view and neither can you. The OIP doesn't help.

It is important to know which side is which. If I change a texture on one side, in 3D with the client watching, believe me, I want to know which side is which. When I want to render the start or end of a wall, I want to know which end is which.
When I want to fit a wall to objects, I have to know which side is which because I may want to fit to the right side or the left side of the wall and I can't do that confidently, in 3D if I don't know which side is which.

Currently, the 3D workflow is interrupted by the need to switch to a 2D plan to see which end of the wall is the starting end. Once I know this, I can go back to the 3D view and make the change. Heaven help me if I need to do this to a number of walls, such as happens when fitting to objects. I just won't remember and will need to take a sceenshot or keep referring back to 2D. Very annoying.

Vectorworks needs an indicator that shows the start, end, left, right, it doesn't matter just some indicator, visible in 3D. Maybe it's as simple as adding "L" or "R" beside the schematic in the OIP. Maybe in the rendering pane selecting the "left" or "right"side causes that side to highlight or maybe the blue arrow and square appear at the ends of the wall, as happens now in 2D.

I look forward to this being implemented. It will simplify and enhance the 3D workflow.

VE-103980

"Send object(s) to other object's surface" tool required.

Bill Treen

It is easy to locate objects in the X & Y directions.
VW could use an enhancement for placing objects in the Z direction.

We can use the "send to surface" command that will bring an object to the surface of a DTM-site model.
We need the same type of ability to accurately send objects in the Z direction to another object. In the attached movie, it is difficult to send a light object up to the ceiling. It is a sloped ceiling, so its Z height varies. Still I want to send the light up to it.
The desired behavior might be like this:
1) Chose an object or objects and then;
2) Chose a target surface (or working plane);
3) Run the command that will lift or lower the objects until they each reach the desired surface. Each object should independently stop at the surface because the height to the target object may be different for each one.

I think this could easily be a function within VW. There are examples of tools that do this. For instance "Send to Surface" and the "Project" 3D modelling tool.

One workaround for this now is :
1) Set a working plane that will be the target surface;
2) Draw a 2D object on the subject object (the one that should move);
3) The 2D object will actually be drawn on the working plane.
At this point, I would want to align the 2D Planar object and the object to be moved, using the Align/Distribute 3D tool. Alas, this tool does not work with Planar Objects.
4) Therefore, convert the 2D object to 3D object or snap a 3D locus onto the planar object;
5) With both objects selected, run 3D align/Distribute command;
6) The subject object will move to the working plane.

That's a complex workflow but it works. It would be much better to have a tool that does this.

See the attached video. The light is black and the roof surface is sloped.
BTW, I know, in this case, I can easily go to a side view and manually move the light up until it hits the ceiling, Sometimes it is very hard to do this without taking an inordinate amount of time.

VE-103896

Saved Views need a "Don't Save" Setting for Layer and Class Options

Bill Treen

In a drawing which has a saved view, Go to Saved Views (in the mode bar), select edit view; Select the saved view and select edit;

Notice the layer and class options show the usual Active only, Gray others, Gray Snap Others, ... Show Snap Modify Others settings.
When run, the Saved View will be instructed to apply one of these options. See the attached image.
Frequently, it is not desirable to change the layer and class option from what is currently being used but we are forced to chose one. Sometimes I want to run a Saved View but do not want to change the Layer and Class options.

There is no way to do this.

A "Don't Save" setting is required.

There is a "Don't Save" setting available for Active Class and Active Layer. See the attached image. We need that for Class and Layer Options too.

Turning off Restore Layer Visibility or Restore Class Visibility will deactivate the layer and class options as desired. However, if you turn off "restore layer or class visibility" all class and layer control is lost and you are back to using the navigation pallet to control the classes and layers. To see this, turn off all the classes in a drawing and then run a saved view that has "restore layer or class visibility" turned off. Even though you may have set up the saved view with specific layer and class visibilities, all of that is lost. This type of saved view has little purpose. See the attached image.

What we need is a "Don't Save" setting for the layer and class options, in addition to Active Only, Gray Others... Show Snap Modify others.
This would give us the ability to recall the layer and class visibilities while not being forced into a specific layer or class option (see below)

In short, Layer and Class options need to be given a "Don't Save" setting.

VE-103827

column object parts should pick up assigned attributes

Bill Treen

It is not uncommon to use a column object as a pad footing with a concrete pier and then a wood column on top of that.
It's easy to do with the base , shaft and capital used for the various parts. It's easy to control their heights too, using levels.
The problem is, no matter what you do, the base and capital will not pick up any assigned line attributes. See the image below. The lines are very thin, almost invisible and not indicative of a footing or column shaft. If I assign the footing class to the base through the classes/materials... button, the base should change its appearance accordingly.
Currently, I need to add a 2D rectangle with the footing line attributes for the footing to be visible.

!image-2022-12-13-11-54-39-542.png!

VE-103745

Objects should report their geodetic Z coordinate in the OIP

Bill Treen

It's important when working in 3D that we be able to determine an object's vertical or 'Z' position.

The Z information shown in the OIP is lacking. Currently the IOP shows the object's Z location relative to the active layer. If the active layer is changed the object's reported Z position may change. This makes it difficult to meaningfully know where an object is actually located in space. Knowing an object's Z position relative to the active layer's origin is not enough. Moving between layers does not change an object's X or Y value. Moving between layer should not change an object's Z value either. The only way to do this is to use geodetic Z values.

Vectorworks needs to be able to report an object's geodetic elevation in the Object Information Palette. There should be an X, Y, Z and Geodetic Z field in the OIP. Further this geodetic field value should be editable just like the other fields.

I have a work around for this shortcoming and it is super helpful for locating objects confidently. However, it is an extra few steps and may require the insertion of 3D loci.

My work around for determining the true Z location of an object:

Create a layer called "Sea Level" set its Z origin @ 0.

Create a saved view called 'Go to Sea Level'. This makes Sea Level the active layer without affecting layer or class settings.

Select an object, run the saved view or just go to sea level layer. The OIP will now show the geodetic Z information of the object. See the last image.

!image-2022-11-25-11-24-50-980.png!!image-2022-11-25-11-24-26-393.png!

!image-2022-11-25-11-31-51-805.png!

VE-103707

Allow use of the new text settings in the View Bar to be used in worksheets.

Bill Treen

It would be very helpful and a great addition to users' workflow if we could use the new view bar text menu to alter text within worksheet cells.
I tried it today and of course, it didn't work but it seems like a natural workflow.

Seems like we should be able to change worksheet cell's font, font size, alignment etc. through the view bar.

I have the urge to use this functionality several times today... this would be a good improvement

!image-2022-11-24-13-26-45-551.png!

VE-103589

New Custom Paste Tool

Bill Treen

We have Paste, Paste in Place and Paste as Bitmap.

Users could also benefit from a Custom Paste command that would allow them to choose whether to retain an objects current Z position - ie. not move vertically when pasted onto another layer and a further option that would allow objects to be pasted onto multiple layers at once.

VE-103576

New Function to move objects between layers and not change Z position

Bill Treen

Currently in vectorworks, if a 3d object is moved from one layer to another using the OIP or copy/cut paste, the object will change its Z elevation to match the new layer.

For many objects this makes sense - Doors, windows, walls, furniture etc. For objects that need to maintain their Z position relative to the layer origin this functionality works.

For many other types of objects, no matter which layer they are on, their world Z position should remain unchanged when moved from layer to layer.

Vectorworks does not have a function that allows an object to maintain its absolute position when moved between layers.

It would be very useful to have the option to lock an object's Z value when moved between layers.

My current work around for this lack of functionality is to have the source layer visible and target layer active and then group and ungroup the object. The group will be created on the active layer and will not move its Z position. Unfortunately, this can break constraints between objects.

(layer options show, snap, modify) (active class none)

VE-103030

Allow surface modifiers to transfer between files

Bill Treen

I created a hardscape object that contains surface modifiers. It was for a driveway.

I needed to transfer this driveway to another file.

Unfortunately, the hardscape with surface modifiers would not transfer between files using copy and paste or by importing the layer into a drawing.

Please allow the surface modifiers be able to transfer between files.

It is time consuming to recreate the surface modifiers in the new file.

See the attached test file.

Create a new drawings and try to copy the hardscape (driveway) to a new drawing.

VE-102845

Select similar should work within viewports

Bill Treen

We are not able to use select similar objects within a viewport annotation

I have several objects in a viewport annotation that I want to select using the select similar tool. Unfortunately, this tool does not work within viewport annotations and it really should.

We can annotate viewports with many objects - for instance tags, or in my case, electrical receptacles, lights, etc. and I cannot use the select similar tool to select them with one click. I have to select them all individually. Another good reason to not put objects in a viewport annotation space.

Please make it so the select similar tool works within viewport annotation spaces.

VE-101319

Slab objects when view from side have homogenous appearance

Bill Treen

When viewed from the edge of a slab or roof, the various components are visible

This means that we need to cover them with a material in order for them to appear as a fascia or band board or some other homogenous material.

It is good to see the various components in section but not in elevation.

In elevation, the edge of the slab or roof should, preferably, appear as an un-differentiated material, regardless of the components within it.

See the attached example image

VE-99467

Ability to change class visibility in IOP

Bill Treen

To change the class of an object we select the object and then select a different class in the object info pallet.

While doing this it is easy to see the current visibility of the class about to be chosen.

If the class is currently visible - all is good. The object's class can be changed and the object will remain visible. Convenient for doing more editing on it, if wanted.
If the about to be selected class is not visible then there will be more work involved. The class must be made visible in the navigation pallet or that class made active - separate steps that interrupt the workflow.

It would be desirable to have the ability to right click on the, about to be selected, class in the OIP and change its visibility right there.

This seems like such obvious functionality that I check from time to time to see if it has been implemented yet.

VE-102717

IP-Exceptions on Firewall

Benno Wendt

We are maintaining a list of FQDNs which are needed for vectorworks to function properly in highly secured environments. Our list includes:
* Server DE:
packages.computerworks.eu:80TCP
cw-onlineupdate.de:443TCP
vectorworks-hilfe.computerworks.eu:443TCP
server7.cw-onlineupdater.de:443 TCP
* Server US:
activation.vectorworks.net:80TCP
connect.vectorworks.net:443TCP
installer.vectorworks.net:443TCP
notify.vectorworks.net:443TCP
release.vectorworks.net:80TCP
api.bimobject.com:443TCP
api.vectorworks.net:443TCP
sso.vectorworks.net:443TCP

Now I got hit with a big list of IPs, the customer has found. These are used by the client and he is not sure what it is for and if it's needed. In this case I can't confirm that it is used for vectorworks and can't tell them the purpose. They complained about the big number of IPs they would need to make an exception for and why this many connections are needed anyway.

Is there a +complete+ List of used Servers/IPs/FQDN which should cover all connections made by vectorworks? Their Fortigate Firewall lists the IPs below, normally these would have been blocked.

52.119.234.62 ([dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com|http://dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/])
54.225.188.111 ([vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com|http://vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/])
54.84.59.7 ([vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com|http://vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/])
52.119.233.210 ([dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com|http://dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/])
52.119.233.84
52.94.2.198
52.119.232.170
52.119.228.80
52.119.233.156
52.94.2.246
52.119.234.158
52.119.234.78
52.94.0.120
52.119.224.112
54.231.133.122 ([s3-us-east-1-r-w.amazonaws.com|http://s3-us-east-1-r-w.amazonaws.com/])
18.232.48.82 ([vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com|http://vcs-prod-lb-1672852393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/])
52.94.1.210
52.119.228.104
52.119.232.122
52.119.232.226
52.119.233.236
34.233.64.101 ([ec2-34-233-64-101.compute-1.amazonaws.com|http://ec2-34-233-64-101.compute-1.amazonaws.com/])
34.237.159.15 ([ec2-34-237-159-15.compute-1.amazonaws.com|http://ec2-34-237-159-15.compute-1.amazonaws.com/])
52.119.234.20
52.94.1.188
34.236.30.232 ([ec2-34-236-30-232.compute-1.amazonaws.com|http://ec2-34-236-30-232.compute-1.amazonaws.com/])
52.119.226.232
52.94.1.248
52.94.2.106 ([dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com|http://dynamodb.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/])
52.119.226.70
52.119.233.82
52.119.232.176
52.119.234.42

They are struggling with GIS-features - these don't work, probably blocked, that's why we looked closer into this

VE-102675

Proxy and/or Firewall Issues in more restrictive Environments

Benno Wendt

Activation of the Vectorworks Site Protection Server is sometimes hard to support, due to lack of information regarding used IPs/URLs.

I found some by just testing at our network, but this is not helpful or professional to just guess.

In this case the Sophos (XG550) Firewall on Version 18.x has a setting for "Web filtering" this worked before and the customer needed to make a special rule for the Site Activation Server where this feature is on setting "none" instead of "Allow All" (see screenshots)
As they discribed it seems like in the communication there is a switch of the Server answering on your side and at this point a reset was send instead of this switch - probably because the second server was just blocked so the first send the reset.
After changing the setting described above the activation was just fine.

I also attached a Wireshark file, I think you should be able to get the information needed from there because you know which IPs are relevant to this.

It feels like just making an exception for "site-activation.vectorworks.net" seems not enough, or the reverse dns entries
[ec2-52-21-238-49.compute-1.amazonaws.com|http://ec2-52-21-238-49.compute-1.amazonaws.com/]" (52.21.238.49)
[api-load-balancer-public-18656393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com|http://api-load-balancer-public-18656393.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/](3.222.52.129)
[ec2-3-222-52-129.compute-1.amazonaws.com|http://ec2-3-222-52-129.compute-1.amazonaws.com/] (3.222.52.129)
...

lead to blocking on some customer firewalls.

I support bigger customers and I'm talking to IT-Admins directly. Still I can't really tell them what happens there, I just can tell them "Make an exception for site-activation.vectorworks.net" If this doesn't work they sometimes tracking themselves and add other exceptions or making a much "lower security rule" just for the server running Vectorworks Site Protection.

VE-101565

Move Library folder out of Program Files

Benno Wendt

According to cyber security guidelines by German Government (BSI) User on Windows 10 should not be able to write in installation folders. This hits every school or university and every customer working for or with the government. Additionally, the bigger a customer is, the more likely they adapt to that guideline to keep their network and clients safe.

Therefore they are not able to use download functionalities for the Library and miss all additional content.

The solution would be to place the Library Folder in ProgramData (just as example) or make it possible to redirect the folder to a chosen location.

Till now customers try to work around that problem by using workgroup folders, distribute the needed files by their software distribution or accept it as "not possible to use these".

When using workgroup folders, they face other disadvantages:
# Someone needs to be able to get around their restrictions to get the content
# They need to organize an additionally structure to use the content
# IT-Department needs to be involved for (1) and maybe (2)
# It's slow - imagine what is needed to get just one thing you need out of premium libraries

Distributing files (by IT-Department):
# very slow - tell their IT what to get and how to get it and where to put it
# time consuming and therefore not likely to be used more than once a year

Accepting as not possible:
# missing a lot of content
# switch to another program where you can get additional content without the big hassle

Using the user folder instead:
# there is still the problem of getting the content in the first place(see above)
# distributing makes it slow and not flexible

The best solution would be not to try work around it with other inconveniences or difficulties but fix it.

Even more customers have at least permission issues (administrator installs vwx for the user). This would also be much better than before - at least the user would be able get the libraries alone. Even without following the guideline the user needs to get their IT to let them download/update the library.

VE-104571

Worksheet Reports: Function calling record fields should return N/A for subparts

Benedikt Fischer

Since subparts can be listed in worksheet reports, functions which call record fields should return N/A for subparts they are not applicable to. The example attached lists three Railing/Fence objects in column A and their subparts in column B. When calling any record field of Railing/Fence, it returns the correct value for the Railing/Fence objects but should return N/A for the subparts.

VE-103507

Railing/Fence: geometry of vertical bars and thereby function return for =Length incorrect

Benedikt Fischer

VE-101365

CW Stairs: missing shell edge in 2D-Plan

Benedikt Fischer

When finish materials for the riser and tread are used (e.g. wood panels), the checkboxes in the Construction pane will trigger the stair PIO to generate sub-objects for the finished riser and finished tread. In 2D-Plan, the edge of the shell step (e.g. concrete) should appear as a hidden line (hidden by the finished tread panel) in dashed/dotted.

VE-103336

Worksheet Insert Function dialog description for record fields.

Benedikt Fischer

The current Worksheet Insert Function dialog provides a group box allowing descriptions for record fields. According to [~fdefelix2] comment in VB-189175 , this doesn't work, while for functions it does.

VE-102623

Filter or search by subpart in Insert Function Dialog

Benedikt Fischer

To my understanding, the Insert Worksheet Function Dialog Details field will list the subparts for which the selected function(option) is applicable to (apart from how the quantity is calculated, examples, graphics etc.). User requirement is to pick a subpart of a parent object, e.g. the Top Rail of the Railing/Fence object and to derive desired quantities for that subpart (e.g. the Length). Presumably, many of these desired quantities will be provided by the new functions(options). The current functionality of the dialog exacts a different workflow which goes like this: The User can filter all functions by parent object. Then he must pick a quantity (e.g. =LENGTH) instead of a subpart and then has to check in the details field or Show Examples Text File, if the selected function is, amongst others, applicable to that subpart he has in mind and if the quantity for this subpart will be calculated in the desired way. For that reason, it would be good if he could filter functions by parent object AND by subpart.

Please evaluate this together with VE-102624

VE-102624

Insert Function Dialog Details scrollable and with graphics

Benedikt Fischer

If I understood correctly, the user will expect from the details field of the Insert Function dialog the documentation of all the subparts the selected function is applicable to and how the quantity is calculated for each subpart. The screenshot with comments attached will demonstrate, why it would be good to make this dialog field scrollable. Also, it would be great to be able to add graphics. Graphics can explain how quantities are calculated much clearer and much more precise than plain text.

Please evaluate this together with VE-102623.

VE-101145

BF: BCF test results by buildingSMART german chapter

Benedikt Fischer

Within the buildingSMART german chapter, there is a work group dedicated to improving BCF. The work group was introduced to visitors of the bS International Standard Summit which took place in March 2019. At that time, there was no other bS group in any other country working on a similar topic. One of the work groups projects is to systematically* test the BIM capabilities of numerous BIM software solutions and push improvements. They have developed an extensive and thought-through list of assessment criteria based on standard user workflows. For each criteria/requirements, they check if and how well it is met. This results in an overall evaluation of the BCF capabilities and a very transparent comparison of Vectorworks with all our competitors. ComputerWorks is part of this buildingSMART work group and we had the chance to receive not just the results of Vectorworks but the ones of our competitors as well. Attached are excel lists with each criterion and the results (exchange protocol) for Vectorworks, Allplan, ArchiCAD, Revit etc. All the enhancement requests resulting from this test in May 2020 with Vectorworks 2020 are reported as individual wishes (see links below).

The next project of this work group is to develop a certification program and/ or to publish the results. Obviously, they are pressuring all software developers to move forward with BCF. Allplan sent two programmers to the testing workshop who fixed some low hanging fruits on the fly. Other competitors seem to take it very serious as well. If you can implement these resulting enhancement requests, it would be of great benefit to our customers practicing Big open BIM. Also, it is a chance to measurably catch up with our competitors. The head of this buildingSMART work group (Tobias Döring) is also head of the regional group in Stuttgart and is regularly giving lectures on BCF workflows in national buildingSMART events.

+*Explanation of the testing process (in detail see IDM doc attached):+
# A simple test model is initially modeled in Allplan and exported to IFC.
# This IFC file is imported into Solibri (System A) where a presentation with specific BCF issues is created and exported.
# The BCF file is looked at in XML code to filter deficiencies made by Solibri.
# The BCF file is imported into Vectorworks (System B) and the result is compared to the status in System A and also its exported XML.
# Specific changes are performed with the Vectorworks BCF- manager (Changes) and then exported.
# Changes made in Vectorworks are re-imported into Solibri via BCF and opened as XML code to compare it with what was exported out of Vectorworks before.

+Attachements:+
# Zip Vectorworks
# Zip Competitors

+Individual wishes:+
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101159
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101160
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101161
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101162
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101163
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101164
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101165
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101166
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101167
https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101168
VE-101538 BCF Manager should keep the document as tidy as possible (classes) (LHF)
VE-101539 BCF Manager should keep the document as tidy as possible (resources)
VE-101602 BCF Manager should be able to sync with BCF servers

Please feel free to contact [bfischer@computerworks.de|mailto:bfischer@computerworks.de] if you have any questions. We are happy to explain everything in detail in a meeting.

VE-100888

BF: Stair CW: Lower Floor Connection Detail - Improve UI

Benedikt Fischer

1.) Pulldown: The pulldown giving the option between custom length and stair body thickness feels cumbersome. A not exactly same but very similar situation in the menu ladder "Notch with chamfer" of this dialog uses radio buttons which feels and looks more intuitiv to me. Another advantage of the radio button is, that the user sees all options at first glance and at all times which makes the situation more comprehendable. Please see proposal attached.

2.) Preview: When the user chooses custom length, the preview changes to a slightly thicker stair body. That's helpful but could be misleading in the case the chosen value is actually smaller. It would be even better, if there were another preview with a thinner stair body and it would appear when the custom length value is smaller then the stair body thickness. It could do that as soon as the user clicks into another field which triggers recalculation of the values.

VE-104959

Fence Tool Vertical Board butt join option

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached file and screen shot. Note we need the option space vertical boards a prescribed distance. In the attached case, the boards are gapped presumably to achieve a whole number (particularly pronounced for short runs). This is not how paling fences are constructed. The boards must butt together and/or lap over one another (ship lapped).

VE-104931

Fence Tool - Send to Surface uncheck broken

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached file and screen shot.

When the Send to Surface is unchecked, the fence does not redraw to the Design Layer plane. It remains on the surface of the Site Model. One would expect it to 'bounce' back to a horizontal arrangement to the Design Layer upon which it is drawn.

I also suggest this check box is displayed in the OIP.

VE-102547

Back links to Reference Markers not working

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached file 2022SP2[RCiv].vwx and 2022SP2[RCiv].pdf

Note the Reference Marker on PDF pp1 will link and navigate to the VP on pp4, but the back reference link to return to pp1 does not work.

VE-105213

Railing Tool - Corner Post min/max offset values.

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached file and screen shot. Often it will desirable and/or not possible to place a post in corners. Postless corners are employed by designers to articulate the infill and not disrupt the continuity of the handrail.

Additionally, posts are often designed and constructed to suit straight sections of railing and may not be readily adjusted or modified to suit a corner condition.

Accordingly, corners are often resolved by placing posts back from the corner and cantilevering the railing and infill. However there are design and construction limits on cantilevers.

It would be good to be able to nominate a minimum distance posts should be placed to a corner. We should also be able to nominate a maximum permitted distance.

VE-105212

Railing Tool - Special Start/End posts required

Ben Beaumont

Please observe the attached sample of a proprietary railing system. Note the start and end posts are different to the main running posts. We need provision for special start posts and special end posts. These are not necessarily the same (handed) versions - but could be.

VE-105159

Railing Tool - Set down Guardrail top rail

Ben Beaumont

Find attached an image of the proprietary bridge railing system Maddox BR20.
Note the posts extend through and past the Guardrail top rail.
We need a value to introduce a set down for the top rail.
Presently the top rail is forced to the top of the post.
Also find attached .vwx mock-up and accompanying screen shot.

VE-105160

Railing Tool - Toeboard/ Kerbrail/ Curb rail

Ben Beaumont

Find attached an image of the proprietary bridge railing system Maddox CB20.
Note there is a toeboard/ Kerbrail/ Curb rail that sits forward and separate from the infill.
This is a requirement of the Australian National Construction Code and associated Accessibility Standards.
Also find attached a mock-up and accompanying screen shot.

VE-105161

Railing Tool - Double Handrails Horizontal and Vertical

Ben Beaumont

Find attached images of the proprietary bridge railing systems Maddox AR110, AR120, AR130 and AR140
In primary schools in Australia we are required to provide a secondary handrail at an appropriate height for children.
You will also note for handrails midspaced between a wide flight of stairs, there is a need to have handrails on both sides of the post.
This eventuates with the twin double offset handrail as we see in system AR140.

Notice also how the terminations radius around to resolve with the lower handrail.

Can we please have provision for double handrails in the Railing Tool.

VE-103535

Batch Rename: Add Sheet Layer Stacking Order and Sequential Numbering

Ben Beaumont

Can we please extend the functionality of the Batch Rename command to order Sheet Layers by Stacking Order.

Can we also please add support for sequential numbering.

The objective here is to match the 'Title Block Sheet Data.Sheet Number' field with the stacking position. This would support simpler workflows such as Interior Design and Events etc. where a drawing set need only be issued once and the drawing numbers need to reconcile with the PDF page numbers. Auto Coordination needs to be preserved, so the Sheet Number value needs to be used (ie; it's not sufficient to use the Page Number value).

VE-105039

Railing Tool - Custom terminations

Ben Beaumont

The Australian Standard for Access and Mobility [AS 1428.1] prescribes the permitted handrail terminations as per the attached images AS 1421.1 Ramp Handrail Terminations.png and AS 1421.1 Stail Handrail Terminations.png.
We seek to have these types included in the Railing Tool either as part of the parametric functionality and/or as special symbols.
Note; in addition to the typical arrangement of turning the rails vertically, at least one of the termination type rolls horizontally back to an adjoining wall.
Observe the requirement to extend the handrail the width of one tread at the bottom of the stair. Observe also the requirement to extend the handrail horizontally (AS 1421.1 Handrail Terminations pp48.png).

Note also the requirement for radiused turns.
Note; the Standard applies equally to our Landmark and Architect users.

VE-104984

Display Units in bottom right corner next to absolute X and Y coordinates

Ben Beaumont

Can we please reveal/display the selected Units in the bottom right corner next to the absolute X and Y coordinates. It's impossible to tell what units a file is in unless we query the document settings. That becomes a bit tedious. Regardless, the X and Y values don't make much sense unless we know what units they are.

This is particularly relevent as we routinely switch between the preferred architectural units of Millimeters and surveying/GIS - Meters.

VE-104951

Visibility Tool - Clearer Preferences Language

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached Visibility Tool Preferences prompt.

Can we please review the language used. When the invisible mode is selected, this makes no sense.

I suggest the prompt reads 'changes the class visibility state of the selected object'.

The same logic needs to be applied to the other radio buttons.

VE-104946

Measuring Tool - Shortcut key assignment

Ben Beaumont

Can we please assign a shortcut key to the Measuring Tool. It must be one of the most commonly and universally used Tools.

I suggest we assign the Shift + / keys. This is the ? which I find appropriate.

This key combination is also currently not used.

VE-104922

Fence Tool - Add 'handed' end posts for fence and gate.

Ben Beaumont

Find attached a sample file with the frameless glass pool fencing design that is ubiquitous in Australia. We have a very strict code and standard AS 1926.1 that tightly prescribes the requirements. You can see typical examples:
[https://forgehardware.com.au/news/post/buy-frameless-glass-fencing-online-do-it-yourself.html]
[https://thearchitectschoice.com.au/glass-pool-fencing/]

In the attached file, you will notice each panel has two stanchions. This is achieved by having two stanchions as part of each Post Symbol definition offset symetrically from the insertion point.
The end post is a special, with only one offset stanchion.

However, the result is that the end post is applied incorrectly to the opposite end of each fencing run.

Similarly, if a gate post (with a similarly single offset stanchion) is applied, then the stanchion will appear correctly on one side of the gate, but not the other.

I think we need two enhancements:
1. The ability to have alternative end posts - so a single 'handed' spigot may be correctly drawn at the end of each run. (or possibly a mirror option?)
2. The ability to have alternative gate posts - so the two panels on either side of a gate can have 'handed' spigots. (or - once again - a mirror option?)

Personally I think it would be more flexible to have the ability to have different end conditions. For example, another (different) common scenario is when one end of the fence abutts a wall (with stand-off brackets) and the other 'free' end terminates with a post. Similarly for gates, it is common to have a special post on one side (perhaps the hinged - load bearing - side) and a standard post on the latch side.

VE-104919

Fence Tool Raked Vertical Boards Trim

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached file and screen grab. Note the vertical boards do not trim on the rake angle of the fence. A 'stepped' and 'raked' option is requested.

VE-104920

Fence Tool - Variable Top Line

Ben Beaumont

Observe the image in the attached local council fence information sheet.

Observe the way the fence height transitions from the standard 1800mm high down to about 1000mm high. This is a very common local govt. requirement for boundary fences as the reduced height allows for visibility to pedestrians on the footpath as vehicles back out of driveways.

It is also a common requirement for pool fences to maintain minimum heights above local high spots on terrain.

VE-104921

Fence Tool - discrete offset control required for Rails and Gravel Board

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached screen shot. The topmost rail is actually a capping profile. Technically it needs to be offset from the other rails to cover the top of the vertical boards. We need to be able to control the offset of each rail separately.

Furthermore, as gravel boards (plinth boards) are subject to wetting and rot, they are considered sacrificial and are fixed forward of the structure (posts). Accordingly we need to be able to control the offset from the centre for this element.

VE-104469

Image Tool, Image Styles and other Image improvements

Ben Beaumont

We should be able to drag an image from the RM and have it be placed in a Design Layer and/or Sheet Layer without having to insert onto geometry or on an object.

An image might even behave like a Styled object such that instances are seeded from a Style and controlled globally.

Additionally we need a way to know and/or prescribe the actual real world size of an image or a feature in an image. (Perhaps similar to the way the RW Texture image scaler widget works.)

Perhaps when dragging an image from the RM, the user could be presented with the option to place the image as a bitmap (sized according to the 'style' settings) or to place the image as an instance of the Style.

Presently users are routinely using Adobe InDesign to compose moodboards. They are compelled to do this because whilst Vectorworks appears to handle images effectively, however in practise it is really too difficult and clumsy to achieve what is required effectively.

Tantilisingly, with a little bit of improving, Vectorworks could be an excellent tool to share large collections of images via workgroup libraries.

Vectorworks might even develop Image resources for distribution via the libraries. All manner of stock photos could be provided by manufacturers and suppliers etc.

We may even benefit from a new Image Tool with it's own selector and preferences.

With the growing Interior Design and Landscape Design markets, the wholesale review of the Image Resource is timely.

VE-104404

Enable geo image Send to (Site Model) Surface

Ben Beaumont

Often a user will be in possession of a high-quality aerial or satellite geo image of their site.
Such an image is readily imported into Vectorworks, however it is very difficult to drape/map/texture this image to surface of a Site Model. [It is possible to create a RW Texture and then size and locate it (to match the imported geo image) using the Attributes Mapping tool. This workflow is quite convoluted, requires a higher understanding of how geo images are scaled and subject to the vagaries of locating using the Attributes Mapping tool. (refer attached Texture.png)]
It would be ideal if a user could import their geo image and then use the Send to Surface command to have it draped/mapped/textured over the terrain surface. (refer attached LIV.png)

VE-104326

Display Background 2D fills for Flattened DLVPs

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached screen capture and accompanying .vwx file.

We need the ability to display background 2D fills for flattened DLVPs.

In SLVPs it is possible to embellish a HLR in the annotations environment. eg; a tile (hatch) poly may be placed behind the HLR geometry and the 2D components of Symbols will mask the hatch. This is a very effective workflow.

However, it is not possible to do the same in a flattened DLVP.

It is quite common and often desirable to compose elevations partially from geometry harvested from a model and partially from 2D linework, directly on a Design Layer. [The 'hybrid' drawing is then passed to a SLVP.] Not being able to have 2D fills mask other linework hampers this workflow.

VE-104325

Reinstate Custom Colour intensity slider

Ben Beaumont

Kindly reinstate the custom colour intensity slider as it was in prior versions.

Screen capture attached showing 2022 and 2023 side by side.

VE-104305

Site Model 2D display continuous contours

Ben Beaumont

For vertical faces/ transitions/ sides/ edges on the Site Model arising from site modifiers, we expect to see the contours to converge (wrap) and stack. Currently the 2D contours appear 'broken' and discontinuous.

In image 1, there is a pad modifier on the left at 51M and on the right a 48M. The vertical edge between the two is not displayed.

Image 2, is from a user asking why the contours are 'broken'.

To my understanding, contours by definition are continuous. Even if they coincide with others.

VE-102733

Data Tag to count Plant Array (when not on Plant List)

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached.

Notice the Data Tag will not count the multiple instances of Plants in an array if the option 'On Plant List' is NOT selected.

User expects to be able to see the count on the Data Tag even although the Plant (array) is not to be included on the Worksheet.

VE-102448

Site Model surface offset control required for Hardscapes

Ben Beaumont

Please have a look at the [^Hardscapes2022SP2samples.vwx].

A complication arises with a combination of aligned Hardscape objects and the way the Site Model surface interacts with them.

This is the when the datum is set to the (first) component top.

!DatumSetToComponentTop.PNG|width=438,height=246!

This is the model when the datum is set to the (first) component bottom.

!DatumSetToComponentBottom.PNG|width=441,height=247,thumbnail!

The User expects the Site Model to align to the bottom of a component.
In other words - the User wants to be able to expose a positive edge around the perimeter of the top (finished surface) component of the Hardscape. ie; we shouldn't assume the Site Model should always be resolved flush with the top of the Hardscape.
[If the datum controls the height of the Hardscape and is not coupled to the Site Model surface alignment, maybe we need another control to 'lift the hardscape out of the ground' or an 'offset from Site Model surface'?]

VB-183220: Bozhidar Stanchev "It is a good point. The Datum is not coupled to the Site Model surface alignment. That is a good idea to have another control that allows to offset the Hardscape to the Site Model surface. (i.e. the modifier that the Hardscape prepares/provides for the Site Model to not only follow its finished surface, but to be offsetable relative to the Top or Bottom)."

VE-102450

Hardscape Name (HardscapeID) Control by Style

Ben Beaumont

We need to be able to control the default Hardscape Name (HardscapeID) by Style.
Currently we can't access the preset value against this field.
If a Hardscape Style is duplicated and modified, the new HS Style will retain the Hardscape Name of the original Style and cannot be changed. Refer attached screen shot.

(This is not an issue if creating a HS Style from first principles, but in practice Users tend to duplicate a like Style and then modify it.)

Please, can we add this field to the Configuration tab of the Hardscape Object Settings.

VE-102466

Landscape Area Tag - Option to not report zero values

Ben Beaumont

We need an option to +not+ report Plant Styles with zero instances in Landscape Area Tags.

Consider a LS Area Style with a longer list of Plants. When applied to a small area, many of the plants will not be used. However the Tag will display ALL the nominated Plant Styles and place a zero against those that are not used. The result is visually distracting and could be fixed with a simple option in the OIP.

A Data Tag Style could/should perform the same way.

VE-103466

Railing/ Fence Tool - add ability for curved and sloping

Ben Beaumont

Add ability for curved and sloping railing/ fence sections.

In Australia there is a statutory requirement for all swimming pools to be enclosed with a compliant pool fence. This often results in fences following the natural and sloping topography. It is also quite common for the same pool fences to have curved sections between the posts. Can the Railing/Fence tool be enhanced to support this please.

VE-104039

Energos export to Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) via .ppp

Ben Beaumont

It is proposed Energos export data to the proprietary .ppp file format for ready import to the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) calculator.

Presently we find most Vectorworks users working with the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) will export their Vectorworks model to Collada, then import to SketchUp, then use the SketchUp plug-in DesignPH, then export the results to the special .ppp file format, then finally import this file into the PHPP spreadsheet.

The workflow is cumbersome and one direction, but users fall back on it because it is a documented and reliable method.

Given Energos is a fantastic dynamic way to assess the energy performance of a design and provide real time feedback on design decisions (eg; orientation) that have critical ramifications on energy load (and ultimately Passive House compliance), it is unfortunate the information flow becomes discontinuous. Once the model is passed to other software, the shear inconvenience of the method all but extinguishes the opportunity for nimble design decisions. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the lack of a more direct pathway diverts our users away from Vectorworks and promotes our competitors.

There is an increasing desire among users to expedite this process. It should also be noted that for testing purposes it would be extremely useful to get apples for apples results between Energos and PHPP (which is currently extremely elusive).

The SketchUp plug-in DesignPH exported .ppp file appears to be a specially formatted text file with specific values formatted appropriately and found in locations expected for ready import into the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP).

Passive House commented that the PPP file is a proprietary format for PHPP originally developed for internal use but may be available for connecting to external tools.

Energos currently exports a .csv file of many of the values required by PHPP. A preliminary investigation shows many of these values may be manually passed to the PHPP spreadsheet. The process is tedious, confusing and error prone. Furthermore, there are many values that are simply in the wrong format (eg; True/False).

Please refer to the attached 'ANZ Mock-up PHPP_EN_V10.3_i.xlsx' and accompanying 'ANZ MockUp v2023.vwx'

In the .xlsx file you will observe the first worksheet has been added by the author and contains the imported Energos .csv values. A sample of values has been mapped to the likely input fields in the PHPP worksheets. This exercise serves as proof of concept only.

As a means to improve the conduit between Vectorworks and PHPP, perhaps Energos could directly export a .ppp file.

VE-103445

Elevation value in Georeferencing to carry over to Export IFC Project.

Ben Beaumont

We need a way to nominate a real world height value for the internal origin. This would enable the coordination of the Site Model and Storeys.
It would also make logical the export to Nomad and preserve the orb position in Nomad at the (typically Ground Floor) of the building.
It seems we need an elevation value in Document Georeferencing which would be carried over to the Export IFC Project - Reference Elevation field.

VE-103376

Preserve Sheet Layer Viewport location when Geolocated

Ben Beaumont

Observe the attached 'Badgery.vwx' and 'Badgery_Geolocated.vwx' files.

Both files have Georeferencing set to EPSG: 7856. Design Layers on both files are also Georeferenced.

Observe how when Geolocated, the objects inside the Sheet Layer Viewport are repositioned beyond the clip area (the same 'shift' induced by Geolocating).

It is understood objects inside Sheet Layer Viewports are positioned relative to the Internal Origin - which is fine for general drafting as it allows the User Origin to be moved freely (without the observed affect above). However the Geolocate Tool moves the Internal Origin and therefore 'breaks' the Sheet Layer Viewport/s.

Would it be possible to retain what SLVPs see in the case where Geolocate is used?

VE-101996

Some suggested Resource Manager improvements

Ben Beaumont

Some suggested Resource Manager improvements:

1. Support for dynamic boolean search operations to support Resource Tags and Types (VE-101645 already submitted by myself).

2. Organic search results in search box.

3. Saved (and named) search criteria (combined with dynamic boolean search this could augment/supplant the old fashioned file structure).

4. Improved thumbnail resolution and size.

5. Extended support for various attached Data eg; we can't see IFC/ Pset data, Material values etc.

6. Dropdown options to the left of the search field is not very discoverable.

7. Closing the File Browser Pane and/or the Preview Pane I hoped would actually reduce the overall size of the RM so that it would take up less screen real estate. Instead it actually expands the Resources Pane. Given the RM is screen hungry - it would be good to be able to trim it as required.

VE-101645

Extend Resource Manager Boolean Search Operators to Resource Tags and Types

Ben Beaumont

Extend Resource Manager Boolean Search Operators to Resource Tags and Types.

It would be exceedingly useful if the Resource Manager boolean search function were extended to recognised Resource Tags and Types.

A dynamic search criteria such as 'Australia AND metal AND texture' would return all of our sheet metal RW Texture resources. This would further relieve our reliance on the traditional filing structure inside of the RM.

VE-102556

Associate Enscape_AssetPlugInObject with Plant Style

Ben Beaumont

I have wondered if it would be possible to couple/associate the Enscape_AssetPlugInObject to a Plant Style? They do turn up as a Symbol in the RM. The idea is that a Vw Plant Style could simply be associated with an Enscape Symbol (thereby circumventing the requirement to import an obj and embed that mesh object into the 3d component of the Plant Style). This approach might provide all the flexibility needed for:
(i) the User (to couple whatever Plant Style they like with whatever Globe Plant asset they choose),
(ii) for Globe Plants (to quickly expand their library with low poly versions of their content for use in Vw) and ultimately
(iii) to relieve someone of the onerous task of building Vw Plant Styles with Globe Plant meshes.

VE-99532

Existing Ground Line required in Site Model Section Viewport

Ben Beaumont

We need the option to show the existing ground line in a Site Model Section Viewport.
Typically designers are wanting to add to their site sections a simple line (often dashed heavy) that traces the ground line of the existing site conditions. This is to show graphically the variances between the proposed and the existing and to demonstrate how the project impacts the site.
The attached file mocks up a current workflow that we feel is less than satisfactory. In this example two Site Models are required (on separate layers). One of the Site Models shows the existing conditions, the second shows the proposed. In the Sheet Layer, two Section Viewports are laid on top of one another with the respective layers and classes altered. Users would need to either ask how to do this, or work this out for themselves. Given existing and proposed information is currently captured by the Site Model, a simple switch in the OIP of the Sheet Layer Section Viewport might display the Existing Ground Line.
Furthermore, if we elect to NOT show the Skirt in the Site Model Settings, we should NOT see the Skirt in the Section Viewport.
It would also be good to be able to show graphically the cut and fill extents.

VE-100478

fillet edge tool, the selected edge changes after editing the base geometry (extruded polygon)

Bas Vellekoop

Tried to replicate a 100% times, but was not able too.

When created an object following the next steps, when changing something in the history of this object at step 1 I get unwanted behavior of the fillet selecting a random edge to edit.

1 create polygon

2 extrude polygon

3 fillet edge 1 (separate fillet)

4 fillet edge 2 (separate fillet)

5 go back in the history to edit the polygon (add or remove edges)

6 go beyond step 4 to the complete 3d object

Problem:

step 4 you have to redo because the object does not know which edge was fillet > normal behavior.

step 3 the fillet is still there but on another edges then originally selected, It 'moved' from for example edge 1 (that is still there and not edited) to edge 5 (both edge 1 and 5 where not edited in step 5) > unwanted behavior

VE-105028

ability to rearrange autohide tabs by dragging and dropping

Bas Vellekoop

The auto hide function is great for smaller screens, i love it.

One issue i run into when using it is that the tabs do not have a dedicated order. It depends on the order of turning the auto hide function on or off and this is to random. You loose track where the menu`s are.

wishes:

* ability to create a specific order of the menu`s that VW remebers even after turning the auto hide function on or of.
* ability to drag and drop the auto hide menu`s so you can rearrange the order on the fly

!image-2023-09-13-10-11-44-305.png|thumbnail!

VE-102107

solid addition of 2 symbols make them lose there texture

Bas Vellekoop

solid adition of 2 symbols make them lose there texture

- create sphere
- put in its own class with a specific texture assigned to it
- create a solid adition of two symbols
- solid addition losses texture (OIP goes to texture overall none) > see attached file and print screen

VE-100615

abilty to ungroup Design Layer Viewports

Bas Vellekoop

Almost everything in Vectorworks can be ungrouped. Design Layer Viewports can not.

Wish:

Ability to ungroup Design Layer Viewports so it imports geometry to the design layer where the viewport is on. This should be possible from within the document (from another layer) or an external document.

Additional it would be nice if specific parts (objects / layers / classes) of a viewports would be imported into the model.

VE-100559

fun EAP's

Bas Vellekoop

The creation of EAP`s should be simpler and easier to edit.

Wishes:

- able to easily edit the eap in 3d:

* change the angle of lines in the path in xyz easily
* change the corner radius of path in a easy way
* change the length of lines in a easy way.
* symbol for the profile
* ability to show the centerline and to dimension it
* make the outside of the eap predictabel snapable

Ideally there would be 3d polyline which could be used for this, maybe with a 3D dragger so it easy to make changes in 3d.
(nurbs curves is un-editable after giving it a fillet at a corner for example)

Discussions about the EAP:

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/53612-eap-nurbs-curve-vs-linepolyline/&tab=comments#comment-269232

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/48808-eap-extrude-along-path-improvements/#comment-245780

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/68712-extacting-a-centerline-from-a-nurbs-surfacesolid/&tab=comments#comment-339170

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/43016-ability-to-select-the-outer-boundary-of-an-eap/#comment-217152

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/43042-eap-with-a-non-destructive-path/#comment-217307

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/62874-best-methods-for-extrude-along-path-in-multiple-planes/

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/46841-could-we-modernize-the-extrude-along-path-command/#comment-238561

sweep in Fusion360: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5DZGlHD3ng
sweep in solidworks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pasfX9S3sXU
sweep in cinema 4d: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb3Pq3OlY_A&feature=emb_title

attached an example file and picture of an object i would like to model and edit easy

VE-100177

Associative Dimensioning on 3d models

Bas Vellekoop

This is a big one in :) Associative Dimensioning on 3d models:

Almost everything gets modeled in 3d these days.
Associative Dimensioning is only possible with 2d geometry in Vectorworks.
Is wish it was possible on 3d geometry as well.

The following tools should be able to recognize 3d geometry in models and work associative on sheet layers and design layers:

- Unconstrained Linear Dimensioning
- Constrained Linear Dimensioning
- Dual Dimensioning
- Radial Dimensioning
- Marking Object Centers
- Angular Dimensioning
- Arc Length Dimensioning

Vectorworks should be able to recognize radial dimensions and curves on shelled nurbs surfaces and perfect round extruded polygons.

Attached I have a file I wish VW could dimension associative and would be able to recognize al the different dimensions.

VE-99783

clean and fast way of importing 3d (furniture files)

Bas Vellekoop

Importing and cleaning up 3d-files costs to much time at the moment.

For me the ideal workflow would be:

1 - import the furniture item into a FRESH file (so my working file does not get 'dirty' of all the imported symbols, textures, geometry, etc)

2 - able to force all symbols and geometry to a specific class of my WORKING file (even geometry/symbols in nested symbols), in my case 'aankleding'.

3 - able to force all geometry to a specific texture that is not linked to a class (even nested geometry) (I do not want to maintain 40 different classes for all the different furniture items/colors/fabrics I imported, they should be a in generic class, like 'seating', 'kitchen' or 'furniture')

4 - explode all nested symbols in the 'master'/top-symbol so my working file doesnt get twenty new symbols.

5 - if needed change some texture through editing the symbol.
if needed clean up some geometry.
6 - import the clean symbol in my working file and send it to my 'library'

Step 2 / 3 / 4 are as far as I know not possible.

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/55066-final-renders/&do=findComment&comment=319236

VE-100825

Hardscape, Landscape Area and Pad Modifier to Show Elevation Values (Heights)

Basem Besada

We need Hardscape, Landscape Area and Pad Modifier to *Show their Elevation Values* (Heights) and/or Slopes!

The information is already there. For now, as a workaround (cumbersome one):
# Add Grade object exactly on sides.
# Change any/some values in Hardscape or Pad.
# Must update the Site Model.
# Then, you'll get the Grade values updated!

See Hardscape and Pad Modifier in attached file.

BTW, We need a *Command to update the Site model* without selecting it (changing HS or PM and use the Command to update the SM, then continue changing the HS..., saves a lot of steps deselect, select, update & select again!

VE-103751

IMPORT DXF/DWG : mapping multiple layers at the same time

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*

When a user wants to map the DWG layers to Vectorworks classes, the user usually wants to reduce the amount of classes significantly. For example, by mapping all Layers to one or a few Vectorworks classes. At this moment, the interface doesn't allow to map multiple layers at once, so everything needs to be mapped one by one.

*Optional: tools / commands:*

DWG import

*Optional: solution:*

Allow the user to use the Ctrl/Cmd and the Shift- key to select multiple DWG layers at the same time to convert to a single Vectorworks class.

VE-103759

EXPORT DXF/DWG: different scales on Sheet layer

Bart Rammeloo

# Create a Sheet layer with different Viewports and/or Section Viewports.

# Export it to a DWG.

It can be confusing for the customer which scale Vectorworks is using to convert this Sheet layer to scale 1:1. Is that scale 1:50 of one of the Viewports or 1:20 of another Viewport

Currently, the Viewport or Section Viewport that is at the bottom of the drawing stacking order is used as a guideline. This is the same behavior when we merge two 2D squares, the one on the bottom determines the color of the new 2D object. So if the first Viewport we put on the Sheet layer is 1:50 the DWG will use this as a guideline to export to this scale 1:1.

It would be nice if we could influence this in the export. This might be possible via a popup screen so that we can indicate which scale should be used for this. Or that Vectorworks by defaults picks the scaling most commonly used on the Sheet layer.

This is all with the option: Export Viewports as 2D graphics in Model space on.

VE-105069

Export to other PDF types

Bart Rammeloo

We currently support PDF/A-1 - ISO 19005-1

Our local Belgian land registry administration requires our customers to file their building permits in PDF/A-2(= ISO 19005-2 (ISO 32000-2 )) and/or PDF/A-3(= ISO 19005-3).
Can these PDF styles be integrated into the Vectorworks export options?

VE-102746

Text: strikethrough option

Bart Rammeloo

We have a series of formatting options like Bold, Italic, Underlined etc.

But we don't have Strikethrough.

VE-103708

WALLS: horizontal component stacking

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
There should be a way to add wall components which are stacked horizontally on top or underneath other wall components. Users struggle with f.e. exterior plinths, because now the plinth needs to be a separate wall. This means that users need to be creative with their wall openings (1 object can just open 1 wall) and plinths (and their openings) need to be moved separately when there's an adjustment to the design.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
wall

*Optional: solution:*
There can be an option to add components horizontally in a wall style.

Archicad allows you to draw the vertical section of the wall. A visual editor for the wall style could be a potential path. Editing can be done in the drawing space.

VE-103722

SECTION VIEWPORT: decouple attributes of lines and surface hatches

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you set the lines beyond cut plane to a class in the advanced settings of a section viewport, also the surface hatch lines follow this settings. This leads to undesirable results. Surface hatches should not be influenced by this setting, or the user should have at least the option to exclude surface hatches from this setting.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Section viewport, Textures, hidden line render

VE-103731

SECTION VIEWPORT: depth of field fading

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you create an elevation drawing with section viewport with a raster rendering (for example "shaded"), it is by default difficult to read the depth in the initial result. To avoid forcing users to draw a lot of semi transparent while polygons in the annotation, it would be nice if there was an automatic way to let the intensity of the raster image fade based on the depth of the objects behind the cut plane

*Optional: tools / commands:*
create section viewport

*Optional: solution:*
In the advanced properties of the section viewport, there might be controls to regulate this. See how Revit manages this for their shaded elevation views: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxAW0qdv-TA].
the focus should be primarily on "shaded" renderings, but it might be nice if it works with Renderworks as well.
It can be implemented in a consistent way together with this feature request: [SECTION VIEWPORT: line thickness by depth|https://app.asana.com/0/1203207445474911/1203207445474911]

VE-103691

DATA VISUALIZATION: overwrite 'no fill' with 'solid fill'

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
If you apply a data visualisation with fill overwrite "solid", it doesn't work on object with the fill type "none". This is by design, as you can see in Jira issue VB-191247. But the user should have the choice whether overwrite objects without fill/ pen or not.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Data visualisation

*Optional: solution:*
For example: A checkbox with "include objects with no fill/pen" underneath the fill and pen attribute settings in the data visulaization.

VE-103714

RAILING / FENCE: extra type(s)

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
The Railing / Fence Tool is a very easy tool to quickly draw the fence of a plot. Especially when dealing with large distances. Using separate symbols for this is much more work.

However, this tool has some limitations in the parameters, so you cannot create everything, including common fences.
The picture shows an example of such a case There are still several variations to make in terms of plank width. But the main thing is that you can build the fence in 3 layers.
Front, back and the layer in between to connect them. Both in horizontal and / or vertical.

VE-103718

RAILING / FENCE > SEND TO SURFACE: 3D line mode

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Drawing a Railing/Fence(3D Line Mode) in Top/Plan view does not automatically put the Railing/Fence on the Site model. To do so one needs to use the command Send to Surface. This gives the whole object one Z-value. This is different behavior then when drawing the Railing/Fence(3D Line Mode) in a 3D View where parameters Height point 1 and 2 snap to the height of the Site Model.
Now one has to first set a Stake at both endpoint to know the height, try to remember what was point 1 and 2 (as the direction of the path lost), adjust Height point 1 and 2 in the OIP according to the stakes AND remove the Z value.

*Optional: solution:*
Send to surface of a Railing/Fence: 3D Line Mode sends Height point 1 and 2 to surface

VE-103719

RAILING / FENCE: infill - rectangular grid

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
You can add vertical and horizontal bars as the infill for a railing, but you have just one setting control for the spacing distance for both the horizontal and vertical bars. This means you can only create a square grid, not a rectangular one.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Railing/ Fence

*Solution*

Provide horizontal and vertical spacing parameters for the grid

VE-103720

RAILING / FENCE > SEND TO SURFACE: 3D polyline / polygon + 3D reshaping

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Currently, we can have different parts placed on a terrain model (DTM).
1. Because the tool itself can do this, e.g. Existing tree tool.
2. By allowing an object to connect to the underlying terrain model via the Sent to Serface command (3D polygon).

The Railing/Fence Tool gives the user a comprehensive ability to model and parametrically modify fences without making the model very heavy. It is useful in 2D because you can draw it as a Polyline. This extended option does not exist for drawing in 3D. Here you can only draw a 3D line option.

By being able to draw the Railing/Fence in 2D plan and then place it on the terrain model via the Sent to Surface command. Would be a great improvement and addition.
The option to replace 3D line with 3D Polygon would also give the user more freedom.

Also, it should be possible to deform and move the Railing/Fence in 3D with the Reshape Tool. In a similar way as you can do a NURBS. Fixing an axis such as the Z axis. Add and remove control points.

VE-103727

HARDSCAPE: allow 'pavers-curved-path' on regular hardscapes.

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
At this moment, the curve the hatch of a hardscape is either none or the direction of the path for a path- based hardscape. The user should have an option to edit the path the hatch follows, independently of the hardscape's pathway configuration.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Hardscape

*Solution:*
Proposition: Being able to set a curve for a hardscape fill with the "edit attribute mapping tool".

VE-103732

HARDSCAPE: 2D fill via object class by default

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
If you draw a hardscape in an empty document, the 2D fill is set by a dedicated class by default. This duality is unnecessary complicated for simple drawings and confusing to beginning users. The 2D fill should have the object's class (<hardscape>) by default. This would be in line with other tools in Vectorworks.

VE-103764

HARDSCAPE: grey out unavailable parameters when 'floating'

Bart Rammeloo

Grey out unavailable parameters for ease of use

Compare with when Tag display: None is selected

(also here the checkboxes should be greyed out)

VE-103710

RESOURCES: agricultural vehicles

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Currently there's no library in Vectorworks with agricultural vehicles. Some customers are asking for this.

*Tools / commands:*
Recource manager

*Solution:*
Implement agricultural vehicles in the library. Think about tractor, combine harvester, forage harvester, slurry trailer, backhoe loader, Unimog with appendages, etc.

VE-103752

SPACE OBJECT: changing opacity of object without changing the opacity of label

Bart Rammeloo

*Description:*

As you can see in the video, you need to make a specific class for the 2D boundary in order to be able to unlink the fill and line (and text) opacity. This is a too strict workflow for most users. It would be easier if you could just manage the fill and line opacity separately in the attributes palette and Space graphics settings.

VE-103869

menu Organization > Saved views / Navigation palette > Saved views: grouping

Bart Rammeloo

Check attached screenshot.

The list of saved views can get quite long in a file. Navigating this without the option to group views together into folders, or without a hierarchy, is quite tedious. The filter method only partially solves the issue, but is no replacement for grouping / hierarchy.

VE-103735

SLAB: make surface hatch visible in hidden line

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
With a slab object, when you create a viewport and set the Render to "Hidden Line" in the hope to see the surface hatch, nothing displays.

For a wal-object or an Extrude, there is no problem.

I don't think this is a bug because it was already the case in VW21 ?
I didn't find a satisfying workaround for this.

VE-103664

STORIES: last preference of active levels should be default

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When checking on (or off) new level sets in the Story dialog, Vectorworks always reverts to the default preference instead of using the last selection.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Stories

*Optional: solution:*
Always save the last selection as the user default.

VE-103724

AUTO HYBRID: make texture pane in OIP grayed out

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When i make an autohybride object and i select it, then i go to the tab rendering to change the texture nothing happens.

*Solution:*
Because i can not change the texture of an autohybride object, then must the tab of texture settings in the IOP be gray.

VE-103693

CURTAIN WALL: preset type for panels

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Can we add the option to choose in advance what type of panel is used in a curtain wall?
For example if you have a certain division, you can set some panels as spandrel and some panels as glazing and this division repeats itself.
Now you have to change them one by one by hand.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
wall-tool (curtain wall)

VE-103696

STAIR: "none" for the start marker of a walking line

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
In the graphic attributes settings of a stair, you can change the marker for the walking line. You can not choose to have no marker at all. I got this request already a few times in a training. Now I need to advice to make the marker as small as possible, so it is not visible, which feels like a work around.
Especially for the start marker, you should be able to choose none, but I see no harm in implementing it for the end as well.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Stair

*Optional: solution:*
Have a "none" option in the menu where you choose the marker style.

VE-103680

STORIES: Changing story prefix should change prefix of existing design layers

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
If you change the prefix in the story settings, this will only apply to newly created design layers. This should apply to existing story level bound design with a default prefix as well (or the user should have at least the choice to apply it).

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Stories and design layers

VE-103758

WORKSPACES: Design Suite workspace with ALL the tools.

Bart Rammeloo

Some users wishe to have a new "Design Suite" workspace where they can access the architecture, landscape AND spotlight tools and commands.

VE-103756

STAKE OBJECT FROM 3D LOCUS: command is difficult to find

Bart Rammeloo

*Description:*

This command can be found currently under "Modify- convert". Since this is a Landscape- related command, you would assume to find this command between the other landscape- related commands under the "AEC" menu.

VE-103740

CEILING GRID: from MEP to Building palette

Bart Rammeloo

The Grid ceiling tool is currently located in the MEP tool palette.
However, from an architect's POV, a grid ceiling is part of the building shell, not part of the MEP.
Can we move the tool to the architecture / building palette? This is where the typical architect would expect that tool.

VE-103704

UX/UI: Size of palettes, icons and their text

Bart Rammeloo

Can we add the possibility to choose the size of the palettes, their icons and their text?
Some users want to have the options small/normal/large.

VE-103750

WALL: component line weights improvement

Bart Rammeloo

*Problem*

Wall Components in 2D Plan are drawn from left to right. The left one is at the bottom of the 2D stacking order, the right one is at the top. In most cases this is not apparent, because usually the contour lines of the components have the same color - only their thickness typically varies.

However, some customers do use different colors for their components. Especially with data visualization, when they want to emphasize certain components for a specific construction phase of the building.

In such a case they get undesired results - see attached screenshot, left image - "one sided wall".

When component wrapping is applied, the problem becomes even more apparent (screenshot, middle image).

What the customer expects, is shown in the image on the right.

*Solution*

Hard structural components should overlap softer, non structural components. For instance:
# Load bearing should overlap insulation and plaster.

# Insulation should overlap air cavity.

Since it might be hard to define the priority based on material properties ('hard', 'softer', 'soft'), the solution might be to offer a 2D stacking order in the wall style.

VE-103700

INTERFACE: resource (sub)folders visible everywhere

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*

We'll illustrate the problem with the wall styles, but it exists for all object styles.

To get a proper file organization, the different types of walls are placed in (sub)folders in the .vwx file. Unfortunately, these (sub)folders are not visible in most parts of the interface. To our knowledge, this specific structure is only visible in the resource manager.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Walls

*Optional: solution:*
This tree structure should also be visible when replacing a wall style in the OIP. When selecting the wall to modify, you simply get the full list of all walls, either in the drawing itself or in the library. It would be better to be able to navigate through the created folders here too. If we then want to replace a foundation wall, we can first navigate to the foundation's folder and only see the associated walls instead of the entire list, which makes it very cluttered.

VE-103760

ROOF > DORMER: support 'symbol name' & 'replace symbol'

Bart Rammeloo

When working with skylights and dormers , is it possible to add the used symbol somewhere? As well as the option to replace said symbol.
So you don't have to delete the skylight/dormer and insert it again.

VE-103729

WORKSHEET: improve roof component reporting

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you make a worksheet and ask for one off the components of a roof, the component is counted double (or more).
One time in the roof itself and one (or more) time in the roof face.

See attached video

While this works as designed, and additional criteria can produce the expected result, the users expect a more straightforward workflow towards the logical result.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Worksheet, roof

VE-103672

SPACE: select object without 2D boundary

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you check off the option "show 2D boundary" in the OIP, selecting the space object is almost impossible, since the label is a separate object.
Now, the space is only selectable via a 2D locus. If you're lucky, this 2D locus is visible in the drawing but in many cases (depending on the wall configuration) this locus is hidden underneath the label or displaced to a complete different location.

Ticket: 51044
Jira (fixed; WAD): https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-191485

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Space

*Optional: solution:*
- The 2D locus might have a fixed space next to the label, so it is always selectable
- Right lick o the label- select space
...

VE-103761

RESOURCE MANAGER: filter for hardscapes (and other object styles)

Bart Rammeloo

*Wish*

Be able as user to define which Resource types are in the filter dropdown in the Resource manager

*Example:*

Workspace Landmark can add Hardscape Styles as filter option instead of (fe) Roof Styles, Slab Styles etc

VE-103767

WALL: polyline based object

Bart Rammeloo

It should be possible to create combinations of straight and round walls (or multiple round walls) as one object. This is necessary, because there's a demand form several customers to be able to put a wall opening (or window) partly in the straight and the round part. Since a combination with round walls usually doesn't have corners, it is logical that is is seen as one entity in an architectural design.

VE-103736

WALL: wrap the core component

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
At this moment, the core component is used as the main reference in the wall wrapping configuration. this seems to have as a result that the core component itself can't be wrapped. However, this is needed to be able to do some wall closure types. Changing the core in the wall style settings isn't a sufficient workaround, because that manipulation is too impactful on the rest of the drawing (slab- wall and roof- wall connections, connections between walls, alignments,...)

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Wall

*Optional: solution:*
- Not only use a "core" component, but also have the option to use a "structural" component. While the core can be used for alignment and wrapping, the structural component can be used for connecting building shell element. Multiple components can be assigned as structural, which also fixed the "wall between two appartments"- issue.

Or

- The core component and the "wrapping reference" component can be the same by default, but the user can choose to set another component as wrapping reference independently.

VE-103730

WALL: option for wall skirting

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
It should be possible to integrate wall skirting into a wall. The skirt should move together with the wall, react to wall connections and corners and should be split by wall openings automatically.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Wall

*Optional: solution:*
I DON'T see this wall skirting as a separate plug-in.
- The skirt(s) settings can be integrated in the "composition" tab in the wall tool.
- A skirt behaves as a wall component in general (wall connections, story levels,...
- A skirt can overlap with conventional wall components, cut out components add up to the wall thickness and/or make a recess in the wall
- It should be possible to add multiple skirts (interior, exterior, top, bottom, middle,...
- Skirts shouldn't be displayed in a top/plan view

———————————————
This task was submitted through *Input Vectorworks wishes*
[https://form.asana.com/?k=cHRmUtEASnn_UFrLg5KWkg&d=33436113560344]

VE-103728

SECTION VIEWPORT: line thickness by depth

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you create an elevation via a section viewport, the line thicknesses are determined by the line thicknesses of the objects in 2D plan. Usually, this is not relevant for an elevation view and leads to a messy and poorly readable drawing.
One thing you can currently already do, is use one class to control all line thicknesses behind the cut plane. This is a recommended option to make the drawing cleaner, but still comes with its issues. Readability is still poor, because there's no sense of depth and it puts also the surface hatch lines in that same class, which is an undesired side effect (I'll make a bug report for that last one)

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Create section viewport

*Optional: solution:*
In the advanced settings of a section viewport, there should be an interface which allows the user to control the line thickness of objects by a depth range. For example: all objects between 0 and 3m behind cut plane have a thickness of 0,5mm, between 3 and 6 0,25 and so on. This setting should NOT affect the line thickness of surface hatches.

*Remark:*

It is preferable to use 'section viewports' over 'elevation views' (back / front / left / right) for the creation of facade views. The elevation views are limited to 90° angles (which leaves a 'gap' for facades that are at a different angle), and the 'elevation views' do not cut through the terrain model.

VE-103723

EXTRUDE: show rotated rectangle parameters in OIP

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you extrude a rotated rectangle, you can't change the values in the object info palet.
Please see attached video.

*Solution:*

Show the values of the rotated rectangle in the OIP.

VE-103695

WALL: specific connection type

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
It is not possible to wrap components in a corner like shown in the attached example. It would be useful if it was possible

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Wall

VE-103690

Convert 3D volume to slab(s)

Bart Rammeloo

When a user wants to convert a LOD 100 building envelope to a BIM model, he has to take a couple of conversion steps:
# Deduct horizontal section contours from volume

# Convert contours to slabs (or spaces, or walls)

This workflow is non-explicit to most users. In Archicad, there is a single command that takes care of this.

Additionally, the command should be able to use story levels as the respective cut plane heights.

The conversion output should be selectable by the user: slabs, walls or spaces.

(movie will be added at a later date)

VE-103766

VIEWPORT: 'drawing label' in OIP

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*

If you create a drawing label unintentionally by creating a viewport, the only way you can get rid of it is entering the viewport's annotations and manually remove it. Adding a drawing label also needs to happen in the annotations with the drawing label tool. This feels clumsy.

*Optional: tools / commands:*

Drawing label/ viewport

*Optional: solution:*

A checkbox "drawing label" in the viewport's OIP would make it easy to delete or add a drawing label.

VE-103765

UX/UI on MAC: application window always full screen on start up

Bart Rammeloo

On a mac the application window is always full screen on start up. It would be more logical if it would remember the size when it was closed the last time. On PC this works correctly. In the added video, I show a comparison with GIMP, A software with a similar interface (tabs for different document, docked palettes). This software has an application window which can be closed with the red button and remembers the last saved size at re- opening.

VE-103763

VECTORWORKS CLOUD: folder structure in slideshow mode

Bart Rammeloo

Can we have the option to add a folder structure in the cloud in the slideshow-mode? A customer says that working would be clearer/easier if a certain folder structure can be applied.

VE-103762

RESOURCE MANAGER: standard display mode switch for ALL symbols

Bart Rammeloo

Can we add the setting to view the symbols in the resource manager in a certain render option and a certain view? Not the option to change them after creation but an option like a standard view for all the (3D) symbols.

VE-103757

SEATING SECTION: Aisles in rectangular mode should respond properly to plan rotation

Bart Rammeloo

If your plan is rotated and you create an aisle through a seating section with rectangular mode, the resulting isle is drawn perpendicular to the non-rotated plan instead of the rotated plan. This leads to undesirable results.

VE-103739

STORIES: edit multiple stories at the same time

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
If you want to edit the story levels in an identical way over multiple stories, you need to edit every story individually. This can be very annoying, especially in high rise buildings.

*Optional: solution:*
Allow multiple selection of stories in the organization palette; or an extra dialog to push a certain setting to a selection of other stories,...

VE-103726

UX/UI: put different .vwx files on different monitors

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you work in multiple files, they are located next to each other in different tabs on 1 screen.

*Solution:*
Would like to be able to separate these multiple documents from one screen and have the different documents on different screens, so you are able to work on them side by side.
That would be easy for comparison.

VE-103725

GRID LINE: evolve to GRID TOOL

Bart Rammeloo

We have a very good grid line tool, but not yet a grid tool. In Archicad, a grid is generated, columns are automatically placed on the intersections, and repeated across the stories.

[https://help.graphisoft.com/AC/24/INT/_AC24_Help/070_Documentation/070_Documentation-57.htm]

VE-103721

EXTRUSION > MIRROR: 2D root should also get mirrored

Bart Rammeloo

*Problem*
* Draw polygon
* Extrude
* Mirror the extrude
* Edit the extrusion

Result: you see the unmirrored original 2D polygon

*Solution*

Show the mirrored polygon

VE-103712

RESOURCES: people with top/plan view

Bart Rammeloo

*Description:*
It would be great to have 2D representation of people for the Top/Plan view. Otherwise, user are obliged to look for DWG libraries ressources.

VE-103709

RESOURCES: vehicle libraries with also side views

Bart Rammeloo

*Problem*

The current vehicle libraries only offers 3D and 2D-plan views. Customers are asking for proper / clean 2D side, front and back views of the library objects.

The views that are generated automatically by Vectorworks are not clean enough (and Vectorworks regularly crashes when generating the side views). Please check the attached images to see the quality difference between the top view that is included in the vehicle symbol, and the side views that are generated by Vectorworks.

*Solution*

We need to manually add the side views to the vehicle symbols

VE-103703

EXPORT GML file format

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Customers in the Netherlands sometimes have to report to the Land Registry (Kadaster.nl) that a plot has been split or that a building is being built which is not yet there. For this they need to enter a GML file at the Kadaster.

*Solution:*

Support GML export in Vectorworks

VE-103694

Storing parameter subsets as resources

Bart Rammeloo

Our Design Express window tool uses 'Sets'. These are read-only data. When selected, the data set is inserted into the object and replaces the existing data.

That system works, but it has a major limitation. Since it is read-only, the selection field (drop down in the OIP in the movie) doesn't show which set was selected or applied last. We can save that information in the object, but that would slow down the display of the data in the OIP significantly.

If Vectorworks would offer a way via the SDK to store a data set as a resource (and let the user manage it accordingly), then the speed hit would most likely disappear. We can currently not use Object styles for that, because the object style applies to the full object - not to specific parts of it. A sub-objectstyle of sorts might be a potential solution.

This problem also ties into the control over sub-objects in larger parametric objects. There, too, we feel the need to define 'sets' that can be treated and managed as a resource.

The attached movie shows the problem for our Window tool, but it exists for all complex objects in Vectorworks.

VE-103676

STORIES: solution for split levels

Bart Rammeloo

Split level or multi split buildings are almost impossible to create using stories in Vectorworks. We need a solution to link stories to not just the story with the next or previous Z-value.

VE-103675

STORIES: delete levels via SDK / Scripting

Bart Rammeloo

SDK and VS have no way to delete a level type in a VW document. That while the levels are fundamental in organizing BIM. This topic was previously discussed with Hughes.

VE-103674

STORIES: allow different / several story templates

Bart Rammeloo

We have only one (1) file to control the level and story setup for all possible cases. This is counterproductive. A user needs to be able to load, configure, and save different sets (or parts of sets). Saving should be allowed in the typical locations (user folder, workgroup folder, etc.)

VE-103668

GRID LINE: allow the same number sequences more than once

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
At this moment, it is only possible to use a number or character for a grid line just once.

In a 2D workflow or in a project with multiple buildings, you might want to create multiple grids with the same number. At this moment, the grid tool doesn't have the flexibility to do this

ticket
51485

*Optional: tools / commands:*
grid line

*Optional: solution:*
There should be a way to create multiple sequences of grids, so you can start numbering again from 1 or A when you choose to start a new sequence.

VE-103665

STORIES: the edited / new level type should become active

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you change an existing level type, or you create a new level type, Vectorworks only registers the changes, but it doesn't activate the level in the list of levels.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
STORIES

*Optional: solution:*
By default, a modified or new level should be active in the level list. If the customer wants it to be inactive, he can switch it off by hand.

VE-103753

NURBS: Confusing command names for curves and surfaces

Bart Rammeloo

*Description:*

The command to create a NURBS surface is confusing. It is called "create surface from curves". It is not obvious from the name of this command what kind of surface you are going to create (a 3D polygon for example is perceived as a surface by users as well).

A better name for this command could be "create NURBS surface form curves" or "convert to NURBS Surface".

Many user get stuck by "convert to NURBS", which just creates a curve. This command should be called "convert to NURBS curve".

VE-103743

SLAB: rectangle mode

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
A slab can only be drawn with
* picked walls method
* inner boundary mode
* polyline method

*Optional: solution:*
A good extension would be the rectangle method that already exists for other tools.

VE-103742

SPREADSHEET: measure wall surface by texture

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Needed for interiors. The wall tool gives the possibility to apply different textures on both sides, but they cannot be counted as surfaces. Is it possible to write such a report? Counting texture surfaces on walls?

VE-103741

RENDERING > POLYGON: better performance requested

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Polygon rendering are not capable enough to handle the current expectations of a designer. It becomes blocking very soon when a model is a bit bigger or has some curved geometry.
- render calculation can last a long time or even block the user
- the result of the rendering can slow down sheet layers ( because of the big amount of polygons that need to be displayed

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Polygon renders

*Optional: solution:*
- Re- engineer the polygon render methods
- replace the polygon rendering with a better alternative

VE-103738

EXTRUDE: texture mapping back to VW 2021

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
The way a texture is mapped by default when you place it on a rectangular extrude is different in version 2022/2023 compared to 2021. Now the mapping mode is "Surface UV" in stead of "Perimeter" before.
As a consequence of this, since version 2022, the texture is applied rotated compared to the texture preview on the sides of a rectangular extrude.
The result in version 2021 was better.
This has been reported as a bug (0007121) but has been categorized as "works as designed" in Jira.

*Optional: solution:*
- Edit the behavior of "Surface UV" so the result is more desirable
or
- Use "auto align" as the default texture mapping for an extrude (behavior is similar to the old "perimeter" option)

VE-103737

TEXTURE TOOL: detect line on surface as split

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
If we draw a volume in Vectorworks, by drawing a line on one of the faces I can split this face in order to extrude or pull back the volume below or above the line. You would then think that this plane now consists of 2 separate planes, so you can apply different textures to the part above the line and below the line. However, if you want to place a texture on this plane, it will be seen again as one plane and the line has no influence on it.

*Optional: solution:*
If you divide a surface by means of a line, you can not only adjust the volume with it, but also have the possibility to give these surfaces a separate texture.

VE-103734

TEXTURE TOOL: allow fills from attribute palette

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
The current iteration of the Texture tool can only place textures on a surface. A good extension would be that we could also choose to use uniform colors (and by extension the other surface fills from the attribute palette) to color in the volumes.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
texture

*Optional: solution:*
The possibility to also choose a uniform color as the fill color for the volumes. Now we must first make a texture of a fill color before it can be applied as a fill to an object. A possible interim solution could be to draw a surface with the correct fill color and convert it with a right mouse click to a texture. The shortest way is of course that when selecting the tool you can choose between a texture or a 2D attribute fill.

VE-103733

Better texture alignment in plugin objects

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
For a wall or a slab , the texture and its surface hatch don't follow the orientation of the object. When the plug-in object is not orthogonally oriented, the problem is clearly visible.

The only workaround I found is to set the plug-in object Texture option to "Use object Textures". Then in the IOP, I can apply a rotation to the texture. But when the object will rotate again, the problem will still be there.

VE-103717

WALL: replacing style > should ask for desired location

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*

If I want to replace the wall style of an existing wall, I can do so via the OIP. However, Vectorworks doesn't ask me about the location for the replacing wall style. The new wall style is automatically put in the root folder of the .vwx file. I have to manually move it to the correct folder.

*Solution:*
If I'm replacing a wall, I'd also like to see the dialogue first to save my wall in the correct place in my drawing before closing the wall replacement window.

VE-103716

RECORD > WORKSHEET: image / bitmap support

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
It should be possible to attach an image on a record field (for example for a product picture of a piece of furniture to that symbol), so you can make that image appear in e worksheet later on.

Looking at the problem from a wider angle, the record format should allow
* image / bitmap files
* externally referenced files
* URLs

VE-103678

POLYLINE: improved Bézier mode based on Illustrator Pen tool

Bart Rammeloo

The pen tool is used in many (graphic) design software programs and seems more accurate, easier to use, more intuitive ... than the Vectorworks bezier tool. Also perfect for adjusting nodes and/or (organic) shapes in general.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Polyline

*Optional: solution:*
Polyline tool that works as the pen tool in Illustrator (and other software solutions).

The main difference seems to be the control over the handles / tangens controls.

Example movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PilxMhWgW2I

VE-103702

MARIONETTE: 'Set Wall Style' node

Bart Rammeloo

At this moment, there's no marionette node to set a wall style. A node like this should be added to the library. I attached a file with a node "Set wall style" in it. I found this node in this post on the Vectorworks Forum:
[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/files/file/57-quick-house-models/]

VE-103701

FILE ORGANIZATION: identical behavior for 'imported' and 'applied' resources

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*

When importing a resource into a vwx file through the Resource Manager, a dialog pops up asking which organizational method should be used (keep folder structure, select different destination folder, create new resource folder).

When I select a wall style from the tool dropdown, I don't get prompted about the desired resource location. The used resource is simply place in the root of the vwx file. If you want to reorganize it, you have to do it manually after the facts.

*Optional: solution:*
If a wall is placed via any method (resource manager/method bar) you always get the window where you want to place that wall in the drawing, unless you as a user have checked the option not to show this window anymore.

VE-103699

TEXTURE TOOL: apply to wall face

Bart Rammeloo

Now the texture tool can only be used on 3d volumes. A good extension would certainly be if you could also use this to quickly provide a wall side with a chosen texture.
We can adjust the texture per side via the info palette, but first we have to select the wall and then the side of the wall to give a different texture for this side.. Much more intuitive would be with the texture tool sliding over the wall and the lightening side of the wall via a click of the texture it could provide.

VE-103698

EXPORT SHAPEFILE: export in bulk

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
In the current Export Shapefile, there is no option to export multiple Design Layers as separate Shapefiles.
The current options only offers the possibility to export multiple Design Layers as ONE Shapefile.
The DXF/DWG export does give us the ability to export each design layer as separate DWGs. We would also like this with Shapefiles.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
File >> Export >> Export Shapefile...

VE-103697

RESOURCE MANAGER: highlight new content

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
I've noticed that the update of libraries in Vectorworks is happening in the background and once you've updated your libraries with new content available, you don't know what is actually new. It could improve the UX, if new resources stand out a bit more.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Resource Manager

*Optional: solution:*
1.) Add a separate "New" category in the Resource Manager to existing ones (Premium libraries, Vectorworks libraries etc.) and make Vectorworks remove the content of that category after a specific period of time OR
2.) Add a visual label to resources (for example in the preview dialog in the upper right corner of the Resource Manager) OR
3.) Add a tag "New" to the list of tags

I'm attaching an example how Enscape highlights new assets in their library.

VE-103692

WALL: cut plane height for 2D representation

Bart Rammeloo

When a wall has a component that starts above the cut plane height as defined in the Design Layer, that component is still shown in 'full 2D' (as if it is actually being cut by the cut plane). Users expect it to show up as 'above cut plane height'

VE-103677

CURTAIN WALL: Save manually edited wall back into the wall style

Bart Rammeloo

These changes cannot be 'saved and repeated'. If a certain modification can only be made with the editing tool, and the modification needs to be repeated, then the user has to manually make each single modification by hand.

Customers ask for the ability to save the modifications back into the style.

A different way of looking at the problem, is allowing the same flexibility in the curtain wall dialog as you get when editing the curtain wall in the drawing.

VE-103683

SLAB DRAINAGE: not all Annotations drainage can be displaced

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
This can lead to the drainage annotations to be in conflict with other objects in the drawing. The user should get the tools to solve this kind of situation.

See the video for examples.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Slab drainage tool

VE-103663

ROOF object with dormer, type 'shed': allow angle between 0° and 2°

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you place a roof element, pick shed and then use a slope between 0° and 2°, you get an error message and the roof element disappears.

*Solution:*
While it might work 'as designed', three incremental improvements are possible:
# Don't let the dormer disappear. Simply revert it to the previous slope settings (and inform the user accordingly).
# Allow a slope between 0° and 2°. From a construction POV a 2° limit might seem like a logical choice, but designers prefer to use 0° for esthetic reasons (even if it might not be constructed that way).
# Allow a negative slope value, so that the shed and the main roof meet each other at a 'negative V' or gutter.

VE-103667

TEXT object style: color by class

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
Can we add the option in the text style to use the color/settings of the class?

VE-103679

STRUCTURAL MEMBER: more flexibility for 2D attributes by material

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you set the 2D attributes of a structural element by material, all 2D parts (cut plane, above cp, and below cp) will be determined by material. While usually, you only want the cut plane to show the material's 2D properties.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Structural member

*Optional: solution:*
Give the user the option to set only the cut plane part by material

VE-103681

SNAPPING: snap to elements in tile or hatch fill

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
It would create a lot of possibilities if it was possible to snap to elements within tile or hatch fills. For alignment while changing the attribute mapping and snapping while drawing other objects.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Tile, hatch

*Optional: solution:*
* Maybe it could be an option to only activate the option while using the attributes tool by default, and implementing a mode which the user can activate while drawing 2D forms.
* Alternatively, it could be a snap setting (bottom right corner) which, when active, would a user allow to snap to the hatches and tile fills of the selected (and only the selected) objects.

VE-103666

ELEVATION BENCHMARK: better style management

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you create elevation benchmark via the button in the OIP of a section viewport, you can't choose a style from the library. This means that there needs to be already a style in the active document in order to be able to choose one. Ideally, a common style would be selected by default as well.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Elevation benchmark

*Optional: solution:*
The possibility to choose a style from the library and not only from the active document would be helpful.

VE-103670

WORKSHEET: exclude spaces from =getspacenameforobject

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you want to know in what space an object is located, you can use the formula "=getspacenameforobject" in a worksheet. This means it shows all spaces on all layers that have a geometric intersection with this object. Sometimes, for example in a renovation project, you want exclude some spaces from this listing.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
space; worksheets

*Optional: solution:*
Make it possible to add functions to the formula "=getspacenameforobject" to exclude spaces from the listing based on class and/or layer, or to only include spaces in a certain class or layer

VE-103669

CUSTOM CABINET: Dimensions option

Bart Rammeloo

*Describe the problem:*
When you fill in the depth of the Custom Cabinet and add a front, the dimensions of the front are added to the total depth.
When you add a plinth, the dimension of the plinth are calculated in the total height.
Please see attached video.

*Optional: tools / commands:*
Custom Cabinet

*Optional: solution:*
Add some option to choose if the front is added to the total depth or if it is part of the total depth.

VE-103630

Merge 3 registration methods into one.

Bart Rammeloo

There are three types of registration that a user bumps into.

*1. Registering the user on a web form* when booting Vectorworks for the first time.

This information is collected for marketing reasons. This is optional (but it looks mandatory to the user)

*2. Activating the Vectorworks license.*

This is necessary to get Vectorworks up and running. If you are using E-series, there's no way around this. However, you can use whatever data you like, as long as the serial number is correct.

*3. Creating an SSO account.*

To have access to the online VSS resources, the user needs to have an SSO account.

From a user perspective, it makes sense to merge these three systems into one single experience.

VE-103534

Object components with labels or tags

Bart Rammeloo

VMSW is a Belgian codification system that has codes for wall components. In its current state, Vectorworks offers only two options to attach the proper VMSW code to a component:
* classes
* component names

Neither of these systems produce a satisfactory result.
* Classes are already used extensively to control the visibility and graphical appearance of objects. In BIM workflows, SfB classes are indispensable. Replacing the SfB classes with VMSW codes would cripple the workflow. Appending the VMSW codes to the class is not possible, as there's no logical mapping. It would also create incorrect SfB class names when exported to IFC.
* Names of the components show up in a BIM-workflow. In some cases, the components names need to be selected in an interface. Having the VMSW codes instead of readable names hampers the workflow.

There is more than one solution to this problem, but the most obvious one seems to be ‘tagging.’ Vectorworks already allows tags for resources, classes, layers and more. This is a great workaround to attach non-specified information to objects. Extending tag support to the components of any component based object (walls, slabs, roofs) would provide an elegant solution.

Remark: please also check the NCS plugin (UK market). Maybe there are NCS codes that could benefit from component specific tagging.

VE-103552

Allow multiple Story level sets

Bart Rammeloo

Vectorworks gets shipped with a list of potentially useful Story levels. Locally, we add a few levels to that (because of local building traditions). This completes the product, and gives the user an 'out of the box' solution.

However, the list can get quite long, as there are different real-life cases, that occur regularly, but not at the same time in the same project. For instance:
* A set for split level setup
* A set for renovation (large existing buildings often get assigned their own levels, that differ from the new story levels)

Having all those levels in the standard Story XML creates a list that is way too long. It hampers the user experience and adds to the impression that 'Vectorworks is complicated.'

h4. The ability to split that single XML file into different sets (XMLs) would solve the problem.

Once that is possible, a user probably expects to load, configure, and save different Story and level sets (or parts of sets), which can be moved from one computer to another and be saved in the typical user, workgroup and application folder locations.

VE-103555

Default for Design layers in stories: 'no level'

Bart Rammeloo

*Today*

When adding a Story to a Vectorworks file, you can decide which Design layers should be created with it. These Design layers expect a level. This level needs to be unique: you cannot have 2 (3, 4, ...) Design layers using the same level.

*Customer expectation*

However, in reality, customers expects those Design layers almost always to reference the 'zero' level of the story. For that, no level is needed - the 'zero' of the story suffices. Here's an example:
* Basement:
* One layer for the strip footing and/or foundation slab.
* One layer for the foundation and basement walls (to avoid wall connection conflicts with the slab ‘walls’)

* Ground floor:
* Floor slabs
* Walls
* Interior elements
* Dropped ceiling

In all of these cases, the Design layers refer to the same level: the ‘zero’ of the Story. This is to avoid confusion for the user (based on observations from training sessions).

To accomplish this <no level> setup today, a user has to:
* Create a Design layer
* Link it to a Story
* Select <no level>
* Set the offset from the Story to zero
* Confirm, and drag the Design layer to the right spot in the layer list

What the user wants to do, is:
* Create a Story
* Pick the associated Design Layers
* They all refer to the base height of the story. By default, they have <no level>
* The default offset for the Design Layers is zero.
* Only if need be, can the customer select a Design layer specific level, or change the offset.

*Back story*

Imagine a Design layer for the dropped ceiling. It has its own level, set at 260 cm above story level. The user starts drawing in the Design layer, and all ceilings are on the correct height.

But then someone else takes over. Or the project is halted for a few months, and the original user doesn't remember the project settings exactly anymore. They start modifying the ceilings, decide that the ones in the toilet areas need to be 20 cm lower. They then have to give the ceiling objects an offset of -20 cm.

While this makes perfect sense from the outside, in reality it leads to confusion and frustration from the customer (this is feedback from support and training staff). Customers are much more at ease with a Ceiling design layer that:
* Has the same zero level as the story
* When placing an object on that Design layer, they can see the offset of 260 cm in the OIP (and immediately understand this is the floor-to-ceiling height)
* When they want to lower certain parts, they just change the offset in the OIP to 240 cm (or 20 cm lower)

*Alternative solution: allow Design layers to use the same level*

Upon Story creation, allow the Design layers to be linked to the same level type. This will still be an improvement upon the current situation. There will still be a level that has the same 'zero' as the story, but at least it will be limited to only one such level (instead of a series of duplicates of that level, all having a different name).

VE-103553

Changing Story level height should not create duplicate level

Bart Rammeloo

When a level in a Vectorworks file gets a new height, that level is duplicated - see screenshot. The red value is the original level height, the green is the new height.

This is confusing to the customer. He doesn't expect the level to duplicate. When creating new Stories, he sees two levels with the same name (but different heights). This can lead to mistakes.

Our training and support staff believes it is better to not create duplicates.

VE-103506

Object with story levels capability need a fall back option

Bart Rammeloo

*Problem:*

When you pick a wall style that is story bound, and you use it in a file that has no (or not the right) story levels, you get this result:
* Red alert message in the bottom right.
* If active, a beep.
* A wall that has no 3D representation in the drawing area.

Novice users very often pick a wall based on what it looks like. As a consequence, they run into the problem above.

Our tech support team spends too much time explaining the system to these users. For prospects, it is even worse: they try to draw BIM with an eval version, pick the wrong wall style for the template, and give up. "Vectorworks is too complicated."

This also happens with other objects that have the option to let their 3D height be defined by levels (like slabs, roofs, structural members, ...)

*Solution:*

A wall offers two options to define its height:
* Story bound.
* Design layer bound.

You have to pick either one, or the other.

The problem above could be alleviated by implementing a fall back option.
* The user can define both a story bound and a design layer bound settings.
* When the object style is used, Vectorworks checks if the conditions are met for the story bound setting:
** Does a story exist?
** If yes, does the level exist?
* If yes, then the story bound settings are used.
* If no, then the Design layer settings are used.

*Urgency*

For Design Express, this has a medium urgency. Our BIM object styles have to be doubled to cater for templates with, and templates without stories and levels.

Combined with different building classifications in different countries, it creates a list of wall styles that is too long for the customer to be comfortable. It adds to the feeling that "Vectorworks is too complicated."

VE-103147

Sheet layers: background color improvement

Bart Rammeloo

The current Sheet Layer view uses the same background color for the page and its surroundings. By using a different background color and a shadow edge, it will be easier for the user to see which objects are on the page, and which aren't.

Check attached screenshot.

!image-2022-06-14-16-33-30-435.png!

VE-103148

Align / Distribute: palette instead of command

Bart Rammeloo

Illustrator has a handy way to align and distribute objects:

!image-2022-06-14-16-48-48-608.png!

A similar approach would improve the Vectorworks user experience.

VE-100372

Better visibility and lower threshold for manufacturers in Vectorworks

Bart Rammeloo

The problem we face with our Vectorworks product libraries is one of scale. There are too many manufacturers, and too little resources on our side (that's not a criticism, just an observation).

The way Autodesk "solves" this is by letting the market take care of it. It has the advantage of scale, but the disadvantage of inconsistency in quality and offered solutions.

Trimble does it slightly better with SketchUp, in the sense that they offer a central platform (3D Warehouse). This makes it easy for customers to find their way.

I believe we can only solve our product library issues if we embrace the idea of letting the manufacturers take care of the “input" (with some form of control from our side). Convincing them to do so requires development, not only technical, but also from a marketing and PR POV.

Reasons for manufactures to contribute:
* Being more visible / more present
* Being there because their competitors are

Ways to make it attractive and lower the threshold:

# Show their brand names and logos in Vectorworks.

We have a web page that lists our content partners, but is buried deep in the website. That page offers no real advantage for partners.

We can improve on that by, for instance:
* putting the brand name higher up the hierarchy in the resource browser (instead of burying it in categories like service select)
* Creating a “tool” palette with the brand logos. Either this triggers the symbol tool with the relevant library preloaded, or it is simply a shortcut to the appropriate spot in the resource browser. We can maybe even imagine a situation where clicking the brand logo opens a web interface, where customers can select the right resource. If that web interface is not available, the click on the “tool” could link to a download section on the manufacturer’s website.

2. Make it easier to produce libraries for Vectorworks.

We are too often spending too much time trying to maintain a certain level of quality. What we might consider doing instead:

* Offer production guidelines (and maybe production training) to manufacturers (we already do that), but NOT enforce quality control. If a manufacturer wants to convert their DWG collection to Vectorworks and be done with it, then that’s their choice. However, we need to be sure that we have at least one top notch library for each “niche”, so that we can use that as a reference (“look at the quality of your competitor’s library”)
* Offer access to an online platform / repository where they can host their libaries, so they become automatically available to Vectorworks customers (comparable to Service Select libraries today).
* Offer the option to host their libraries also on their own site. This is how many manufacturers still do it today, with their DWG and other files. This will allow them to communicate more easily about their libraries, since they (also) reside on their own website.
* Offer a couple of third party service providers that can help manufacturers with the production of their libraries, if they would like to outsource the production.

3. Make it clear their competition is very visible in Vectorworks.

* We need to play the competition card. If we make our current content partners more visible inside Vectorworks, we can use that leverage and start campaigning. This is a job for the PR and marketing teams in our respective countries, or maybe even for the sales teams (as it might involve a well oiled sales pitch).

I understand this is no clear-cut single-track improvement. Just having the technical improvements, step by step, will not change anything. But without these improvements, it will be as hard as it is today to convince manufacturers to take the dive. If we want to have a chance bringing it to market, we need the technical improvements.

VE-101499

Make "Roll Angle" consistent in Spotlight/Braceworks

Asynith Palmer

For VW 2022 - T02187: Braceworks Magnets, the term "Roll Angle" will be used on the Magnet OIP to set the magnet's X-axis rotation. Currently, the UI uses different terms for this setting:
* Truss OIP - Roll
* Truss Properties dialog box - Rotation

Can we use "Roll Angle" consistently? (There may be other places in the UI where the setting should be updated...)

VE-101194

Change the name of Add Point Loads at Selection command

Asynith Palmer

Two similar commands in the Braceworks menu use different verbs:
* Add Point Loads at Selection
* Insert Distributed Load at Selection

Please change "Add Point Loads at Selection" to "*Insert* Point Loads at Selection," to match the other command. Please also update the help ID to m_InsertPointLoadsAtSelection.

If you could also update the help ID for Insert Distributed Load at Selection (changing it from m_Brx_InsertDistributedLoatAtSelection to m_InsertDistributedLoadAtSelection, that would be much appreciated.)

VE-104865

Vectorworks Cloud: New Permissions

Antonio Landsberger

Currently everyone with editing permissions can remove everyone else but the owner.

Everyone with editing permissions can also add other people (with or without editing permission).

There is also no way to see who made which change (add/remove people) for the owner or the affected people. Only when you are -invited- added, you will receive a notification (via email).

By default only the owner should be able to add/remove people. With other permissions/roles allowing for other possibilities. Permissions/roles should be configurable on a per sharing instance basis.

VE-102710

Data Tag/Data Manager: Global functions (like AREA) should work in Data Tag or the Data Manager

Antonio Landsberger

While the following formula works in the worksheet without a problem

{{=AREA(('Space'.'11_Zone_1'='[Materialkonzept]-Wohnraum') & (L='E0-Geschoss'))}}

It does not seem to work in either Data Tag or Data Manager.

To reproduce please watch the video and open the attached file.

VE-103384

2D override of symbol in wall section overlaps with wall

Antonio Landsberger

When overriding the section of a 3d symbol in wall with a 2d geometry, the override is only fully shown up until the extends of the 3d symbol's geometry. Beyond that point 2d (override) geometry and wall geometry overlap.

Shouldn't the 2d override also be able to override the section view beyond the bounding box of the 3d geometry?

Steps to reproduce:
1) create new file
2) create new 3d symbol
3) create wall and insert symbol
4) create section view port and override "Left (and Right) Cut" with 2d geometry that extends beyond the bounding box of the symbol
5) see how the override doesn't work out as you may have expected

This behaviour is also observable with (German) windows and most likely others objects (for example doors) if not all.

Tested with VW2020SP2.2 and SP3b.

[~sbender]

VE-101229

IFC: Bug in Export Options (Ifc Version should not be changable)

Antonio Landsberger

Mind you: This is not an enhancement request. It's a bug report!

Please watch the video first.
Users not familiar with the differences between IFC versions (let's say 2x3 and 4), think nothing bad can happen when changing the version in the IFC Export Options. Because when exporting different versions of DWG doesn't have an influence on your data structure either.

Well, a customer of ours recently tried exporting their IFC2x3 tree catalog as IFC4 (chaning the version within the Export Options). Guess what? The Custom Pset didn't make it into the IFC file.

The issue here is of course a misunderstanding on the user's side of how IFC works and that the two versions are not compatible.

But our Export Options falsely give the impression that changing the IFC version is no biggie. So it's our fault for leaving the user the rope for them to hang themselves. We don't want to scare our customers starting with BIM or a new IFC version, do we?

A lot has happened in terms of IFC functionality in the Vectorworks application since the IFC Export was introduced. Some of which has led to seemingly redundant options. One of them is the option to change the IFC version.

We believe that the change of the IFC version
should only be possible in the Data Manager,
not in the IFC Export Options (_screenshot 01_) and
not in the "Select IFC Object" dialog either (_screenshot 02_).

In order for the user to understand this, the IFC Export Options should only show the IFC version that is currently set (grayed out) AND some information telling them that the version can be changed through the Data Manager.

Help page texts affected by this change need to be corrected accordingly.

MR: The idea is that defining a custom pset should make it automatically available in all IFC versions, not just in the current one.

VE-105180

Project Sharing Server: ARM chip version

Antonio Landsberger

Please check, if ARM based Apple chips may require a new ARM version of the Project Sharing Server for a stable PS. We already have customers using new Mac Mini M1 to run the Project Sharing Server.

VE-105175

Vectorworks Cloud Services: errors should include useful information

Antonio Landsberger

When errors occur, users should receive the following information:

a) What the error is.
b) What is likely causing the error.
c) Whom to contact (in case the user is not able to resolve it by themselves).

If, in the case of VB-200086, there is/was indeed an issue with the user's computer clock, having a useful error message, rather than just "Error," would have saved a significant amount of time for all parties involved.

VE-105186

Data Manager: Custom Psets created in IFC2x3 are not available in "Add Data Set" for IFC4

Antonio Landsberger

To replicate (see video):
1) open the attached document
2) look into the data manager:
--> The document is set to IFC2x3.
Two custom psets are part of the selected object's data.
3) change the version to IFC4
4) add class based rule
5) add IFC entity
6) Add Data Set...
--> There are no available custom psets available to select and add

VE-103319

VectorScript Editor: Better Scintilla (2)

Antonio Landsberger

Imported python modules and methods from Settings > Paths should be included in IntelliSense proposals.

VE-103318

VectorScript Editor: Better Scintilla (1)

Antonio Landsberger

Function preview at opening bracket: option to insert complete preview.

Right now typing an open round bracket after a function gives the user a preview of which parameters need to be used for it to work. The idea here is that the usage of a certain short-key would insert the complete function preview with placeholders. Often the programmer knows which function to use, but don't know or cannot see the actual variables because those are outside the visible code. But copying a variable (from somewhere else in the code) makes the preview disappear. So, with the preview inserted you can easily scroll up and down and copy paste strings without losing the function preview information and format.

VE-105049

Title Block: Data Display Settings should have a search bar

Antonio Landsberger

Since this window usually is populated with a large amount of entries, having a search bar at the top would be a great help for our customers.

VE-104526

Project Sharing: send object/layer release request

Antonio Landsberger

It would be quite handy, if our customers had the option to request a checked out object or layer to be released, if they need to work on certain parts of the document.

VE-104887

Document Size: Ways to check file size impact by resource objects

Antonio Landsberger

Often times our customers have Vectorworks documents that grow and grow to 500 MB or over 2 GB in file size. Consequently we receive either complaints due to missing features or requests for features, that allow the customers to easily find out, which of the resource objects make up the biggest chunks in the document.

Ideally, users could sort some kind of list from biggest to smallest object or vice versa.

VE-104866

Vectorworks Cloud Services: better sync information and visibility

Antonio Landsberger

Unlike other competitors (DropBox, ...) the Vectorworks Cloud Services do not show much information:
* the task icon only shows that something is being synchronized
* the Vectorworks Cloud Services window only shows a progression bar in form of a circular progress bar

DropBox on the other hand shows
* what file is being synced (task icon tool tip and task icon open menu)
* how fast the sync is going
* how much MB/GB are left
* a time estimation how long it will take until the sync is completed

Additionally it would be very useful for our customers using project sharing to see, when an upload or a download has finished. That could be by animating the task icon, using colors or popping up a short message (with the file name) that disappears after a few seconds. These could be options for the user to setup as they want. Consider what happens should Vectorworks be maximized on macOS.

VE-104850

Project Sharing Server: clear overview of logging content (new system)

Antonio Landsberger

In order to accomplish the following functionalities, we propose to change the logging from a text file to a sqlite based system.

A UI element, that can be opened through the settings interface (VE-103941), should present to the user:
* event log + filter for event type (error, warning, etc.) + filter for time span (start and end date and time)
* events should include but aren't limited to: start/end of refresh (download from server) and commit (upload to server) with meta information; change of PSS settings; etc.
* status: currently locked files (caused by which event - link to event view); load/usage (PSS based and project based); etc.

VE-104817

Project Sharing Server: option to only show vwxp of the same version

Antonio Landsberger

Our customers work with different Vectorworks versions parallel.

To avoid accidental conversions of project files and moving the original file into a new folder there should be an option (checkbox) within the dialog "Open Server-Based Project-File" to only show project files of the same version as the one being currently used to open the PSS project file.

I propose this checkbox should be checked by default.

VE-104542

Project Sharing: project file lock - manual release switch

Antonio Landsberger

Build in a functionality, that allows the admin to manually release a project file, that has been locked for several minutes by the Project Sharing Server.

#PSS

VE-104527

Project Sharing: document save version check

Antonio Landsberger

In order to improve PS robustness, it would be important for Vectorworks to check with which Vectorworks version (service pack) the project file was last saved (*1) whenever Vectorworks pulls the current project file.

If the version found is not the same as the Vectorworks version pulling the file, then an error message should inform the user to make sure all Vectorworks installations involved must be updated to the same version before continuing PS.

(*1) This information is readily available through the Vectorworks document header.

VE-101841

IFC Export: objects with IFC data but with no fill should be exported without a message

Antonio Landsberger

When exporting IFC models where somewhere some object has an empty fill, you get a message saying:
x objects with IFC data were exported.
y objects with IFC data were not exported, because they had no fill.

To reproduce:
1) open attached file
2) export document to IFC using the saved export settings
--> message (see screenshot)

([~mrizov]: Changes made to this entry according to our conversation during the GDC in June 2021 as follows)
Vectorworks should export objects with IFC, even if they are missing a fill, so that they will appear the same in the IFC viewers/model checkers as they appear in Vectorworks.

Reasoning: Vectorworks is not an IFC model checker application. Therefore such errors are for those applications to catch.

VE-103940

Project Sharing Server: select multiple root directories for project sharing files

Antonio Landsberger

Currently during the installation process you can only select one path to set for project sharing files. Some of our bigger customers have requested the wish to have more options than one single path.

VE-104460

Worksheet: referencing cells of other worksheets should work like in excel

Antonio Landsberger

Vectorworks only tracks positional cell changes, when the referenced cell is in the same worksheet, but not when cells from another worksheet within Vectorworks are referenced.

Also changing the worksheet name breaks such references.

Excel tracks all kinds of changes for referenced cell values.

VE-104462

Worksheet: row/column insert above/below and left/right

Antonio Landsberger

Currently you cannot insert a column right of a column and not a row below a row.

The context menu on clicking a row should offer
insert row above
insert row below

Likewise the context menu on clicking a column should offer
insert column left
insert column right

VE-104461

Worksheet: row/column insert above/below and left/right

Antonio Landsberger

Currently you cannot insert a column right of a column and not a row below a row.

The context menu on clicking a row should offer
insert row above
insert row below

Likewise the context menu on clicking a column should offer
insert column left
insert column right

VE-104459

Worksheet: referencing cells of other worksheets should work like in excel

Antonio Landsberger

Currently when you reference a cell of a different worksheet all works fine until you start making changes to that other worksheet.

Let's say we have worksheet-01 and worksheet-02.

In worksheet-02 in the cell B1 we write
='some string'

In worksheet-01 in the cell A1 we write
='worksheet-02':B1

That will show in A1 of worksheet-01 the value of the cell B1 of worksheet-02.

Now we add a row above B in worksheet-02. This causes 'some string' to be moved one row downwards in worksheet-02. But this also causes the string to disappear from worksheet-01 A1.

Why? Because in Vectorworks cell-referencing only tracks positional cell changes, when it's a cell in the same worksheet, not outside of it.

Excel can track changes in both cases. This is how it should work in Vectorworks.

Please consider, that this must be thought out for Data Manager as well as the Data Tag, where such references can be used. Any upcoming excel-live connection should support this, too.

VE-104157

Project Sharing Server: Docker Images and documentation should be available through the Docker Repository

Antonio Landsberger

Often used Docker images are usually available through the Docker registry. Docker images also come with a link to their Docker repository page by default.

The current Project Sharing Server manual has the user download the Vectorworks installation package (currently over 6GB) to then extract a tar file of less than 90MB in size. Then the user has to get that file to the NAS to import the image and create a container.

This situation is aggravated by the fact, that these are several steps that require different people, because the IT that does the Docker steps usually does not have a customer service portal account to download the installation file, which has to be done by the customer.

The repository page link of the Docker image points to:
[https://registry.hub.docker.com/_/project-sharing-server/]

which is a page not found (404). See screenshot.

In comparison the link included for the Jira software image points to:
[https://registry.hub.docker.com/r/atlassian/jira-software/]

which has all the information necessary. See screenshot.

Therefore the proposal is simple:
* setup a Vectorworks repository on Docker repository
* setup a repository page for the Project Sharing Server Docker image
* make the Docker image available through the Docker image registry

> No more downloading 6GB for less than 90MB.
> No more file transfer between customer and IT.
> No more looking for the manual. It's right where it should be: in the Docker repository page.

VE-104114

File Path Favorites (for Opening and Saving) - including SharePoint and more (webdav)

Antonio Landsberger

A customer of ours is wishing for the possibility to setup file path favorites to have quick access when opening or saving files in Vectorworks.

This includes all kinds of cloud solutions (one of which could of course be our own cloud).

The attached screenshot showing "Add Save File Location" is from a Swiss made application called "PDF XChange Editor":
[https://www.pdf-xchange.de/DL/pdf-xchange-editor.htm]

VE-103918

Existing Tree: square shape additionally for Root and Tree Protection Zone

Antonio Landsberger

Currently Root Display allows for
* Root Ball (circle)
* Critical Zone, Primary Zone or both (also circle)

Some of our customers have expressed the wish for these options to include also a way to select the shape: also square.

This also goes for the available options for Tree Protection.

VE-104094

Data Manager: Default Mapping for new files (as an application setting)

Antonio Landsberger

This is meant as a way to "set and forget".

The customer complains, that they need to use one and the same data manager custom mapping (xml file) for every new document, but currently that means knowing, that the mapping needs to be loaded, knowing where the file is and browsing there every time.

They use this one custom mapping file as the basis and then start changing mappings from there. But they always want to start with this one file.

Thus they wish for an option in the application settings to set a custom xml file with the mapping for every new document.

VE-102331

Camera Match: instructions (on help page) require better aid for users

Antonio Landsberger

While the process of Camera Matching in Vectorworks is a pretty straight forward affair, taking the images for this to work correctly is not.

The instructions are not too short or too complex, but photography is not something everybody is familiar with and those taking the images might not know about the limitations of certain perspectives for the calculations within Vectorworks, which leads to time and money loss.

So, it order to clarify the process by improving this help page entry

[http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FCameraViews%2FSelecting_a_photo_image_for_Camera_Match.htm]

I would propose adding simple to understand images or reduced icons for cases that work well, cases that are likely to cause errors and what else to consider.

I'm attaching a few examples.

I will also create another wish for this, linked here:
Link-space-holder

VE-103939

Project Sharing Server: connection to shared network drives difficult (Windows)

Antonio Landsberger

Due to necessary user permissions for the share, it's there is currently no easy way to connect PSS with a shared network drive on Windows.

Currently the psserverd service has to be configured to run with the correct user to have the right access permissions.

This requires a more user friendly method, since many bigger companies access multiple net volumes.

VE-103941

Project Sharing Server: interface for settings interaction required

Antonio Landsberger

Currently the PSS has no interface (taskbar icon/web API) to change PSS preferences.

Our customers/their IT expect a user friendly UI from a professional software/server service, that allows for these changes without much hassle.

VE-103947

Project Sharing Server: server should be updateable

Antonio Landsberger

Even if they knew, whether or not an update was available (see: VE-103946), currently the running PSS version is not updateable the way admins and users are accustomed to by modern software standards.

VE-103938

Project Sharing Server: missing documentation

Antonio Landsberger

Apart from the system requirements (1) and the online help page (2) as of today the Project Sharing Server is lacking any kind of (publicly) available documentation/FAQ/guide for installing/running and/or trouble shooting issues with the Project Sharing Server.

Resolving the other PSS wishes might partly resolve this.

(1) https://www.vectorworks.net/sysreq
(2) https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/ProjectSharing/The_Project_Sharing_Server.htm

VE-103937

Project Sharing Server: selectable install folder

Antonio Landsberger

Currently the admin has no choice in where the Project Sharing Server is installed (on Windows). The installer always installs it to "C:\ProgrammData\psserverd"

The PSS deserves a standard installer with the option to select a custom path and so do the admins that install it.

This may also apply to macOS.

VE-103942

Project Sharing Server: easy way to start/stop service

Antonio Landsberger

Currently (on Windows) starting/stopping the PSS service is only possible through the Windows Services. A more user friendly solution would be appreciated.

VE-103943

Project Sharing Server: easy way to change project folder(s)

Antonio Landsberger

Currently the only way to change the project sharing folder (or possibly "folders", see VE-103940) is by stopping the PSS service, making changes to the json config file and starting up the service again.

This needs to be much easier.

VE-103944

Project Sharing Server: easy way to configure log file settings

Antonio Landsberger

There needs to be an easier way to change log file settings like:
* log level
* log location
* log size constraints

Currently log level can only be done by stopping the service, making changes to the json config file, and starting the service back up. Others are not available.

VE-103945

Project Sharing Server: easy way to get the server version

Antonio Landsberger

Currently the server version can only be obtained (on Windows) by using a curl command on the command line prompt using a secret token only known to a handful of people.

VE-103946

Project Sharing Server: update notifications or check should be available

Antonio Landsberger

Currently there is no way for server admins to find out whether there are updates available for the PSS. Nor does the installer come with a change log.

VE-103955

WS: Export Worksheet Option - Export Cells as Values

Antonio Landsberger

A landscape architecture customer of ours requires an additional option for exporting Vectorworks worksheets to only export the cell's shown value instead of the formulas. This would also affect the amount of cells actually being exported, because the cells that would normally be required to produce the results would not be needed any more. So, in case "all selected rows" would be chosen, then really only those would be exported.

Example:

Currently exporting the selection shown in Fig. 1, will result in Excel looking like Fig. 2. Mind you, there is currently a bug that causes Vectorworks to export certain formulas incorrectly (see: VB-192593)

After the wish implementation the result in Excel would look like Fig. 3 instead.

VE-103915

Text Search and Replace: more ways to choose which places to look through

Antonio Landsberger

Currently when doing Text Search and Replace you can do multiple selections of:

(Look in...)
* Text Objects
* Record Fields
* Worksheets

Most of our bigger customers have dozens of worksheets with dozens or hundreds of cells. Therefore a way to select which Worksheets (or Record Fields for that matter) to look for the string would be very beneficial for two reasons:

1) You may not want to replace a certain word in certain places.
2) Doing this operation on very few selected places speeds up the whole process significantly - especially for those mentioned customers.

VE-103192

T02175: Preserved Multi-lining should work in worksheet formula field

Antonio Landsberger

According to the Taskoverview T02175 (Worksheet Formula Enhancements)

Multi-lining in worksheet formula fields should work and be preserved even after being parsed. Otherwise the option to expand the formula field does not serve much of a purpose. (see Figure 2 on page 4: screenshot attached)

See also:
T02175: Multi-lining doesn't work in worksheet formula field

Target should have been 2023, but this is no longer possible, so I vote for 2024 at the latest. Solving this would also make multi-lining possible in the expert formula field in the data manager, where formulas can get quite extensive and overwhelming. Multi-lining would help much in this regard to get a much clearer picture of what is happening in the formula.

VE-99841

ALA: Marionette - New Mode: Workflow replicator

Antonio Landsberger

A mode to replicate the usage of VW tools with Marionette nodes would make the entry into and understanding of Marionette a lot easier for beginners.

This would be essetially a Marionette network builder, but you'd be using VW tools.

Example:
With this mode active a user picks up the rectangle tool and draws a rectangle. Mirroring the actions of the user the builder would create two point nodes with the coordinates as picked by the user, feeding those into a rectangle node.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-103834

Line Attribute: thickness oddities

Antonio Landsberger

It doesn't seem to be possible to make lines with the thicknesses of

.08, .09, .10, .11, .12, .13 in parallel at the same time.

To replicate see video.

VE-103310

Marionette: Marionette Gallery integration into Vectorworks (download only)

Antonio Landsberger

Users should have a more direct and easier way of accessing Marionette Gallery content. Many users still don't know about all the uploaded and useful tools in the gallery.

Import mtexture is a good example.

It should show the reactions the entries received in the forum, come with a search bar and a filter for category (and review score).

VE-103512

Stairs should be exported with QTOs for IfcRailing and for IfcSlab

Antonio Landsberger

When exported to IFC(2x3) with the option "Quantity Take Off", all applicable objects come with the BaseQuantities Pset.

Stairs and their subparts do so too, but not all subparts are treated the same:
Only IfcStairFlight entities receive QTO data: length in mm.
IfcRailing and IfcSlab entities receive no such QTO data: length/height/width/depth. (see file)

Preferably to be implemented in no later than Vectorworks 2024.

VE-103313

Marionette: Node insertion: click wire with node to insert node between two connected nodes

Antonio Landsberger

Node insertion: click node onto wire. Node is inserted where the user clicked the wire connecting the nodes on both sides (first port).

VE-99827

ALA: Marionette - Node insertion: port to canvas node insert

Antonio Landsberger

Inserting Nodes in Marionette can be a bit tedious right now due to the number of necessary clicks to place Nodes in your document.

Max Creation Graph offers a simple way to insert Nodes. Our Marionette creators would be able to work significantly faster with such a feature.

Click and drag wire from out-port to canvas:
see [https://youtu.be/YBPVUvvMdD0?t=136|https://youtu.be/YBPVUvvMdD0?t=136] (Max Creation Graph)

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-103321

VectorScript Editor: settings for x should be global

Antonio Landsberger

* non-printable characters
* zoom

There may be more.

VE-103317

Vectorscript Editor: Docked or Floating Search & Replace Bar

Antonio Landsberger

Searching or Replacing text should not hinder the user from accessing the code directly.

Instead this should open a small but functional bar at the bottom or top (like search in web browsers) and gives the user different options for search parameters like "Highlight All", "Match Case", "Match Diacritics" and "Whole Words", "In Selection Only", "Replace Next" (button), "Replace All" (button). Search modes: "Normal", "Extended" (\n, \r, \t, ...), "RegEx". Arrow keys (search): next/previous match

Attached are two examples: Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text

VE-103340

Marionette: Separate Marionette Components

Antonio Landsberger

Marionette Components should be separated using sub-parts:
* node
* port
* wire

This would allow actions as described in _More tool specific context menu options._

VE-103339

Marionette: More tool specific context menu options

Antonio Landsberger

* debug only clicked wire
* block only clicked port/node
* clean up network (selected) (see _Cleanup network_)

VE-103338

Marionette: More tool specific smart options

Antonio Landsberger

* Node search (real time)
* last used Nodes
* predefined Node list
* Node selection when dragging wire (see _Node insertion: port to canvas node insert_)

VE-103324

Continuous Background Script

Antonio Landsberger

In certain situations, when analysing data either in Vectorworks or through other software, it would be beneficial to have an option to setup loops triggering scripts in fixed intervals or when certain conditions are met.

VE-103320

VectorScript and Python Security

Antonio Landsberger

VS and python scripts should at least be checked for harddrive/SSD and internet access (sending information). This should be configured through application settings.

VE-103323

Marionette: Node output to text and back

Antonio Landsberger

Every now and then a Marionette tool creator will need a way to easily save output and then later use that output (without having to run the part to acquire said output) in another part of the tool.

In Grasshopper Panel Nodes (see screenshot) can be used as input, as output, or both, but the output is not copyable.

VE-103314

Marionette: Improved Node and Network Blocking

Antonio Landsberger

Right now, when using a valve node to block off a network portion, *everything behind* that one blocked port is blocked and not longer usable.

In cases, where certain conditions can mean different initial calculations take different routes, but later on are handled the same, because the results are used as part of a bigger network, you have to *duplicate everything* for every route.

Our wish is for a way to merge such routes to avoid the duplication issue.

See also: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/60682-smart-valve/

VE-103311

Marionette: Marionette Usage Reporting - completing the picture

Antonio Landsberger

There are essentially two groups within our customers: those who create Customized Tools (Marionette Creators) and those who use them (Marionette Users). With the data vector of „tool activation“ we are getting a good picture of the usage patterns of the former group, but we have no clue about the latter.

In terms of statistics the two can be easily separated because Marionette Users mainly run the Customized Tools, while Marionette Creators do both (activate the Marionette Tool to create, and also run the Networks/Nodes/Menu Commands).

There are different ways we can go about this. We could
a)
simply log the usage of „Run Marionette Script“ (context menu, OIP and menu commands).

Or we could do that and go one/two steps further:
b)
Similar to how Usage Reporting gives us a view on how often each tool in Vectorworks is used by our customers, it would be beneficial to know which Marionette Nodes are used. Having this information we can investigate the causes and improve access to those Nodes maybe nobody knows about. I often come across ideas of Marionette Creators to make new Nodes, they think don’t exist, yet.

and (optionally) c)
Vectorworks could hash the code of every Marionette network - without In-port values or comments - and send the hashes with the usage report. That would allow us to see how often/wide-spread for example Customization Tools/Nodes/Networks uploaded to the Marionette Gallery are being used.

The sooner those vectors are included, the sooner we have a more complete picture of the Marionette universe.

VE-103220

Data Manager: Save Mapping Scheme (selected objects only) should work with multiple objects

Antonio Landsberger

To replicate (see video):
A)
1) open document "save-symbol-definitions.vwx"
2) open data manager
3) select "symbol-1"
4) click "Save..." an choose "Selected Objects Only" > Confirm OK
--> Open the XML file to see that you have indeed the Symbol 1 definition
B) repeat 1)-2)
3) select "symbol-1" and "symbol-2"
4) as in A)
--> Open the XML file to see that only the Symbol 2 definition is included
C) repeat 1)-2)

3) select "IfcBeam", "symbol-1" and "symbol-2"
4) as in A)
--> Open the XML file to see that only the IfcBeam definition is included, but no symbol.

VE-103322

Marionette: Viewing Pane perspective should not change when Marionette is run

Antonio Landsberger

Currently when Marionette is run (no matter if the viewing pane is currently in perspective view or not) the view changes to top down 2D and changes back to the previous view after. This is an issue when working with 3D-Objekts, which you want to see in 3D while deciding on what parameters you want to put in a dialog window popping up.

VE-99828

ALA: Marionette - Debugging: error message suppression levels

Antonio Landsberger

User defined level of what kind of error messages are shown can be included in the Marionette options menu.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-103181

Data Manager: when opening XML-schemes ask user how to proceed

Antonio Landsberger

When a user opens a previously saved XML file as of Vectorworks 2022 SP3.1 the XML file can come with mappings for symbol definitions currently not present in the document.

The potential issue should be clear:
1) user has a finished project and wants to use all the mappings as a template for new projects
2) user opens new empty file and opens the saved XML file.
--> If the user did not do a selective save of the mappings, the new file will contain mappings of symbol definitions not (yet) contained in the document.

This can lead to more and more orphaned mappings.

Now, what can be done about this?

Since there could be users that do this knowingly and on purpose, there should be a solution that gives the user a choice of how to proceed.

Here's the proposal:
When opening an XML-file in the data manager, Vectorworks checks if there are any orphaned mappings. If there are, then ask the user whether they want to keep them or not.

VE-103154

Marionette: Content - Missing (New) Nodes and Node Improvements - High Prio List

Antonio Landsberger

Hi [~mfarrell2],

As already discussed, I am uploading here an excel file with a list of suggestions I worked on with [~dcorpataux] for
* missing nodes
* node improvements

Two Vectorworks 2022 documents will be attached as reference for certain entries in the worksheet.

We believe this will be a great amendment to these tasks:
* T02331 - Marionette Content Update
* T02332 - Marionette New Nodes

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment.

VE-102323

Sandbox (Marionette) Scripts

Antonio Landsberger

Marionette Scripts and Vectorscripts can and do cause Vectorworks to crash silently or get caught in a never-ending loop for various reasons, which of course can result in customers grieving data loss.
Since those creating scripts often are not software developers we need measures to prevent scripts from crashing the Vectorworks application as a whole. To do that we suggest sandboxing scripts running in Vectorworks, so that running scripts either stop and pop out an error message or allow the user to stop them after starting them. As a side effect this would also mitigate issues to some degree touched on in wishes such as Script cancellation button or Background script jobs.

VE-102079

Dimension: no separate color for text vs. lines

Antonio Landsberger

To reproduce (please see video):

1) open file text-format-no-color.vwx
2) activate text object
3) Menu: Text > Format Text...
--> there's no color option

Alright, we can change the color through the Attributes Palette, right?

Well, yes, in case it's just a text object.

In case of the dimension there is text and there are lines. Changing the color here through the Attribute Palette would change the color of both.

If you want to change any aspect of the text format of the dimension, go into the menu and get the Format Text dialog and it will change the text object inside the dimension accordingly.

Now, if you create a new or edit an existing Text Style you CAN set or change the color options!

And: you CAN set a certain text style for dimensions!

But: even if you set a certain color in the text style, the dimension will ignore this information.

Please have a look at this.

VE-101164

BCF Manager should be able to make certain Objects invisible

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at VE-101145.

Currently the BCF Manager is possibly breaking the BCF workflow, because Vectorworks only supports the visibility state of Objects by Class or Layer, but not on a per-Object-basis. This though is necessary for this particular feature of BCF.

Explanation: If the BCF Manager opens a BCF file with a comment using this feature, it won't properly relay this information back to the file, when saving.

The [BIM Collaboration Format v2.1 Technical Documentation|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md] states the following under [Visibility|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md#visibility]:
{quote}The {{Visibility}} element states the components {{DefaultVisibility}} and lists all {{Exceptions}} that apply to specific components. The components in the {{Exceptions}} have the opposite visibility than DefaultVisibility.
{quote}
This wish has already been discussed in the past. Please see also: [T02164 Solibri Direct - Beta Forum entry|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/73360-t02164-solibri-direct/&do=findComment&comment=361109]

Verdict: If we don't want our customers be the link that breaks the BCF workflow, this has to be implemented. Implementing this feature into Vectorworks would also greatly benefit the workflows of our customers, because they would be able to isolate a part of the project independent from class or layer visibilities.

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 05:02.

VE-101162

BCF Manager should show a DocumentReference Link if present

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at VE-101145.

Currently the BFC Manager does not support showing DocumentReference Links tied to Topics.

The [BIM Collaboration Format v2.1 Technical Documentation|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md] states the following under [DocumentReference|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md#documentreference-optional]:
{quote}DocumentReference provides a means to associate additional payloads or links with topics. The references may point to a file within the .bcfzip or to an external location.
{quote}
Verdict: Even if Solibri does not currently correctly export these links within the XML, that doesn't mean we shouldn't implement the GUI element if the information is present in the file. It's not a matter of *if*, but *when* Solibri will correct the issue.
Often the workflow of exchanging BCF files includes having a log file attached where the parties involved state the decision to make certain corrections. If Vectorworks doesn't support this feature, it will break the workflow described above.

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 03:15.

VE-101478

VS: CreatePullDownSearch is missing a function in VS for usage in VS or Python (LHF)

Antonio Landsberger

Currently, when using the function vs.CreatePullDownMenu, you can populate the menu list by using

{{AddChoice()}}

which works perfectly.

When using the function vs.CreatePullDownSearch, to populate the search list you need to use the function

{{InsertItemInSearchablePulldown()}}

which is only available for SDK right now.

The wish is simple:
Please make the function _InsertItemInSearchablePulldown_ available in VectorScript, so that Marionette users and others can create searchable pulldowns.

Thanks!

PS: After doing that, please update the wiki page with an example:
https://developer.vectorworks.net/index.php/VS:CreatePullDownSearch

VE-101159

BCF Manager should show the Topic GUIDs (LHF)

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at [VE-101145|https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101145].

Currently the BCF Manager does not show one of the major data points of a Topic: the GUID.

For reasons of quality assurance during the BIM workflow having this information available is quite important. Users shouldn't have to go through the XML content of the zipped bcf file to review this information.

Verdict: important information - easy to implement.

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 03:30

VE-101167

BCF Manager should use an Editable Listbrowser

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at [VE-101145|https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101145].

Currently the BCF Manager is not making use of available new SDK features.

Namely: using the Editable Listbrowser the BCF Manager could become much more managable in the style of the Organization dialog and make opening yet another dialog obsolete.

Verdict: great way to simplify the GUI - comparatively easy to implement

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 02:33

VE-101166

BCF Manager should support "Lines" (Revision Cloud) (LHF)

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at [VE-101145|https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101145].

Currently the BCF Manager does not draw Revision Clouds when they were setup in a viewpoint.

Even through the geometrical information for the polygonal Revision Cloud is available in form of Lines in the bcfv file, we are not making use of it.

The [BIM Collaboration Format v2.1 Technical Documentation|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md] states the following under [Lines|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md#lines-optional]:
{quote}Lines can be used to add markup in 3D. Each line is defined by three dimensional Start Point and End Point. Lines that have the same start and end points are to be considered points and may be displayed accordingly.
{quote}
Verdict: good information - easy to implement

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 05:02

VE-101165

BCF Manager should list all available Components

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at [VE-101145|https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101145].

Currently the BCF Manager does not offer any kind of overview of all Objects involved in a Viewpoint if referenced. (see attached screenshots)

Having direct access to the Objects involved in a specific conflict case would be of great help to our customers when using the BCF workflow.

The [BIM Collaboration Format v2.1 Technical Documentation|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md] states the following under [Components|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md#components]:
{quote}The components node contains a set of Component references.
{quote}
Verdict: good information to have - comparatively easy to implement

VE-101163

BCF Manager has to make use of the Clip Cube

Antonio Landsberger

This VE is part of the main entry at [VE-101145|https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-101145].

Currently the BCF Manager does not support a very important feature of BCF Topic Viewpoints: Clipping Planes.

The information necessary to adjust our native Clip Cube is readily available within the Visualization information (.bcfv) file.

The [BIM Collaboration Format v2.1 Technical Documentation|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md] states the following under [ClippingPlanes|https://github.com/BuildingSMART/BCF-XML/blob/master/Documentation/README.md#clippingplanes-optional]:
{quote}ClippingPlanes can be used to define a subsection of a building model that is related to the topic. Each clipping plane is defined by Location and Direction.
{quote}
Verdict: imperativ feature to use the BCF Manager properly - comparatively easy to implement

For further information watch the [video provided|https://jira.vectorworks.net/secure/attachment/351129/VE-101145-BCF-Manager-Wishes.mp4] and jump to the time 04:04

VE-100086

ALA: Marionette - Python Library integration into VW

Antonio Landsberger

This is an addendum to the already published list of functional wishes for Marionette.

The issue is not strictly limited to Marionette, since pure python and VectorScripts tools would benefit from this as well.

In order to give our script creators more options and the script users less hassle, the whole process with external python libraries should be streamlined:

a) Vectorworks should come with some of the most popular/useful python libraries pre-installed (see list below).
b) For script creators implementing python libraries should be easier.
c) For script users installing new python libraries should be easier.

Maybe using the API of www.pypi.org is an option?
https://warehouse.readthedocs.io/api-reference/

We would recommend the following libraries:

Mathematical calculations and data crunching with advanced arrays:
* NumPy (https://numpy.org/)
* SciPy (https://www.scipy.org/)
* pandas (https://pandas.pydata.org/)

Geometric calculations and operations (also GIS):
* Shapely (https://pypi.org/project/Shapely/)
* Pillow (https://pypi.org/project/Pillow/)

Graphs:
* Plotly (https://plot.ly/python/)
* matplotlib (https://matplotlib.org/3.1.1/gallery/index.html)

Of course we could directly ask our customization users through the forums.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99844

ALA: Marionette - Nodes GUI: nodes highlighter

Antonio Landsberger

When handling a huge Marionette network possibly with custom made nodes things can get a little overwhelming - especially when you're not the creator (source being a download or co-worker).

Introducing a functionality that allows for a better visual overview would go a long way. Nodes could be highlighted by category selection and/or by text search (applicaple to both the node type and the given node name).

An early beta of such a tool (NodeHighlighter) is attached as vwx.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99831

ALA: VectorScript command for: Reshape Functions

Antonio Landsberger

Marionette users would benefit from nodes using these commands.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99801

ALA: Marionette - Enable debugging inside Wrappers and Object Nodes

Antonio Landsberger

Right now there are workarounds (new wrapper outports or records in case of Marionette Objects/Menu Commands), but none is really practical or convenient.

Debugging is a big part of the work, when creating Marionette networks. As such being able to debug inside Wrappers and Object Nodes would increase the productivity of Marionette creators considerably.

It's a well known and long existing wish among Marionette creators:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/42416-marionette-introductory-tutorials/&tab=comments#comment-216883

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99803

ALA: Marionette integration as subroutine into PIOs

Antonio Landsberger

The next level of digitalisation needs more customisable tools and faster adaption of PIOs.
Integration of Marionette code can be an answer to that requirement. It would allow customers, software consultants and distributors
to extend PIO functionality fast without changing source code of the PIO.

These are some of the possible applications:
1. Inhomogeneous wall styles for drywalls, patterns, or pillars inside the wall object.
2. Special frame configurations in windows or special objects inserted in window segmentation (cat flap, ventilation, sunblind)
3. Parametric graphic in data tags (raw implementation is possible, but doesn't seem to be officially supported)

Possible implementation
While a PIO is executed, there could be code, that runs after the PIO execution. The core functionality of the PIO provides
allocating parameters directly to the script.

Interiorcad provides this functionallity:
https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/files/file/104-boxes/

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99806

ALA: Marionette - Wire handling: enhance the Pass Node to also be used as Send & Receive Node

Antonio Landsberger

In complex networks a high number and overlay of wires cause great visual complexity.

This could be aliviated by allowing connections between two nodes with an invisible wire. Grasshopper has had this feature for years.

Since "Send & Receive Nodes" are essentially Pass Nodes, we propose to enhance Pass Nodes rather than introducing new ones.

A simple drop-down menu in the OIP to choose between "normal mode" and "send & receive mode" could accomplish that.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99814

ALA: Marionette - More user interaction for plug-ins and for Marionette nodes

Antonio Landsberger

Right now control points in Object Nodes are already helpful. These options would make Marionette Objects and Plug-Ins make even more interactive and user friendly:
colors for different kind of modi points, control points directly on the object.
For example: control points on surface moving in direction of normal vector OR on edges/corners moving on a fix axis.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99815

ALA: VectorScript command for: Mesh modelling

Antonio Landsberger

Graphical Scripting is often reduced to showing effects such as organic flowing facades with 3D hatches inside. A 3D cell structure (like voronoi) for instance
is not possible to script with Marionette.

Marionette would consequently benefit from a new node using this VS command.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99816

ALA: Marionette - Background scipt jobs

Antonio Landsberger

Some scripts take minutes to execute and users are blocked from doing other tasks in Vectorworks.
A workaround would be to launch Vectorworks more than once (multi-instance) and work in two different Vectorworks instances.
But this is not possible for most of the users, because it requires special know-how.

If users could work in one file, while a script is running in another file, they would be able work even more efficient with Vectorworks.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99817

ALA: Marionette - Toggle run network handling

Antonio Landsberger

When running Marionette networks with random elements or when you want to change OIP values in quick succession, but have to zoom out to see the result, it would be of great benefit to have an additional option (Marionette tool preferences) to keep the current node activated after running it.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99818

ALA: Marionette - Progress bar

Antonio Landsberger

When running big networks the calculation can take several minutes to be completed . Users cannot see or estimate how long it will take until the process is finished. This can cause users to force quit Vectorworks thinking the application has crashed.
Even if running the Marionette tool accomplishes the work faster than doing it by hand, the user perceives it as time passing without working on the project.
Introducing a progress bar for script processes (VectorScript, Marionette, Python) would work towards happier customers.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99820

ALA: Marionette - Sort wrapper ports

Antonio Landsberger

To sort OIP elements a Marionette creator can use numbers at the beginning of the node name. A similarly easy way to sort wrapper ports would be appreciated by Marionette creators.

This wish is part of a Marionette wish list uploaded by Andreas Thierer in Dec 2016 ( https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97200 ).

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99823

ALA: Marionette - Node insertion: Real-Time search

Antonio Landsberger

Searching for Nodes to insert into the Vectorworks document can be accelerated and made easier to understand for beginners who may not know where certain Nodes are by changing the Resource Browser to a real time search.

Meaning: as soon as you start typing the search gives you results without having to press enter. This would make the experience much more intuitive.

See cmNodes ([https://youtu.be/MI_IS_Vpro4?t=444])

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99825

ALA: Marionette - Declutter context menu items for nodes, wrappers and Marionette objects

Antonio Landsberger

Rightclicking a node will give you a number of context menu items that either don't work or are of no use for a Marionette workflow:
* Create Similar Object
* Select Coincident Objects...
* Create Objects from Shapes...
* Send
* Rotate
* Lock / Unlock
* Check Out... / Release... / Administrative Release... (if not applicable)

Removing non-essential context menu items, that serve no purpose for Marionette nodes/wrappers/objects would make for a cleaner look and a better user experience.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99826

ALA: Marionette - More features to structure Object Info Palette

Antonio Landsberger

Right now every item within the OIP takes up one line irrespective of the actual space requirement.

Allow more than 1 text field per line and conditional dropdown menu items.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99829

ALA: Marionette - More direct info and graphical attributes for nodes

Antonio Landsberger

This wish ties in with a number of other wishes on this list, where seeing certain information (function, state, list absorb, SetLinksObject etc.) with one look, would make handling Marionette as a whole much smoother/easier.

This can include, but is not limited to:
thumbnails, smaller text, quick descreption, knot text

Grasshopper has had a number of different implementations of this kind for many many years.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99835

ALA: Marionette - Wire handling: wire snapping to port only

Antonio Landsberger

Master snap point have improved wire handling in Marionette considerably.

A logical consequence would be to reduce snapping to only ports while holding a wire - no longer to text node body geometry.

[~sbarrett2]

[~mfarrell2]

[~dcorpataux]

VE-99822

ALA: Marionette - Wire handling: Marionette network Wiring in 3D viewport

Antonio Landsberger

Allow node wiring in 3D viewport.

See also https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97691

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99834

Using Script Function in Formulas

Antonio Landsberger

Worksheets, Data Manager, Data Visualisation etc

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99832

VectorScript command for: 3D Grid and grid smoothing

Antonio Landsberger

Subdivision objects by script

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99824

ALA: Marionette - Dynamic pop-up population

Antonio Landsberger

In order to make Marionette more powerful in list handling, dynamically feeding pop-ups.

See also: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VE-97045 (Oct 2016)

Speaking of pop-up: why, pray tell, is it called "pop-up" in Vectorworks and not "dropdown" like everywhere else? As someone who worked in web development for over a decade I find this confusing to no end.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99846

ALA: Marionette/VS/Py - Autostart Scripts

Antonio Landsberger

Allow for an option to start scripts when opening a document.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99845

ALA: Marionette - Wire handling: More intelligent wire smoothing

Antonio Landsberger

Big distance more orthogonal, short distance smaller curve etc. negative direction better geometry of wire.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99842

ALA: Marionette - Global possibility to set script options (Global, Setting nodes)

Antonio Landsberger

Example: decimals, units, debug, list absorb, etc.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99839

ALA: Marionette - Nodes GUI: Node grouping

Antonio Landsberger

Make it an option to group nodes (fix distances of selection) like in Grasshopper.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99838

ALA: Marionette - Nodes GUI: Node overview map

Antonio Landsberger

see cmNodes ( https://youtu.be/MI_IS_Vpro4?t=183 )

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99837

ALA: Marionette - Python error message (copyable)

Antonio Landsberger

Make error message copyable.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99836

ALA: Marionette - Nodes GUI: decluttering the Vectorworks document

Antonio Landsberger

Nodes should not produce classes and gradients in a document.
There's surely a better way to handle the Marionette magic. :)

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99830

ALA: Marionette - Script export: lift max. character count

Antonio Landsberger

Allow to export python scripts with more than 32000 characters.
This limitation has other impacts: when handling long lists of lists with many items the debug node just cuts off the text.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99843

VectorScript command for: Subsurface by script

Antonio Landsberger

Marionette users would benefit from a new node using this command.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99840

VectorScript command for: Fit Mesh to NURBS

Antonio Landsberger

Marionette users would benefit from a new node using this command.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99833

VectorScript command for: Planarisation

Antonio Landsberger

Project geometry on faces

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99821

ALA: Marionette - Toggle list absorb option for wrappers

Antonio Landsberger

Toggling list absorb behavior for wrapper in-ports using an OIP checkbox would be helpful when using the same wrapper multiple times with different inputs each.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99819

ALA: Marionette - Script cancellation button

Antonio Landsberger

Allow script cancellation via button in a dialog for cases such as: infinite loops, scripts taking longer than anticipated (see progress bar wish VE-99818).

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-99812

ALA: Marionette - Debugging: real debugger

Antonio Landsberger

Just like in programming languages debugging line by line is an everyday-tool, the option for Marionette users to run a network node by node would be very helpful to understand issues within it.

[~sbarrett2][~mfarrell2][~dcorpataux]

VE-104839

DWG: Import back orignal VWX file - unexpected results

Antonio da Cunha

1. Open the Customer file with the name: ASW_Datei_mit_Fehler_DWG_Export_v2019.vwx

2. Export the Layer as shown in the Screenshot: 1. Sheet Layer to be Exported.PNG

3. Use the options shown in: 2. Customer DWG Export Options.PNG and 3. Customer Publish.PNG

4. Publish the file as DWG

5. Import it back to Vectorworks, using the Options shown in: 4. Import DWG Options.PNG

6. The results aren't the expected, See Screenshot 5. 2019 SP3 479391 DWG Import Result.PNG

If used the Standard Options, the results will also be faulty. This also happens with 2016 SP6 467741

Important: We ask for a Workaround to this Problem as soon as possible, as the Customer is of great importance to us, ComputerWorks GmbH.

VE-101875

DWG Export / Import: Wall Insulation Polygon shape shift

Antonio da Cunha

To reproduce the problem:

1. Open the attached .vwx file and export to .DWG with standard options.
1.1. Import back the exported file.

2. See the attached screenshots. The Walls Insulation Polygon are re-imported as 3D Symbol and are now out of the Walls margins.

VE-101311

Space: Edit List not working in the Worksheet

Antonio da Cunha

1. Please, see the attached video to understand better the problem

2. Open the attached .vwx file and with the Space select:
2.1. Go to OI and click Space Name: Edit
2.2. At the bottom of the list select "Edit List" and select Cancel to close the Dialog - All working well.

3. Now on the Worksheet, open the drop down menu (like show in the video) of the Edit cell.
3.1. Click "Edit List" - nothing happens.
3.2. Switch to any other option and then Click "Edit List" again, the cell name will change to "Edit" and nothing more.

VE-104268

U-Stair: diagonal lines missing

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a test file and a couple of screenshots.

When we draw a U-Stair, we can see that the diagonal lines are missing in the drawing, like shown in the screenshot, while in the thumbnail this same lines are present.

We would expect that the same diagonal lines shown in the thumbnail would also be displayed in the U-Stair when in the drawing.

VE-103357

Copy Layer Plane Square and Paste will place in 3D Plane

Antonio da Cunha

The attached video shows the problem being reproduced.

While in 3D view, after drawing a square in the Layer plane with Orthogonal or Oblique Perspective active and doing Copy+Paste the pasted square will be placed in the 3D plane.

Customer file where we originally have found the problem is also attached.

Note: This happens only with Orthogonal or any of the Oblique Perspectives active. Narrow/Normal/Wide Perspectives work correctly.

Note 2: In the OI, where it says "Layer: 3D" if we click on the 3D it will switch to Layer.

VE-102097

Import Point Cloud: why limit is only 35 million points

Antonio da Cunha

Hello,

we have one of our Stockists asking why Import Point Cloud has a limit of only 35 million points?

He also states that the complete Project that a Customer has has 9.5 billion points and after being clean it has 665 million points.

Two example files are attached. One with around 39 million points and the other with around 15 million points. I had to zip one of the files because it is more than 1GB in size.

VE-102631

Detail from Section Viewport does not copy Annotations

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a test file, in which is a Section Viewport and a Detail from this same Section Viewport.

In the Section Viewport we can see that it has a rectangle in the Annotations.

When creating a Detail of the Section Viewport, the rectangle is not copied into the Detail.

We expect the Annotations to also be included in the Detail.

VE-101839

Export Re-Import DWG: viewport changes borders limit

Antonio da Cunha

The attached video shows the problem being reproduced.

By Exporting and Re-Importing to DWG, the Viewports (Symbols after Re-Import) change size.

Attached is also the file in question and the Settings used.

VE-100745

Bitmap in Rectangle as Image: empty spaces become white colored

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a .vwx test file

In the drawing area of the file we can see a red rectangle.
On top of the red rectangle is a Bitmap that contains a shape mixed with blank areas.
Through the blank areas we can see the red color of the rectangle.

Also, on top of the rectangle is another rectanle, which the filling is Image and this image is the same Bitmap above described. In this situation, we can't see the red color of the rectangle anymore. The areas that should be empty spaces are now displayed in white color.

VE-104999

Hardscape path: arrow does not stay in the middle of the path

Antonio da Cunha

The attached video shows the problem being reproduced.

In the attached Test-File v2024.vwx I have drawn 10 different polylines, each have a difference curvature that goes from 12 degrees to 30 degrees.

Select one of the polylines and use the tool "Create Objects from Shapes..." to create a Hardscape with a Path Configuration, like its shown in the video.

As we can see, after creating the hardscape like explained above, the arrow does not stay in the middle of the path by its edges, including the arrowhead itself.

Please take a look at this. Thank you in advance.

VE-100007

DWG Import: object coordinates aren't the same

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a test .DWG file. This file has a rectangle, of which the top right corner is located in the coordinates 0,0 (x,y).

Import the test .DWG file to Vectorworks. Now the corner located in the coordinates 0,0 (x,y) is the bottom left one. See attached screenshots.

I was informed that the Customer changed the .dwg object coordinates with DraftSight, before the change it was displayed correctly in Vectorworks and CAD. After the change is displayed correctly with CAD but not with Vectorworks.

VE-104619

Energos: if Edit skylight active then Windows not displayed as Building Element

Antonio da Cunha

The attached video shows the problem being repruced.

If Edit skylight is active then the Windows objects will not be displayed in the Building Element List in the Energos Project Settings.

VE-104302

The possibility to turn off Cloud Services while still logged in

Antonio da Cunha

We received the request from a Customer to be able to, while still logged in to Vectorworks services (Library, etc.), to still be able to turn off or block the access to Cloud Services.

The wish is to exist the possibility to dictate which users (in a Company with multiple licenses) have access to the Cloud Services and which do not, while still being able to use normally all other functions.

VE-104301

Master Updater: the possibility to update Vectorworks in various computers at the same time

Antonio da Cunha

We have periodically the request from Customers for a Master Updater. One Updater that can Update various computers in a network at the same time. This would be very useful for Customer that have multiple licenses.

VE-104226

Installer: First Time Run key defined globally need and not only for user

Antonio da Cunha

The following Bug although it is in reality a Wish, it was requested to me to register this as a QRT Bug. This request comes from our biggest Customer (Knapp AG), which wants to upgrade several hundreds of users to 2023, but currently that is not be possible due to what is described in this report, hence the emergency to report this as a QRT Bug.

Below is the original e-mail from Knapp AG (translated to english) and attached are the screenshots also sent by Knapp AG:

"Since we want to switch from Vectorworks 2019 to Vectorworks 2023, we are now facing the problem that after installing Vectorworks, a Vectorworks account is now required to activate the license. However, since we have to manage several hundred users and licenses across the globe, there will be huge problems rolling out Vectorworks 2023 in our company. Unfortunately, I have to admit that our employees would probably be overwhelmed with that. Most of them will probably break down the door and ask us what they should enter there or why they have to do it all at once? It worked fine without it for years.

By manually setting the "First Time Run" entry in the registry, you can skip the "Sign In".

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Nemetschek\Vectorworks 28\Registration

We have a client-server solution for installing Vectorworks. We administrators set on the server which user should have a Vectorworks installed with which license. The client on the user's computer then automatically downloads the installer and installs VW in silent mode. In the course of this, we would then run a script at the end of the installation, which then makes the entry in the registry.

Unfortunately, this entry is only related to the user (HKEY_CURRENT_USER). In this way we would only prevent the account requirement for the user who carried out the installation. But if someone else then logs on to the computer and starts the VW, there is of course no registry entry for the current user and the sign-in dialog appears again.

While this won't happen often on users' laptops, we also use Vectorworks a lot remotely.
We have over 10 terminal servers (+ graphics card) where Vectorworks is installed. The users do not always get on the same server, but are automatically redirected to the individual servers depending on the load. The Vectorworks is started directly. More than 100 users work with it every day. That would mean that in the initial phase they would have to register with an account on every server at some point.

What Knapp AG needs is that the "First Time Run" key is not defined for the user, but that it can also be defined globally for the computer.

That's why I wish it were possible to relate the entry "First Time Run" to the computer and not to the user. I tried making the entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. However, it had no effect. Vectorworks probably only looks at HKEY_CURRENT_USER for this.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Nemetschek\Vectorworks 28\Registration

If this were possible, all our problems would be solved. We would then manually set the entry in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE during installation on the server. Any user who then starts a remote Vectorworks would then not notice anything about this account requirement and can work as normal as with previous versions. We wouldn't have to do any extra work with regard to accounts either."

VE-102802

Landscape Area: flickering ripped graphics

Antonio da Cunha

The attached video shows the problem being reproduced.

When creating a Landscape Area, which has "Display as 3D polygon" active in the Landscape Area Style, we can see that the graphics are flickering and distorted on the bottom side of the 3D Object. If we switch to "Display as texture bed on: Existing" then it will be correctly displayed.

VE-104060

Search for Updates: Updater missing pop-up warning is required

Antonio da Cunha

If we don't have the Updater (.app for Mac and .exe plus folder for Win) in the Programs/Vectorworks folder and we click on the Vectorworks "Search for Updates" option that is on the Vectorworks top menu, it pop-ups the Warning "Your Vectorworks version is up to date and does not need an update." This is very misleading. In reality it should pop-up a warning saying that the Updater is missing from the Programs/Vectorworks folder.

We already had situations in which for any reason a Customer removed the Updater or it was broken and this warning makes the Customer think that their Vectorworks Version is up to date, while it is not the case.

In case the VWVersion.txt is also missing, Vectorworks/Updater should be able to generate a new one. The Updater is totally dependent of this file to see if it needs a new Update or not. In the case this file is missing, should exist some sort of action to be able to generate a new file.

Please take a look at this and implement this pop-up warning Pop-as soon as possible. Thank you in advance.

VE-99457

Hardscape, store specifications of Slab Drainage

Antonio da Cunha

1. Draw a Hardscape

2. Set 3D Type to Slab Drainage

3. Insert Drainage: Slab Drainage > Create Drain Mode

4. Switch the 3D Type from Slab Drainage to Slab (Drainage is removed)

5. Switch the 3D Type back to Slab Drainage (Drainage is not back)

The Drainage disappears and does not return. It would be goof if the Drainage would still be there when switching back to Slab Drainage. At least until the Hardscape shape is changed.

VE-103157

DWG Import: Dimensions Imported as Group

Antonio da Cunha

When importing the attached .DWG, the dimensions (the red ones) are imported as a Group and its expected for the dimensions to remain dimensions.

There is a blue dimension (with a bigger size) that when imported remains as dimension.

Please, see why the red dimensions are being imported as Groups and if possible a solution for this.

VE-102974

Nomad App: possibility to read, add, edit and remove georeferenced data

Antonio da Cunha

When working with a georeferenced Vectoworks file with the Nomad App, the possibility for the georeferenced data to be visible / available while using the Nomad App, plus the possibility to add / edit / remove such data.

VE-102686

Energos: buildings elements list doesn't take roof window into account

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a file, which has a roof with a window in it.

In this file we can see that Energos does not take this window into account.

1. Open the test file and go to AEC > Energos > Project Settings...

2. In the Energos Project Settings > Building, click on "Edit Building Elements List..."

3. In this list we can see 7 windows, none is the roof window.

VE-102513

Updater: more specific warning errors

Antonio da Cunha

Updater errors are very general, they simply say for the Customer to contact support.

Although I do understand its important for the Customer to do so, it would be of great help if the error warnings could be more specific about what is the problem at hand.

VE-102512

MSI Viewer

Antonio da Cunha

We would like to have a MSI for the Viewer, too.

VE-102511

Installer: wrong serial number warning

Antonio da Cunha

We have Customers requesting if its possible when a Serial Number is wrong and given from a different Version, if the warning can say so and tell for which Version is the SN used.

eg. A Customer writes the SN for 2020 in a 2022 installation. A warning would pop-up telling that SN is for 2020.

VE-102510

Installer: minimum OS required warning

Antonio da Cunha

Would be very important to when Installing Vectorworks, to have a Warning about what is the minimum OS Version supported.

This would be specially important for Mac users, where the OS has constant updates and quickly is not supported anymore by Vectorworks.

VE-102508

Pre-Installer Dialog restart after installing

Antonio da Cunha

The possibility to have an option that restarts the pre-installer dialog after Vectorworks or Viewer is installed.

As example:

1. Open the Pre-Installer Dialog

2. Go through the Dialog to install Vectorworks

3. When Vectorworks is installed, we have a checkbox to start Vectorworks and a button to close the pre-installer dialog. In here, we could have one of two possibilities:

3.1. A checkbox that will take the Pre-Installer dialog/windows back to the start, with the purpose of, as example, to install the Viewer afterwards. Without the need of manually closing and re-opening the Pre-Installer Dialog. If this checkbox is active, the "start vectorworks" checkbox should be greyed out.

3.2. When finished installing Vectorworks (or the Viewer), a dialog will pop up asking if we want to perform any more actions, if we choose yes then the Pre-Installer Dialog would go back to the start so we can perform any other actions... like installing the Viewer or PSS, etc.

At the end this checkbox or pop-up would appear every time, because the Customer might need to install a myriad of tools that we might have available in the Pre-Installer Dialog: Vectorworks, Viewer, Project Sharing Server, read PDF Tutorials, etc.

Source I don't really know what am I supposed to select. I have thought about this while creating the German Version Installer for ComputerWorks.

VE-99322

Reconnect Straight Walls

Antonio da Cunha

It would be useful to reconnect back a cutted wall. It is possible to cut a wall and divide it in two or more parts, but it is not possible to reconnect them back. When two straight walls have the same characteristics, there is no reason for this to not be possible to do,

There is a myriad of reasons why a wall would be gutted during Design and later, for example if decisions and/or ideas are changed, it should be possible to reconnect back the divided (straight) walls.

VE-100970

Support for text width factor (was: DXF/DWG Import: text wrong display)

Antonio da Cunha

Attached is a .dwg and a .dxf file that contain the same objects.
When importing this files to Vectorworks, the text is not displayed as wanted.

Attached is a .PDF that shows how the text is expected to appear.
Attached is also a screenshot that shows side to side the .PDF and the Vectorworks Import.

Important, is that the Customer noticed that when importing to Archicad, the text is correctly shown and with Vectorworks is not! Note that Archicad is our main competitor here in Germany, therefore this is very alarming for us.

Please, take a look at this as fast as possible. Thank you!

VE-100024

PDF Export and Print: 2D/3D Locus

Antonio da Cunha

The possibility to PDF Export and Print 2D/3D Loci.

https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-164211

VE-99737

Import SketchUp 2018 and 2019 versions not supported

Antonio da Cunha

Open a new document and import the attached files.

Vectorworks 2019 does not support SketchUp 2018 and 2019 files. The files have to be saved as .skp version to be imported into Vectorworks.

Vectorworks 2018 did not supported (and still doesn't) .skp files from the SketchUp 2018 version.

Currently Vectorworks 2019 does not support .skp files from the 2018 and 2019 versions.

We believe that this situation is of major importance. We do have Customers that use both Softwares and to be able to import their SketchUp models into Vectorworks, they are forced to downgrade their files to a 2017 version, to be possible to import the .skp files.

VE-99697

Updater running without Vectorworks being installed

Antonio da Cunha

Hello,

We want to request the possibility of the Updater to run without needing to install Vectorworks.

Case Example:
In a Company with various machines and Vectorworks licenses, exists the Admin machine that is the machine used by the IT-Engineer. This Worker (The Admin) does not use or needs Vectorworks in his Computer. One of his many tasks is to keep all Computers with Vectorworks up to date. For that he will use the Updater in his machine, download the Update and put it in a USB-Stick or in the Company Server and after Update all the Vectorworks licenses in the Company. This can happen for example in Computers without Internet access.

In short, we do believe that the Updater should run independently from Vectorworks if needed, at least for certain options. For example the possibility to download Service Packs.

VE-99445

Display 2D and 3D Components together, of Stairs and Windows

Antonio da Cunha

„Displaying 2D and 3D Components of a Symbol Definition Together in a Viewport“, see Vectorworks 2019 Help.

It would be great if it becomes possible to do the same with Windows and Stairs.

You can create a 2D representation for the intelligent objects, and override the 3D representation, but you can not combine this as with symbols to complement the 3D representation with only 2D objects - right?

If you could do that, you could just go to the "2D Editing" step on the stairs and draw something on the railing or profiles on the wooden stair string etc. (Without creating the 3D representation as a 2D duplicate).

http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2019/eng/index.htm#t=VW2019_Guide%2FSymbols%2FDisplaying_2D_and_3D_Components_of_a_Symbol_Definition_Together.htm%23XREF_81122_Displaying_2D_and&rhsearch=3D%20edit&rhsyns=%20

VE-99323

Lock Classes

Antonio da Cunha

The possibility to Lock Classes, when they are Locked it is not possible to Delete them.

A user wishes that classes can be fixed, meaning that they can not be deleted. For example, in a default document that created the Office itself and serves as the Office template, the default Classes should not be erasable.

I find useful if there would be also in the Lock option, the possibility to Lock the Classes to a point that is not possible to Edit them. With this said, maybe a couple of "Lock Levels/Options"? One to not allow the Classes to be deleted and another one to also not allow to Edit the Locked Classes.

VE-99297

Copy data records from one symbol to another

Antonio da Cunha

The possibility to Copy the Data Records of a Symbol to another Symbol without having to manually write one by one.

General data records, e.g. Light Info Record for Spotlight symbols does not hang on any specific object. It would save me a lot of time, if we could copy the records from one symbol to another.

VE-99295

Copy Table Properties with the Eyedropper Tool

Antonio da Cunha

It would be great if we could transfer the properties of a Worksheet with the Eyedropper Tool.

Currently there is no way to change the formatting of several Worksheets at the same time.
For example, if we want to change the columns width, line height, font, etc. in 50 Worksheets, we have to do this 50x in succession for each Worksheet individually.

If we could do this with the Eyedropper Tool, that would be great!

VE-99294

Section Viewport with Wireframe Rendering

Antonio da Cunha

Section Viewports should have the Wireframe Option in Background Render. Would be faster to Render and also to visualize certain objects and cenarios.

VE-104712

<TRUSS> Toggle rotation for corner/cross trusses

Annelien Saliën

When placing a corner or cross truss, finding the right positioning with the magnet system is a tough job. You have to place your cursor just right to achieve the result you want. This is not always easy, and in top plan it's nearly impossible to have your corner facing up or down.

A customer suggested maybe having a toggle button to turn the corner truss the right way. A shortcut-button that cycles through the possible rotations of your truss corner/cross.

VE-101930

Worksheet function differences

Andy Hängärtner

We realized that the user has different worksheet functions depending on how he create the worksheet. If you create the worksheet in the resource manager first and you add a function into a cell you have more functions available than if you choose the command "Create report". We think that this should be synchronized if possible.

Steps to reproduce the problem:
# Watch the attached movie first
# Open "Testfile 20210331_01.vwx" to reproduce the problem

VE-102853

AHA: Vectorworks VR in cloud do nit support Oculus Quest

Andy Hängärtner

Oculus Quest is a pretty cool device. It would be fantastic if the Vectorworks Cloud solution would also support this device. Navigating in VR is not possible because controlers and or device is not supported.

The cool thing about this device is that you can go to customers without anything else... and often the quality is good enough for a quick walk through.

We have a show in October and then a big show in January. Would be cool if the device can be used then.

VE-101070

AHA: Uncroped section viewports create "end cap lines"

Andy Hängärtner

Steps to reproduce the problem:
# Watch the attached movie
# Open "Testfile 20200228_02" to reproduce the problem

Don't know if this is a wich or bug :)

VE-101902

IFC GUID should be assigned during object creation

Andy Hängärtner

We realized that in some cases the IFC GUID is not created and assigned to the IFC entity during object creation. The GUID will only be generated and assigned during IFDC export. In some cases this lead in a work-flow issue.
* If a customer do not save the file after IFC export the GUID are not stored and will be generated new during the next export. This can be a BCF work-flow problem.
* It is also necessary to export IFC before using Solibri direct just to be sure all objects get their GUID.

Would be nice if the IFC GUID can be assigned during object creation (or if a IFC Entity is attached to general objects) in future versions of Vectorworks.

VE-104966

The preview in the resource manager is medium detail always

Andy Hängärtner

Vectorworks support 3 different detail level. High, Medium and Low. If the checkbox "Auto display detail levels for design layers" is turned off the Medium Detail will be shown in the document and used as a preview for the resource manager.

So it seems that the Medium Detail has the "priority" and this Medium detail level definition will always be used as a resource preview. If this definition is empty, then the resource manager preview will be empty.

It would be nice if it can be controlled which definition of a symbol/PIO should be used for the resource preview and it would be nice to have a way to control this using SDK.

VE-104963

Should polygon rendering methods be retired, optimized or replaced?

Andy Hängärtner

Well, this is actually not a typical wish? We internally have a discussion about the polygon render modes..
* Unshaded Polygon
* Shaded Polygon
* Shaded Polygon - no lines
* Final Shaded Polygon

We think that these render looks often cause issues if they are used. They require a lot of memory and have performance issues the more curved surfaces there are in the scene. Currently we have a Spotlight user complaining about performance and you can imagine how many round faces are in the file :)

We also log VB-183635 for that.

Maybe Vectorworks, Inc. should consider to deprecate or replace them (“painter’s algorithm” or AI ;)) in the future.

VE-104790

Better filter/search possibilities in plant tool

Andy Hängärtner

A lot of our customers using the plant tool complain that filtering the plant is not useful at the moment. Look at the attached image: In that case the customer filter for "Acer" but the list shows thousand of "Acer" and you have no idea which one you need.

The solution we got from them (not sure if this is good enough) is to show the "Quality" column in the filtered list as well. Then you at least get a better idea which one you want to use.

PS: This is the solution we hope to get already in 2023. But for the future it probably needs a better way to filter plants.

VE-104769

Support of Building wing (tract)

Andy Hängärtner

It would be fantastic if Vectorworks is able to handle building wings (tract) more efficient and user friendly in their workflow.

*Use case:*

Actually a building wing (tract) can be handled already today in Vectorworks by defining different level types for each tract. Well, this is actually called a split level situation. But defining and handling different level types for individual building wings that are not on the same level but on the same story is a kind of nightmare. In that case you do not only need to handle different levels types but also different content (walls, slabs..) for each building wing. Designing and handling this complex document structure and content is challenging and error prone.

*Rough idea:*

A rough idea is that the story and level type definition support a kind of sub-structure for building wings (tract). Actually it’s just a kind of tract name than could have a kind of offset from the story base level. The defined level types could be assigned to a tract. Then the defined level types just add or substract this offset from their defined hight. Well, as I wrote these are just rough thought and it might be that the level types assigned to a tract just have the same name but individual hight…

In addition to this additional structure in the story/leve definition it should be possible to define graphical areas in the document (a kind of polygon) that encloses a building wing (tract). Objects like walls, slabs, symbols that have level type definition assigned should know in which building wing (tract) they are created and use the correct bounding. In that way you can avoid creating content for each tract and the user don’t have to handle level types in individually for each object.

*Conclusion:*

This would be a huge benefit to the customer, simplify the document structure an streamline their workflow.

The good thing about this feature is that it does not affect IFC export a lot as long as we do not also support the handling of multiple buildings in one file. As you probably know we also have the wish that Vectorworks can handle multiple buildings in one file. If we could handle multiple buildings using references we would be already a big step forward. But maybe the first step could be to support building wings first.

VE-104747

Better out of the box render quality (Renderworks)

Andy Hängärtner

Hi Vectorworks,

The shaded render mode become better and better and is a fantastic help during design. We think that some of this innovation should be brought to Renderworks too. Our rendering expert did some render tests using different „anti-alising“ settings and got the following results:

You’ll find 2 medium sized Vectorworks files attached with the results:

Example 1: medium 30sec high 48sec very high 713sec

Example 2: medium 1:25min high 4:11min very high 48min

Conclusion: between medium and high we see a huge difference in render time but actually a small difference in render quality. We think the render time cannot be that long and you do not get a much better result at the end. Generally we think that the possibility and the render quality of the Cineware engine can be much better. Today users expect the quality to be as good as in a realtime renderer or even better.

Honestly, we don’t know if it’s a limitation of the Cinerender engine, a bad material library, a lack of our own know-ledge or the default settings that we are offering in the render settings are no longer state of the art. We haven't seen stunning rendering from Vectorworks, Inc. neither… well, we mean really stunning images :):D. However, our update movies always look great and they were also created with C4D. Althought we don’t know if there is another render engine behind the final renderings.

Our expert that also teaching interior design classes see high quality renderings from SketchUp every day. Well, these were probably done with the V-Ray plug in but this is actually the quality users would expect when waiting for a long time.

Here are a few links:

[https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJVFBBoL/]

Here is another example of how Sketchup has integrated AI for renderings:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CteYNsyAYD3/?igshid=ZmZiYTY5ZDNhOA==

Well, we don’t know exactly how we should formulate this wish. We think the render result (out of the box) should be better than it is now and the difference between the render options Vectorworks use must not take so much render time if the image will not be much much better. Maybe it’s already good enough to consider to optimize the default settings behind the Renderworks options or offer better textures.

VE-103810

Support of IDS (Information Delivery Specification)

Andy Hängärtner

We participate different buildingSmart groups and we notice that the building industry in DACH is talking more and more about IDS (Information Delivery Specification). All common services (BimQ, ProfilServer...) supporting IDS (instead of mvdXML).

We know that this is already on your radar but I would like to mention that it becomes more and more prominent.

Here a couple of requirements that could be part of the task..
1. Possibility to open/import IDS xml in Data Manager
2. Indication which IFC entity was part of the IDS (was possible in the past already)
3. Create a Vectorworks data set for each entity with the properties that was included in the IDS
4. Add custom pSets define in IDS to the correct IFC entity
5. Create enumeration entries in Data Manager with the allowed values (no more mistakes)
6. Offer a simple way to only export IFC properties that are part of IDS
7. Allow import of multiple IDS
8. Add the predefined classification if available
etc..

We hope that IDS is implemented in the 2024 cycle :)

VE-104710

Better Clip Cube visualization (fills, hatches, section lines)

Andy Hängärtner

The clip cube is a fantastic feature to analyze the model. Unfortunately there are a lot of situation customers anyhow create an additional section instead of using a clip cube.

Here are the main reasons:
# The clip cube merge the clip surface to one single surface. This means you can't see for example how a wall and slab is connected.
# The clip cube do not show the attributes of the clipped objects.

Would be nice if the clip cube look can be optimized in the future an offer these additional options.

VE-104709

The workflow of clip cube creation could be optimized (e.g. rotated clip cube)

Andy Hängärtner

Customers often use the clip cube to analyze their model visually. For example: If you have a building with a staircase you want to create a clip cube along the stair edge to analyze the staircase. This is pretty easy if the stair is horizontally or vertically. But it's not that easy if the staircase has another rotation in the building. In that case you have to rotate the clip cube in a second step. That can be challenging in a complex building.

It would be perfect if the clip cube can be created in a kind of top plan view and you can define the clip cube like a rectangle or even directly a rotated rectangle. ArchiCAD in that case just create a clip cube through the whole building in that case.

Defining a clip cube at the right position and angle would be easier and faster. See also attached movie.

VE-104364

Chain icon indicator for dynamic text in data tag

Andy Hängärtner

The plan for Vectorworks 2024 is to Improve Data Tag Dynamic Text (T02371).

F2 in that Task is about "Double clicking on a dynamic text"

This is a nice feature and avoid a lot of mouse navigation and „guides" the user. Currently a dynamic text and normal text inside the data tag layout look the same. The only thing we would like to comment is that maybe the dynamic text could indicate if it is dynamic or not by adding a chain icon? In that way it makes clear that it is a dynamic text already and the dialog will be open by double clicking on it.

Added a VE that it is not be forgotten.

VE-104224

The IFC layer mapping should be updated automatically if user changes layer names

Andy Hängärtner

The IFC dialog stores the name of the layers. If the customer change the layer names the IFC layer mapping will be lost. This means the customer has to fix this before his next export.

Would be nice if this could be kept in the future.

VE-103345

Lock position checkbox for section viewports

Andy Hängärtner

It would be nice if the section viewport also get the checkbox "lock position". You often want to lock the position of a section viewport but be able to change the settings or edit the annotations.

VE-102897

Support of "Undo" in Vectorworks dialogs

Andy Hängärtner

This is actually a wish that has a low priority but we know that you are working on a new "Undo" system and maybe this can be addressed in the same step.

Some of our customers asking if it is possible to "Undo" changes that are made in a Vectorworks dialog. Example: You change some values in different tabs in a Vectorworks dialog (e.g. window/door). Now you realize that the preview gives you a wrong result and you would like to undo the last changes made in the different tabs. Currently this is not possible and you have to cancel the dialog first and re-open it and start changing values.

As aI already mentioned it has a low priority but maybe this can be part of the new "Undo" system.

VE-102784

Structural Member Wishlist/Bugs

Andy Hängärtner

Hi Darick,

This is a summary of structural member wishes (blue in sheet), bugs (red in sheet) and fixed bugs (green in sheet). All issues were rated as usual.

Structural member is one of the "core" element of architecture. Would be nice to see improvements in this area.

The folder "AdditionalContent" contains images and documentation we used to create this list. Maybe it is useful to you too.

VE-102751

More flexibility to isolate objects for modelling, filtering, BCF workflow (single object visibility)

Andy Hängärtner

There are several workflows where the possibility is missing to have a more accurate way to hide and show objects. Currently objects can be hide/shown by using classes or layers.

If you use a BCF workflow to manage your issues this is often not good enough. It might be that a combination of objects are affected which cannot be isolated just with classes and layers. You often have too much or to less objects visible if you select an issue in BCF manager. A clip cube can help but customers expect that the objects they see in an issue match exactly the view in Vectorworks.

A better way to isolate objects (single object visibility) would not only solve the BCF work-flow issue it would also allow to isolate object when modeling in 3D. Currently users create a group and double-click it to isolate the grouped objects.

The possibility of single object visibility would also catapult Vectorworks in other spheres if it comes to filtering objects. Filtering by name or other attributes would be possible and also dataviz and criteria dialog could benefit from that.

One of our partner develop a classification plug in and need exactly the possibility to hide and show objects on id level. Classes and Layers are too limited for a bunch of work-flows.

I’m sure that there are more other areas inside Vectorworks who would benefit from this possibility too.

Would be nice to get a kind of single object visibility in the near future.

VE-102760

NVIDIA Default Settings for Vectorworks

Andy Hängärtner

One reasons of performance or quality issues with Vectorworks can be that customers do not have optimized NVIDIA Settings for Vectorworks. This is something that our support has to check regularly. In some cases issues are just gone by defining the correct settings. In our opinion it can cause unnecessary user frustration.

We would appreciate if there is a way to deliver/install optimized NVIDIA profile setting for Vectorworks and make them active for Vectorworks. Besides of user happiness this is also a nice marketing story :)

PS: We don’t know if this only can be done with a cooperation with NVIDIA.

VE-102773

Request for an API for Data Visualization

Andy Hängärtner

The Data Visualization is a fantastic function in Vectorworks. Third party developers would be happy to be able to have an API für all the data visualization functionality.

Use cases: One of our partners develops a Vectorworks PlugIn which connects to an online service and attache automatically a classification cost code to an object with some specific information. E.G. If the wall is external and it is load bering then automatically the code C.2.2 is attached to the wall.

This third party developer want to be able to create/edit/delete data visualization definitions and be able to make them aktiv or inactive. This would allow to check automatically which objects already got some code, which ones did not and is the attached code correct.

As a distributor we also have similar functionality (E.g. buildUp) and ongoing developments where an automated data visualization would be very useful too. Because of the excellent possibilities of Data Viz we would appreciate to have access to the features using SDK.

VE-102540

Better support of working Remotely and on Virtual Machines

Andy Hängärtner

Of course we talked about this several times already but I don't think we ever log an enhancement request for it. Here it comes now:

As you also probably realize too working remotely or on virtual machines become more and more important even for smaller offices. Sooner or later it becomes state of the art and it would be better to be prepared for that.

We already have regularly requests about it but at the moment bigger companies or authorities asking for these kind of solutions. But we think that in times of "Working@Home" and more flexible working environments the issue become more important. In the past we already lost some offices and authorities because the performance in the tests were not that good and it seems that ArchiCAD and Allplan can handle it better. Honestly we do not have comparing numbers it is just what us the companies told us. However, we think it's worth to her these solutions in mind.

Currently this is how the system requirements look:

-----------------------------------------

*Remote and Virtual Machines*

We do not consider remote login environments such as Remote Desktop, Terminal Services and VNC or virtual machine environments such as Parallels and VMware to be appropriate for regular work, so Vectorworks performance in these situations is not of primary concern to us. They may be appropriate for administrative testing or utility purposes, and Vectorworks is fully functional in these environments. You should not expect high performance in these environments, however, especially with interactive screen feedback.

We do support Vectorworks running under Boot Camp on Mac machines. As long as you have appropriate and current drivers for the hardware on your machine, you can expect fast and reliable Vectorworks behavior.

-----------------------------------------

We think in the future all or at least some of these technologies should be supported because they become more popular. The huge benefit is often that you do not need a super high end computer to run Vectorworks @home if you have access to a high end virtual machine.
Itten Brechbühl is thinking in this direction. They will switch in the near future to such a system and did some performance test. We know that this is the 4th biggest architect office in Switzerland but we know that others also smaller once discuss this. BTW, Itten Brechbühl will also offer this as a service to other companies.

That's all said I need to mention that I'm not the super expert in these technologies. But I would like to bring that on your radar by adding this enhancement request for future versions.

VE-102487

Material mapping should override component material

Andy Hängärtner

Currently the wall component name or (if available) the component material name will be exported as material in IFC. That's perfect. But in "DACH" our customers often "bend" the IFC Standard to fulfill specific requirements.

If you have the material information in a custom Vectorworks record format and you “map” this to the material “component 1" it’s not working. Normally the data manager mapping is a kind of override. If you add f.e. the BaseQuantities to the mapping table then the mapped value will be exported.

Would be nice if the Material information would behave the same. If you have defined a Material mapping in data manager this will just "override" the exported pre-defined material of components. If it is empty the component material (Wall, Slab, Roof) will be exported.

VE-102481

Turn on unified view during file conversion

Andy Hängärtner

We know that this is not part of the task and it is also not your plan to "Turn on unified view" during file conversion to 2021. However, you turn off "Legacy 2D Features" that also include the "Turn off unified view" option as soon as the save view created in 2021 turn "unified view" on.

It means also that "Legacy 2D Features" can be turned off and in the meantime "unified view" is turned off too. The user have to turn "unified view" on by using a saved view.

Maybe in the future you could turn on "unified view" always but then the saved view created in 2021 should do nothing anymore with that option.

Don't know if there are any situation where this could cause troubles.

VE-101486

Possibility to export viewports as storey and referenced viewports as complete buildings in IFC

Andy Hängärtner

This is not a single wish. It is actually a work-flow issue in early phases of a project.

We have requests from customers want to participate in a new Swiss Architecture Competition organized by HALTER (important local company). It is mandatory to deliver IFC4 files. Otherwise you cannot participate. Fortunately IFC4 becomes better and better but the work-flow how to deliver a multi building IFC4 competition project in Vectorworks is currently impossible.
Well, to be honest, „impossible“ is not the right word :) It is possible but it is complex, error prone and some regressions between IFC2x3 and IFC4 makes it really difficult to handle and need a huge effort. This is too expensive for a competition. You should keep in mind that an architect do often not get money for a competition. Therefore you should get a result without a big hassle and customer are using simplified work-flow to reach this.

Vectorworks is the perfect tool to do competitions and supports everything needed. Unfortunately it fails when it comes to IFC export because some of the work-flows do not support IFC very well. We want to avoid that customers switch to ArchiCAD (using Hotlinks) in a competition. This is our/Vectorworks domain!!
However, Vectorworks is very close to offer a straight forward solution but these „annoying“ issues in the work-flow drives people crazy.

I would like to share the attached work-flow movie and files which clearly shows what customers want to do in early phases of the project. The movie actually shows two different challenges/requirements:
1. Using viewports as repetitive storey and/or building in IFC export
2. Using referenced viewports as repetitive storey and/or building in IFC expor*t*

It's important to understand that we talk about early phases of a project. We think that Vectorworks need a "official way" how repetitive units/storeys and multiple buildings should be handled. But the work-flow shown in the movie would solve the need to a lot of customers in early phases of a project.

Sorry about the quality of the movie.

PS: BTW, this is a standard work-flow and we discuss this a lot with customers. What is new is that IFC4 is mandatory.

VE-100073

AHA: IFC export should take respect of the sea level

Andy Hängärtner

Some of the leading BIM consulting companies here in Switzerland demands that the project coordination is done on the real hight (about sea level). We get more and more request about this from our customers.

Even we do not agree with this workflow we can't do a lot. If these is a requirement in a BIM process our customers have to deliver an IFC export that is on the correct sea level.

Unfortunately these kind of companies often prefer ArchiCAD and REVIT. Mainly because they have internal people knowing these applications and have their processes based on ArchICAD or REVIT. No need to say that they can do a better consulting job if their clients (architects) are using ArchiCAD or REVIT. They just kicked us out in a project mainly because of 2 things.

1. Coordination of project is done on real level over sea
2. Missing BaseQuantities

We know of course that BaseQuantities are missing for some objects. For most of them we have python scripts to run to fulfill the demanded BaseQuantities.

But what is about point 1. They told us that this is an international standard and BIM projects are always coordinated on real hight. Hmm, all BIM projects I am in are not coordinated like this. However, as already mentioned above if this is defined in their BIM work-flow you have to deliver it in this way.

Therefore we wish that there is an option to export IFC files on the sea level as well.

NOTE: In the IFC dialog a customer is able to define the "sea level". The simple solution is to offer an option which just adds this value to the project. But keep in mind that there is also a wish about a "project origin" which can/should also handle north direction.

VE-101269

New worksheet formulas "GetSpaceNameForObj2" and "GetSpaceNumForObj2"

Andy Hängärtner

Currently the worksheet formulas "GetSpaceNameForObj" and "GetSpaceNumForObj" are using the bounding box of objects to get the Space name or Number on which they are placed. This means if the bounding box of an object is touching two spaces you will also get two space names or numbers in the worksheet as result. This is excellent for a door because you need both space information.

But some of our customer need a clear definition on which space objects are placed. E.g. we have customers which have to count furniture, lights or other inventory. For these customers it is mandatory that furniture or inventory is assigned to one single space only. This means that furniture which touch two space should be clearly defined to which space they belong.

For this use case it would be nice if you could add two new worksheet formulas which are using the insertion point only and not the bounding box of an object/symbol.

VE-101139

Data Manager need a "filter" option in the "Define Mapping" dialog

Andy Hängärtner

It can be pretty time consuming to find a specific record format field or object parameter in the data manager when defining a mapping.

The customer should be able to find a specific record format field or object parameter field much fast in a long list of available fields. Also it might be that he do not know the exact phrase of this field and the filter should also find partial strings.

A filter option (e.g. navigation palette) would help a lot.

Note: The attached images gives you an idea about the problem.

VE-100570

AHA: More data attached to wall/slab/roof components

Andy Hängärtner

I just had a conversation with Marc Pancera from IttenBrechbühl. They use the data manager very professional. Today he came up with the wish to have more data attached to wall/slab/roof components. The main goal of this wish is to have more options/conditions to separate the building components in IFC.

The requirement for example is to add a correct predefined type to the individual components of a wall/slab/roof in IFC when export them separately using the "export options". Here a example of a formula they want to use in the data manager to assign a correct predefined type:

IF([Record.DB_ExportOptions.ExportSeparateInstances] = True,

      SELECT2(

             [Component.Function] = 'Außenbekleidung', 'CLADDING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'CLADDING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'MOLDING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'SKIRTINGBOARD',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'MEMBRANE',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'SLEEVING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'MOLDING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Dämmung', 'INSULATION',

             [Component.Function] = 'Tragend', 'SOLIDWALL',

      ), IF([Style.Function] = 'USERDEFINED', [Style.Model], [Style.Function])

) ELSE 'NOTDEFINED'

The main problem in the formula above is that they only information they can use to separate the components is "Component.Fuction". Unfortunately the component functions are pretty limited. There are "Load-Bearing, Insulation, Inner Finish, Outer Finish, Air Gap and Other". In the example above you can see that this is not enough. An Inner Finish (Innenbekleidung) can be a cladding, or a molding or a membrane and so on. This is important to do cost estimation/calculation of the building. Unfortunately you only have the choice to choose "Inner Finish" which is not good enough.

The formula could look like this instead (proposal):

IF([Record.DB_ExportOptions.ExportSeparateInstances] = True,

      SELECT2(

             [Component.Function*] = 'Outer Finish', 'CLADDING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Inner Finish', 'CLADDING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Molding', 'MOLDING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Skirting Board', 'SKIRTINGBOARD',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Membrane', 'MEMBRANE',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Sleeving', 'SLEEVING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Molding', 'MOLDING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Insulation', 'INSULATION',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Load-Bearing', 'SOLIDWALL',

      ), IF([Style.Function] = 'USERDEFINED', [Style.Model], [Style.Function])

) ELSE 'NOTDEFINED'

As you can see there are much more "component.functions" available in the proposal function.

The requirement actually is to have more data attached to wall/roof/slab components and a way to use the data in data mapping. This is needed to do cost estimation and calculation of the building. A fast solution could be to allow more component.functions.

Here another example for a slab to give you a better idea:

IF([Record.DB_ExportOptions.ExportSeparateInstances] = True,

      SELECT2(

             [Component.Function] = 'Außenbekleidung', 'ROOFING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Außenbekleidung', 'COPING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'FLOORING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Innenbekleidung', 'CEILING',

             [Component.Function] = 'Dämmung', 'INSULATION',

             [Component.Function] = 'Tragend', 'FLOOR',

             [Component.Function] = 'Tragend', 'ROOF',

             [Component.Function] = 'Tragend', 'BASESLAB'

      ), IF([Style.Function] = 'USERDEFINED', [Style.Model], [Style.Function])

) ELSE 'NOTDEFINED'

_English proposition_

IF([Record.DB_ExportOptions.ExportSeparateInstances] = True,

      SELECT2(

             [Component.Function*] = 'Outer Finish', 'ROOFING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Coping', 'COPING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Floor Finish', 'FLOORING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Ceiling Finish', 'CEILING',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Insulation', 'INSULATION',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Load-Bearing', 'FLOOR',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Load-Bearing Roof', 'ROOF',

             [Component.Function*] = 'Load-Bearing Base', 'BASESLAB'

      ), IF([Style.Function] = 'USERDEFINED', [Style.Model], [Style.Function])

) ELSE 'NOTDEFINED'

VE-99794

AHA: Workflow with walls

Andy Hängärtner

During the distributor conference 2019 we had a presentation about the workflow with Vectorworks walls. The goal was to show how users work with walls, where their workflow is interrupted and in which situation they have to use a work-a-round. Darick and Steve asked us to create a VE and attache the presentation. Let us know if you have any questions.

We attached the presentation in different formats:

- Prezi Mac (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- Prezi Win (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- PPD

VE-100648

AHA: Add more information to wall/slab/roof components (IfcBuildingElementParts)

Andy Hängärtner

Information in a BIM model become more and more important. As soon as you want to do cost calculation and you use different tools (e.g. NOVA AVA, BIM2Cost and others) the more “corrcect” information you have the better. But component data is also needed for other building analyses.

Our customers need information about components of walls, slabs and roofs in IFC. The data have to be attached to the components (IfcBuildingElementPart) and not to the wall. Material, Volumes, Hight, Thickness, Lambda and so on should be assigned. This is important if you use other programs to calculate cost or doing other analyses.

Unfortunately ArchiCAD is doing this pretty good. As you can see in the attached ArchiCAD file (open the attached movie for details) you can see that all component information are available.

Our customer need a way (Vectorworks should do it automatically using materials and other information) to add additional data to building components and it should be in IFC export file.

I log it as high for Architects.

VE-100471

AHA: We need a way to Publish "Sheet Name" and "Sheet Title" also if drawing coordination is turned off

Andy Hängärtner

In Germany and Switzerland we often have the case that the drawing coordination is turned off. If it is turned off it can be that the "Sheet Number" and "Sheet Title" is different than what is written in the title block.

But often they really want to name published PDF,DXF exactly like the sheet (Number and Title). Therefore we wish there are some variables in the publish command that always publish the "sheet number" and "sheet title". Doesn't mater if automatic drawing coordination is turned on or off.

The attached movie explains the requirements much better.

VE-100498

AHA: Record Format should be attached to the object if it is assigned in data manager

Andy Hängärtner

From a customer point of view this is actually a bug. Currently a record format is not attached to the object if it is assigned in data mapping. You can add one ore more fields of this record format into a data set. The OIP shows then the default value only BUT THE RECORD FORMAT IS STILL NOT ATTACHED. For detailed information please watch the attached movie.

All customers I talked with assume that the record format is attached already if they assign it to a object in data manager.

I also attache a DEEPL translated mail from IttenBrechbuehl:

---------------------------------------------------------

Hello, everybody,

I would like to have this point reinstated. From my point of view (user view) it is a bug, but it could be that there are other things involved.

Basically the user assumes that databases which are assigned to an object in the data manager will be attached to every object. But this is currently not the case.
Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the database link is controlled via the accessories. This is already the case with intelligent objects (doors, windows, beams, etc.). But this function is missing for walls and floor/ceiling.

In order to get a reliable export and to use the advantages of the data manager, it is fundamentally important that the corresponding databases are attached to the components!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

---------------------------------------------------------

VE-100470

AHA: Replace the "class popup" in the data manager with the modern "class filter" dialog

Andy Hängärtner

We currently create some data manager default settings for our customers. We want to use classes and automatically create a IFC classification code out of it. This is pretty cool. Unfortunately in the dialog "Add Data Mapping for all objects in class" there is an old-styled class popup which makes it hard to pick the class.

I would like to have the modern class filter possibility to search/filter classes fast. If you look at the attached screen shot you can imagine how difficult it is to pick the correct class. In addition the pop up is not in alphabetic order.

User requirement is: Pickup the right class fast using the modern "class filter" dialog instead of scrolling down a long not sorted list.

VE-100175

AHA: Sections do not support "break" options of objects

Andy Hängärtner

One of our important customer complain that the section do not support the same "break" functionality as the top plan.
We of course know that the "line thickness" stuff in sections is pretty complex. But I think in this case I have the feeling that it is pretty straight forward. But I might be wrong :)

Steps to reproduce the problem:

1. Watch the attached movie first
2. Open "Testfile 20190906_01.vwx" to reproduce the problem

VE-99796

AHA: Workflow Sections/Elevations

Andy Hängärtner

During the distributor conference 2019 we had a presentation about the workflow of Sections/Elevations. The goal was to show how users currently handle sections and/or elevations in the project, where their workflow is interrupted and in which situation they have to use a work-a-round. Darick and Steve asked us to create a VE and attache the presentation. Let us know if you have any questions.

We attached the presentation in different formats:

- Prezi Mac (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- Prezi Win (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- PPD

VE-99795

AHA: Workflow Multiple Buildings

Andy Hängärtner

During the distributor conference 2019 we had a presentation about the workflow with Multiple Buildings. The goal was to show how users currently handle Multiple buildings in the project, where their workflow is interrupted and in which situation they have to use a work-a-round. Darick and Steve asked us to create a VE and attache the presentation. Let us know if you have any questions.

We attached the presentation in different formats:

- Prezi Mac (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- Prezi Win (you don't need a Prezi account, just open the attached Prezi file)
- PPD

VE-99809

AHA: IFC: An option to export an "air gap" component as a component ifcBuildingElementpart in IFC

Andy Hängärtner

Currently "Air Gap (Function)" components are not exported in IFC CV2.0. In some cases this is exactly what the customer would like to see.
But under certain circumstances the "Air Gap (Function)" component should be exported as component that you can calculate the volume and get other information of this component.

It would be nice if Vectorworks has an option to define if an "air gap" component is exported as "nothing" or it is exported as a component to calculate the volume of it.

We know that we can use the pset "Export Options" to export "air gap" components. But it should be an additional option in CV2 anyhow.

A movie is attached explaining the wish in detail.

PS: We are currently working with a company to optimize the IFC export. They need this function to calculate the volume of the air gap component. Yes, in Switzerland we also want to have volume from "nothing" :)

VE-99658

AHA: Option for IFC-Export if pSet_xxx should be exported per „Instance“ only (not for the type)

Andy Hängärtner

We are currently working together with a company (BIM2COST) developing an optimized IFC import of Vectorworks Files. I had a mail conversation with Misho about this and he asked me to enter a wish because he knows what I am talking about. Well, the conversation is attached and I try to explain my wish as good as I can. But please be aware that I have the feeling that this is a limitation of some other applications and Vectorworks is doing a really good job. Therefore I think it should be an additional option and/or talk to Misho:)

Here my wish respectively what the problem and requirements are:
Some BIM-Product developers (in this case BIM2COST which is the leader for cost calculations here in Switzerland) do only support psets (e.g. pSet_WallCommon) that are stored for the instance and not as type. If the „Pset_WallCommon“ for the instance and from the wall style have the same values only the "type" pset will be exported and the pset for the instance is not exported. This keeps the file size small and is good. Unfortunately some other BIM tools then cannot analyze the information correctly because they often do only support information that are stored by instance and ignore thy type information. In this case BIM2COST is not able to calculate the costs correctly because the necessary info from some pSets cannot be read.

I wish that you can add an option that the user can decide if he want to export all information by instance only. Currently the user has to remove all style information from the styled walls, slabs and so on.

Conversation
-----------------------------------
Hi Misho,

We are currently working close together with a company which is the leader in cost calculations. They want to support our IFC files as good as possible and we are doing a lot of tests. One question that was coming up is about „Pset_xxxCommon“. You should know that I am using FZKViewer to analyze the IFC file and the question come up because this company can „only“ handle "Pset_xxx Common“ when it is stored in „PropertySet from entity“. But honestly… I think Vectorworks handles the situations correct. But here the questions and what I guess…

Question:
1. When is Pset_xxxCommon stored in „PropertySet from entity type“ instead of „PropertySet from entity“ ? (See image „Style with mark“)
As you can see the FZK viewer shows the „Pset_xxxCommon“ in „PropertySet from entity type“. My guess is that it is a styled wall and a mark (in the image shown as Reference) was entered. In this case the „Pset_xxxCommon“ is only stored in „„PropertySet from entity type““, right?

Answer:
1 – Pset_WallCommon (for the instance) and from the wall style have same values, so the instance pset is not exportes;

Question:
2. Why is the Pset_xxxCommon stored in „PropertySet from entity type“ and „PropertySet from entity“? (image „Style but no mark")
My guess is that this happens when it is a styled wall but no mark (shown as reference) is entered in the data pane, right?

Answer:
2 – Most likely, Pset_WallCommon mapping (under IfcWallStandardCase) has something like [Style.Mark] ELSE 'EW-1', while the style Mark field is empty, so different values = 2 psets exported;

Question:
3. Why is the Pset_xxxCommon only stored in „PropertySet from entity“? (image „No Style“)
I am right in saying that if it is an unstyled wall the Pset_xxxCommon only shows up in „PropertySet from entity“?

Answer:
3 – No wall style – no wall type;

Question:
4. Why is the „Pset_WallCommon“ exported if I redefined the wall as a beam? (Image „Style override as Beam.jpg")
My guess is that this happens because the wall is an IFC object. If it is a styled and I redefine it as another entity then the PsetWallCommon will be exported anyway. In this case I have to use an unsettled wall?

Answer:
4 – this is about to not happen anymore;

VE-99405

AHA: It should be possible that drainage tool works for bottom side of a slab (top of slab stays flat))

Andy Hängärtner

IttenBrechbuehl just came up with a wish for the drainage tool. It would be nice if the drainage tool also can be used to "manipulate" the bottom surface of a slab only.

If you look at the attached image the goal should be that the tob surface of the slab stays "flat" and the bottom surface has a slope/gradient. This is out of a real project and currently a "limitation" of the drainage tool.

VE-103865

New Mode For Spotlight Align & Distribute Tool

Andy Fritsch

I would like for there to be a new mode for the Align & Distribute Tool that spaces objects so that the outside objects are half the distance between the remaining objects. See attached Vectorworks file for clarity.

VE-100568

New Tool Mode or Option for Symbol Insertion Tool

Andy Fritsch

Please add a new tool more or option to the Symbol Insertion Tool that allows for symbol insertion WITHOUT requiring a second action to set the rotation angle with a second click. I had a custom tool scripted for me that is now broken in 2020, and I need this functionality often.

One additional feature that would be helpful is if, in the tool option bar (where you choose tool modes), you could set a rotation angle (relative to insertion point) so that the symbol would assume that angle with every click of the mouse.

VE-100558

New rotate menu commands

Andy Fritsch

I wrote about this on the beta forums a while back, and temporarily solved it with buggy scripts (which no longer work in 2020), so I think these commands need to be added to Vectorworks. I've had multiple Spotlight users ask me for the same functionality to be included in Vectorworks too.

Reference this forum discussion:[ https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/65372-rotate-rightleft-90%C2%BA-around-insertion-point/&tab=comments#comment-324954|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/65372-rotate-rightleft-90%C2%BA-around-insertion-point/&tab=comments#comment-324954]

New commands (could also create the same for 45º):

One being *_Rotate Left 90º Around Insertion Point_* and the other being _*Rotate Right 90º Around Insertion Point*_ (akin to Command-L and Command-Shift-R in default workspaces, respectively).
# Rotation would occur around insertion point(s).
# Works with both symbols and/or lighting devices.
# Works with a single symbol/lighting device or a group of symbols/lighting devices.
# Each instance in a group would rotate around its respective insertion point.
# No dialog boxes.

VE-100525

Fastener Tool: Threaded Rod

Andy Fritsch

Please add a new mode to the Fastener tool to produce threaded rod.

Also need more options to adjust threads, particularly where the threads start along the shaft of a piece of hardware.

VE-101063

Migration Manager should migrate UserDictionary.txt

Andy Broomell

When using the spellcheck feature, there are many words/strings that you have to tell Vectorworks to ignore (odd record field names, esoteric architectural terms, abbreviations, etc.). Currently this must be done from scratch with every new version of Vectorworks, unless a user knows about the UserDictionary.txt file within their User Folder > Plug-Ins > Dictionaries folder. Currently this has to be manually copied into the User Folder for the new version in order to retain all of the learned words.

Instead, the Migration Manager should transfer this file over when migrating User Folder content to the new version. This would save a lot of time and headache when spellchecking. Given that it's a simple .txt file with no version-specific coding, hopefully it's easy to include this.

VE-103161

TBB currently takes 2.5 seconds for window to appear. Faster response would be nice.

Andy Broomell

Every time I want to enter Sheet Data into a TBB I click the "Sheet Data" button in the OIP, or double click on the TBB object. It then takes two and half seconds for the window to appear.

Perhaps there's a built in technical limitation causing this, but it would be great if this window appeared more quickly.

I'm wondering - does Vectorworks have to load everything for all 10 categories / panes before the window appears? Could it just load the Sheet Data pane, then load the rest in the background after the window appears? (Not sure how this works, I'm just hypothesizing)

Also, (perhaps this should be a separate VE) it would be nice if Sheet Data fields existed directly in the OIP as well so we could just enter and edit data on the fly more responsively.

VE-104315

T02250 - Use consistent language in Quick Prefs (Show vs Display, Use vs Enable)

Andy Broomell

!Display-vs-Show.png|width=472,height=318!

Currently in the list of Quick Preferences, there are some that use the term "Display" and some that use the term "Show." As far as I can tell, there's no taxonomical difference between the two terms. Because the Quick Prefs are listed {*}alphabetically{*}, it would be useful to choose one of the two terms so that it's easier and faster to navigate to the desired preference.

With the way it is currently, whenever I want to find a particular setting I always find myself struggling to remember which word was used. For example, was it "Show Broken Link Indicators" or "Display Broken Link Indicators"? I shouldn't need to contemplate this.

It seems like these settings could use one term or the other. "Show" seems to be more common so perhaps go with that.

Furthermore, "Show Clip Cube" doesn't categorically fit in the "Show" preferences since it's not just showing and hiding the display of something like a glyph or tooltip, rather it's functionally enabling & disabling the Clip Cube which can interact directly with geometry. I would suggest simply renaming it "Clip Cube" since most users would look for the word "Clip" alphabetically when searching for this setting. (It would also then match the command in the View menu).

Lastly, I suggest removing the word "Enable" from "Enable Smart Options Display" and removing the word "Use" from "Use Multiple View Panes." That way these preferences would be alphabetically in the list where a user would first look, and they would match other on/off buttons which don't use a verb prefix.

Because the Quick Prefs GUI is already being modified, now would be the time to make these changes so it can all get rolled out at once. These simple adjustments would make it faster to locate each setting and make the nomenclature more consistent.

VE-102165

"Add Dimension" doesn't work when Dimension tool active

Andy Broomell

Normally you can right click on an existing dimensions and choose "Add Dimension" to turn it into a chain dimension.

This option doesn't appear when you're in the dimension tool. It really should since that's when you're most likely to use it: when in the dimensioning mindset.

You shouldn't have to switch to the selection tool to take advantage of this handy feature.

VE-103064

Quick Search history not saving between sessions

Andy Broomell

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/72003-t02096-—-vectorworks-search/&tab=comments#comment-353492

It was stated in this thread that "I think these settings can be saved across sessions, if we're not doing that then it could be considered a bug that we'll investigate."

I'm not sure if this was addressed at the time or not, but currently I'm finding that Quick Search is not remembering my previous searches from one session to the next. For example, if I type 'R' and choose Rectangle, then restart Vectorworks and hit 'R' again, it's back to the default results starting with Redo.

VE-101692

Change corner diam. of multiple Rounded Rectangles

Andy Broomell

You should be able to select more than one Rounded Rectangle and change the sizes of the corners all at the same time. Currently, as soon as you select more than one, those parameters disappear from the OIP.

VE-101342

"Locate Texture in Resource Manager" right click for Image Props

Andy Broomell

It would be great if right-clicking an Image Prop would give the option to Locate Texture in Resource Manager. This would make it consistent with how it works when you right click on all other types of 3D objects.

VE-101264

Shaded mode: default "Detail" quality needs to be higher

Andy Broomell

The Shaded mode "Detail" setting controls the amount of faceting on curved surfaces, and this has historically been set to "Low" in all Vectorworks templates. "Low" looks awful when there are any curves in a model, so it shouldn't be the default setting that users are presented with. I've noticed many folks don't know this setting even exists, and therefore assume Vectorworks just doesn't display curves very well in 3D, which is obviously untrue. I've seen it time and time again where someone thinks Vectorworks is sloppy and incapable because they've modeled a circular archway but in 3D it looks hexagonal.

With modern graphics cards this setting should default to "High." At the very least Medium should be considered. Low just looks bad.

If the counterargument is that High could slow down complex models, then I would respond that if someone has a model that's that complex, then they're likely well-versed enough to also be aware of this quality setting and be able to turn it down themselves.

An "average" user should be presented with software that just _works_, so the default should be "High."

VE-105117

Add Diameter parameter to Sphere

Andy Broomell

Please add a Diameter parameter to the Sphere OIP.

Currently only Radius exists. Obviously I can multiply this by 2, but it'd be easier if I had direct access to the parameter that matches the way my brain is thinking about it.

Obviously the Radius and Diameter fields would be tied to each other, and the user could use either to affect the Sphere's size and the other would update accordingly.

VE-102716

OBJ import/export needs "Up/Forward" settings

Andy Broomell

Literally every single OBJ that I have ever imported from any third-party source/program has come into Vectorworks rotated -90° on the X axis, meaning once it's imported I have to go into the Right view, rotate 90°, then align the imported model to the Z ground plane (which might involve guesswork).

This isn't a huge deal until you start needing to import OBJs from a collaborating vendor multiple times a day. Then it becomes a huge headache, particularly if the imported models are dense meshes, and it takes several minutes to do these steps each and every time.

Furthermore, having to manually rotate & place the model removes any possibility of importing design iterations and automatically keeping the 0,0,0 origin in the same place upon each import.

For reference, I've attached a screengrab of Blender's OBJ import window which has settings for "Forward" and "Up," meaning once I've set these appropriately I never have to worry about it again. Blender is free, open-source software, and I'd expect Vectorworks to be just as capable with a model format as common as OBJ.

(Also, why is Vectorworks' default "Up" axis for OBJ seemingly different than every single other software that handles OBJ? I've never had a single one import in the expected orientation).

VE-101653

"Show Other Objects While in Edit Modes" Quick Pref should be one of the defaults

Andy Broomell

Of all the Quick Prefs, the one that is most useful and is interacted with most frequently is "Show Other Objects While in Edit Modes" - the orange rectangle with the eyeball - since that controls whether you can see objects outside of a Group/Symbol/etc. while editing within the container. This is super important to any user regardless of industry.

However, since this Quick Pref is hidden by default, many new users to Vectorworks don't realize it's even an option. I teach many novice Vectorworks users, some of which have previously explored the software on their own. Every single time that I suggest they make that Quick Pref button visible, the reaction is "Holy cow that makes so much sense and is super handy, why is that not available by default?" And I tend to agree with them :-)

This particular Quick Pref button should be made visible for all users from the get-go. (While it's easy to turn on with the flyout menu, there are MANY steps of understanding before a new user would discover this on their own. I've yet to see someone do this without being instructed to.)

I would also propose adding the "Show Clip Cube" button and the "Auto-Join Walls" button to the default Quick Prefs, as these are additional commonly used settings that most users should be aware of by default. But these have secondary importance compared to "Show Other Objects."

Also, if there's a concern about their being 'too many' Quick Pref buttons by default, I'd suggest removing the "Data Bar and Edit Group Options." I rarely see folks use this.

This improvement would be one step towards making the software easier for new users.

VE-104885

Create New Design Layer: Option to default to bottom of stacking order

Andy Broomell

Currently, new Design Layers are always added to the top of the Design Layer stacking order.

99.9% of the time, I want any new Design Layer I add to be at the bottom of the stacking order.

It would be great if there were a preference to choose the default location. This could be within the Create New Design Layer dialog, or it could be a Vectorworks Preference.

VE-104634

Switching Auto-Hybrid to display 2D only shouldn't make it recalculate

Andy Broomell

If you have an existing Auto-Hybrid which is displaying "2D+3D", then switch the Display to "2D", this currently causes Vectorworks to recalculate the object, which for complex Auto-Hybrids may take a couple minutes. This is unnecessary since the 2D geometry has already been calculated and will not change as a result of this operation. It would be better to just leave the 2D as-is.

VE-104656

Add "Edit Line Thickness List" to Attributes Palette dropdown

Andy Broomell

Under the Toos > Options menu, there are two commands:
* "Edit Marker List.."
* "Line Thickness..." [this should be renamed "Edit Line Thickness List..." for clarity and consistency]

!OptionsMenu.png|width=342,height=571!

In the Attributes Palette, clicking on one of the marker drop-downs gives you quick access to the "Edit Marker List" command, located at the very bottom of the drop-down:

!Attr-Markers.png|width=262,height=428!

However, clicking on the Line Thickness list does NOT give you the option to edit the list of Line Thicknesses in the same way. So for consistency and discoverability, the command currently called "Line Thickness..." should be added to the bottom of the Line Thickness dropdown.

!Attr-LineThickness.png|width=120,height=305!

VE-104633

Please give warning when Push/Pull tool converts object to Generic Solid

Andy Broomell

The Push Pull Tool is usually able to retain an object's history by making the new shape a Solid Addition or Solid Subtraction. This is great since it's editable in the future. However, sometimes the tool can only create a Generic Solid due to the complexity of the object. This is fine, but I wish I would be made more aware of when this happens so that I could decide in that moment if I'm okay with losing all object history.

Solution: Provide users with a non-blocking warning message, such as the red text messages that appear in the lower right status bar. It could say "Object has been converted to Generic Solid."

That way I could choose to continue, or decide to Undo and save a backup copy of the old editable geometry before moving forward with the Push/Pull operation.

VE-104548

Add modes to Rounded Rectangle to match Rectangle (eg. from center)

Andy Broomell

Currently the Rectangle Tool lets you draw:

Corner-to-corner mode
Center-to-corner mode
Midpoint-to-corner mode
Three point rotated mode

The Rounded Rectangle only lets you draw:

Corner-to-corner (Labeled Diagonal mode)
Three point rotated (Labeled Rotated mode)

We should be ale to draw Rounded Rectangles with the same modes as Rectangles, so please added Center-to-corner and Midpoint-to-corner.

Also, I didn't realize until typing this VE that the naming of the modes is inconsistent between the tools, so Diagonal mode and Rotated mode for Rounded Rectangle should be renamed to match those in the Rectangle Tool.

This might be another separate VE, but frankly I wish that Rectangles and Rounded Rectangles were combined into one object type, allowing users to simply add a radius to Rectangles when desired, instead of having to switch to a different tool. I quite frequently draw a bunch of Rectangles then realize I wanted them rounded, so have to redraw everything with the other tool. Instead, the Rectangle OIP & mode bar should just have a field for corner radii (much like Photoshop and Illustrator). BTW I'm avoiding using the fillet tool because I want the radii to remain parametric.

VE-104549

Delete PIO Style (ex. Drawing Label) - need option to REPLACE

Andy Broomell

Currently, when you delete a Symbol Definition via the Resource Manager, you're given the option to either delete completely, or to replace instances with a different symbol definition.

However, if you delete a Plug-In Style such as a Drawing Label Style, you get a confirmation pop-up, but there's no way to choose a replacement Style to apply to existing instances that are using the Style you're deleting. (They become unstyled).

There should instead be the ability to choose a replacement Style to apply to existing PIOs.

For example, today I realized I have two similar Drawing Label styles so I wanted to delete one of the Styles and switch all existing Drawing Labels to the remaining Style. I was surprised that this is currently not possible.

!DrawingLabel_DeleteStyle.png|width=528,height=242!

VE-104550

Snap to Worksheet cell geometry

Andy Broomell

When a Worksheet is placed on the drawing, I want to be able to snap to all cell lines as I'm drawing other geometry (for example, to draw a rectangle overlaid on top of a row as a highlight).

!WorksheetExample.png|width=288,height=352!

However, only the four corners and four midpoints of the overall worksheet are currently available as snaps.

If there's a worry that this would add too many snaps, it could be an optional checkbox in the OIP, very much like PDF objects have a checkbox for "Snap to Geometry."

VE-102527

"Transform from Center" hotkey needed on more tools (ex. Text Objects)

Andy Broomell

When transforming certain objects by clicking and dragging blue control handles, holding down Cmd causes the anchor point of the transformation to be the center point, which is incredibly helpful. This currently works on:

-Rectangles
-Rounded Rectangles
-Ovals
-2D Symbols

This ability needs to be added to:

-Text objects (!!!)
-Lines
-Polygons & Polylines (would use bounding box center)
-2D/3D Symbols
-Extrudes & other solids whenever blue handles appear
...

Not only would this be useful but it would also make Vectorworks less "inconsistent" which is a common complaint.

VE-101540

Textures in Vectorworks Viewer

Andy Broomell

Old request from this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/49181-vw-viewer-needs-to-allow-textures/]

Textures should be enabled in the Vectorworks Viewer. It doesn't need Renderworks Rendering, but OpenGL should at least display textured surfaces.

(I haven't personally checked on this in the most recent version, but I'm assuming the Viewer still doesn't support them since I haven't heard otherwise).

VE-104516

Please make Hidden Line work with Clip Cube

Andy Broomell

Currently Hidden Line does not work with Clip Cube. This inconsistency is frustrating, and is also very confusing for new users.

I'm thinking in particular of viewports, where it's common to have a Shaded background render and a Hidden Line foreground render. In this scenario, the Clip Cube works properly for the background render, but the foreground render show all lines since it's not constrained to the Clip Cube. This can produce very strange looking results.

I realize it's a technological undertaking to solve, but it would be fantastic if all render modes worked with Clip Cube.

VE-104495

We need a way to transfer Saved Views between files

Andy Broomell

See this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/99545-exporting-saved-views-to-another-file-is-this-possible/]

And this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/63772-saved-views-import-and-export/]

Over the weekend my boss set up 20 Saved Views for a presentation this morning, in order to navigate to particular points of view within a 3D model we're developing. Turns out he had opened an old version of the file, instead of the current up-to-date working file. When we realized this 20 minutes before the meeting, he asked if I could just quickly import his Saved Views into the correct current file so we could see the current model with his points of view. Sadly this seems to be impossible, so I had to rush to manually recreate them all (I won't step through the process of how I did this accurately, but it indeed took the full 20 minutes and I was sweating!).

Saved Views are scripts. They live in the Resource Manager. Despite this, users cannot transfer them between files, which is just silly.

I realize that the Classes and Layers might differ between the source document and the destination document, but this is a solvable problem, as we're already able to copy and paste Viewports from one file to another for example.

One solution might be that the imported Saved Views simply ignore any Classes/Layers that don't exist in the destination file. Another solution could be that these missing Class/Layer names are added to the destination file automatically (though they wouldn't contain any objects). There are other ways it could be addressed, but any possibility is better than no possibility.

VE-104465

Viewports need to be able to force Doors & Windows to be open or closed

Andy Broomell

The fact that Graphic Legends in 2024 can force Doors & Windows to show as open or closed is great.

We need a similar ability for 3D Viewports. For example, I often want doors _open_ in my 3D renderings, but they need to be _closed_ in my Elevations. This is currently quite cumbersome to accomplish, since I have to first render the 3D viewports with the doors open, then go to my model and manually shut the doors, then render my Elevations... and if anything in the design changes, I have to repeat this whole process each time. It's very slow and error prone, and also disallows me from using any sort of batch rendering or cloud rendering processes since I have to change object properties mid process.

So 3D Viewports need a similar ability to what Graphic Legends can now do, forcing Doors & Windows to show as Closed or Open. I imagine for Viewports it should actually be a dropdown called something like "Door & Window 3D Open State" with the options:

*• By Object* (matches current state as they exist in Design Layer)

*• All Closed* (forces them closed and ignores Design Layer state)

*• All Open* (forces them open and ignores Design Layer state)

This could be under Advanced Properties.

VE-104488

Please reduce the number of "Did You Know?" blocking pop-ups

Andy Broomell

+PROBLEM+

There are way too many "Did You Know?" pop-ups in Vectorworks. I see a ton of users who are scared to click "Don't show this dialog box again" because they feel that _eventually_ they'll actually take the time to read the message carefully, but _in the moment_ they just want it to go away, so they just click OK. However, users end up doing this habitually ad nauseam, meaning they constantly have pop-ups interrupting their workflow.

Obviously some pop-ups are more important than others and should be kept. But there are a few that really shouldn't be blocking pop-ups in the first place. For example, this one which appears whenever you switch to wireframe view, suggesting the use of X-ray mode:

!X-ray select.png|width=315,height=158!

X-ray select mode is great, but do we really need a blocking pop-up every single to a user switches to Wireframe?

Another example is the Navigation Palette telling you that can collapse all hierarchies every time you collapse one hierarchy:

!Hierarchies.png|width=326,height=129!

Both of these examples happen _every single time_ the user takes that action; they're not even once per session which would make more sense.

Again, let's assume that folks aren't clicking "Don't show this dialog box again" because you'd be surprised how many people just DON'T click that.

+SUGGESTED SOLUTION+

Find a way to make these helpful suggestions be non-model / non-blocking, so that a user can continue whatever they were doing without being _required_ to address the pop-up. *Pop-overs* are perfect for this sort of thing.

If these "Did You Know" messages were pop-overs, a user could read the message if they want, OR they could just proceed with whatever they were doing since they can still click anywhere.

There are a number of ways these "Did You Know" messages could be tied into the existing status bar along the bottom of the screen while expanding the functionality as well:

For example, perhaps they could be tied into to the mode help text that's displayed in the lower left of the screen in 2024.

Or perhaps these messages could be tied into the green status messages that sometimes appear in the lower right part of the screen:

!InfoMessages.jpg|width=502,height=316!

Perhaps there could even be a way for a user to return to these messages later. For example, these green status messages could collapse to an "i" info icon which a user could click to review previous status messages and "Did You Know" messages. This would be great because sometimes I want to go back and see how long previous Viewport renders took, so this would be available to me by clicking the "i" info icon to see past status messages.

!InfoIcon.jpg|width=472,height=210!

Removing these blocking "Did You Know" messages would make Vectorworks feel much more fluid and intuitive, instead of choppy and annoying.

VE-104483

Door/Window Style: Center pane should get wider when expanding width of pop-up

Andy Broomell

With the advent of the new Materials & Classes interface for Doors & Windows in 2024, there is now a list browser with 7 important columns. Unfortunately, when you make the pop-up window wider, it only expands the right-hand preview pane, and the center pane with the list browser remains narrow.

!narrow.png|width=264,height=294!

!wide.png|width=426,height=298!

This should be improved so we can actually so more of the center pane when we need to. Scrolling back and forth horizontally is quite cumbersome.

VE-104464

Resource Selectors need "Create New [Resource]" button.

Andy Broomell

Say you want to add a Gradient to an object, so you go to the Attributes Palette, set the Fill Style to "Gradient" then click the Gradient Resource Selector. This only shows +existing+ Gradients. If you want to make a new one, you must back out of the Resource Selector, go to the Resource Manager proper, make a new gradient, then return to the Attributes Palette Resource Selector to choose that Gradient. Very cumbersome and unintuitive.

I teach Vectorworks to a lot of new users, and I can say that 99% of users _expect_ to be able to create new resources in the relevant Resource Selectors, but confusingly this is not possible. A button should be added to create the relevant resource type:

!NewGradient.png|width=472,height=282!

Another great example is Textures. I recently gave a lesson to someone who'd been using Vectorworks for almost 2 years, and they had no idea that you even _could_ make new Textures from scratch, since they only ever interacted with the Render Tab to apply textures and there's no way to create one from there. Adding a button to create a new Texture (which would also automatically apply it) would make the process much more intuitive and discoverable.

!NewTexture.png|width=463,height=590!

VE-104323

Delete Symbol Definition & Convert Instances to Group

Andy Broomell

When deleting a Symbol Definition via the Resource Manager, you are currently greeted with these three options (assuming the Symbol is inserted somewhere in the document):

!Delete Symbol.png|width=254,height=246!

The first option force deletes the definition and any instances.

The second option deletes the definition and replaces instances with loci.

The third option deletes the definition and replaces instances with a different symbol definition.

What we need is a new fourth option: to delete the symbol definition *and convert any instances in the drawing to groups.*

For example, this is frequently desired after importing a file (such as DWG or SKP) which might contains dozens of unnecessary symbol definitions which need to be cleaned up & de-symbolized, meaning you want to keep the geometry in the drawing, but don't need certain things to actually be symbols.

While there are ways to accomplish this directly in the drawing by navigating to symbol instances and then using the Convert to Group command, this can be quite laborious to manually sift through an entire file and find the instances that you want to convert, particularly when there are numerous nested levels and sub-parts.

Instead, it would be incredibly convenient to simply go to the RM, right-click the definitions that you don't need to be symbols, choose Delete, then choose the new "Convert Instances to Group" option in order to retain the raw geometry within the drawing.

VE-104190

"Create Contours" should give error message when unsuccessful

Andy Broomell

When you try to use the "Create Contours" tool in the 3D Modeling toolset, and it doesn't work for whatever reason, currently literally nothing happens. There's no warning or error message that the operation was unsuccessful.

It would be better to have some sort of feedback. At the very least, a red message in the lower status bar that says "Create Contours failed" would be a good start. Even better would be a message that explains why it didn't work, such as it being an unsupported object type or the geometry being too complex.

Attaching a file with a Generic Solid on which Create Contours doesn't work. (A separate wish would be making the tool work on an object like this, but for this VE I'm just asking for feedback to the user that nothing happened.)

VE-104236

Bring back Perimeter texture mapping or equivalent

Andy Broomell

Prior to the advent of "Surface UV" texture mapping, there was an option called "Perimeter" which was the default mapping type for certain object types. Perimeter was fantastic because it essentially used the perimeter of the 2D shape within an extrude to "Wrap" a texture across adjacent faces of that extrude. This was crucial to being able to wrap textures onto backings for TV & Film sets, among other things.

Please watch this video demonstrating how it used to worked like magic, and how it's now a total pain in the butt.

[^Video-PerimeterMappingScenario.mp4]

Surface UV has many great uses, but it doesn't _replace_ Perimeter mapping, so Perimeter (or an equivalent) needs to be restored as an option in the mapping dropdown for object types that support it.

VE-102554

Walls should show direction indicator in 3D

Andy Broomell

The paradigm for texturing walls (when not using components) is to assign Textures to the Left and Right sides in the Render tab. These two parts correlate with the large flat surfaces we typically see when in a room, so when texturing we need to know whether we're looking at the Left or Right side of a wall.

Currently it's only possible to differentiate which side is the Left vs the Right if you're in Top/Plan. This is done by looking for the blue arrow near one of the control handles, which indicates the starting point of the wall, and from there you can interpret which side is the Left vs the Right.

However, texturing is typically done in 3D, and this arrow does not appear in 3D. There is currently no way to determine which is the Left vs Right side when looking at a Wall in 3D, so you can resort to trial and error (which is frustrating when you get it wrong) or you can switch to Top/Plan to check, but this interrupts the visual design workflow of your brain.

Ideally one day the Texture tool will work on Walls, but that notwithstanding, it would be incredibly helpful to have an indicator of the Wall direction when viewing it in 3D.

Attached are three images. The first shows an example of looking at a Wall in 3D and having no idea which side is Left vs Right. The second image shows that you can see a direction arrow when in Top/Plan. The third image show a mock-up of adding that same blue arrow in 3D which would fulfill the wish described here.

VE-104155

Ability to extrude multiple shapes when not on same plane as each other.

Andy Broomell

Current functionality:

• Can extrude multiple 2D shapes at once by selecting them all and using Extrude command. They become one extrude. You can Ungroup the Extrude to break it into individual extrudes, one for each 2D shape.

• Cannot extrude multiple 2D shapes when those shapes are on different planes, since this is at odds with the previous bullet point. If you attempt this, you get a pop-up error that says "The objects being operated on must be in the same plane."

Desired functionality:

• Add the ability to extrude multiple shapes that are on different planes. Instead of "trying" to create one Extrude, Vectorworks should just go ahead and make a separate extrude for each object. So if I had seven shapes selected, all on different planes, I could run the extrude command and get seven separate extrudes. Each would extrude from the plane of the object.

• As it stands, a user must individually select each of the seven shapes and run the Extrude command for each one manually. This is a lot of clicking.

• Now imagine that you've already laid out hundreds of rectangles in 3D space and want to give thickness to them all, by extruding them a uniform amount. This SHOULD be possible with one command. But it's not. Attached is an example file showing this scenario (which I happen to be in, sadly).

VE-104154

Quick search refinement: "Project" tool

Andy Broomell

Activate Quick Search. I want the "Project" tool from the 3D Modeling toolset. So I type in "Project."

It's the FOURTHEENTH result, despite me typing in the exact word verbatim.

The results algorithm should the a little smarter than this...

VE-102526

Meshes need to retain texture mapping when edited or converted to group

Andy Broomell

Inspired by this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/89533-photogrammetry/]

but also an issue I've run into repeatedly when using Meshes...

With the rise of photogrammetry along with the general increased presence of imported Mesh objects in Vectorworks files over the last several years, it has become apparent that the software needs to let the user break apart or modify Mesh objects without losing the imported texture mapping.

Since Vectorworks is {*}already importing per-face texture mapping{*}, shouldn't it be possible to retain that same mapping on each 3D Polygon when the mesh is edited or exploded? (For example: double clicking the mesh to edit its contents, or Converting the Mesh to Group). Currently either of these operations causes the Mesh to become untextured, meaning a user has very little ability to modify imported Meshes to suite the project's needs. This severely limits the usability of imported Meshes, especially those generated via photogrammetry where additional editing is almost always desired (such as deleting unwanted portions). A user is essentially stuck with Mesh as is, which is very bad for a *design* program.

Another operation that should retain per-face mapping is selecting multiple Meshes and running the "Convert to Mesh" command in order to combine them into one Mesh.

This not only affects imported Meshes from other software such as SketchUp, but also textured Meshes generated by the "Photos to 3D Model" feature of Vectorworks Cloud Services. I've had limited success using those generated Meshes since I can't DO anything with them.

If Vectorworks wants to continue to be the great unifier of cross-platform compatibility, then Mesh editability needs to be addressed.

Additional threads:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/62696-modify-mesh-while-keeping-texture/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78599-editing-textures-of-imported-models/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78764-issues-importing-obj-files/]

VE-103183

Heliodon: Attributes Palette should only allow Solid Fill, and shouldn't control text attributes

Andy Broomell

Inspired by this thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97724-persistent-none-class/]

Currently, Light objects can't have their fill set to anything except "Solid" which is good because nothing else would make sense for a Light (in fact I wish the Fill dropdown were disabled entirely).

However, Heliodons are not limited in this way and can be set to any type of Fill in the Attributes Palette. This fill affects both the 2D label text AND the Heliodon's internal light. This is confusing and could be improved.

Currently, for example, if you want the label to have a blue background fill, it also makes the internal Light emit blue light. Or if you want the Heliodon's Light output to be a sunset orange, you also end up with an orange label.

Furthermore, if you set the fill to None, the internal Light still retains the fill color, which is what confusingly happened in Michal's in the thread linked above (which was further complicated but the use of "By Class" attributes).

Since Heliodon's are a special type of Light, their Fill settings should behave the same as regular Lights (always be a Solid Color). And since the 2D Heliodon representation is ALREADY symbol-based, the attributes of the text should just come from the text object in the Heliodon Symbol.

VE-104087

Select Similar tool could be more helpful when there are parameters selected that aren't applicable to clicked object

Andy Broomell

See this thread for a common issue that comes up when using the Select Similar tool: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/105894-select-similar-tool-no-longer-working-vw2023/#comment-461361]

The error message says "The selected activation options can't be used for this object. Please click on an object which has all the selected options as parameters" which occurs when one or more of the parameters in the Tool Preferences don't actually apply to the object you click on (for example having "Symbol Name" checked when clicking on a Line).

This is needlessly constricting. It would be much more user-friendly if the tool were improved so that when you click on an object that doesn't have +all+ of the checked parameters, it would still Select Similar objects based on checked parameters that are {+}relevant to the clicked object{+}. And perhaps in the lower right-hand corner a red message would alert the user that "Some Select Similar options were ignored."

As it stands, the error pop-up doesn't even tell you +which+ parameters don't apply to the clicked object, so it can be sort of a guessing game to make sure you turn off all of the ones. The tool should automatically ignore irrelevant parameters.

As a demonstrative example, if I go into the Select Similar Tool Preferences and check 1) Object Type, 2) Pen Thickness, and 3) Symbol Name, then use the tool and click on a Line, the tool should ignore Symbol Name and still select all other Line objects with the matching thickness.

This would make the tool more useful and less limiting.

Hypothetically, a user could keep +all+ the Tool Preferences checked and it would use as many as are relevant to the object that you click on (at least as a starting point, then of course a user can go in and make more specific preferences as desired). But please get rid of that warning pop-up and make the tool work more seamlessly.

VE-104075

When choosing Plane map type for face texture override, it should default to the plane of that face

Andy Broomell

When you select a face override in the OIP Render tab and change the map type to Plane, it's a complete crapshoot as to what plane that texture is going to default to. Sometimes it aligns to the selected surface nicely, but other times it gets placed perpendicular to the surface or some other unhelpful alignment. Then you have to go fix it manually using the Attribute Mapping Tool (unless that object type is restricted from using that tool, of course).

At least when it comes to flat/non-curved surfaces, the code should be fixed so that the texture plane always defaults to the same plane as the selected surface, since this is the intended result 98% of the time. The surface normal can be used for computing this automatic alignment.

Updating this would save lots of time in the texture process.

Attached is an example of an object where the two surfaces with the {_}Soffit Triple 4" Center Ventilated R{_}T texture were recently set to Plane mapping, but an odd plane was automatically chosen (in this case I think the texture planes are aligned with the front view of the overall object).

VE-104002

RM: Have option to Activate an open file via right click

Andy Broomell

In the lefthand pane of the Resource Manager, a list of open files is shown at the top, with the currently activated one shown in bold. There are many things you can do ONLY with resources that are in the currently active file. For example, if you notice a spelling error in a resource in a different open file, it cannot be corrected without first leaving the RM, moving the cursor to the top of the screen where the open files are shown as tabs above the View Bar (which might be on a different monitor than the RM), clicking the correct file to make it Active, then returning to the RM and once again finding the Resource you wanted to modify.

This applies to most resource actions available in contextual menus. The file has to be Active for anything to work.

It would be much handier if you could simply right click the name of the open file directly in the RM and have the option to "Activate in Drawing Window," which would do the same thing as clicking the appropriate file tab above the View Bar.

This would allow you to stay in the Resource Manager and focus on managing your resources, without having to navigate away to switch between documents.

Screenshot attached.

This was originally posted in the Wishlist forum where Holister Design Studio wrote: "It would be nice to be able to right click on the drawing name in the 'Open Files' area of the resource manager to make it active. When I have two or three drawings open and with two screens (and the RM on the second monitor), it's a LONG way to go all the way to the tabs on the left hand side of the main screen. And from what I gather, you can't do much in the RM without the file being the active file."

VE-103964

Spell Check: Show context of current spelling error

Andy Broomell

When using Spell Check, Vectorworks displays a few contextual words, but I often want to see the actual Text object to make a better informed decision about how to change it.

So it would be better if Spell Check 'navigated' to the Text Object in the drawing window (i.e. in the background behind Spell Check). It could either do it automatically, or be a "Find" button that a user manually clicks in order to navigate the background view to the Text object (sort of like using the "Find-Replace Text" command but without having to leave Spell Check).

VE-103910

Resource Manager help page should link to page about using the Search field

Andy Broomell

The Resource Manager documentation page that appears when you click the '?' in the Palette is this page:

[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/ResourceManager/Resource%20Manager.htm]

This page contains some information, along with links to additional pages for more info about specific topics. However, it does NOT link to the page about Searching for Resources:

[https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2023/eng/VW2023_Guide/ResourceManager/Searching_for_a_resource.htm]

A link to the latter should be added to the main Resource Page, either in the list of links at the bottom, or within the page itself when the Search box is mentioned.

(This page is important because it's the only place that spells out what strings to enter for using boolean operations in the search box. For example, I was trying to use the minus sign '-' to remove some results, while only 'NOT' works.)

VE-103922

Section Line Instance: "Activate" should make sure instance is visible

Andy Broomell

For a Section Viewport you can click the "Section Line Instances" button in the OIP, then select an instance, then click the "Activate" button to be navigated to the Section Line Instance on a Design Layer. However, it uses whatever the current Class visibility happens to be, so if the Section-Elevation line's class happens to be turned off, then you can't see it.

It would be a useful improvement if clicking the "Activate" button made the class of the relevant Section-Elevation Line be visible (or perhaps Active?).

Additionally, it seems like automatically switching to Top/Plan would also be as well, since that's the view in which Section-Elevation Line instances are most frequently interacted with.

[^SectionLineInstances.mov]

VE-103808

Multiple View Panes: Sheets to show Sheet Name instead of "Top/Plan"

Andy Broomell

With Multiple View Panes enabled, the little blue label in the upper left hand corner of each view pane currently lists [View] [Layer Name].

This is great on Design Layers, but it's not super useful for Sheet Layers to always see "Top/Plan" for the View. Views aren't really a relevant thing when on Sheet Layers, but what's currently missing is the Sheet Name which WOULD be relevant and useful.

In the attached screengrab, for example, the two right hand panes are currently labeled:
* Top/Plan 01
* Top/Plan 07

What would be MORE useful would be:
* Plan & Elevations 01
* Desk Details 07

Even BETTER would be:
* 01 [Plan & Elevations]
* 07 [Desk Details]

because this matches how users 'think' about sheets, and would also match the Syntax from the Layer dropdown.

VE-103828

End markers "Class Style" listed in different spots in different dropdowns.

Andy Broomell

In the Attributes pallete, the "By Class" option for end markers is the very first thing in the list.

When you click on "Leader Attributes" in the OIP for a Callout object, the "By Class" option for end markers is the last thing in the list, before "Edit Marker List."

These should be made consistent.

There might be other marker dropdown lists that should also be brought up to speed as well.

VE-103822

Create Texture from Hatch should use "RT" to follow naming standards

Andy Broomell

Small request:

The "Create Texture from Hatch" command auto-names the new Texture as [Hatch Name] Texture.

It should be updated to use modern naming standards, so it should [Hatch Name] RT.

VE-103823

Consistent keyboard results when interacting with text (Esc, Enter, Shift+Enter)

Andy Broomell

As discussed here: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/103153-discussion-of-new-user-interface-preview-t02250-mode-bar-and-view-bar-redesign/&do=findComment&comment=451470]

"Consistency" (and lack there-of) is one of the biggest complaints I hear about Vectorworks. A user expects similar results in similar contexts, but when actions yield _different_ results in similar contexts, it's aggravating, slows down the drawing process, and leads to errors.

One inconsistency that currently exists is in regards to editing TEXT, wherein keyboard actions produce different results in various contexts. For example, when editing a Text object, you have to hit "Esc" to commit the text (since "x" obviously just types the character x), but hitting "Esc" _normally_ means to cancel the current operation, not commit it. This is confusing – I've seen new users get tripped up on this, and it still trips me up after 15 years of using Vectorworks.

And then other modifier keys lead to inconsistent results in other contexts. To illustrate what I'm talking about, I made a chart of the "current" situation, outlining various contexts (rows) versus what happens when you hit certain keys (columns). Similar results are color-coded. Note how the colors in the top chart are patchy. On the bottom is a suggestion of reconfiguring things to be more consistent – note how the colors are blocked together, indicating consistency.

!TextEditing.png|width=373,height=348!

One of the biggest changes I'm suggesting is that hitting "Enter" should always commit the text (which addresses the issue I described earlier). Accordingly, that means a user will have to hit Shift+Enter to return to the next line. There are many websites and software these days that work like this (typing into iMessage on a Mac, to name one), so I'm sure folks would quickly adapt to the change. This would also be a great opportunity to use contextual tooltips (like at the bottom of the screen) to nudge the user: "Text Tool *1* Hit Enter to commit text. Hit Shift+Enter to go to next line. Hit Esc to cancel."

A change like this would not only make text-based interactions more consistent, but it would also speed up users' workflow. For example, when editing a Callout, a user can simply hit Enter when finished, instead of having to move the cursor to the OK button [since the Fn+Enter hotkey isn't common knowledge].

This topic is particular relevant to experienced users who start to develop muscle memory, because as it stands that muscle memory delivers inconsistent results in situations that all feel like they should match. Every time I switch between the different contexts outlined above it pulls me out of my flow state, so I'd love to see this given some thought for future versions. Thanks!

VE-103821

Presentation Mode

Andy Broomell

Sometimes we use Vectorworks to ‘present’ a design to someone, whether it be a colleague, boss, head designer, design team, a group on Zoom, etc. When presenting, we’re mainly just navigating our working file, pointing out things with the cursor, discussing elements, maybe selecting objects to see OIP properties, etc. But we’re not ‘working’ or doing any heavy editing. So the problem is that there’s potentially a lot of distracting gak on the screen that isn’t needed in a presentational context, and which sometimes pulls attention away from the focus of discussing the design. It’d be great to be able to quickly switch to a temporary “Presentation Mode” whenever you know you’re only going to be using Vectorworks in this simplified way while others are watching.

I suggest that under the Window menu there could be a new option to toggle “Presentation Mode” which would automatically turn on and off certain existing settings with one quick command. This would be customizable, so there would need to be a place to set up which settings you want to be affected. Under Presentation Mode Settings there would be checkboxes for the following:

☐ Suppress all auto save pop-ups.

☐ If using full-screen cursor, switch to simple pointer cursor.

☐ Hide Light glyphs, green constraints, red unlinked indicators, loci, and other various glyphs.

☐ Hide red viewport “out-of-date” borders.

☐ Turn off snap indicators, smart cursor cues, acquisition hints, red smart points, etc.

☐ Turn off pre-selection highlighting and other highlighting, keeping only selection highlighting.

☐ Turn off "Use Sound"

☐ Suspend snapping

☐ Hide enabled palettes (that is, the setting that already exists in Window menu).

☐ Disable Smart Options Display’s idle trigger.

☐ Switch Floating Data Bar to be only show on Tab (if not already).

☐ Deselect all objects across all Layers (for example, when you’re flipping through Sheet Layers there wouldn’t be viewports already highlighted from previous work.)

Upon engaging Presentation mode, all of the checked items would be affected. Upon disengaging Presentation mode, settings would return to the same as they were before (I suppose with the exception of object selection state).

When in Presentation mode, perhaps there’s a colored border around the screen to be clear that you’re in a special context, or maybe a bit of text in the status bar at the bottom.

Maybe Presentation Mode is actually a Quick Pref button so you can quickly pop in and out of it (for example, perhaps in the middle of the presentation you need to do some real editing, so you toggle it off, make the change, then toggle it back on.)

VE-101330

RW Camera: Make "Focal Length" OIP field editable

Andy Broomell

The field that a typical person would use most frequently when working with cameras is "Focal Length," yet it's the only field in the OIP that's currently not editable. As it stands it's a calculated field and we can't simply type in a particular focal length. This needs to be fixed.

The "Focal Length" parameter IS available when clicking the Fine Tune Camera View button, but it needs to be editable in the main OIP as well (not just out of convenience, but also because the focal length might need to be changed multiple times quickly while a director is watching and the Fine Tune pop-up obstructs the workflow).

Spotlight's Video Camera tool has this functionality already in the OIP so I know this should be possible. I'm ambivalent about the slider input that the Video Camera tool has; simply being able to type in the Focal Length number would be adequate.

VE-101327

RW Camera angle of view shouldn't hit lower limit at 12.35°. Can't emulate ultra-zoom lenses.

Andy Broomell

For whatever reason the Camera tool doesn't let you get any narrower than a 12.35° lens. This prevents us from setting up certain telephoto lenses. This limit should be more like 5°.

Narrow lenses are commonly used for close-up shots of performers in stadium settings such as concerts and awards shows, and are used for certain shots in TV & film. We need to be able to set up these shots with the RW Camera tool.

VE-103807

Having multiple objects selected shouldn't prevent you from double clicking to enter container

Andy Broomell

Most things in Vectorworks can be edited by Double Clicking them, which activates the appropriate tool (Reshape, Edit Wall, etc) or enters the container (Groups, Symbols, Extrudes, etc.).

However, once you have more than one object selected, the latter doesn't work, i.e. you can't double click into any sort of container. The multiple selection prevents it entirely. You have to first deselect everything, then double click, make your edit, and finally re-select everything upon exiting the container.

It would be much better if you could just double click on anything at any time and get the expected result, regardless of whether there's one thing, no thing, or multiple things selected.

To boil it down to a simple example: the goal would be to have two groups selected, double click on one of the groups, and end up inside that group. Bam.

VE-103788

RM Search: "Import" from multiple sources at once

Andy Broomell

When you do a search in the Resource Manager, currently when you select multiple results that are across different source files, the option to "Import" is no longer available. This is very limiting in a user's workflow, because one might want to peruse the results, select all the results that are interesting, and then Import all at once.

For example, attached is a screenshot of a search I just did for "truck" symbols. I selected all the ones I want to bring in (seventeen symbols). I was then surprised to find no option to Import when I right clicked.

That means I now have to go through and Import one-by-one (that's 34 more clicks instead of 1). Plus the mental power to re-analyze which ones I wanted.

VE-103779

Please add the 4 Attributes-related commands to Workspace Editor

Andy Broomell

Please add the 4 commands that appear when you click the hamburger icon of the Attributes Palette to the Workspace Editor as commands that can be added to a workspace. Most importantly, this would allow a user to set keyboard shortcuts for these commands.

The "Make All Attributes by Class" command is something I use hundreds of times per day. Currently, it's absolutely laborious to try to click the tiny hamburger icon every time without accidentally undocking the Attributes Palette or clicking the question mark... I'd much prefer to just hit a keystroke, but currently Users are not given the option of adding hotkeys for these commands since they only exist in the Attribute Palette menu.

Pat Stanford graciously wrote me a script that mostly does what the "Make All Attributes be Class" command does, which I've added to my workspace, but it doesn't work as flawlessly as the official built-in command. It would better for Vectorworks were to officially support this.

I would even recommend adding these for commands by default into a submenu within the "Modify" or "Tools" menus, which would increase discoverability. Of course, the commands should also stay in the Attributes Palette as well.

2 screengrabs attached.

This could tie in to the GUI improvement currently in the works.

VE-103662

Organization window: Copy & Paste Visibilities between Classes

Andy Broomell

When viewing the list of classes in the Organization window in Visibilities mode, I want to be able to right click a class in the lefthand column, choose a new contextual command called "Copy Visibilities," then right click a different class or classes, and choose "Paste Visibilities."

This would exist in the Layers tab as well, and probably also the Viewports and Saved View tabs for consistency.

Currently there's no way to make the visibility of one Class/Layer match that of another, outside of doing it manually.

VE-103615

VCS: "Queued" job – show feedback about how far down the queue your file is

Andy Broomell

It would be nice if there was some sort of indicator as to how many files are ahead of you in the queue. I know it's probably impossible to calculate the 'time' it'll take until your file is processed, but at the very least it'd be nice to know how far down the list your file is in the queue. (For example - you're number 17 in line).

I'm sitting here at the end of the day on a Friday waiting for a .vgx model to generate in order to hopefully share with someone before leaving. If I knew there was only a couple files in front of me I'd feel comfortable waiting. If I knew there were dozens of files in front of me, I'd say "this is can wait till Monday." Having some sort of feedback would help me make an educated decision.

VE-103631

Can we please have Groups inside Auto-Hybrids?

Andy Broomell

Basic. Groups inside Auto-Hybrids should be allowed. Pretty please.

VE-103621

Attribute Mapping Tool should work on EAPs

Andy Broomell

"Design Without Limits"

VE-103603

Move Eyedropper-Data Vis pop-up warnings to status bar

Andy Broomell

There are at least two warnings that commonly pop-up when trying to use the Eyedropper tool when Data Visualization is active. They are:

"Object has Data Visualization attribute overrides applied, but the original attributes will be picked up." and

"Transferred attributes may be hidden by the active Data Visualization."

While informational at first, these pop-ups become incredibly annoying when trying to use the Eyedropper in this context. They appear upon every single click.

Both of these messages should just be changed to red warnings that appear in the status bar at the bottom of the screen, instead of a modal pop-up that delays the ability to keep working.

If not that, then the ability to suppress each message for the rest of the session would be another solution.

VE-103588

2023: Pop-up color selector should be available in Data Vis window

Andy Broomell

The ability to select colors directly in a list browser (such as the Classes pane of the Organization Palette) is AWESOME and a long-awaited improvement.

This same pop-up needs to be added to the Data Vis window. Currently you still have to enter the "Edit Attribute Value" window, but it'd be smoother to be able to change the colors on-the-fly directly in the main Data Vis window.

See two attached screengrabs.

VE-103597

Diametrical vs Diametral: use consistent term

Andy Broomell

In the attached screenshot you can see that the Radial Dimension tool has modes for "diametrical" dimensions, but there's a warning on the bottom of the screen about "diametral" dimensions.

Diametrical and diametral are both acceptable terms (along with diametric), but Vectorworks should choose one and stick with it for consistency. In my opinion, "diametrical" is best.

VE-103598

Bitmap object: reset to original aspect ratio

Andy Broomell

When you have a bitmap object, it can be stretched independently on the X axis vs the Y axis. This is sometimes useful, but other times can be problematic, as the image might show something with fixed proportions, and therefore the X and Y always want to scale proportionally with each other (which can be done by grabbing a corner point and holding shift). However, if at some point the Bitmap was inadvertently stretched along only one axis, the proportions are now incorrect and there's no way to reset it. The only reliable fix is to import the original image once again. However, if you don't HAVE the original image file, then you're sort of screwed.

There needs to be a simple way to reset the proportions / aspect ratio back to the original image. Example file attached.

VE-103587

Nomad: Add link to full help page on the "?" screen when using viewer

Andy Broomell

When viewing a model either in 3D or in AR in Nomad, there's a "?" button that displays a pane with a few tips on how to interact with the interface. However, there are times where a user may need additional detail compared to what's displayed here. For example, I needed information about how to edit the Clip Cube but there's nothing about it on this pane.

Therefore, at the bottom of the "?" pane there should be a link to the full Help page for the relevant topic (either [View 3D models of .vwx files|https://cloud.vectorworks.net/portal/help/pages/view-3d-models-of-vwx-files/?app=IOS_NOMAD] or [View 3D models in AR|https://cloud.vectorworks.net/portal/help/pages/view-3d-models-in-ar/?app=IOS_NOMAD]). This would open in the default browser.

Currently a user has to exit the "?" pane, exit the model viewer, click Account, Click Help, then find the relevant page. (That is, if the user even knows these great Help pages even exist in the first place).

Not only would adding a link in the viewer increase discoverability, but that way the 3D model would remain open in the viewer so it's easy to jump back in where the user left off.

VE-103586

Nomad: Improve UI of Dropdown Menus

Andy Broomell

I was playing around with Nomad today and there are a few settings that have dropdowns, and these don't feel particularly well-designed.

In DropdownExample1.png you can see the dropdown has 3 choices, but the third choice is cut off and there's a small scrollbar. There's no reason there should be a scrollbar. All three choices should be clearly visible right off the bat.

In DropdownExample2.png you can see that the background of the dropdown box is translucent and appears on top of adjacent settings. This makes it hard to read since there's overlapping visual information.

VE-103585

Nomad: Ability to sort files by column (Name, Modified, Size)

Andy Broomell

It would be nice to be able to tap on a column header to sort files by that column, and/or click again to reverse the sort order.

Currently it seems like files can only be displayed by name A-Z.

VE-103558

"Fill Type" needs to be criterion in all criteria dialogs

Andy Broomell

Inquired about it here but got no response: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101922-why-is-fill-style-not-a-criterion/|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101922-why-is-fill-style-not-a-criterion/#comment-446013]

There doesn't currently seem to be an option to filter objects based on FILL STYLE. This seems like it would be a rudimentary criterion that should exist.

For example, I want to select all objects that have a hatch fill (_any_ hatch fill). Not currently possible.

Or I want to select polygons whose Fill Style is set to None. Not possible.

These are basic scenarios.

VE-103491

Ability to determine default placement for VP Drawing Labels

Andy Broomell

See this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/101635-easy-one-drawing-table-auto-positioning/&do=findComment&comment=445120]

It would be awesome if Drawing Label auto-positioning could be determined in a more custom way. I always want the Y position to be a certain distance from the bottom of the viewport geometry's bounding box, so I always have to move and adjust the label from its default placement. The default seems to be around 1/2" below the geometry, but I typically want 5/8" or 3/4" below.

And for the X position, I want the default placement for my labels to align all the way to the lefthand side of the bounding box of the viewport geometry, and for the label's control point to automatically extend to the righthand side of bounding box. Attaching an example of how my layouts typically look once I've adjust the label placement.

One reason why it's particularly annoying to do this manually is all the extra clicking into and out of Annotations that's involved, especially when I'm creating about 150 viewports / week.

If these defaults could be user-adjusted so that it gets me a few steps closer automatically, it would really streamline things.

VE-103487

"Save As" should default to location of current file, not location from last time the command was used

Andy Broomell

When a users chooses the "Save As" or "Save a Copy As" command, the most likely place they'll want to save the file is in the same folder as the original file. For example, this command is often used to make a new 'version' of a file alongside the original.

However, these commands seem to default to whatever location was chosen the last time the command was used, which is often some other unrelated project folder. On more than one occasion, I've hastily saved into this erroneous location by accident, which later lead to some confusion.

It would be great if the Save As windows were to default to the current drawing location, which would simplify things and remove possibilities for errors.

That being said, one scenario where this idea is invalid is if you're in a new/unsaved file... then it makes sense for these commands to use whatever the last location was, as is currently the case.

VE-103467

Convert Multiple Extrude to Generic Solids

Andy Broomell

Apparently you can't convert a "Multiple Extrude" object to a Generic Solid. When you run the "Convert to Generic Solids" command you get a message that says "There were objects selected which can not be converted to generic solids. They have been deselected."

Users should be able to convert Multiple Extrudes to Generic Solids. This would make it consist with other 3D object types, plus provide a way to troubleshoot an object when it's misbehaving.

For example, at the moment I'm trying to export a 3D model to DWG, but the Multiple Extrude objects aren't behaving properly. I thought it'd be an easy fix to just convert them to Generic Solids before exporting again, but Vectorworks won't let me.

As a workaround, I did discover that if I convert each Multiple Extrude to a Mesh first, then I could convert each Mesh to Generic Solids. But this workaround would not be obvious to most users.

File attached with an example Multiple Extrude object.

VE-103431

Image Effects should be available for Images in Reflectivity, Transparency, & Bump shaders

Andy Broomell

Currently the Image Effects button is available for Images that are used in the Color shader of a Renderworks Texture. However, Image Effects is not available for Images used in the other three shaders (Reflectivity, Transparency, & Bump). There's no reason that Image Effects would be any less useful in these places, so the Image Effects button should be added.

For example, if I want to reduce the contrast or lighten the level of the blacks in any of these contexts, it's currently not possible. Since the Image Effects technology already exists, why is it not available in these three shaders?

Screenshots attached. (Also, please note the general inconsistency of the way the "Image" portion of these four dialogs is handled)

VE-101518

Nav palette column separators hard to see in dark mode (Mac)

Andy Broomell

The 2-pixel vertical lines that separate the visibility icons in the Classes & Layers tabs of the Navigation Palette are currently pretty difficult to see when using Mac's dark mode, especially when glancing at the palette quickly to change something. There's only a 6% difference between the two values used. For such a thin line the difference could be bumped up ever so slightly.

VE-103383

Fillet objects: need to be able to select multiple and change Radius in OIP

Andy Broomell

When you select one 3D Fillet object you can change the Radius of the fillet in the OIP.

As you soon as you select a second Fillet object, the OIP says "2 CSG Solids" and all OIP parameters disappear despite them having common parameters.

We need to be able to select more than one Fillet object and be able to change their radii in the OIP. Currently you have to select and change one at at time which is incredibly cumbersome.

This same improvement likely also applies to other CSG objects, such as the Thickness parameter for multiple Shell objects.

VE-102057

RM: Disable individual VW Library files

Andy Broomell

See this thread for context:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/81544-is-it-possible-to-disable-certain-rm-libraries/]

In the left pane of the Resource Manager, I want to be able right click on a library file, or folder, and have the option to "Disable" the file(s).

This would mean that the contents of disabled files would not show up in Search results.

There are some libraries that produce dozens and dozens of search results that I'll never use, and simply get in the way. I'd love to simply turn those library files off somehow.

In the old version of the Resource Browser, you could simply delete files off your hard drive, but this isn't possible now that everything is cloud-based. Plus, disabling a library would allow you to later re-enable the library if needed.

Note that this is different than turning off the entire Vectorworks or Premium Libraries categories... It needs to be per file.

Disabled libraries would display as grayed out in the file list to distinguish them.

VE-103234

2023 Shaded mode: avoid Tinkerbell effect

Andy Broomell

See the post:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/94151-0600-t02271_shaded_rendering_improvements/&do=findComment&comment=436790]

as posted in the 2023 Beta thread T02271_Shaded_Rendering_Improvements.

The attached screen recording demonstrates an issue I keep encountering with the new Shaded mode reflection capabilities.

The "Default Light" which exists when no other lights are in the scene is awfully distracting when seen as a bright reflection in glass surfaces. It honestly looks like Tinkerbell! This has been an issue when showing models to Production Designers and Directors. The effect is particularly odd because this light moves around with the viewer, unlike other stationary Lights that you add to the scene as objects.

Would there be a way to change the coding so it specifically excludes the Default Light reflection from any textures set to Glass Reflectivity?

I know I can turn off reflections completely under Shaded Options, but this new functionality makes other objects look so much better when navigating a model, such as metals. I really love the advancements in Shaded mode in 2023, I just wish it wasn't so distracting on glass.

VE-102615

RW Camera: Quicker way to insert and match current view

Andy Broomell

Currently if you're in a 3D perspective view and want to add a RW camera that matches the current view, you must:
# Activate RW Camera tool
# Click once to set insertion point
# Click again to set view direction
# Move mouse over to OIP and click on "Match Current View" button.

Note also that steps 2 and 3 "feel" wrong because you're inserting a camera in an arbitrary spot just to get the object into the document. Most users don't realize this process is even possible until someone teaches it to them.

What would be great is to have a separate mode button for the RW Camera tool that automatically inserts a camera that matches the current view when clicked.

Now that I think about it though, a mode button might be challenging because how would it work when in Top/Plan?

So perhaps instead it could be a new command under the View menu called "Insert Camera at Current View" which would insert a RW camera using the default RW camera settings. The command would only be available when in 3D perspective.

A command would also be great because users could assign a keyboard shortcut to it. I would certainly use this a lot when finding camera views with a Director or Production Designer.

There might also be an opportunity to add a command like this to the Camera palette.

VE-103163

T02297: Reshape tool for Walls could suggest new "Edit Wall" tool

Andy Broomell

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97390-0700-t02297_edit_wall_tool/&do=findComment&comment=434286]

Whenever I want to edit wall peaks, I always hit the minus key which is the keyboard shortcut for the Reshape tool. However in 2023 this is no longer applicable due to the changes of T02297.

For other folks who might also hit the minus key, I wonder if they'll know what to do now that the Reshape tool no longer has the wall peaks functionality in 2023. Users might not be aware of the fact that a new tool exists (unfortunately it seems many folks don't read "What's New" documentation).

So I'm wondering if whenever the Reshape tool is activated +with a Wall selected+, perhaps a message in the utility bar could suggest using the Edit Wall tool.

VE-103140

Draw Lines & Rectangles from Center w/ hotkey

Andy Broomell

For the Line tool & Rectangle tools, currently there are separate modes for drawing "from center". It would be extremely handy to ALSO be able to draw these shapes from their center points +while on the first mode+ by holding down the Option key (or the Windows equivalent).

This would reduce the number of clicks necessary to change between modes all the time (not only the physical clicks, but also the mental interruption in a user's thought process vs the simple muscle memory of a hotkey). It would also bring Vectorworks more in line with other software that uses the same hotkey approach (take for example drawing a Rectangle or Marquee in Photoshop, which I've attached a screen recording example of).

The existing mode bar modes can stay exactly as they are, I am only proposing to additionally add the ability to temporarily "boomerang" to center mode.

Additionally, as per this post:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/97038-2500-t02309_interactive_sizing_for_door_and_window_creation_and_editing/&do=findComment&comment=433515]

the hotkey to draw "from center" should be added to the new third mode of the Door & Window tools in order to draw these objects from center, which I've already filed as part of VE-102527.

Generally, a Vectorworks user should expect to always be able to use the same hotkey modifier to do things "by center" across any tools and scenarios where it would be applicable (please see VE-103130 which relates to this as well).

VE-103156

Need to be able to set default class for Callout objects

Andy Broomell

There needs to be a way to set the default Class that Callout objects are inserted on. We can set all sorts of defaults for Callouts, but not Class, and this is an important aspect because the Class can be used to determine the Callout's visual attributes such as pen color & line thickness.

For example, all of the callouts on my drawings have a 6 mil blue pen, and if I don't remember to make sure they're on my class called "2D-Annotations" then they don't look correct.

Which means every time I insert a callout I need to change its class, or make sure I have the correct Active Class prior to inserting callouts. This slows down the process of annotating.

VE-103074

Delete Class dialog should be updated to use modern Class selector

Andy Broomell

When you Delete a class and get the pop-up asking whether you want to delete the objects on that class or reassign them to a different class, the latter option uses the old style of class selector. This should be updated to use the modern version of the Classes list used elsewhere in the program, with the search field, filters, etc. This would make things more consistent and usable.

VE-102530

RM: Change "Premium Libraries" Icon

Andy Broomell

Object libraries that come with Vectorworks all live in the cloud and only download when you actually use a resource. For example, if you search for "Chair," any results that have a little cloud icon on the thumbnail are not local, but they will download immediately upon activating the chair symbol. This all makes sense.

However, when looking at the primary categories of libraries in the lefthand panel of the RM, both "Vectorworks Libraries" and "Premium Libraries" live in the cloud by default as described above, which makes the cloud icon which represents "Premium Libraries" a bit confusing. I've had a number of students get confused by the fact that Vectorworks Libraries are also in the cloud until needed, since they assume only Premium Libraries are cloud-based due to the category's icon.

It would be clearer if the icon for "Premium Libraries" were changed to the diamond icon used on the Service Select content website (see attached screenshot). It would also be more cohesive since the visual branding would match.

The cloud icon would then be reserved for individual files/resources to indicate whether they are local or cloud-based.

VE-102893

Callout preferences needs option to set Markers "By Class"

Andy Broomell

The preferences window where you set the defaults for inserting Callouts doesn't have an option for setting the marker by class. It should.

VE-102854

Option to not automatically create Data Visualization Legend

Andy Broomell

I wish there were preference somewhere to make Vectorworks NOT automatically add a Data Visualization Legend to a viewport's Annotations upon applying Data Visualization. I have wanted the legend exactly zero times out of the few hundred times I've used DV so far.

VE-102421

RW Cameras: need to hide outside of frame (blue crop marks are unsuitable)

Andy Broomell

This is a request I’ve wanted to make for a number of years, but now that Cropped Perspective has been deprecated in 2022, this request has become all the more relevant and important.

An easy way to tell if 3D modeling software is worth its salt is the quality of its camera tool. Setting up camera views is a task relevant to ALL industries, and this process needs to be easy, intuitive, and informative. I wouldn’t describe the RW Camera tool as any of those things, personally, and at the moment I want to focus on one particular subject that is the most glaringly bad aspect of the current tool:

The 4 blue crop corners. They’re terrible. They don’t actually frame your view in a way that allows you to compose an image within the ‘viewfinder’. Everything outside of the camera view is still just as visible, and since the crop corners are so small and disconnected, your eye can’t visualize the frame in order to make informed decisions. Composing an image is arguably the most important reason to use a camera in the first place, so the crop corners fail at their most important job.

Spotlight’s Video Camera tool handles this slightly better because it uses a full rectangle instead of just tiny corner marks. However it’s still not ideal since the thick blue stroke is a bit distracting, and objects outside the rectangle are still fully visible. (Plus, using the Video Camera tool is not a workable solution in the first place.)

Ideally RW Cameras would work more like they do in Cinema 4D, where the area outside the viewfinder gets obscured with a translucent black overlay. That would be a million times better.

The overlay should automatically be visible whenever you're in an Activated Camera view, and go away when working in perspective (non-camera). The color and opacity of this overlay should be controlled in Interactive Appearance Settings (some people might prefer a solid overlay which completely obscures outside the frame, whereas others might prefer to have the overlay be more translucent or even be a color).

Prior to 2022, one workaround that sidestepped the camera’s unusable blue crop corners was to turn on the “Cropped Perspective” document preference. This setting would crop the view to the camera frame so that objects outside the frame weren’t seen, which was helpful when composing shots. While it had its own issues, it at least functioned fine for that purpose. However, Cropped Perspective was deprecated for 2022 as part of the screen plane deprecation task. So moving forward we’re left with no good way to view a camera composition, and this should be addressed asap.

There are other improvements needed for the RW Camera tool but this would be the most impactful change.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/88281-rw-cameras-hide-outside-of-frame-aka-blue-crop-corners-dont-cut-it/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/63756-jira-ve-99720-add-cropped-perspective-as-a-quick-preference-or-as-a-check-button-in-the-oip-for-the-camera-tools-peter-neufeld/#comment-317324] (this request has a similar spirit despite different details)

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/35620-perspective-crop-and-editing-camera-views/#comment-204087]

VE-102775

Select Similar: display alert on Status Bar instead of pop-up

Andy Broomell

When using the Select Similar tool it's common to get the following error message:

"The selected activation options can't be used for this object. Please click on an object which has all the selected options as parameters."

I get this pop-up a lot in congested documents when I accidentally click on the wrong thing. It would be nice if there was a way to make this warning appear in the Status Bar instead so that I don't have to click OK to continue working. If the message needs to be shorter it could simply say "Object doesn't have all applicable parameters" or something similar.

A case could also be made for the full pop-up appearing once per session, but then being able to suppress future warnings to the Status Bar.

Pop-ups are generally annoying so hopefully we can move away from them in order to speed up workflow.

VE-102744

Criteria interface: add "contains" and other logic operators for Classes & Layers

Andy Broomell

As discussed in this thread: [https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/83571-0500-t02214_criteria_improvements/&do=findComment&comment=416101]

Currently the criteria interface only provides the operators "is" and "is not" for Classes and Layers. We should also have the ability to use the operators "starts with," "does not start with," ends with," "does not end with," "contains, and "does not contain" to allow for much greater flexibility. Not only would this make it more consistent with Class & Layer Filters which already utilize these operators, but it would make creating the appropriate criteria much faster and more flexible.

One use case is making it easier to isolate collections of Classes/Layers that all have a similar category name (for example I might have Classes such as "SET-Walls," "SET-Floor," "SET-Platform," etc. which could easily be isolated together by setting the criterion to "Class" "contains" "SET").

This would also allow for additional Classes/Layers to be included in the criteria results as more Classes/Layers are added to the file, instead of having to remember to go back and edit your criteria every time you add a new one.

Furthermore, while it's possible to manually type in criteria into worksheets to get around this missing ability in the criteria dialog box, it's not currently possible to manually type in criteria for Data Visualizations.

Regarding UI, it would be the same as it is for criteria that already support this ability (eg. Name or Symbol).

VE-102721

Circle by Circumference

Andy Broomell

There should be an editable Circumference field in the OIP for Circles. (There's currently a non-editable "Perim" field.)

I know it can be done via math in the Radius or Diameter fields, but I don't want to have to do that when I'm in a rush and admittedly can't remember a basic formula ;)

VE-102708

Higher DPI Thumbnails in RM

Andy Broomell

The low-res thumbnails in the Resource Manager make Vectorworks look like 10-year old software. They need to be higher resolution.

Attached is a screengrab of a file with a couple figure symbols showing what the thumbnails currently look like, plus a quick mockup where I changed the thumbnails to high DPI (matching my 144 dpi screen) which are MUCH easier to see and use.

VE-102681

Origin needs to be snappable in 3D views

Andy Broomell

When in 3D views, especially Orthographic views, it's often necessary to reference the 0,0,0 origin and/or the ground plane when working with geometry. However, the origin is only a snap point in Top/Plan currently. It needs to be snappable in 3D views as well.

For example if I go to a front view and start drawing the elevation of a piece of furniture in order to start extruding it into a 3D model, being able to snap the bottom of my geometry to the origin would be incredibly useful so that the model ends up sitting on the ground without extra steps.

Taking it one step further, in front/back/side views I'd love for the entire line of the ground plane (Z=0) to be snappable. That would make it easier to place things on the ground plane when I drag them up and down on the screen without needing actual ground plane geometry to snap to.

VE-102707

Dimension text - precise lateral placement

Andy Broomell

Currently it’s not possible to place Dimension dimension text in any position that I need. See attached screen recording which demonstrates a common scenario where I need to move the text of a dimension ever-so-slightly to the side so that it’s not intersecting other geometry. However, Vectorworks will not allow me to do so - instead it snaps between two positions and only let’s me move the text a larger amount than I need. This auto-positioning is NOT helpful. I need to be able to place the text exactly where I want it.

VE-102680

Backups files should be .sta file so you're forced to re-save

Andy Broomell

When Vectorworks crashes and you open a file from the Backup folder, it's a regular .vwx file. This means it's way too easy to just keep working in this file, then hit Save and not realize you're actually saving the file within the Backup folder. Then the next day you can't find your current file because you didn't realize the mistake you made and it's just a mess...

If backups were saved as .sta files then it'd be like a template where you're forced to choose a Save location when you go to Save the file.

VE-101331

RW Camera: Lock View

Andy Broomell

When you Activate a camera to see the camera view, any navigation you then do affects the camera object because it 'follows' your navigation (zooming, orbiting, walkthrough tool, 3D Mouse, etc.). This is handy at times, but at other times can be catastrophic when it happens unintentionally.

And it happens unintentionally a lot.

What's needed is a checkbox in the OIP that you can check once you've set up your view which prevents the camera object from being affected by navigation. That way you can protect that view from being lost when you accidentally zoom with the camera activated, for example.

Originally I was going to suggest a checkbox that says "Lock Position," however upon thinking about it more, we should still be able to affect the camera with Fine Tune Camera View, for example. So really it should be a checkbox underneath "Activate Camera View" that says something like "View navigation affects activated camera" which would be checked by default, but could be unchecked for individual cameras as desired, thereby protecting the composition.

If you try to navigate while in a view-locked camera, it should be engineered so that either:
# Nothing happens and a red message in the lower right area would alert as to why. Or,
# It would automatically de-activate the camera and let you navigate freely (I think this would be more desirable).

Being able to lock camera views would ease a LOT of frustration for folks that use this tool.

VE-102612

Viewport OIP: Widget Groups

Andy Broomell

As Viewports have gotten more advanced over the years, they now have a slew of parameters in the OIP so it can be hard to find what you’re looking for at a glance. Viewport parameters are also a little overwhelming for new users. It would be great to implement OIP Widget Groups for Viewports so that parameters are arranged into categories with headers, making it easier to find what you need.

Implementing widget groups would be a great opportunity to reorganize parameters so that related settings are near each other. For example, Lighting Options and Image Effects affect the rendered portion of a viewport so they should be near the Background Render setting. There are currently a number of cases where the order of things in the OIP seems arbitrary and scattered, rather than presented logically.

In the attached images I’ve laid out mock-ups of a Viewport and a Section Viewport OIP. I’ve carefully rearranged all the parameters into simple categories that I think would make sense to an average user. I’d be happy to further explain any logic behind these choices and why things are grouped and ordered the way they are.

Forum topic: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/90892-viewport-oip-widget-groups/

VE-102531

Quick Search: Expand to include settings & snaps

Andy Broomell

Quick search should provide a way to quickly discover where to find certain settings. For example, if a user wanted to turn on "Full Screen Cursor" but didn't know where to find it they could hit "F" then start typing the phrase, and one of the results would take the user to the appropriate tab of Vectorworks Preferences (perhaps with some sort of highlight showing where that parameter is).

Quick search should include the options within Vectorworks Preferences, Document Preferences, Spotlight Preferences, Units, etc.

It could also include Snap settings (for example a user could search for "Tangent" or "Master Snap Points") though there'd have to be consideration for how the Quick Search interface interacts with the Utility Bar buttons and pop-overs.

I remember Quick Search being envisioned and described as a "universal search" so it should continue to be expanded until it accomplishes this mission.

VE-102609

Continuous mode for Trim tool

Andy Broomell

The Trim tool is a super convenient way to remove portions of geometry up to the points where it intersects with other objects.

Currently you have to click on each segment that you want to remove.

It would be great to also have the option to be able to click and hold and move the cursor over multiple segments, and have all the segments that you moused over be removed in one stroke. This could save a LOT of clicking in certain scenarios. It would even be beneficial for removing individual segments: it requires less precise clicking, thereby saving our already overworked wrists.

I've attached a video of a scenario I encountered today - the first half shows me using the Trim tool as it currently functions, then I hit undo several times, then I demonstrate the clicking and holding mouse strokes that would be used if this enhancement were implemented (Of course it doesn't do anything but hopefully you get the idea). Each segment would be trimmed away AS you mouse stroke over it.

VE-102561

Wall Preferences: show texture names in Part dropdown

Andy Broomell

On the Textures tab of the Wall Preferences dialogue window, there is a Part dropdown where you choose Overall, Left, Right, etc in order to assign textures to each. This is very similar to the Part dropdown in the OIP Render tab pre-2022. However, in the Wall Preferences dropdown the names of the selected textures for each Part are not displayed in the dropdown list.

It would be useful to show the assigned texture names in parentheses so that you can quickly and easily see what textures are applied to each part without having to select each part manually.

Attached is a screenshot showing what I mean (red text added by me), along with a screenshot of the 2021 render tab Part dropdown for reference since this is exactly what's needed in the Wall Preferences dropdown.

VE-102555

Display dashed line types when zoomed out.

Andy Broomell

Vectorworks often displays dashed line types as solid lines when zoomed out beyond a certain level. While it makes sense for this to occur when zoomed out really far, the zoom threshold for this is currently way too low which is quite unhelpful. Users often need to be able to evaluate a drawing or sheet from a zoomed out point of view, but when dashed lines are misrepresented as solid it can be misleading.

What's confounding is that the dashes can be seen when panning and/or actively zooming, but when simply viewing the drawing they're shown as solid. So clearly there are plenty of screen pixels available to display these dashes.

Attached is a video demonstrating what I'm talking about. To be clear, the way it looks when zooming and panning is what's desired, and that same level of fidelity should be displayed when not zooming/panning.

VE-102529

Enable/disable shadows on per-object basis

Andy Broomell

Currently you can only disable shadows for particular objects by creating unique textures for them and setting the shadow options accordingly in the texture settings. This is okay for some scenarios but is typically an extra hassle. For example:
-Sometimes I'm working with an untextured white model and don't want to deal with textures at all.
-Sometimes I have one texture that I'm using across multiple objects, and I need some of those objects to cast shadows and others to not cast shadows, and as it stands you have to make two different textures and keep them cohesive as shader changes are made.
-Sometimes I want entire container objects to not cast shadows, such as a Symbol of a chandelier that contains many different objects/textures. It's currently a pain to separately determine shadow settings for each texture that may be used (and sometimes requires also duplicating those textures since they're used elsewhere with shadows).
-Switching between textures during the design process means having to track shadow settings across different textures each time you switch.
-Textures that are assigned via Materials or via parts of PIOs involve another layer of complication.

In general we need the ability to set shadow settings on a per-object basis, which would be much easier. This would be an additional Widget Group in the Render tab of the OIP called "Shadows".

Within that category would be two dropdowns. One would be called "Cast Shadows" with the following options:
-By Texture
-Cast Shadows
-Do Not Cast Shadows

The second dropdown would be called "Receive Shadows" and would have the following options:
-By Texture
-Receive Shadows
-Do Not Receive Shadows

For each dropdown, the "By Texture" option would be default and would match/retain existing functionality. Anyone who doesn't want to assign shadow settings per-object could collapse the widget group and everything would function as it always has.

The latter two options would supersede any shadow settings coming from the texture(s) for that object, and make the entire object cast or not cast shadows (or receive/not receive). If the object is a container object, it would also override the shadow settings of any sub-objects.

I've noticed that when novice users first want to disable shadows for objects, the first place they tend to think of looking is the Render tab. They assume it would be a per-object setting, not a per-texture settings.

While having the ability to do it per-texture is also useful, we need the ability to quickly and easily do it per-object.

VE-102420

Dock Lights & Cameras tabs with Navigation palette tabs

Andy Broomell

I wish I could add the palette tabs for Lights and Cameras to the Navigation Palette, so they'd be accessible right there where my eyes are used to looking (I'd put them after the References tab, for example).

I know Lights & Cameras are actually a part of the Visualization Palette rather than the Navigation Palette, but it would be nice to be able to combine the two to save screen real estate.

Mockup attached.

VE-102419

OIP Question Mark button should lead to help page for selected object type

Andy Broomell

It would be helpful if clicking on the help question mark in the upper right of the OIP would take you to the help page for whatever type of object is currently selected, if such a page exists.

If there's nothing selected, or if multiple object types are selected, or if a custom object type is selected that doesn't have a help page, then clicking the '?' would still take you to the page about the OIP as it currently does.

As it stands there's no quick way to learn about the OIP settings for an object type without manually searching for the page in VW help.

VE-102461

Drawing Title: Need more characters

Andy Broomell

The 63 (?) character limit for a viewport's Drawing Title field needs to be expanded. There are occasions where a longer Drawing Title is needed for display in the Drawing Label.

VE-102417

Create Image Prop: Automatically Use Alpha Channel

Andy Broomell

When creating an Image Prop by bringing in an image file, Vectorworks should automatically detect whether there's an alpha channel in that image, and if so, automatically load it as an image mask. (This would apply to certain filetypes such as PNG, TIFF, TGA and PSD.)

Whenever there's an alpha channel in a source image it's highly likely that a user wants that same alpha channel in the Image Prop. If not, they could easily switch the radio button back to "No mask."

And if a user is importing dozens of Image Props, the 6+ extra clicks to get the mask loaded really bog down the process.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/45348-image-props-should-auto-recognize-pngs-with-transparency/]

https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/88259-wishlist-–-use-alpha-channel-for-image-props-by-default/

VE-102358

Ambient Occlusion should be ON by default

Andy Broomell

3D modeling in Shaded render mode generally looks better with Ambient Occlusion turned on. A majority of Renderworks renderings, especially those by less experienced users, also look better with AO on. Therefore AO should be on by default in new files.

Advanced rendering artists who might not be a fan of AO are also more likely to know how to turn it off when not wanted. Defaults should instead cater to average users and look the best they can out of the box.

VE-102343

USDZ file support

Andy Broomell

Vectorworks should be able to work with .usdz files. With the rise of Lidar, photogrammetry, and 3D models on phones and tablets, apps such as Photocatch ([https://www.photocatch.app)|https://www.photocatch.app)/] rely on .usdz files as a way to transfer 3D files between apps. I'd love to be able to import a .usdz file directly into Vectorworks without having to run it through some tertiary piece of software to convert it.

See these threads:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/57740-usdz-file-export/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/84890-usdz-file-format/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/74410-how-can-i-import-a-usdz-file/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/61474-morpholio-trace/&tab=comments#comment-306478]

[https://developer.apple.com/augmented-reality/quick-look/]

VE-102350

glTF file support

Andy Broomell

Similar to "VE-102343: USDZ file support" I'd like to request that Vectorworks be able to import/export glTF / GLB files. This is another common filetype in the growing world of mobile 3D/AR.

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78507-gltf-20-export/|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78507-gltf-20-export/#comment-375401]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80576-gitf-and-uszd-support/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/72400-3d-file-format-import-export-additions/]

VE-102355

Turn off display of Design Layer Page Boundary by default

Andy Broomell

By default, the gray rectangle of the design layer page boundary is visible by default. This is a bit odd considering Sheet Layers have been the preferred method of laying out sheets for well over a decade, and average users don't utilize this Design Layer page boundary.

Furthermore, the grey boundary acts like a screen plane object (despite screen plane otherwise being deprecated/disabled by default in 2022) and is often obtrusive in 3D views. When this happens, many users just assume it's a "dumb Vectorworks thing" that's always there on the screen. I say "why not turn it off?" They say "I don't even know what it is." This is all-too common, particularly since the Quick Pref button to turn it off is hidden by default.

The only change should be that the display of the Design Layer page boundary is off by default. Longtime users with legacy workflows should know how to turn it on if needed.

VE-102362

Undo/Redo Descriptions in Edit Menu

Andy Broomell

It would be great if the Edit menu displayed more information about what the available "Undo" and "Redo" commands are. For example - "Undo Delete Layer" or "Redo Modify Text." Sometimes it's helpful to confirm what an operation would be before doing it.

VE-102356

Default line thickness in blank file should be thicker

Andy Broomell

In the "Blank" default template, the default line thickness for the None and Dimension classes is .05 / 2mm. This barely prints on many printers. It seems like the default be at least .15 / 6mm.

VE-102359

Migration Manager: Option to set destination as new User Folder

Andy Broomell

I like that the Migration Manager allows you to choose where migrated files are saved. It would be nice if there was also a checkbox to make that destination folder the new User Folder, since often the Migration Manager is used to transition your entire user folder from one version to the next.

I choose to keep my User Folder on Dropbox, rather than in the default hidden Library directory, so after completing the Migration Manager I always have to go into VW Preferences and manually choose the folder I migrated everything to. This could be streamlined.

VE-102357

Turn off the auto-triggering Smart Options Display by default

Andy Broomell

I realize the 10-second auto-trigger may have been added for discoverability of the new SOD feature in 2021, but most users found it obtrusive and frustrating. SOD is useful when called upon, but automatically popping up all the time is not useful. I've never seen a single instance of someone utilizing this.

Now that this feature has existed for a year, it would be wise to uncheck the 10-second idle trigger by default. Still available for anyone that wants it.

VE-101307

Link Viewports to Design Layer Cameras

Andy Broomell

+*CURRENT FUNCTIONALITY*+

When you create a viewport with a camera selected, you can choose to move the camera and embed it within the viewport, or to leave the camera where it is on the Design Layer and create a viewport with no camera, or to duplicate the camera into the viewport while leaving a copy on the Design Layer.

None of the options allow for the most useful scenario: to leave the camera where it is on the Design Layer, and to create a viewport that LINKS to this Design Layer camera.

(Note that the word “link” is used in the existing pop-up, but it’s bit of a misnomer and what I’m suggesting is something different.)

+*DESIRED FUNCTIONALITY*+

We need to be able to leave a Camera on the Design Layer and LINK a viewport’s view to that camera (or multiple viewports to one camera). Changing a Design Layer camera would update all linked viewports accordingly.

+*REASON #1: DESIGN VARIATIONS FROM SAME POV*+

If you have multiple renderings of the same camera angle showing variations of a design, this is achieved with multiple viewports each with certain classes/layers visible. If you then need to change the point of view being shown, there’s currently no simple way to change the view of multiple viewports, since each would have its own independent embedded camera. The current process would involve changing the camera view of one viewport, duplicating that viewport multiple times, using the eyedropper tool to transfer visibilities and other per-viewport properties from the old viewports to the new ones, deleting the old viewports, then moving the new viewports into their proper places on the sheet. This process is very laborious and error-prone. Ideally a user could just alter the view of ONE camera object somewhere, and all viewports that are linked to that camera would update their point of view accordingly.

+*REASON #2: WHEN THE MODEL MOVES*+

Imagine you’re in the process of designing a set for a tv game show which has several video camera operators located on platforms throughout the set for different camera angles. You set up a RW Camera for each position, then create a viewport showing the view for each of these cameras. The next day, you learn the entire set needs to rotate 90° and move to the left 10 feet on the soundstage. When you reposition the set on the Design Layer, all of the viewports are now looking at the wrong points in space. The viewport “Cameras” cannot be rotated along with everything else, and this is very problematic.

Currently you’d have to re-create all of your viewports again from scratch; this is a pain because each might have different visibilities, render styles, data visualizations, etc. Ideally, viewport-defining cameras could stay among the model, meaning you could just select EVERYTHING, reposition as needed, then simply hit update on your viewports.

+*REASON #3: SOURCES OF INFORMATION SHOULD STAY COHESIVE*+

A version or two ago Vectorworks added the pop-up that gives you the option to link, to not link, or to duplicate a camera when making a viewport. (Again, the word “link” as currently used is misleading/confusing). As it stands, let’s say you choose to duplicate the camera so that you still have one to interact with on your Design Layer. Well now there are two completely separate places where the view information is stored. It is quite easy in this scenario to accidentally change the camera in one spot and forget to change it in the other, which is quite frustrating. This needs to be unified and simplified. Duplication should be avoided at all costs.

+*REASON #4: SEEING & INTERACTING WITH CAMERAS WHILE DEVELOPING DESIGN*+

Assuming you avoid duplicating cameras since that’s error-prone, let’s say all of your cameras currently live within viewports, meaning there are no cameras in your Design Layer. This is problematic because now you can’t SEE where camera views are. When working on the model I want to see where my camera objects are because in the world of tv and film, everything is designed FOR camera views. Additionally, a director or lead designer might want to sit next to you and see in a groundplan all the camera positions, and they may want to adjust the positions or lenses on some of those cameras, all while you interactively edit things in the model on the fly. So we need to have the cameras remain on the Design Layer so they are collectively selectable and editable, all while still linking to your rendering viewports.

+*REASON #5: EXPORTING CAMERAS*+

We need cameras to stay on Design Layers for the purpose of exporting models to other programs like C4D, or exporting FBXs. As it stands the cameras end up within viewports so they aren’t exported.

Clearly this would need quite a bit planning regard UI/UX since this new feature would affect a number of different elements, but here are some initial thoughts regarding implementation:

+*INTERACTING WITH A CAMERA:*+

With a Camera selected: in addition to the existing View > Create Viewport command, there should be a button in the OIP that says “Create Linked Viewport” (very much like Create Section Viewport).

When you create a viewport, the pop-up would have the option to create a viewport that is:
# “Linked to the Design Layer camera.” (new!)
# “Embeds the camera into the viewport.” (to match existing functionality, if needed)
# “Not linked to any camera.”

When you select a Design Layer camera that has viewports already linked to it, this needs to be visually clear somehow so that you’re aware that any changes made will alter existing viewports. Plus the OIP should have a dropdown or button that somehow indicates which viewports are being defined by the camera, with the option to unlink or navigate to any of them. I also imagine there’s functionality that would be added to the Visualization palette in this regard.

+*INTERACTING WITH A VIEWPORT:*+

This new functionality should be tied into the existing "View" dropdown. This dropdown should display the list of cameras that exist in the document so you can quickly choose one and the viewport switches to that view. There should also be an option to unlink the viewport from a design layer camera, making it independent. Or you could just switch to one of the standard views instead of the camera.

When you duplicate a viewport linked to a DL camera, the new viewport should also be linked to that same camera.

If you double click a viewport and choose to edit the Camera, it needs to be clear that you’re editing the Design Layer camera and that other viewports may also be affected.

Obviously there are a number of things that would have to be thought through, but in general this functionality would be a game changer and save huge amounts of time and headache. It would also be beneficial to every industry since cameras are used by everyone. This functionality has been requested a number of times on the forums over the years, and in my teaching and interacting with colleagues I've found that literally +no one+ understands the current esoteric implementation of cameras and how they work with viewports. This would be a big step forward.

VE-101055

Referenced DLVPs need to indicate when they're out of date

Andy Broomell

Currently, out-of-date references are only indicated in the References tab of the Nav Palette / Organization window. It would be super helpful (and help reduce errors) if the OIP of a referenced Design Layer Viewport indicated that the reference is out of date, along with a button to quickly update the reference (just like SLVPs have a red update button). That way you'd always know if the viewport you're working with is displaying the up-to-date file without having to remember to check the References tab.

Additionally, out-of-date DLVPs should have a red hatch border just like out-of-date SLVPs.

A quick mock-up is attached showing how this request could look. The OIP update button and the red hatch border on the viewport are the primary things that would be helpful, though I've included some additional details that could further improve the usefulness of the OIP:

It'd be preferable for the filename to display the last few characters and omit the middle of the filename, since files are often versioned at the very end of the filename. Then you could quickly see WHICH version of the file you're referencing.

Note if you click the "Update Reference" button when the source cannot be found, this should trigger a pop-up allowing you to choose the correct filepath.

The "Edit Reference" button would be the same as right-clicking the reference in the Nav Palette and choosing Edit, letting you change cache settings or switch out which file is being referenced, for example.

Lastly, having a button that says "Open Referenced File" would be handy. This would be the same as right clicking the reference in the Nav Palette and choosing Open, or double clicking the Viewport and editing the Design Layer. I've noticed many folks don't realize either of these options exist, so this extra discoverability would be useful.

While this VE request mostly duplicates existing functionality, adding these items to the OIP will make working with referenced DLVPs even faster and more reliable. It will also make functions more apparent and accessible to users.

----------

For context of how we use DLPVs in the TV industry, we often have multiple sets all installed on one sound stage. Each of the sets would be drafted in separate Vectorworks files, often by different set designers. Then the "Spotting Plan" (a groundplan showing the placement of all the sets) will reference in Design Layers from each of those external files. Work might be happening in all of these files simultaneously. So if I'm working on the Spotting Plan it'd be great to quickly see in the OIP whether or not I'm looking at the current versions of the sets.

Handout from a relevant class I teach for the Art Directors Guild: [https://www.andybroomell.com/vwx-referencing-spotting-plans]

VE-102267

Re: T02190 - Grey out image Georeferencing options if no geo data exists

Andy Broomell

See my comments in this thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/86640-new-bitmap-georeferencing-option/]

2022 added new georeferencing options when importing Images. However, these options are always enabled even when no geo data is present in the image.

When I see these options enabled I erroneously assume there must be geo data in the image, and then I (needlessly) sit and contemplate which option I'm supposed to choose... And I assume most users, like me, aren't GIS exports nor interact with georeferencing much.

It would be less confusing if the Georeferencing portion of the dialog box were greyed out when no geo data is present. That way it's unobtrusive when not relevant.

VE-102261

2022 Texture Tool - Eyedropper mode should use eyedropper cursor

Andy Broomell

When using the fourth mode of the new Texture tool (or when holding Opt to temporarily engage it while in another mode), the cursor should display as the eyedropper cursor.

VE-102232

Freehand Tool: Difference between No Smoothing and Low Smoothing is too vast

Andy Broomell

The Freehand tool needs to have a smoothing setting that smooths out the drawn polyline only slightly. Currently the difference between Smoothing Off and Low Smoothing is too great a difference.

We need another option between these, such as "Very Low" which would smooth it out somewhat, but not as much as Low does.

Take a look at the attached image, where I'm trying to trace an image of a rough stone edge. The polyline on the left was drawn with No Smoothing - it looks fine but has 161 vertices which is absurdly high. The polyline on the right was drawn with Low smoothing - it's already too simplified and only has 9 vertices.

In this scenario I should be able to get a good-looking shape with the Freehand tool that has 20-40 vertices.

For now I'll just use the Polyline tool and trace it manually but it's so much more clicking...

VE-102092

Color Palette request: Dunn Edwards paints

Andy Broomell

It's incredibly handy having the Behr and Benjamin Moore colors available as color palettes. It would be awesome to add Dunn Edwards to that list.

VE-101853

Usable backups: Fix "Some objects could not be regenerated" issue

Andy Broomell

The pop-up we're often confronted with upon opening a backup file which says "Some objects could not be regenerated" needs to go away, and Vectorworks needs to search out the problem objects and regenerate them. I'm having lots of crashes lately and I'm finding backups are completely unusable. It seems like every single Solid Addition, Fillet, etc. in the file is invisible upon opening the backup file.

If I have to manually seek out every issue and fix it myself, the backup is almost more hassle than it's worth, especially with the worry that I may miss an object that needs to be regenerated.

Manual regeneration typically involves finding the invisible object, cutting, then pasting in place. Simple enough - Vectorworks needs to find a way to handle this. I don't care if it makes the backup file take a bit longer to open.

See attached screenshots of a backup I just tried to open - the fully modeled kitchen looks like Swiss cheese.

VE-102063

Spell check: Callouts needs to be separate category from Records

Andy Broomell

Most of my notes are in Callout objects, across many sheet layers. In order to spellcheck them I need to have Records checked in the spellcheck pop-up, but this often includes many dozens of miscellaneous text strings that have nothing to do with my notes and which I don't want to spellcheck.

(I know I can click "Learn" the first time through, but I still end up doing this way too often and waste time spellchecking record fields that I don't care about.)

Please separate it into a different category so I can uncheck Records and keep Callouts checked.

Title Blocks could perhaps be another category separate from Records.

VE-102056

Visibility Tool - Option to Ignore "None" Class

Andy Broomell

I often use the Visibility Tool (hotkey "V") to quickly turn off a class by clicking on an object which is on that class. It's an easy, interactive way to hide things I don't want to see.

As you hover over an object with this tool, it preview highlights in red all the objects on that same class. If I have a large, complicated file, there are bound to be many things on the None class, and if I happen to hover over something on the None, the tool stalls for a while as it tries to interactively highlight every single object on the None class, including things inside groups & symbols. It then stalls a while longer as it tries to de-highlight everything upon moving the cursor away. Because of this, the Visibility tool essentially becomes unusable in large complex files (which ironically is when it's the most useful).

It'd be great to have the option for this tool to ignore the None class, because not only is the stalling quite disruptive (and looks bad when in the middle of screen sharing), but I never intend turn off the None class in the first place. I don't want to accidentally turn it off with the Visibility tool.

There's already a settings button for this tool - so this improvement could simply be a checkbox added in that pop-up which says "Ignore None class".

VE-101969

Angle snaps - separator character

Andy Broomell

When entering snap angles into the "Angles from axes" field, it's impossible to know what the expected separator character is for entering multiple angles. If I didn't already "know" it was a semicolon, I'd probably try a comma, which doesn't work. I remember being frustrated many years ago when I thought I could only enter one number at a time in this field.

This could simply be fixed by the the semicolon being automatically added to the end of the text box, just like the degree mark is automatically added when you hit enter.

So you could type [15] [enter] [45] [enter] for example.

VE-101953

VW2022: "No Texture" instead of "None"

Andy Broomell

See the attached screengrab of the new texturing system in the Render tab.

Whenever there is a part that doesn't have a texture, the phrase "No texture" should be used instead of "None." Even as an experienced user I was confused trying to figure out why my Overall was somehow assigned to the None class even though my object was on another class? The "By Class" icon further accentuated this confusion. Then I realized the word None was referring to the [lack of] texture assignment.

Vectorworks would be a lot less confusing if terminology across the program was considered holistically. Because the "None" class is such a prevalent and important concept, don't use the word "None" in other contexts where the two could be conflated. In this case, please change the texturing window to say "No texture" or something similar.

VE-101925

Revision Cloud: Hide Edges

Andy Broomell

With polygon-based Revision Cloud objects we need the ability to use the Reshape Tool to hide edges as needed. This is useful when the cloud passes over something that needs to be seen.

VE-101325

Option to not insert URL when pasting image from web browser

Andy Broomell

When you copy an image from a web browser and paste into Vectorworks, two objects are created: the Bitmap and a text object with the source URL. The latter was added a few versions ago if I recall correctly.

While I can see how this might be useful for some folks, I've wanted the URL literally zero times, and I've probably pasted a few thousand images in the last couple years.

It would be great to have a simple Vectorworks Preferences checkbox to control whether or not the URL is also pasted when pasting images.

VE-101719

Toggle Lineweight Display of PDFs

Andy Broomell

We need a way to turn off the display of lineweights for the contents of PDF objects. Currently all geometry is always shown with the full line thickness, regardless of whether the "Zoom Line Thickness" setting is on or off. This can make viewing and interacting with a PDF quite difficult at times.

This could be solved in one of two ways:

-Make the contents of PDFs respond to the "Zoom Line Thickness" setting like all other objects.

-Or, have a checkbox in the PDF's OIP that says something like "Display lineweights" which could be turned on and off per PDF. (Not sure if this is necessary - I'd personally go with the first option, unless there's a technical reason for it to be OIP-based).

Video attached showing a PDF in Vectorworks and how messy it looks, versus the ability in Adobe Reader to turn off display of lineweights.

(Obviously this would only affect vector-based PDFs)

VE-101716

Editing Symbol Options shouldn't cause thumbnail re-render

Andy Broomell

If I'm not mistaken, there aren't any settings in the "Symbol Options" dialog window that could change the way the 3D contents of a Symbol look; therefore, editing Symbol Options should not trigger the thumbnail(s) of the edited Symbol(s) to be re-rendered upon hitting OK.

This is particularly relevant when editing many symbols at once by selecting them in the Resource Manager, right clicking, choosing Edit Symbol Options, then altering something. For example, today I was cleaning up some of my library files and decided to change the insertion class of about 75 hybrid symbols at once. I didn't realize this would cause Vectorworks to re-render thumbnails for the next 20 minutes.

VE-101682

Table & Chairs PIO needs ability to pull out chairs

Andy Broomell

The Table & Chairs tool currently places chairs "pushed in" to the table. However, for space planning the convention is to draw them pulled out from the table, as this allows you to see the space needed for proper function.

So the OIP needs an additional parameter that offsets all chairs by a certain distance, for example entering 12" would pull the all the chairs out, perpendicular to the table, by 12".

VE-101670

Door/Window PIOs shouldn't have two fields named "Height"

Andy Broomell

See the attached screenshots which the show the OIPs for a Door in Wall and Window in Wall. Notice that each OIP has two different fields named "Height" which do different things. The first sets a Z height, and the second corresponds with the vertical dimension of the door/window. The latter makes sense to be named "Height" and is aided by the fact that it's right next to the "Width" field. So it's the first "Height" field which is confusing.

Note that the Window tool also has a third field called "Elevation" which is used to determine its Z height. (It has this PLUS both Height fields.)

Therefore, it would make more sense for the first "Height" field to be named something like "Z Offset." Not only does this differentiate the field from the other Height field, it also better describes how this field might be used _in conjunction with_ the Elevation field.

This would affect Doors in Walls, Windows in Walls, Symbols in Walls, and potentially other PIOs that insert into walls.

VE-101608

"Unable to delete the objects" pop-up when deleting class

Andy Broomell

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80389-unable-to-delete-the-objects-pop-up-when-deleting-class/]

Every so often I encounter the following pop-up when trying to delete a class, and have never really understood the context of why it sometimes appears and sometimes doesn't:

"Unable to delete the objects. One or more of the objects that you are trying to delete is a required component or automatically generated component of a plug-in object and cannot be deleted."

The message seems to suggest that the class is being used by a Plug-in Object, but I know this isn't the case because typically it's a class I've made myself and it hasn't been used in any special way.

Today I finally realized the circumstances that cause this pop-up: objects in that class are being *cut through in a Section Viewport*.

(Regarding the text of the pop-up... perhaps a Section Viewport is technically considered a PIO? But I wouldn't have assumed so).

As it stands, I doubt a typical user understands what this pop-up means or what to do about it. It should be solved in one of two ways:

1. Make it so that you +can+ delete these classes, and it would brute force delete the objects even if they're being cut through in the Section Viewport.

-or-

2. Alter the pop-up to better describe why the class can't be deleted, such as specifically saying it's because of a Section Viewport.

Note that this only applies when choosing the option to "Delete all of the objects", not when choosing to reassign objects to a different class which is always possible but not the goal.

VE-101571

Resource Manager "No Items to View" - common tripping point

Andy Broomell

See these threads:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/80133-resource-manager-libraries-empty/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/78065-resource-manager-empty/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/55553-question-about-selecting-lighting-units/]

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/57026-missing-resource-browser-content/]

And my wishlist thread:

[https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/55559-rm-no-items-to-view/]

When the Resource Manager is set to filter a specific type of Resource, but none exist in the current view, there is a message which simply reads "There are no items to show in this view." This isn't particularly helpful, so there should be a button which says "Switch to viewing all resource types" that you can click to switch the filter to All Resources. This would be the same as choosing it in the filter dropdown, but would help avoid a common scenario where users unfamiliar with that dropdown are left stranded, especially when using the Search function or clicking through Libraries.

VE-101519

Line End Markers difficult to see in dark mode (Mac)

Andy Broomell

The line end marker icons in the Attributes Palette are barely visible when using dark mode. This includes the icons in the flyout menu along with the two buttons at the bottom of the palette. Screenshot attached.

VE-101475

Quick Search: Diametrical Dimensions

Andy Broomell

In the original beta thread about quick search I believe it was mentioned that metadata can be added to tools so that they show up if relevant even if it's not exactly what the user typed.

I'd suggest that if a user starts to type "diameter" or "diametric" then the Radial Dimension Tool should appear in the results since that tool is used for dimensioning diameters.

VE-101477

Image Effects: Undo

Andy Broomell

Cmd+Z doesn't do anything within the Image Effects window. If you move a slider and then hit the keyboard shortcut for Undo, it should put the slider in the previous position.

VE-101476

Attribute Mapping a Hatch Improvements

Andy Broomell

When using the Attribute Mapping tool on a 2D shape, such as mapping a hatch, it would be nice if the hatch would rotate interactively as you rotate the mapping widget. Currently it only shows the result once you click, but it'd be much easier to get it exactly how you want if you could see the rotation as you're rotating.

Additionally, the blue rectangle that appears with the red and green dashed border is not particularly helpful (does it actually serve a purpose?) and makes attribute mapping visually confusing.

Screen recording attached.

VE-101456

Edit Symbol 3D Wall Hole: should be able to see "3D" part of symbol for reference

Andy Broomell

When editing a 2D component of a Symbol, the "Show Other" dropdown in the floating Component Edit bar allows you to see/reference the 3D part of the symbol as you edit the 2D part.

However, when editing the 3D Wall Hole component, the "Show Other" dropdown is greyed out and inaccessible. I frequently want to see and reference the 3D component to make sure the Wall Hole is aligned and sized properly.

Currently, there's sort of a workaround, because if you enable "Show Other Objects While in Edit Modes" you do see the 3D part of the symbol instance as it happens to exist on the Design Layer, but there are three problems with this workaround. First, you see everything else in the model, which might cause problems with all the excess geometry. Second, this isn't what a user would expect given the existence of the Component Edit bar in the first place. Third, it's inconsistent behavior compared to how "Show Other Objects While in Edit Modes" usually works (i.e. not related to the currently edited object).

Solution:

The Component Edit "Show Other" dropdown should be made usable when editing a 3D Wall Hole; it would control whether a user sees the 3D Component of the current symbol. Accordingly, the "Show Other Objects While in Edit Modes" would only control the display of everything outside the symbol.

VE-101454

"Fillet Radius" mode icon should be consistent across tools

Andy Broomell

When using the Polyline and Reshape Tools there is a "Preferences" mode button. Clicking this opens a window titled "Fillet Settings" where you can determine a fillet radius for fillet-type vertices. This is the only setting that can be changed.

Currently the icon is the standard "Preferences" icon of the pencil and wrench. Instead, this icon should be made consistent with the icon used in other tools including Slabs and Stage Plugs, where the Fillet Radius button clearly indicates what sort of preference is determined by clicking it.

VE-101396

Avoid options called "None" when not related to None class.

Andy Broomell

In the Attributes Palette, instead of Pen Style and Fill Style having the "None" option, it'd be clearer to have it say "No Pen" and "No Fill" since the word "None" is so heavily associated with the None class in Vectorworks.

Given that Class Styles also come into play for attributes, I've seen a couple folks get confused as to whether the "None" choice somehow makes the attributes listen to the None class. (I know that sounds dumb, but the software is generally overwhelming when it's all new to someone, and I've seen some surprising things from novice users).

It would be nice to implement this across the board, such as "No Texture" in the Render tab dropdown instead of "None" for example.

VE-101401

Dimension Precision: "Nearest Foot"

Andy Broomell

When using Feet & Inches as the document Units, the precision options currently available for Dimension objects are :

• No Fractions
• 1/2"
• 1/4"
• 1/8"
• 1/16"
• 1/32"
• 1/64"

It would be super helpful to have an option that rounded to the nearest foot. This is commonly needed when dimensioning large plans, including conventions, arenas, or when a set is installed in any large outdoor space.

For example, 12'-4" would display as 12'-0".

12'-10 1/8" would display as 13'-0".

As I think about it more, it would also be handy to have the option to round to the nearest 3" or 6", both of which are commonly desired when dimensioning large entertainment plans.

So ideally the list would look like this:

• Foot
• 6"
• 3"
• 1" (no fractions)
• 1/2"
• 1/4"
• 1/8"
• 1/16"
• 1/32"
• 1/64"

VE-101340

Feature Matrix should be easily findable on website

Andy Broomell

It'd be nice if the feature matrix was accessible to folks that don't happen to know about it. In my industry I get asked all the time about the differences between Spotlight and Architect, for example, since many art directors don't want to pay for the full Designer package (despite me recommending it) and there's a lot of industry overlap in what we do.

So [http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/Commands_Tools2021.pdf]

should be linked to on this page: [https://www.vectorworks.net/en-US/products]

What would be REALLY great to eventually have is an interactive "compare" page which would have a grid with every tool/function listed in a row (similar to the existing matrix but ignoring the location in the workspace), and with columns for the F/D/A/L/S packages. You could choose the two packages you're considering and it would only show the DIFFERENCES between the two.

For example, selecting Architect vs Spotlight you could quickly see that Architect can do site models while Spotlight can do truss.

As it stands, it's quite difficult for someone to make an informed decision about which package to buy. Adding this sort of transparency and ease-of-use would surely encourage more folks to bite the bullet and purchase a package. (I know folks still using version 5-10 years old because they're not sure what they're getting if they'd upgrade and don't want to sift through the pages of marketing speak).

VE-101329

RW Camera: Needs additional sensor sizes, or "custom" option

Andy Broomell

One of the biggest shortcomings of the Camera tool in Vectorworks is that the list of sensor sizes is antiquated and needs to be updated to include sensor sizes of modern digital cameras and cinema cameras. For example, I'm on a project right now that's shooting with an Alexa SXT in Open Gate mode shooting ARRI RAW 2:39 framing with 5% horizontal safety/scaling. The sensor size is 28.25 x 18.17mm or 1.112 x 0.715". This is currently impossible to emulate with the camera tool without doing a bunch of pre-calculation to figure out the proper Angle of View to type in to get a certain focal length lens. This is three steps removed from being able to simply enter the desired focal length.

Colleagues have made charts to help deal with these calculations (see attached PDF), but this is still super cumbersome and inflexible. It also looks unprofessional when sitting down with a director who wants to see a certain focal length but you can't just immediately enter in that number.

Ideally you could just choose the specific camera model or sensor size, so that the focal length is always correct in Vectorworks. Please reference the "Advanced Camera Tools" plugin in SketchUp (see attached screenshot of part of that menu). This is SO MUCH BETTER and usable to an average user - if Vectorworks had the same list that would be a huge improvement.

That being said, if the task of keeping the sensor list comprehensive and up-to-date is not wanted, then at the very least we need a "custom" option where we could type in the specific dimensions of the sensor and this would affect the calculations of the tool (Field of View, focal length etc.).

As it stands I can never easily tell what focal length I'm on because focal length is entirely dependent on sensor size, and I can't choose the proper sensor. We think in terms of focal length.

One final note: the "Film Size" field should be renamed "Sensor Size" since that applies to both film and digital - the current name really dates the software and doesn't properly describe the full use of that parameter.

VE-101328

RW Camera "Field of View" should be "Angle of View"

Andy Broomell

Within the world of photography, Field of View describes the horizontal measurement of the picture plane, while Angle of View describes the angle of the lens in degrees. (Image attached stolen from the internet.)

So the Camera Tool parameter currently labeled as "Field of View" would be more accurately labeled "Angle of View."

(Yes, AoV is often misnamed as FoV but it'd be nice if Vectorworks got it correct.)

VE-101255

Consistency between FBX & 3DS Export Options

Andy Broomell

See the two attached screenshots showing the options for File > Export > Export 3DS or Export FBX.

Each contains the same three radio buttons to determine which objects to include, but they are listed in opposite order from each other which is disorienting. They should be made consistent.

For context, every day I have to export both a 3DS and an FBX of the current set design to send to the Visual Effects (CGI) companies for the film I'm working on. While doing so I've tripped up a couple times due to this interface inconsistency, so having these options be consistent would make it a smoother process.

VE-101250

Rounded Rectangles: Edit Multiple at Once

Andy Broomell

Currently when you select more than one Rounded Rectangle the corner and diameter settings disappear. This makes editing multiple shapes quite time consuming.

These parameters should be available and editable when all selected objects are Rounded Rectangles.

VE-101228

Textures "By Material" should be consistent with "By Class" implementation

Andy Broomell

See this thread: https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/75703-tweak-by-material-setting-for-wall-components/

The way material-based textures work is inconsistent with existing interface design, and is less clear about what is happening. It would be better to work the same way "By Class" textures work.

Tom Klaber describes it well in his posts linked above.

VE-101151

Extrude - Self-intersecting geometry error message should be more helpful

Andy Broomell

Occasionally when trying to extrude a shape I'll get the error message that "one or more profiles of the extrude contain self-intersecting geometry" (see attached). If I'm extruding multiple shapes at once, it's quite annoying to then have to figure out WHICH of the shapes contain self-intersecting geometry.

This error message should be more helpful - perhaps it leaves only the offending shapes selected (currently everything remains selected). That alone would be a good improvement.

It would be even more helpful if it somehow indicated where the self-intersecting geometry was in that shape. Perhaps it could zoom in to the offending vertices so they can be fixed.

After fixing that location the user could try again, and if there are more offending vertices it'd zoom to the next location. While this is still manual, it would avoid the overwhelming question of "where do I start looking to solve this problem?"

Sometimes the problem spot is obvious, but many times it's not (and I'd guess most users probably don't really understand what this error message even means in the first place).

VE-101116

Image Effects: Hue Slider

Andy Broomell

Since Image Effects debuted in Vectorworks 2019 the need to export image assets to third-party editing software such as Photoshop has been reduced. Image Effects have been super handy, not only for rendered viewports but also for on-the-fly adjustments of image-based textures. In this latter scenario there is one slider that is sorely missing: Hue.

I'm not sure why Hue was excluded from the initial implementation of Image Effects, as the typical triumvirate of adjustments that any image editing application has is HSL (or HSB) - Hue, Saturation, and Luminosity (or Brightness). Saturation and brightness are covered in Vectorworks, but not Hue. I assume it may have been left out because adjusting the overall Hue of a rendering would likely lead to odd results; however, it's incredibly common to need to change the hue of an image used in a Renderworks texture.

Currently the workflow to change the hue of a texture involves a whopping 34 clicks:
1. Right click the texture thumbnail in RM.
2. Choose "Extract Images."
3. Choose location and click "Open" (which should really save "Save" by the way).
4. Open Finder.
5. Drag image into Photoshop.
6-14. Adjust Hue in Photoshop and re-save.
15. Return to Vectorworks.
16. Right click texture thumbnail.
17. Choose "Edit."
18. Click "Edit" button for Color shader.
19. Click "Change Image."
29. Click OK to "Import Image File."
30. Navigate to file location.
31. Choose file.
32. Click Open.
33. Click OK to exit Edit Image Color window.
34. Click OK to exit Edit Texture window.

And if those 34 clicks didn't result in exactly the desired result then all but the first three steps must be repeated for subsequent adjustments. There have been numerous times where I've had to repeat this process a couple times in a row which is very inefficient. Having a Hue slider directly within Image Effects would be a time (and wrist) saver. It would take only 8 clicks to adjust the Hue each time, and it would be a little less disorienting since it'd all be in one program.

I should also mention that as a set designer for TV/film there's usually a production designer or producer hovering over my shoulder as I'm working, asking for such changes in the moment. You can imagine how a 34-click process interrupts the creative flow.

I've attached some images that illustrate a few types of textures that this would be useful for, including fabric, curtains, painted surfaces, wallpaper, glow textures / lighting effects, graphics, tile, etc.

I'd like to preemptively point out that "Filter Color" is not a workaround or substitute for a Hue adjustment, as "Filter Color" works like the Multiply blend in Photoshop: it only darkens the image and it blends together with the original color. So while it works in certain specific scenarios, most of the time the result is very different than an actual Hue slider would be.

I remember when Image Effects was announced it was described as the "1.0" version of the tool, and since the feature hasn't changed since being introduced I think this would be a great next step.

Thanks!

VE-101083

Auto Coordination Markers: Additional Default Styles

Andy Broomell

Hello! I sent a private message about this to Matt Panzer on the forums and he asked that I submit a VE. Below was my message:

_"Hi Matt!_

_I realize this is potentially too late to be helpful, but I just remembered that I was going to send you some configurations of document coordination markers to consider adding to the default styles. Attached is a file I've been playing around in where I'm setting up all of the styles I'll likely use. You can ignore most of it, but the six styles I've outlined in red are the ones I'd highly recommend adding to the default content. Any Set Designer would expect these to be among the defaults. (Obviously the styles would need to be remade to match the standards of your other defaults... e.g. I use blue lines and smaller bubbles than the defaults... but the general layout is what's important.)_

_Let me know what you think."_

I've attached the file to this VE. Again, the ones outlined in red would be highly beneficial to have for the TV/Film community. For context, I teach Vectorworks to Art Directors, Set Designers, and Production Designers at the Art Directors Guild in LA, so I'm acutely aware of what's expected when it comes to drafting standards. Hopefully these configurations can be added for SP1 (since it's likely too late for initial release?).

Thanks!

VE-101051

Simplify Mesh - Hide Object Selection Highlighting

Andy Broomell

While using the "Simplify Mesh" feature, it'd be helpful for the selection highlighting to be hidden so we can better see the actual geometry while previewing different amounts with the slider. Attached are some images illustrating how it'd be better without all the orange highlighting in the way.

VE-101050

Make "Simplify Mesh" more apparent / accessible

Andy Broomell

"Simplify Mesh" should be added to the context menu by default whenever you right click on a Mesh object.

And/or... Add a "Simplify Mesh" button to the bottom of the OIP for Mesh objects.

Along with this, it'd be nice if the OIP displayed the current number of faces for the selected Mesh(es) - mockup attached.

As it becomes more and more common to use realistic 3D models of objects (whether from SketchUp Warehouse or elsewhere), it'd be great to have easier access to all of this.

VE-101049

Use detailed previews when moving/rotating polylines

Andy Broomell

When moving and rotating objects, sometimes the preview is shown as the detailed shape, and sometimes it's shown a generic bounding box (depending on the object).

I came across an example where a polyline within a symbol shows the detailed preview, while the exact same polyline on its own only shows a generic bounding box. Video attached.

It would be nice for this to be more consistent. In this case I'd expect the polyline to be able to show the full preview since the symbol can.

VE-103439

Space 3D does not update after reshape

Andrew Bell

Open the attached file. Use the reshape tool on the selected slab. Drag the left side edge to expand the shape significantly. Change to a 3D view. While the bounds of the object are clearly larger (if you have selection handles active), the 3D of the space has not changed. It is manually bounded so it should be editable.

In this case, an alert should be displayed asking the user if he wants to reshape and loose the 3D clips or if he prefer to keep the 3D clips and undo the reshape.

VE-104936

Deleting layers can take long enough that there should be a progress meter

Andrew Bell

Open a large file (for example, the one attached to bug VB-186330) and delete a number of layers (say, the bottom ten of the above file.) It will take quite a long time. There should be a progress meter because otherwise the app is basically locked up.

VE-104252

Export - VGX

Andrés Albornoz

When exporting as VGX, if the user can determine the zero from the file this tool can be used to mark the floor for staging, and more important for rigging, we could save hours of work on site.

I'm on site and just used to mark the floor, was amazing, but VERY hard to fit the "zero" coordinate.

VE-104038

HOISTS WEIGHT EQUIVALENT

Andrés Albornoz

Hoists are named after the unit TON, Metric.

I understand we all work in Lbs, but hoist doesnt have a logic and easy way to have Kgs to be able to know by first hand if math is correct.

Ton with Kgs... Not with Lbs.

Also theres no option (Like with legacy hoists) after typing the weight in Lbs, the correct equivalent weight in Kgs, Grams in the report???

Thank you,

VE-105143

Cabinet Tool - Base Inset needs more controls

Andre Lloyd

When controlling the base inset for cabinet legs. The tool currently only has one parameter to set the Apply/Kick/Inset front, back, left and right. However, can not set the back or the sides with specific number settings to control each side independently. I would think User(s) would like to support specific customization for offsetting the leg insertions. Example manufacture catalog shows the front legs can be set to the required dimension of 92.5mm and the back legs to be set from the front at 217.5mm. Please see image and demo video.

VE-105207

Cabinet Tool - Add 'L Shape' geometry for corner cabinet configurations

Andre Lloyd

The tool currently does not support L-Shape (piece) filler for corner cabinets. Currently the corner configuration depth is 575mm to match the depth of all other cabinets. However, if you added the height of the 'L-Shape; 56mm to the depth the total depth is 631. Which is shown in the manufacture catalogs. If we add that depth(631mm) to the cabinet with the tool currently. The depth will be incorrect because the L-shape geometry is not part of the configuration. User will have to add manually. See thread. Also attached a file showing how the corner cabinet looks.

["Howdens" (UK kitchens) base cabinets have wrong dimensions - Page 2 - Troubleshooting - Vectorworks Community Board|https://forum.vectorworks.net/index.php?/topic/105203-howdens-uk-kitchens-base-cabinets-have-wrong-dimensions/]

VE-103370

Subdivision Tool - Edit modes

Andre Lloyd

Tool - Subdivision Editing Improvements.
# Add 'Weld' vertices to the Edit Subdivision Tool.
# Split Mode - to be able to control subdivision iteration after the split. The split should not add more iterations.
# Be able to map textures without converting the subdivision to a Generic Solid. Currently you can not control the Map Type in a subdivision. Need Auto-Align Plane Mapping. When subdivision is converted to generic solid this increases file size and you lose subdivisions in the model. Pattern textures will not map correctly.
# A mode to automatically add "X" number of random edges to a face.

VE-99799

Key BIM Workflows (Presentations at Vectorworks Developer Conference 2019)

Andreas Kling

During the VDC 2019 Ben Fischer, Christoph Kuster and Andy Hängärtner showed 8 workflows that users that do BIM projects are doing often. They showed what we consider best practice to do these common tasks and what challenges the users are confronted with:

AHA: Workflow Multiple Buildings (VE-99795)
AHA: Workflow with walls (VE-99794)
AHA: Workflow Sections/Elevations (VE-99796)
BF: Workflow Export Structural (VE-99854)
BF: Workflow Quantity Takeoff (VE-99855)

VE-105144

Title block markings inside margins

Anders Blomberg

Swedish national SIS standards dictates the look of the title block. It dictates centre markings as shown in attached screenshot. My wish is for this to be incorporated by a new Sheet center marking option that allows the markings a specified distance inside the margins (5 mm as noted in the screenshot).

Sheet zones could potentially be used for this but does not center on the page, but rather in the margins, which is not what we need.

VE-105150

Additional settings for fold marks in title block border settings

Anders Blomberg

Swedish standard SS 32205 requires fold marks as shown below. My 2 wishes:
# I wish we could specify the marks by length from the sheet edge as shown.
# Ability to specify the length of the marks, in my case we need the marks to be 10mm long from the bottom of the page.

!image-2023-10-20-10-17-32-008.png!

VE-105149

Metric reference scale in Title block

Anders Blomberg

Swedish standard SS 32205 requires a "metric reference scale" at the bottom of the drawing as shown in pictures below. Would love the ability to generate this from the title block border settings.

!image-2023-10-20-10-08-57-947.png!

!image-2023-10-20-10-11-13-692.png!

VE-105082

Site model Texture

Alexandria Wood

I have a user that has mentioned that the materials/textures that can be applied to site models do not automatically have consistent mapping across the object.

He has a workaround -ungrouping and converting to generic solids and reapplying textures to each piece.

Breaking it down in little site models makes it easier rather than larger site models
But that means every time he has to change something, he would need to repeat the ungrouping and conversion process.

VE-104926

Change location of help feedback form, add acknowledgment email to customer

Alexandra Duffy

Hello,

This was originally a request to the web team. The web team says they are not going to have a form tool on the new CMS and we need to move this request to the Customer Portal team.

Here is the original request:

----------------------
Juan and I were discussing the feedback form which we have a link to from every page in the Vectorworks help system… this one: [https://www.vectorworks.net/support/help-feedback]
Timi set that up for us, to work in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Users are complaining that when they submit feedback, they don’t get some kind of response like “Your feedback has been received, thank you” or whatever. Timi thinks it would be possible for the feedback form to send an automated message.
English: Thank you! Your feedback about the help system has been received.
Spanish: ¡Gracias! Los comentarios sobre el sistema de ayuda han sido recibidos.
Chinese: 谢谢你！关于帮助系统的意见已经收到。
----------------------
So now, we need to request that:
* The feedback form, in three languages, gets moved to the customer portal. Once we know what the new location is, we'll change the URL for future help versions.
* A redirect occurs so that for any current versions of Vectorworks, customers can still click on the link.
* Customers receive an automated acknowledgement email in the appropriate language (the original request).

Sasha, I'm assigning this bug to you, but please assign this to the correct person who should handle it.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you!

VE-104715

Revisit the use of "style" for attributes

Alexandra Duffy

The terms in the Attributes palette come from long ago in Vectorworks history. For example, pen style, fill style, line style.

But now we also have real "styles," like text styles, wall styles, plug-in styles, etc. These are setting groups that can be saved.

I suggest changing the UI for clarity, to use pen type, fill type, line type, and "type" instead of style for any attributes where a "style" is not specifically meant.

VE-104274

Be able to type "ft" or "in" etc after a dimension

Alexandra Duffy

This is a request that would improve accessibility for our Imperial unit users. It can be hard for them to distinguish " and ' if they have a vision impairment. It is much easier to see "ft" "in" and allowing this would address an inconsistency in VW.

To quote our trainer Keith Ragsdale,

"{color:#1d1c1d}In Vectorworks, when entering a dimension, you can indicate meters, centimeters, and millimeters by typing m, cm, or mm after a numerical value (with or without a space), and the value will be recognized. However, typing ft or in after a numerical value will not be recognized and will not affect the dimension of a selected object."{color}

VE-99996

Suggestion for scale values from Dan Jansenson

Alexandra Duffy

In the Document Preferences, Display tab, Auto display detail levels for design layers is not easy to use with Imperial units since it doesn't directly relate to the design layer scale value.
Dan states that the display should "... select the appropriate architectural scales. The same way we set design layer scales. Ideally we'd input something like "scales smaller than 1/16"=1'-0" and "scales larger than 1/4"=1'-0". "

In addition, the dialog box is using <= instead of the more appropriate ≤ . Can we get the proper character to display?

VE-104953

CW - ConnectCAD - Create Devices from Worksheet - Group Creation

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

at this point, all devices that will be created by worksheet are in one lane.

So it's pretty hard to identify different device types, especially when a lot of devices are in the worksheet.

So it would be great:
- to see them grouped after creating.
- to see the Model-Name above each group.
- if a room name is given, the room should be created around the devices (That would make it easier to find, even when the room itself has no depencies to the device.)

For a better feeling what the matter could be, attached a file with a worksheet that has a lot of devices.

Thank you and have a good one!

Best Regards
Alex

VE-104856

CW - Spotlight - Lighting Devices - Switch rotation back to default after deleting focus point

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

I received a few requests to change the tilt/pan angle back to the default value whenever the focus point, the LD is pointing to, gets deleted.

Sometimes you need to rearrange the LD angles. At some cases you get a few LDs on top or some LDs less to rearrange. If the new angle differs slightly you may not know, which LDs have been changed and which should be adjusted.

So it would be very helpful to have the LDs getting into default mode, pointing to the down, when the Focus Point gets deleted.

Maybe a button "Set Lighting devices into Default State" command with options
* All LD
* Selected LD
* LDs on current Layer
* LDs on current Class
* LDs without Focus Point

What do you think of this?

Thanks you
Best
Alex

VE-102271

ConnectCAD: 3D-Rack - Wishes

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys
the last weeks I received some wishes for ConnectCAD:
1. Swing frame on the Rack (hinged on the left or right)
2. Base with free input of the base hight
3. Fan on the top (as a kind of cuboid on the Rack cover(lid?))
4. Export or use of 3D-Racks in the building plan with simplified representation in plan view with show of Rack name, Weight, Power consumption.

About the fourth I am not really sure, maybe you are? :)

That's it for now.

Thanks an best Regards
Alex

VE-103976

Customizable Candlepower of Lighting Devices

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,
it would be great to customize the candlepower values of inserted Lighting Device Objects.

Right now you have to edit the Symbol withing the Ressource Manager to Change the Cadle Power for all objects. Afaik there is not possibilty to change this for each individual inserted LD, right? The user has to creat duplicates with different Candlepower to make this possible.

Best
Alex

VE-104098

CW - Spotlight - Lighting Device - Different Pan Til Positions

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

there are more and more Lighting devices where the Pan and tilt position differ.
Means the the Pan position is not identical to the tilt position.

I will attach a ligthing device as example.

It would be great to have 2 3D-Loci where you can assign the tilt or pan.

Best
Alex

VE-103772

Spotlight: Overlapping in Bridle Assembly Diagrams

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

when creating a bridle assembly diagram, the textbox with information about the used bridle parts is overlapping with the bridle graphic, you need to edit the textsize or the width of the assembly diagram.

Would be great if the bridle parts would be in a seperate box beneath the bridle graphic.

VE-103636

Braceworks: Possibilty to calculate truss lines with corner at the end

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

Regarding to VB-191675 it is not a bug. So it's at least a wish then.

BLK Corner don't really need truss pieces on every exit.
In reality you have a trussline with two BLK corner on every end.
You attach two hoist on the corner blocks and lift them up.
Braceworks doesn't like that and needs another truss line on one exit of the corner.

File attached.

Best
Alex
h4.

VE-103187

Spotlight: Power-Palette - Multiple Selection of Devices

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,
in the current beta-Version of Vectorworks 2023 you can double click a device within the power palette and it jumps right to that device in the drawing.

It would be great if you can have a multiple selection by make use of the Option/shift/alt-key while clicking on a device.

The actual behaviour, that it jumps to the selected device, should remain.

Thanks and best Regards
Alex

VE-102776

Spotlight: Lighting Devices should work together with indirect Lighting

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

we got several requests, e.g. PRG, that it's hardly possible to make a collision control in Spotlight.
Because Lighting devices are deactivating the indirect lighting.
Increasing the indirect light doesn't help here, because the shadowing on the objects itself are needed.
Making them into a symbol doesn't help either, because the rotations will be resetted then.

So there is a wish, to have a radiobutton to activate or deactivate the indirect lighting when Lighting devices are inserted.

VE-102613

Workgroup-Folder within VCS

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

we want to share a workgroup folder via VCS. So I am creating a folder with everything in it. I am Sharing it with a collegue and dont want him to edit it, so he has 'view and Download' permission. To be sure he can use it with Vectorworks, he has to send it to the starting Screen (home-folder) of VCS. Now he sees it locally and is able to use of his Group-folder.
But whenever I am changing something within the shared folder, my collegue will never see it within his folder he sent to the starting screen (Only in 'shared with me' section).
Means, he has to delete the folder on the starting screen and need to add the shared folder again to it.

Otherwise my collegue needs full edit rights to synchronize this folder to the home screen automatically. But that's something I don't want to do.

VE-101305

Spotlight - Create Hoist Report

Alexander Thiel

Hey guys,

actually it is not possible to create a Hoist Report in Excel only as a worksheet, PDF or CSV.

The wish here is to make it possible to create hoist reports as Excel files.

This should be possible due the new Excel import/Export functionality, right?

Thanks and best Regards
Alex

VE-100445

Numbering tool - Default value

Alexander Thiel

As the screenshot shows, the default values for DMX-Adress is 1.

Means: First LD is at 1, The second LD with the same footprint of 17 would be at 19. This could lead to incorrect numbering if you don't mind the default value.

It would be better if the default value is 0.
But in the most cases (Rüdiger says about 95% of all cases) we need to increase the numbering by the footprint but it's greyed out.

Is it possible to set the default to "increasing by footprint" and set the value of the off-set to 0?

Thanks in advance!

Best Regards
Alex

VE-100448

Vision enhancement: Show active Window

Alexander Thiel

The TAB Key changes between i. e. Scene/ Scene Graph/ Properties. Sine several keys have different functions in each window (numbers, arrows, page, etc.), it would improve the workflow a lot if the user could identify the active window (i. e. highlight the header). Right now this is (time consuming/ annoying) trial and error.

VE-100392

Replace Truss

Alexander Thiel

With "replacing truss" there are some points that could be improved.
# When replacing a truss, I am not allowed to use custom symbols. That's bad for e.g. PRG who are using tons of custom symbols.
# When inserting custom libraries into the Vectorworks libraries the names are shortened. (see Screenshot). That makes this tool unusable. Even when I want to see just a few trusses, everthing will be displayed.

At this point it's faster to redraw instead of replacing.

VE-100391

Color of Moving light

Alexander Thiel

In the Spotlight preferences you can enable the color field for modifying the ligting instrument color.

Everything is fine with conventionals. But if you wanna take moving lights (e.g. spot, wash, beams) they already have there attributes.

So: Spotlight preferences > Modify lighting instrument color > Color field should only affect conventionals and not Moving lights.

VE-100376

Label Legend Manager

Alexander Thiel

Hey Guys,

After Editing the 2D Layout, Vectorworks should jump back to the label legend manager instead of jumping into the drawing.

Best Regards
Alexander Thiel

VE-99425

Reorganisation of the Softwareconsole

Alexander Thiel

A high educated lighting master of the Staatstheater in Stuttgart asked for a new/better order of the softwareconsole. It makes sense to change the softwareconsole in chronological order of most used tools.

The order should be:

- Pan/Tilt
- Iris
- Beam Focus
- Shutter 1-4
- Gobo Index

VE-101881

Project Sharing Color Setting - Ability to Adjust the Inside Highlighting of Objects

Alexander Sagatov

See the attached screenshot as an example.

Currently, in the interactive appearance settings, there are options for adjusting the size and opacity of the project sharing colors, but it appears to only effect the outside perimeter of the highlight. It doesn't appear that there is any way to remove the inside highlighting.

This results in situations like the attached screenshot, where there are a lot of groups, symbols, etc. stacked near each other it is makes it a harder to read. Ideally, we would like a setting where we can remove the "box" fill highlighting of things like groups and symbols with the project sharing options.

VE-99642

support of Reprise License manager Option TIMEOUTALL3600 for Vectorworks G-series

Michael Wladarz

In the Reprise License Manager, which is used by Vectorworks, there is an adjustable parameter called “TIMEOUTALL 3600”. You can fill in any number of seconds instead of the 3600. If you are now inactive for 3600 seconds in the software, the license must be returned to the server.
Accordingly, the inactive user is getting the possibilities to get a new license from the server, or to save and close when he’s getting back to Vectorworks.

Example1:
The user launches Vectorworks and works in it. His colleague comes over and wants to discuss something. So the user simply logs out directly from the PC and discusses it with his colleague and then goes directly into the lunch break. Now in our case the license should go back to the server after 600 seconds of inactivity, so that the license is available to someone who actually wants to work in Vectorworks.

Example 2:
The user works in Vectorworks. At the end of the day, he simply folds up his laptop and then goes on vacation for 2 weeks. Again, the license should be available again after 3600 seconds on the server, because otherwise it is locked for all and unused for 2 weeks.

Example 3:
A user is almost done with your CAD planning. He opens Vectorworks around a detail. Now he works in other programs all day, but still has Vectorworks in the background. Also, this user locks a license, which we believe will be released after 3600 seconds.

The feature is also described under the heading "The ISV Options File" on the following website: http://www.reprisesoftware.com/RLM_License_Administration.html (the easiest way to find it, is to search the site for "TimeOutAll").

VE-99879

Auto Number Positions command doesn’t work with trusses

Aleksandar Srandev

If you have lighting devices attached to a truss, Auto Number Positions command doesn’t number the lighting devices.

VE-102651

Symbols can't scale some extrudes asymmetrically

Aleksandar Dimitrov

Asymmetrically scaling symbols containing extrudes doesn't actually scale some of the extrudes.

Open the attached document and notice that Symbols 1, 2 and 4 can be scaled asymmetrically, but Symbols 3 and 134 *can* *not*.
There's a screenshot of the produced error message - _"Some of the objects in the symbol could not be scaled asymmetrically."_

Steps to reproduce:
1) Create an extrude out of a polygon, rectangle or any other shape.
2) Rotate the extrude 45 degrees.
3) Create a Symbol from that extrude.
4) Notice that when applying an asymmetric scaling on a single axis the extrude isn't scaled - an error message is shown.

This might be WAD, as I have seen marked on some similar bugs. But scaling asymmetrically in the direction of the extrusion seems like it should work even on rotated extrudes. As this type of scaling will preserve the object type.

VE-105008

Windows - OIP Previous/Next buttons are very small

Alberto Antonini

The Previous/Next buttons in the OIP title bar are very small and close together on Windows.
This is true even when compared to the single "multiple selection mode button".

There is plenty of free space to add some padding between the arrows and the circle.
It should also be possible to increase the size of these controls slightly, to make them easier to click.

Moreover, when you reach the end of the selection in one direction, the arrow is disabled and becomes white. It doesn't look very good.
The disabled state could be improved.

VE-104630

Remove Edit Color Dialog from the Palette editor and replace it with direct editing

Alberto Antonini

The New/Edit Palette dialog in the Color Palette Manager allows you to edit colors in a palette via the "Edit..." button.
It opens a small dialog which lets you pick the Color and its name.
This could be replaced by direct editing in the color list browser, since the Color Picker can both be used to choose the color values and the color name.

VE-102772

Preserve scrolling in list browsers

Alberto Antonini

This VE Request has been created to follow up on issue VB-167167

List browsers often exhibit erratic scrolling behaviors when the user is editing the list contents.
This is mostly caused by dialog handlers fully rebuilding the list upon certain user actions.

In some cases it would be possibile to avoid this by handling events in dialogs more precisely.
Often this situation is mitigated in VW code by ensuring the selection after the reload is the same as before the reload. In this case the table will scroll so that the edited row is the last visible row. This may be unpleasant for users interacting with the dialog, but it at least ensures that the edited content is visibile.

In other cases it would be easier for the engineer developing the dialog if the list browser had some kind of mechanism to save and restore scroll position of the list.
I've recently something like this for the nav palette to improve scrolling while editing classes.

What I was thinking about is to add APIs to the SDK list browser to save the list browser scroll position/offset and then restore it when required, while ensuring that the edited item is always visible.

VE-103060

Mac - Add support for document drag and drop to open

Alberto Antonini

When you drag and drop a VW file onto the VW window an alert pops up saying that you cannot open the file like that and that you should drag it on the VW icon in the Dock to open it.
This behaviour seems to date back to a long time ago. It may be possible to support this now.
The Windows version does support drag and drop onto the window.

VE-100325

Data tag: The boundary of space object which is highlighted when you attach a data tag is different on design layer and sheet layer

Aksenia Hristova

To reproduce:

Open the attached file

Try to attach the data tag to the space on desing layer

Try to attach the data tag to the space in the annotation of the viewport

Note that the boundary of space that is highlighted is different

VE-99967

Data tag doesn’t move with Structural member when you change angle of Structural member

Aksenia Hristova

To reproduce:

Open the attached test file
Select the Structural member object
Click over one of the control point
Drag to change the angle of the object
Note that the leader end of data tag object doesn’t move with structural member object

VE-99951

Revert button should be enabled when patter is modified in Edit Patterns dialog

Aksenia Hristova

To reproduce:

- Go to File > Document Settings > Patterns
- Note that Revert button is active
- It should be disabled when patter isn’t modified

VE-99982

Video Camera: The stand height cannot be changed

Aksenia Hristova

If I changed the stand on the video camera is changed, the height of the camera changes, HOWEVER that height is not adjustable. Usually, the stand height can be changed. There should be a slider to adjust.

From: https://jira.vectorworks.net/browse/VB-163640

VE-99939

plugin names are limited to 64 bytes, meaning fewer unicode characters

Aksenia Hristova

This turned up in the 2020 beta 5 localization testing.

Missing “ ] ” for Create Objects from Shapes and Dimension Exterior Walls menu commands

Go to AEC
Note that there is missing “ ] ” for Create Objects from Shapes and Dimension Exterior Walls commands

VE-103746

Reverse Direction Section Viewport should flip annotations

AJ Weissbard

As above, I think when reversing the direction of a Section Viewport, VW should flip any annotations relative to the Viewport items (adjusting flipped text, obviously) as default. Right now the annotations stay where there are relative to the Viewport area and have to be repositioned manually, but I imagine there are more times when annotations would be needed at the same place in the their reverse view than not.

VE-100822

Input Monitoring?

AJ Weissbard

Not filing this as a bug since it seems to be more a Mac OS issue, but why does VW 2021 specifically request input monitoring within the Privacy Pane? Is it intended?

n.b. OS 10.15.5

VE-99348

add new class or layer from OIP search

AJ Weissbard

I think it could save some time if, when typing in the new search of the class or layer field of the OIP, that one could have the option to type a new class or layer name and be prompted, when it obviously doesn't match any available class or layer in the list, to save it as a new one; naturally, the class New Class or New Layer dialogue box would open. This would be the same result as control clicking in the Class or Layer sections of the Navigator palette,

VE-103975

Cable Tool Distribution Mode to connect to a hoist with motor up or down configuration

Adria Boultin

Using distribution mode for the Cable Tool, and says it will send the cable to the hook as if the hoist was in "motor down' configuration.

Enhance tool to recognize both up or down configurations.

VE-99849

Text in title block showing file extension

Adam Robinson

When trying to show the file name in the title block using the parameter Project Data.File Name, it shows the file extension as well. I can't find a way of turning the file extension off within VW unless you save the file without a file extension at all.

This occurrs after you have saved the file, changed the parameter to something else then back to Project Data.File Name then come out of the title block.

VE-100292

Stake tool not showing global elevation

Adam Robinson

I have noticed that the stake tool does not allow you to show the global/true elevation. From my current testing, it can only display elevations relative to the layer elevation.

Is this working as designed? If it is, we would like to have the option to display the true elevation such as the elevation benchmark tool can do.

VE-102472

Allow users to change the color of opacity slider in attributes palette

Adam Robinson

Hi,

I have a user who has complained of getting migraines due to the dark blocky look of the new opacity slider in the attributes palette.

They have requested that the option is added into Vectorworks to change the size and color of the opacity slider. Maybe even give the option to revert back to how it used to look in Vectorworks 2021 and before.

VE-100483

Spotlight Video Camera tilt angle

Adam Robinson

Users would like to be able to tilt the spotlight video camera further than is currently possible.

Please give euler angle fields to video camera objects.

VE-100487

Set detail by class

Adam Robinson

The user wishes to have an option in the class settings which sets all objects in the class to a specific detail level.

VE-100442

Wall framers don't generate for curved walls

Adam Robinson

Draw a curved wall, AEC, Framing, Wall Framing.

After you have done this, it doesn't generate the framing for curved walls.

This happens in a blank file.

VE-99340

Fence and gate tools

Adam Robinson

We currently have a fence tool however it doesn't function very well. It would be much better if it was treated more like to wall tool where you can insert caps into it which will then allow us to insert objects such as symbols into the fences.

If this is done, we can then implement a gate tool to go alongside it which will function similarly to the door tool where you can create your own custom gate with the dimensions.

Please take a look at the attached presentation.

For some reason I don't have access to "Innovation" in the projects so I have put it here.

VE-104808

Cable tool: Please add Harting 16P/4 Chan (3Ph) definition in the connectors list

Adam Chekir

We actually miss Harting connections 4Chan 3Ph in the connectors list of the components. They are usefull especially for connecting hoists to an eventual Hoist controller distributor.

see the attached PDF for Pin wiring

VE-104787

VW 2024 - Equipment summary Tool: Filter definition missing some categories

Adam Chekir

Within the new Equipment summary Tool, it is no more possible to achieve some specific setups using the new filter as we could in VW 2023.
* Class definition is missing in the new filter. Please add a Class definition
* The old "Custom" criteria dialog allowed more choices especially on databases based selections. Please add a new "Custom" definition based on the old criteria dialog

I put a screenshot for description as well as a vwx file as an example

VE-102354

false calculations in Braceworks when the rigging height of the hoist is exeeds the chain length

Adam Chekir

Vectorwoks accepts to hang a hoist at 25m height (in the example) even when the chain is only 18m lenght but do not consider the extra weight of the chain. It only takes in account 18m of chain lenght.

Picture shows OIP Values of the hoists

VE-105216

Trusses ar not visible in position summary

Adam Chekir

Hanging support does not transmit the position name data to trusses, causing the filter to not detect the trusses in a position summary

VE-105177

Spotlight: Please add a "Weight" field into the EntEquipUniversal record

Adam Chekir

Request by David Dauphin (Novelty)

Please add the weight into the EntEquipUniversal record and map this field for all the spotlight objects

VE-105176

Spotlight: Please add a filter to the Patch Dialog

Adam Chekir

Please add a way to filter the accessories off from the Lighting devices within the Patch Dialog.

Actually the Patch dialog window displays all the list of patchable devices in the list including Lighting Devices and accessories. This sounds normal as Vectorworks does not make the difference between a hanging clamp or a color Frame.

This actually works for little setups but becomes annoying and waste of time when the user wants to patch a set with hundreds of fixtures as he will get all the clamps between his lighting devices.

A good solution should be to have the possibility to filter the accessories off of the list by DMX footprint (this criter should separate only clamps and let the color changers visible) or by Device Type

Thanks

Request (complain) made by David Dauphin from Novelty

VE-104057

Truss Symbol conversion to external engeneering software

Adam Chekir

I had a request from David Dauphin Novelty, one of our biggest Vectorworks customer in France.

For their needs to calculate wind resistance and other structural with their truss systems, they have to export truss geometry of the truss objects to other software like Robot.

For that David has added wire geometry to the symbols and affected these wires to specific classes defining the tube sections to obtain the result he needs. That workflow works for all "Horizontal" placed objects.
But when a linear truss (for example) is flipped to "Vertical", the wires disappear from the truss. This is due to the fact that Vectorworks rebuilds a new 3D symbol from the original one to show the vertical truss and it does not know about the new added "wire section" classes.
This is actually very problematic as he has to modify by hand each 3d symbols created on the fly by vectorworks for every document to be exported.

I put an example file

VE-103200

Rise rendering distance of lights beams over 50m

Adam Chekir

Rendering distance of light beams is limited to 50m by Renderworks core

This makes outdoor light shows difficult to render with renderworks especially when lasers or Big lights ar used

There is a need for some users to be able to render light beams thru at least 150m in Renderworks.

Is there a chance to make it possible ?

Thanks

Requester: [François Vandermeeren |https://officesuite.designexpress.eu/deostest/party/336456]

VE-102102

Space object does not display X Y and Z coordinates within the OIP

Adam Chekir

Space object does not display X Y and Z coordinates within the OIP

VE-101628

Take the Sling Weight within the total Hoist Weight in Braceworks Calculations

Adam Chekir

When added as part of the hoist, the Sling Pickup weight is not taken in account in the total Hoist weight in braceworks. However it has it's own weight int it's reccord format.


Vectorworks JIRA
Displaying 4897 issues at 2023-11-04 02:21 PM.